Press Conference (James Franklin) Elite Edition September 2

0:00And also I want to take a moment and thank and show respect for Coach Farrant's and what he's been able to do at Iowa. It's unbelievable. In some ways it's sad that 11 years has become the exception in college football, but what he's been able to do at the University of Iowa is super impressive and I wanted to congratulate him and all his success. So open up to questions. We got first row on your right side. Kenneth Berry, touch on the tangent. Hey Kenneth. How's it going? Good morning. Coach, and all your years you look about at the Vanderbilt year where you guys had a record-breaking season. You look at the you made it to the Rose Bowl and with St. Quon and everything. How close do you feel like this team is and how much do you feel like they mirror the character and the identity of those teams?

1:00And this being your 11th year in the conference, how good is it feel seeing the influx of African-American head coaches not only just getting jobs across the landscape, but the Big 10 pretty much leading all of the conferences with a number of African-American head coaches that are currently present? Yeah. I'll answer the second part first. I love the fact that Big 10, the Big 10 is one of the leaders in this space. I think that sends a very, very clear and loud message that people are going to be judged by their work and their production. And I think the Big 10 is a great example of that. Obviously, something that myself and Mike Loxley and a lot of the guys take a ton of pride and a ton of work on his well. And hopefully that becomes more of the trend across college football as well as the NFL. Just spent some time the other day with Rahim Morris, who is one of my best friends.

2:00He was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State when I was the offensive coordinator. And now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons getting a second chance, which is also not common. So I think that's powerful. And about our team and maybe some of the similarities to some of the teams that we had at Vanderbilt and over our time at Penn State as well. I think it starts with the three gentlemen that we brought with us to this event. Guys that are experienced guys, guys that have had a ton of success on the football field, they've handled themselves the right way academically on and off the field and have won a ton of games. So there are guys that embrace that were at a place like Penn State where we've been able to consistently for the most part when 10 or 11 games, but that's not the expectation at Penn State. They chose Penn State just like I chose Penn State to compete for championships. And we embrace that. But we are one of the few programs in the country you can win 10 or 11 games and people are unhappy.

3:04So we embrace that. We're excited about those opportunities and it starts for us at West Virginia in Morgan Town, which is going to be a challenging opening game. First row here. Good morning, coach Nick Hamilton, nightcast media. Hey Nick. How you doing? Good. Once I ask you about Abdul Carter, him changing positions, linebackers defensive and how much do you feel like that will strengthen your defense this season and also how does that play in the state as far as throughout the locker room as far as taking that type of role being a leader in the locker room? Yeah, so I think first thing is he'll play both. We have the flexibility to play in both positions. He's one of the unique athletes and that was playing linebacker at 250 pounds. And you never know how that transition is going to go playing in space at the linebacker position compared to moving up to the line of scrimmage and having to go against offensive tackles.

4:05He made the adjustment pretty quickly. And at the end of the day, you're talking about one of the more explosive physical athletes in all of college football. So we think he's got a chance to make a significant impact week to week. We'll decide where he's going to have the most impact for us. Whether it's on the line of scrimmage at defensive end or in the linebacker position this spring, he stayed mainly at defensive end and get comfortable with that. And then after that, we had a really good conversation. He's open to doing both. That'll also put us in a position where people can't gain playing and know exactly where he's going to be on the defense. So we're excited about that. But he's really grown up. I'm proud of him and his development academically as a student athlete, as well as a football player. And we need him and expect for him to have a huge year for us. Got a very, very close relationship with him and his father.

5:06And I'm proud of him. I'm excited about what he's going to do this year. On your left side. James Bill Rebino, what's in the Columbus dispatch? Hey, Bill. You got Julian Fleming as a transfer for Ohio State. How excited are you to have him? What kind of impact do you expect him to have for a receiver's unit of it? It wasn't all that exposed to last year. Yeah, he's a veteran guy that's played in this conference. He knows what it's all about. Obviously, you know, we got a ton of history with him and his family. Recruited them very heavily out of high school. But he's thriving. You know, he's very comfortable. He's very confident. He really came. Got on campus. Most guys should do. Kept his mouth shut, worked, earned everybody's respect through that first. And now he's really developing into a leader for us. His improvement from the end of spring to now. He is healthy and lean and explosive and fast right now.

