Brian Gutekunst – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to speak at NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday morning

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is scheduled to answer questions from the NFL Scouting Combine at 9:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday morning.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will be made available to the assembled media at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday morning.

Gutekunst is scheduled to speak at 9:00 a.m. CT at Podium 4 from the Indianapolis Convention Center. He is one of five decision makers who will kick off the media availability on Tuesday morning.

The sessions typically last around 15 minutes at the combine.

Gutekunst, who is preparing for the 2024 NFL draft, will be answering questions for the first time since his end-of-year press conference in January. He will also speak with local media from Green Bay before the appearance.

The Packers have five picks in the top 100 of the 2024 draft and may need one more terrific draft class to go from good to great among NFL contenders.

As was the case last year, coach Matt LaFleur will not be attending the combine. More and more, NFL coaches are deciding to skip the combine.

Packers have flexibility this offseason to add impact players if opportunity strikes

An improving salary cap situation and five top-100 draft picks give Packers GM Brian Gutekunst flexibility in improving the roster this offseason.

With impressive draft capital and an improving salary cap situation, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will have added flexibility this offseason when it comes to adding to the roster.

Cap-wise, the Packers aren’t in a great position by any means, but it is much improved compared to last offseason with Aaron Rodgers’ contract now completely off the books.

Over the Cap currently projects that the Packers are $2.8 million over the projected 2024 salary cap. According to Ken Ingalls, who independently tracks the Packers salary cap situation, the team will need to create roughly $30 million in additional cap space to cover normal operating expenses, such as signing the draft class, forming the practice squad, along with having in-season reserves available, among other expenses.

That $30 million figure doesn’t include any outside free agent additions either. It’s not as if the Packers can go on a spending spree, but they have the means to create this space that doesn’t completely involve spending future cap space through contract restructures.

“I think we’re getting to a little bit better spot than we have been in the past,” said Gutekunst on Thursday about spending in free agency. “It’s never perfect, but I do feel that whatever opportunities are out there to improve our team in free agency, that we’ll be able to do that, so I feel good about that.”

Restructure candidates include Rashan Gary, Elgton Jenkins, Aaron Jones, and Jaire Alexander. The team could also create cap space by extending Clark and releasing David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell, or Royce Newman.

Some of the major positions of need for the Packers this offseason include cornerback, safety, linebacker, running back, and bolstering the offensive line depth. Adding talent to the defensive front is never a bad idea either.

The Packers roster, as currently constructed, is already very well put together. However, with how strong the Packers finished the 2023 season, coupled with what will be lofty expectations in 2024, the Packers cap situation doesn’t limit them from adding an impact player in free agency if Gutekunst feels it puts them in a position to maximize the opportunity they have in front of them.

“I think it just depends on the player,” said Gutekunst about making a splash free agent addition. “It depends on who that is and how he can impact our football team. I don’t think we’ll shy away from adding impact players if we have to push things down the road. We’d prefer not to do that, but at the same time, this is about winning and trying to win a championship, so if that’s something that makes sense, we’ll do it.”

Along with some added flexibility in free agency, the Packers also are expected to hold 11 draft picks, including compensatory selections, with five in the top 100.

Not only the quantity of draft picks but also having several within the first two days gives the Packers the resources to move around or, as Gutekunst mentioned, even inquiring about a veteran who could be acquired via trade for some draft capital.

“I think we’ll have 11, we’re expecting around 11 total,” said Gutekunst about the total number of draft picks, “and there’s never enough for me as you guys know. We’ll probably have a little more volume at the top than we’ve had in years past. So yeah, it gives us flexibility, it allows us, whether it’s just staying and picking, trading, moving around, maybe trading those picks for other players outside, veteran players, who knows.

“It just gives us a little more flexibility. I think that along with just being in a little better cap situation and have a little more flexibility there, just gives us an ability to help the football team more. It would be nice to have five in the top three every year.”

The Packers laid a strong foundation in 2023, giving them a jumping off point into 2024 where, make no mistake about it, the expectation is to win the Super Bowl.

