He probably is FULLY aware...he needs say that he's aware and even if he doesn't want to disclose everything, his messaging is key to reporters' (and others') understanding about his grasp of the team.

"Romney's foot injury is serious...he can play if absolutely required but we'd rather not risk further injury unless every other QB is unable to play..."

"McChesney was available but in our practices and on film, it's clear Kotoa runs better in tight spaces and given the quickness of the SDSU linebackers we believe (and still believe) he gave us the best chance to get yards up the middle..."

or something like that...

Reporters, fans, etc may disagree with his take but they will at least understand and continue to trust--because it conveys a full grasp of the game. Even if KS has that grasp he's not conveying it and he needs to get better at conveying it before it slips away completely from the reporters, boosters, fans, recruits, etc...