6:09And just from the feedback from the players over to summer, has really done a nice job. Looking all the metrics and the numbers from our strength staff is in a really good position. I think he's got a huge chip on his shoulder and excited about the opportunity at Penn State. And has really turned into one of the leaders in that wide receiver room. So we're happy to have him and expect for him to do some big things for us this year. And I appreciate the question. Last year on your right side. Coach Franklin, Kyle Golik, Mike Ferrell Sports. Hey, Kyle. Hey, how are you? Good. We'll do. Hey, you mentioned earlier about Southern, Cal, Oregon, UCLA, Washington, joining the league. After the 2018 Ohio State game, you had your what I refer to as the epic good, degrade to elite brand. So with these teams coming in, where do you feel Penn State stands in the pecking order?

7:10And a follow up, if you don't feel Penn State's quite additively, what do you think the knitting lines have to do to achieve the elite status? Yeah, I would describe it as a speech, not a rant, first of all. But no, I think, again, back to the comment earlier, you're talking about a program that you can win 10 or 11 games and people are not happy or satisfied. That's inside the lash building and that's outside of the lash building. We totally get that and embrace that. I think our players understand that when we recruit them, our staff understands that, when we hire them. And as the head coach, I embrace all those things as well. I think Week in and Week out, the big 10 is arguably the best conference in all of college football. I've been fortunate to be a head coach in the SEC as well as the big 10s. I think I got good perspective on that. And then like you mentioned, adding the four new schools makes it even more challenging.

8:15So we'll have an opportunity to figure that out and figure that out real quick starting at West Virginia. We're fortunate to play most of those teams that we discussed. We want to play those teams that you discussed, both that have been in the conference historically as well as that have been added. For us, we got to play our best when our best is needed most in the biggest games at the biggest moments. And I think if you look at us specifically last year, did some phenomenal things, that's the step that we need to take in having a returning starting quarterback. Obviously helps with that. We're a quarterback driven game, whether it's in the NFL College or high school and having a returning quarterback at that position that did some phenomenal things. I think he was second in touchdown, the interception ratio. I think he broke the national record in completions without an interception. So did did some phenomenal things and we got to build on that.

9:17And then I think the pieces that a puzzle around him, tight end, running back. And then receivers been the big question mark really since last year. We got a ton of confidence in that room. Those guys got a huge chip on their shoulder back to the question earlier about the addition of Julian Fleming as well as the guys in that room. They've had a great summer and we got a ton of confidence of what they're going to do this year. We're going to have to play well early on, build confidence and carry that confidence throughout the season. Coach Franklin, thank you so much for your time. Thank you, sir. That was a really wow. You know, it's impressive. You know. What do you say to make Tim? I guess it's just natural. I don't know. I just like, how do you explain that? Yeah, I mean, I don't know. Smarrows that he chooses to practice doing that, whether it's a home in the mirror or something. You know what I mean? I don't know how he visualizes, but he just gets it done. You know. Want me to do that first drive in the second half. And they drive all the way down the field. You have that past deflection and then zone. Yeah.

10:18What's kind of going through your head? I know you want to limit it to three of anything. Yeah. Are you limited to zero instead? Yeah. Just tendencies going throughout the week being prepared. I kind of had a good feeling. You know, being a work on the field, I kind of figured he was going to pick on me. So I was high alert all week. So. Do you know the last time that the Cardinals as an organization did not allow a touchdown in three straight home games? No, I didn't even know that's crazy. No, yeah. I feel like, man, I just speak to the leaders that we have in our deepness of room. And they really take this game serious. And I really appreciate that. That was 1926. That was the last time that the Cardinals had out. And I used to it, man. We got some cooking out here, man. You ready to take me through? What you see all this? Man, I was just playing bar, man. It's kind of crazy because games like this when you just leave the field and you're just like, wow, man, we're just playing bars. So I can't even walk you through the play by a play, man. I was just, you know, locked in the other guys playing on me today. And I don't want to be the weakest league, man. JT was down. And me coming in, there should be no drop off.

11:19And it wasn't so. Take it. Let's start playing it here. Yeah. I'm crazy, but I couldn't stop smiling in the locker room earlier when I found out. So it's just a real moment, man. And my older guys got me ready for this moment. So that's all to them. You can meet me in front of this entrance. But as you guys are playing right now, man, I bring violence to the game and they bring it with me, man. So I told my group before we went out to the day, man. We seeing red all day today. And that's what we did, man. We had a great game today. It feels so good, man. I'm not going to like it when I feel amazing. You talk about that, but that's what the JG Friends is. So long weekend, I mean, what do I say about you, man? Just the preparation we put in throughout the week, the way we practice, the way we take care of our bodies, the way that we meet, the way we communicate, man. It's like it's one heartbeat out there, man. That's how it should be every week. Is it preparation? That pregame bill, you mean? I did have my spaghetti today, too, yeah. So yeah. I did. I told you I got to have every game, man. I don't feel the same. It's like rabbit fuel, man. So it's preparation, man. The superstitions, man, did people have it for the game.