Step one to achieving that, as Matt LaFleur told the team, is to “attack the offseason” and know that nothing is guaranteed. But when it comes to continuing to build out an already well put together roster, whether it be through the draft, free agency or both, the flexibility and means are available for the Packers to do so, hopefully putting them in a better position to succeed.

“I think it always has been (the expectation),” said Gutekunst on winning a Super Bowl. “I don’t think it ever left. You know, with 5 minutes to go in that game, I think we were squarely thinking that’s where we were headed. So, I don’t think that’ll ever change here. I mean, that’s really the only goal. We’re not interested in much else.

“But, every year’s a different year, and the expectation, again, like I said, I don’t try to put many of them on them, but that will always be there and as we start the season, that’s what it’ll be. And it’ll take work and process and all the things that go into that to get there, but I don’t think it ever left, I don’t think … I know outside expectations are what they are but they’re really of no concern to us.”

Packers GM wants and anticipates RB Aaron Jones returning in 2024

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he wants and anticipates running back Aaron Jones — one of the top offensive players in team history — returning to Green Bay for another season in 2024.

“Yeah, absolutely, we’d love to have Aaron back. We’re still putting all those things together as we move forward, but he was such a difference maker when he was out there this year,” Gutekunst said Thursday.

Jones, who produced 1,136 total yards over 13 regular and postseason games, is entering the final year of his contract in 2024.

The 2023 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for the veteran running back. Jones gained 127 total yards and scored twice in a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 1, missed most of the next four games with a hamstring injury and eventually missed three more games with a sprained knee. When he returned in December, Jones was a dominant force, ripping off five straight 100-yard rushing games — setting a new franchise record — and powering an explosive offense into the postseason.

Gutekunst said Jones is important both on and off the field in Green Bay.

“He changed a lot of the way we operated when he was in there and healthy,” Gutekunst said. “For us, it’s finding a way to keep him out there and keeping him healthy. He’s such an influential leader in our locker room. The heartbeat of our team.”

Over the final five games, Jones rushed for 584 yards, produced 653 total yards and scored three touchdowns.

Jones turns 30 in December. His salary cap hit also balloons to $17.5 million in 2024, the final year of his current deal. It’s possible the Packers and Jones will work together to lower his cap number and provide some long-term stability.

“It’s our anticipation that he’ll be back,” Gutekunst said.

Jones, a fifth-round pick of the Packers in 2017, ranks third in team history in rushing yards (5,940), fourth in rushing touchdowns (45), seventh in total touchdowns (63) and eighth in yards from scrimmage (8,016).

Highlights from Brian Gutekunst’s press conference to end 2023 Packers season

All the important things to know from Brian Gutekunst’s press conference to end the 2023 Packers season.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst wrapped up the 2023 season by answering questions for roughly 30 minutes inside Lambeau Field. His young team — led by Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love — went 9-8 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs during a rollercoaster but exciting season.

Here are the highlights from Gutekunst’s season-ending press conference:

— Gutekunst said he’s “excited to build around” Jordan Love moving forward.

— Any consideration to trading Jaire Alexander: “No.” Said he is proud of the way Alexander responded to Week 17 suspension.

— Believed Anders Carlson was “by far” the best option at kicker for the Packers. Excited about where he’s headed.

— On wanting Aaron Jones back: “Absolutely.” Called Jones a “difference maker ” on the field, an “influential leader” in the locker room and the “heartbeat of the team.”

— Confirmed the Packers and Love’s representation will move forward on contract negotiations over the next few months. Said an extension is important for the “stability” of the team.

— Not expecting major shift in what Packers want in defensive players under Jeff Hafley. NFL is still mostly a 4-2-5 nickel defense.

— On free agency/cap situation: “We’re getting to a little bit better spot.” Feels good about team’s spot going into free agency and the ability to add players if need be.

— On Love: Proud of the way he went through his first season as a starter. Learned how to play the position at the line of scrimmage and led teammates in games. “He’s got very, very high upside.”

— Expecting 11 draft picks. Thinks they’ll have “more volume at the top,” which should allow more flexibility. Included possibility of using picks to acquire veteran players in trades.

