There aren't many who know Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as well as new Texas coach Charlie Strong, who coached Bridgewater at Louisville during his three years there. And he was appalled by some of the remarks made about his former quarterback during the draft process.
"It was just amazing to hear some of the conversations because I just knew his makeup and what type of player he is," Strong said on a conference call Friday. "Just to see this unfold the last two weeks, I told him the other day, 'Listen, just be patient. You are who you are. You'll never change for anyone and that's why I really respect you.' "
Strong, who recruited Bridgewater out of Miami Northwestern High, said it was frustrating to see draft analysts place more weight on his pro day than his three years at Louisville.
Bridgewater didn't perform well at his pro day after he opted not to wear gloves. Strong wasn't at the event because he was hired at Texas, but he said Bridgewater always wore gloves at Louisville no matter the weather conditions to get a better grip on the ball.
"He just didn't make the throws," Strong said. "I just don't know what was going on or what exactly happened, but I just know that wasn't him.
"I just know this: That football team at the University of Louisville knew that they had a chance to win the game when Teddy Bridgewater had the ball in his hands and when he had to come from behind because they knew that he can drive the ball and go for a score. They had that much confidence in him."
Cool under pressure
With 31 touchdown passes and 9.3 yards per attempt, Bridgewater put up impressive numbers during his junior year. He might have been at his best when defenses sent five or more pass rushers after him.
"One of the things that really stuck out to us of all the quarterbacks is he was the best against the blitz," General Manager Rick Spielman said. "So he's very cool and calm under pressure."