12:20It's a mental thing. At the end of the day, it's ball. Ball is always going to be ball, so. So real quick, can you just take a spoon? What is it against the pregame bill? I get the spaghetti. They ain't had a pepper flakes for the pommas, y'all. So I just had ranch today, yeah. But yeah. Forgetting and ranch, man. They'd be saying it's nasty, but I think it's good. Yeah. You think the minstens he made to try that? So I don't think everybody knows it, but if somebody did ask, I recommend you. But you can't put too much ranch or too little ranch. You've got to have a good proportion on it. Yeah. So ranch on pizza. Oh, ranch on everything. Ranch on everything. If I'm at the house, I'm putting ranch on my steak. I can't do that steak house, but if the house I'm doing it, yeah. Yeah. It's like country boy and me. You know, I've done some great things at Ole Miss, and I've learned a lot. But I think just for me in my third year, you know, you want to be somewhere in a complete cycle of high-o-state, like I said, great culture, great teammates, great coaches, best players, and the best for him, baby. So, you know, I mean, just, it's for us, just be able to pull, you want to be around

13:28coaches that put you in a position to, you know, elevate yourself as a player and show more to your game. So I think Coach Day and Coach O'Brien will do that for sure. You know, just being all around back, you know, like just doing it all, you know, not just being, burning the ball inside the team, the tag coolers are outside, you know, just giving me a ball in the passing game, just showcasing everything that I can do with it. What did you see at the time, Coach O'Brien? You know, I've seen Coach O'Brien, you know, what he, what he coached, I played against Alabama in 2022. So I played against him and how he used to make gifs, and I've seen a lot of that being those things, and also his career when he's with the Patriots as well. So seeing how he just coached, you know, so really good. How's he talking about, like, his role, the role that he sees he went for this offense all year? Yeah, he's, he's came and he spoke to the team about, you know, him as a coach, who he is and how he plans to involve everyone and what his role is, so it's really good.

14:28I think I run tough, very elusive, fast, you know, I have vision, patience, I can make people listen, I run you over, I can catch up, you know, it's very different. I think just with Trinion, we're kind of, I don't know how to explain it. I would say, you know, he's good at what he does and I'm good at what I do. So, you said it? Yes, sir, yes, sir. Which is one of the three of you? I don't know. What makes you so hard to have? I think just my will, you know, my will to want to win the determination to get into the end zone and just help my team win. Came out of high school, you knew of an vision, you're full of it, you've done lines, you shouldn't realize it, you know, I'm not a bad guy. No, actually, you know, I did not, you know, as you go through your journey through high

15:34school and through college, you don't know where you'll end up as. I'm just blessed, very thankful for everyone that has helped me to get through this, you know, this process to be here and I'm excited. Is this the positive side of the Trinion oil base? You go somewhere, you have success there, but you're able to then put kind of another step before you go. Yeah, definitely, I feel like, you know, there's many things that are growing out there as far as when players go into the portal and things that aren't true, but, you know, it's actually more than that and players just want to elevate their game and show kids the way. I imagine that people on the table in the program and the other teams, and the man who is the right person, who are the people that are the right people. Yeah. Oh, we're kind of reaction, did you get to use that? It was crazy, you know, a lot of different things that were, a lot of different emotions, but it's a bit, it's a bit of an experience. So, you understand that, you know, people won't always be happy for the decisions you make when it's best for yourself, but like I said, I'm just excited to be here and do what I can. And I'm going to ask what you should do.

16:35You know, definitely not a factor for me. I think just me as a player, I just played football at the end of the day. I go out there and contribute to what I can do for my team and that's what I'm going to say. How much did you know about Big Kid football coming in and then send out a little study if you had to pick out? You know, I did not know that it was this big of a factor. You know, you always see it on TV when they play games on Saturdays and it's big. It's a lot of fans and like I said, everybody's passionate, but when you're here in it, it's a whole new football game, so I'm really excited. Did you have to just skip past that at all and decide to come to a big 10 school or, you know, with a part of the country, like, was that an adjustment? No. Not really. I would say it was probably just only a little cold, but other than that, though, it was an awesome process. I think that wasn't a factor for me. What do you talk about? What about the football club? What about Wil Howard and the quarterback you think is? I think Wil Howard is a great quarterback. He's a great player. I see him as a vision. He can use his legs. He can also throw as well.