— On Rasheed Walker: “He did a great job. You have to give that kid a lot of credit.” Said he fought through some injury things and was a “warrior” in 2023. Thinks he can play on the left and right side. Wants more competition in the offensive line. “Has a bright future.”

— On Zach Tom: “He played really well at right tackle this year.” Can play all five spots, can be good at all five spots. Says Packers want the best five for the offensive line.

— On Jeff Hafley’s defense: Believes versatility — especially in the defensive front — will pay off with a defensive coordinator change. Hafley’s influence will have “some” effect on personnel but not substantial.

— On Christian Watson: Said he’s an “impactful player.” Packers looking into ways of helping Watson and others staying on the field. Says some young players need time to get into a groove with their process.

— On safety: “Pretty solid at safety” in the draft/free agency class. Need to “add numbers” at safety. Important position in today’s game.

— Said Packers have Super Bowl expectations in 2024 but that isn’t new. Thought Packers were going to the Super Bowl before late collapse in San Francisco.

Packers GM on trading Rasul Douglas: ‘Offer was too good to pass up’

Brian Gutekunst said trade Rasul Douglas and getting another a top-100 pick was “too good” of a deal to pass up.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said trading cornerback Rasul Douglas before Tuesday’s deadline wasn’t something the team sought after but the deal from the Buffalo Bills — swapping a fifth-round pick for a third-round pick — was too good for the Packers, who are 2-5 entering Week 9.

“It was a tough one because of what (Douglas) means to our team. We weren’t looking to move anybody,” Gutekunst said Wednesday. “We got a call out of the blue a few days ago. We weren’t really interested in doing it, but at the end of the day the offer was too good to pass up.”

Moving Douglas, a starter at a premium position and one of the best players on the Packers defense, will give Gutekunst five picks in the top 100 picks of next year’s draft, including two picks in both the second and third rounds. The Douglas deal swapped what is likely to be a high fifth-round pick for late third-round pick.

“We thought it was in the best interest of the Packers,” Gutekunst said. “Obviously, in the short term, you lose a good player, that’s tough. But at the same time, looking long term, it’s going to be in our best interest. Any time you get a third-round pick that’s going to be in the top 100, probably going to be in the top 50 players on your board, that’s too good to pass up…we’re excited about the opportunities it presents for other guys.”

Gutekunst said the Packers have young players at the cornerback position who “need to play” and who the team needs to evaluate over the final 10 games of the season. He specifically mentioned Eric Stokes, a 2021 first-round pick who is on injured reserve, and rookie Carrington Valentine, a 2023 seventh-rounder. Stokes will miss at least another three games. Valentine could be a starter come Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Gutekunst said there is an expectation that other players will step into leadership roles in the absence of Douglas, one of the top veterans on the defense.

In terms of dealing other veterans, Gutekunst said the Packers weren’t looking to trade anyone else and was actually trying to add before the deadline.

“There are some offers you can’t refuse, this is one of those,” Gutekunst said.

Packers staying patient through ‘typical’ ups and downs with rookie kicker Anders Carlson

The Packers are preaching patience with rookie kicker Anders Carlson, who continues to have ups and downs in his first training camp.

Don’t expect Brian Gutekunst, Rich Bisaccia and the Green Bay Packers to act impulsively when it comes to rookie kicker Anders Carlson, who the team believes is going through the “typical” ups and downs of a first-year specialist but has a bright future ahead.

Put another way: Barring an unforeseen implosion, Carlson is going to be the Packers kicker come Week 1 and will be the team’s kicker long-term.

Both Gutekunst and Bisaccia preached patience for Carlson, a sixth-round pick who showcased a powerful kicking leg but also on-going inconsistency throughout training camp, joint practices and the preseason.

“We believe in him, we think he has a lot of talent, he’s done some really good things since he’s been here. You guys have seen his leg strength, his power. I really like the way the ball elevates off his foot,” Gutekunst said Friday. “But you have to find a way to get to a more consistent level. One thing…there’s not a lot of patience sometimes when there needs to be. Mason had some multiple times while he was here where he was in some really bad spots, some struggles, and I always thought Ted gave him a pretty long leash and he always came out of it. I think that’s important, espescially for young players to get that patience, that leash to get there. But at some point, when this stuff becomes real, it becomes different.”

