Football: Player Interviews After Practice No. 5
March 20, 2012 09:06 PM | General
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – West Virginia University football players meet with the media to discuss spring practice.
Defensive Back Travis Bell
On the defensive transition and the pressure that comes from it
I’m actually in there now, and I don’t take it as pressure, I just feel like I need to step in more.
On the change in responsibility with this year’s 3-3-5
It’s not really different, it’s just different people at different positions.
On the interception in today’s practice and seeing more of that in the future
It’s something we need to do, and we know we need to do it in order to win.
On the go-to-guy or ball hog in the secondary
I don’t know who it is, but I’m trying to be it.
On the preparation for the Big 12 that the offense is providing
Our offense is good practice for any conference, but it makes it easier going into the Big 12, because we’re competing against the same style of offense every day in practice that is run in the league.
Defensive Back Brodrick Jenkins
On the differences between this year and last year
Well as far as pace, I feel like we’re giving great effort and playing with a lot of speed. The energy we are giving has increased on both sides. Our attitude coming into practice has changed.
On learning the new system
As far as the techniques I feel like I’m a freshman. Some of the defensive schemes carry over from last year.
On the most dramatic change that has occurred since the new staff
Just our tempo and our attitude - we’re a younger defense as far as how we think and how we act. We have more high flying energy as far as getting to the ball and we are trying being more physical.
On playing for cornerback coach Daron Roberts
Coach Roberts is high energy – when something happens, he’s running to you and talking over everything with you. If you’re on first or second team defense, he’s running on the field with you, and he’s more hands on.
Running Back Andrew Buie
On the last few practices
I’m working on the little stuff that I missed last year to become better and continuing to go as hard as I can.
On coming off an outstanding performance at the Orange Bowl
It was a big confidence builder, I just want to get better and help the team out.
On the change from last year to this spring
The confidence level is different on offense, because of the fact that everyone knows what we’re doing. It’s not so much thinking about it now as it is just going out and doing it.
On the changes on a personal level
I have more confidence, and I know what’s going on around me which allows me to play faster. Being that it’s the second year in this offense, I know more of what’s going on, and I’m more comfortable.
On the health issues of last season and avoiding that this season
I was pretty nicked up last year, but as an older player, I know what you have to do to take care of your body so you can go out there and perform on the weekends. As soon as my body starts to hurt, I say something right away so they can take care of it early versus later down the road when it’s something severe, and it’s hard to bounce back from.
Wide Receiver Stedman Bailey
On coming into practice after the Orange Bowl victory
It meant a lot. It gave each and every one of us a huge boost to our confidence. We just feel good, getting a lot of work in and looking forward to next year.
On the pressure of the new expectations for the team
We’ve been working really hard, and we expect a lot out of ourselves too. We hold ourselves accountable for everything that goes on out there, but we want to be great, so we’re putting in the work.
On the change in atmosphere this spring
It’s a lot of positive energy – the defense and offense are both looking good – we’re all working to get better and help each other become better football players.
On the younger guys filling the roles of the wide receiver position
It helps us older guys out a lot, and it takes some of the pressure off of us. I know those guys want to compete and get themselves their role in this offense.
On the leadership of JD Woods
JD’s energy at practice has always been good, and he helps other players to lift themselves up. He understands that he only has one year left, and he’s been playing like it.
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Coach Pat Kirkland | April 15
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Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 15
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Alumni Series | Louisa Morgan Hoogduin
Wednesday, April 15