Carlson made his first four kicks, including a 45-yard field goal, during the preseason opener in Cincinnati, but he then missed back-to-back extra points to end the contest and had misses during practice on Monday and Wednesday, including two in two-minute situations.

The Packers see typical struggles of a young kicker.

“You see that, it’s pretty typical, you see it around the league right now. It’s gotta get fixed, and we have to get to a point where we can produce when it matters, but yeah, I think that’s pretty typical.

Gutekunst said he wasn’t considering bringing in competition for Carlson at this point in camp. Bisaccia said he and the general manager are “on the same page” when it comes to patience with Carlson.

“Age and wisdom allow you to have patience, especially with this position,” Bisaccia said. “He’s exhibited a lot of the things we thought he was in a lot of positive ways. There’s always going to be things to clean up. We’re excited what tomorrow can bring and hopefully we can play well in the game and evaluate the things that are good and keep getting better and evaluate the things that need to work on and hopefully get better in that direction.”

The Packers host the Patriots at Lambeau Field on Saturday night, giving Carlson another opportunity to bounce back in a live game situation.

Bisaccia noted he went through similar ups and downs with young kickers such as Martin Gramatica, Dan Bailey, Nate Kaeding, Nick Novak and Daniel Carlson at previous NFL stops, and he believes the character and mental makeup of Carlson give him an opportunity to rebound from early issues and become a capable NFL kicker.

“I’ll go back to his mental makeup has a lot to do with why we drafted him, why we like him and why we think his future is going to be bright for him,” Bisaccia said.

Packers think Jordan Love and starting offense need to play together more during preseason

Expect to see a lot more of Jordan Love and the Packers’ starting offense over the final two preseason games, including Saturday night against the Patriots.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is confident his young, developing offense needs to be on the field and playing together during the preseason, including on Saturday night against the New England Patriots.

Expect to see Jordan Love and most of the rest of the offensive starters for at least another preseason game and likely more before Week 1.

“It’s important for our offense to play together,” Gutekunst said Friday. “You’ve heard me say a million times, (Love) needs to play, and a lot of it is to see things over and over and you develop the instincts and the callousness to know what you can and can’t do with our offense, with this particular group. It’s not just him, it’s our entire offense together. We’ve got a lot of young guys that are seeing things for the first time…reacting to them, learning from it, growing from it. That’s why. It’s not just our young players, some of veteran players, just learning how to play together and just being the best we can be.”

Entering Saturday night, Love and the Packers have gone through three days of joint practices (one vs. Bengals, two vs. Patriots) and one preseason game. Love was on the field for two drives, 12 plays and 10 passing attempts in the preseason opener, but he’s had plenty of on-field work during joint practices. Two more preseason games provide the opportunity for more.

Gutekunst said the Packers, regardless of the experience level of the offense, went into the process wanting starters playing in the preseason. Development and evaluation of players and an attempt to avoid the slow starts that have plagued the Packers over recent seasons all factored into the equation, even if injuries are a concern.

“I think it’s important, it’s not always comfortable for us, especially me, because you want everyone healthy and get them to that first game, but I think it’s necessary,” Gutekunst said.

The Packers are still determining playing time parameters for Love and the starters for games against the Patriots and Seattle Seahawks to finish the preseason schedule. Green Bay goes to Chicago to play the Bears on Sunday, Sept. 10 to open the season.

“We need to see what these guys can do together, what they do well, so we can move forward. Without playing, I don’t know how you do that,” Gutekunst said.

Along with rookies such as Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft and second-year players such as Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Zach Tom, the Packers need more on-field time for Love, who is entering his first season as the starter.

“He’s been doing a lot of good things,” Gutekunst said of Love’s camp. “Tomorrow night will be another really good step for him. I’ve been really pleased with his command, his confidence back there, some of the things he’s doing, how he’s leading our football team. Very excited for him.”

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on David Bakhtiari trade rumors: ‘We’re not going to trade David’

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst killed the trade rumors involving David Bakhtiari: “We’re not going to trade David.”

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst all but killed the recent trade rumors involving All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari.

“First of all, we’re not going to trade David, so let’s just get that out of the way because I know there’s been a little bit of chatter about that, but that’s not going to happen,” Gutekunst said Friday.

The “chatter” Gutekunst referenced in his answer pointed at recent suggestions the Packers would trade Bakhtiari to the offensive line-needy New York Jets, who are struggling to protect former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during training camp.

At least for 2023, Bakhtiari will be in Green Bay blocking for Jordan Love. And the Packers are committed to helping Bakhtiari stay on the field and be as effective as possible.

“Dave’s a pro’s pro,” Gutekunst said. “I think he’s really in a good place now, understanding what he needs to do to get ready to play.”

Bakhtiari sat out during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Patriots but was back on the field on Thursday.

“He recognizes where we’re at and why he needs to be out there, but at the same time he knows when it’s time to back off. When we get into the season, there’s a lot of trust with him of what he needs to do to get ready to play,” Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst said the modified practice schedule is “not ideal” but Bakhtiari has the experience and ability to overcome the missed the time on the practice field.

“We feel pretty good about where he’s at,” Gutekunst said.

Bakhtiari will start at left tackle next to Pro Bowl left guard Elgton Jenkins along the Packers offensive line.

The Packers converted $15 million worth of base salary and a roster bonus into a signing bonus for Bakhtiari in March. His cap hit balloons to over $40 million in 2024, the final year of his current deal.

What to know from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst’s post-joint practices press conference

The important things to know from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst’s post-joint practices press conference on Friday.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke with the assembled media at Lambeau Field for 18 minutes on Friday. His team just finished up joint practices with the New England Patriots on Wednesday and Thursday and will have a preseason game against Bill Belichick’s team on Saturday night.

Here are the important things to know from Gutekunst’s appearance:

— Said Saturday night’s preseason game against the Patriots is another “big step” in Jordan Love’s development, strongly suggesting he will play.

— Impressed with Love’s command, poise, confidence. “Very excited for him.”

— De’Vondre Campbell missed both practices with an ankle injury but the Packers don’t think the issue is a long-term problem.

— On joint practices: Important to see how his team stacks up.

— On the rookies: “They’ve done a really nice job.” More opportunities this year for young players, and they are taking advantage. Need to stack success during the hardest part of training camp.

— On rookie Jayden Reed: “Very polished player.” Said the Packers loved his contested catch ability, versatility to play outside and in the slot, return ability, yards after catch ability.

— Said ups and downs for rookie Anders Carlson are “typical” for a rookie kicker. Preaches patience, notes patience Ted Thompson showed in Mason Crosby through ups and downs. Also said Carlson needs to get issues fixed and start showing more consistency.

— Not interested in competition for Carlson at kicker yet.

— Called Tyler Davis a “big loss.” Looking for someone to fill that role.

— On Austin Allen: Great size, more of an inline blocker. He’s done a nice job in camp. Will get a chance to fill Davis’ role at tight end/special teams.

— On why will Love play Saturday: Important for Packers offense to play together. Need to develop instincts, young guys seeing things for the first time. Learning to play with each other. “I think it’s necessary.”

— On David Bakhtiari trade rumors: “We’re not going to trade David…that’s not going to happen.”

— Bakhtiari practice schedule: He’s a “pro’s pro.” Said it’s not ideal but Bakhtiari is a veteran. “He’s seen a lot.” He knows what to do to get ready to play. “We feel pretty good about where he’s at.”

What to know from Packers’ pre-training camp press conferences

Everything to know from the Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst press conferences kicking off Packers training camp.

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The Green Bay Packers kicked off training camp with press conferences from coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst on Tuesday. The two answered questions from the assembled media for over 30 minutes.

Here are all the important things to know from the two press conferences on Tuesday:

Coach Matt LaFleur

— LaFleur says Packers are young, especially on offense, and that brings the “unknown” aspect, but the talent of the youth is “exciting.” Every year has unique challenges. “How quickly can we acclimate these young players, and how we come together as a team.”

— Has an awareness of personnel and youth on offense entering training camp.

— Calls playing time for the preseason a “fluid” situation. Thinks there’s a lot of value in having two different joint practice opportunities (vs. Bengals, Patriots).

— On Rashan Gary and Eric Stokes: “Hopeful” both will be back this summer. They put in the work during rehab. “They are doing really well.” Plan all along was to start camp on the PUP list. “Provided there are no setbacks, I would see them eventually coming off (PUP).”

— Excited about players working out with Jordan Love this summer. Mentions benefit of guys getting together outside of the facility.

— Strongly believes in the efficiency of the new football facilities at Lambeau Field. Coaches now on the first floor with players. Better logistically. “It’s by far the best facility I’ve been in at this level.”

— Not concerned about heat during training camp. Will keep players hydrated but wants camp to be hard/uncomfortable. Team can’t control air quality and will adjust accordingly.

— Wants to see Jordan Love get better every day. “Can’t give him enough reps.” More consistent on a daily basis. “He has complete command of our offense. He’s put the work in.”

— Unsure on Love’s playing time during preseason. Says it will be fluid.

— On safety competition: “Would like to see two guys separate themselves.” Likes group overall.

— Says it will be a challenge to get four quarterbacks reps, especially with Love commanding so many. Alex McGough has “attacked” the process the right way early on.

— Wants to see rookie tight ends with the pads on. Getting off the ball in the run game. “They are talented guys, they’ve picked up the offense well.” They’ve got a lot to learn, demanding position.

— On adding another kicker: “We’ll see.”

— Calls the backup quarterback situation a “fluid situation.”

— On offensive line competitions: “We’re always preaching competition.” Says Packers are trying to find the best five.

— Attempting to stay ahead of trends, study teams, add wrinkles. Need plays to play off of other plays. Must keep defense off-balance.

— Feel like a different training camp? “Feels like Year 1.” Says it’s exciting. “We’re going to coach these guys hard.”

GM Brian Gutekunst

— Said he’s “very excited” about current wide receiver group. Looked at veteran market and will continue to assess, but he noted the current receivers are young and need to play and get the reps. “They need to play, they need the reps, so we’re excited about that.”

— Like quarterback Alex McGough. USFL champion. “Big, strong, good looking athlete. Always had a big arm.” Believes he’s progressed as a young player. Opportunity in USFL helped.

— On USFL: Teams have a history on players in the league. Players on betting on themselves, important to keep developing. Nice avenue to look at players before training camp.

— Unsure of Jordan Love’s preseason playing time. Would like to get him the experience but also wants him protected from injury. Goes for all the young players on the roster. It will be a “feel thing” for Matt LaFleur.

— Joint practices provide live look while protecting quarterbacks, more control. Preseason provide the chaotic experiences for players.

— He wants to “see how training camp goes” before deciding on the kicker situation.

— Always looking for “consistency” in young players. Everyone can “flash,” but teams look for consistent players who can make plays down in and down out within the scheme.

— On the NFC North: The whole division is talented. Every year is a new year. Too many unknowns to predict how the division looks overall.

— Competition and depth along offensive is “very important” to Packers. Have a lot of young players coming to camp, adds to “healthy” competition. Calls it a “really deep” group. Had 13 players returning from last year. Helps evaluation phases of training camp and preseason games to have good depth along the offensive line.

— On international player Kenneth Odumegwu: “He’s working his tail off, growing. Accepted by the guys, and I think he’s enjoying himself…he’s done a great job.”

— Complimented the new Lambeau Field facilities. Improves efficiency between coaches, front office and players.

— Said the Packers will be “very cautious” on Rashan Gary’s recovery timeline. Suggests Gary will get a chance to practice during training camp and Week 1 isn’t off the table.

— On Marcedes Lewis: Called it a tough decision but “things can change fast.” Doesn’t rule out bringing back the veteran tight end.

— On rookie class: Seem to be “team-first guys.” Hard workers. Excited to see how the handle adversity, approach opportunities. Likes the makeup of the rookies.

— “We’re counting on a lot of young guys this year.” Says the youth is exciting.