17:36He's very smart and just looking at his film and what he's doing at Kansas State has been awesome. For you, the running backwards, that's you really have to quarterback who is a little trapped. It's very good to be in that position because not only will he open it up for you also, but he also gives the receiver the chance to, you know, be able to be used in the past. You talk about the place that I have a pretty good route for here. I have to be at more. Right. I've got a place where some of the other drivers are. How much did you know about your higher position right now? I've never heard about it. It was a big time. I've always heard a lot about it. But to be here and you see how big it is, they got the clock in there with the countdown. It's serious. So I'm excited to be the team up North and that's what we're working for. You played a good film, man. Right. What are your impressions of that? Yeah, definitely a great player. Like I said, everyone that was coming here, this portal class, great players from all around their different teams and Caleb personally, you know, he's done some great things at Alabama. And we're excited to have them. When you play that, how much do you want to play for the first team? Right.

18:36I think when we played, we more so, we're trying, we had a different ball game plan. Like we're trying to throw the ball and he's very successful there. He's stopping it so. That was pretty good. Which of you are some of your favorite running backs that you'd like to watch? I like Alan Camaro, Christian McCaffrey. I would say also, I like Jimiard Gibbs at Detroit as well. So just those three guys right there, I've been doing some great things at the portal level. Those are your guys that do a lot. You've already told it. That's all around the game. How important is that at the point of your doing Q&A? I think it's definitely important, especially where the game is going with running backs in today's game. I think it's overall, you have to showcase what you can do, not just ask. I ran it back in the back field, but also in the slot or wherever, though you can call just what you, be able to execute. What's that we're going to have to protect? That's definitely important as well too. For me personally, that's important for me personally, but because it's important as well.

19:39I mentioned that this conception of people having a traffic jam in the outside of the game. What do you think is that? Like I say, like about NIL or different days that don't pertain to everybody's situation. You know, it doesn't pertain to every single player, but a lot of people get that speculation as far as when people want to make certain decisions here in the portal. But we know it's always a lot of fun. I was a premier in the U.K. for Mississippi, the U.K. on this. When you make that decision, I'm starting to see some of these things going forward. Some of them are from the U.K. And I'm kind of finding that how it's different over time as a young man making this decision. So I feel it's easier for you to think about the truth. Yeah, you know, just do this whole process. You know, this is my first time ever going through this. And like I said, many things were saying, you know, from just the rumors and all of those things. But I think just throughout this process, I've learned a lot. I'm very thankful for the support I've had for my family because it's throughout this process. And just to end up here in Ohio State, it's been awesome.

20:40Other than that, it's been very interesting to be in that room. Is it just locked in the room? Is it just a little bit more of a conversation? I wouldn't say that. I think it's just more so, you know, just the whole thing. I was saying just the word that really told you. That's what the more we include, that is what it knows you. I have it. I recently just got here. So I haven't found too much like different places yet because I've been trying to hold the man and be acclimated. But I'm for sure from some other spots. What are your impressions of Will? I mean, I know that Stan's doing that. But back then, was potentially trans-well. He was running back trans. He was running back at how much you got to talk to him. I mean, through this, not recruiting process, but trans-well process. Yeah, immediately when I got here, you know, me and Will, we've always been in contact. You know, like just checking on each other, hanging out, no matter what it is, just having that personal connection with each other, off the field, and having that relationship. So, it's a great time. Did you ever, did you ever see a fish with Trey?

21:40When you were talking about thinking about coming here, did you ever see a fish with Trey? About what you was going to do, what's that bring to all of what you were doing? Like I said, like I think with the time that I was in the portal, it was such a short amount of time in the process. So, I think, you know, just trying to decide on where I wanted to go. I wasn't really focused on contacting anyone. Have you been to Ohio? No. There have been so many. You know where it was. Yeah. But nobody was, but I've never been. Okay, okay. You know, he's from the first of the 24th of my time. Except for Freedom Stand, right? You know that? Yeah. What's that process like from like persons came from your point of view, where all of that was, and what's that life that I was doing? Yeah, when everything, I agree. I think, you know, when everything's moving so fast, you have to stay poised as a player and focus on the things that matter, things that will put you in the best position. And I think that's what it's really about for me in my process.

22:40Who was your, who was your last trip on the tire? Who was that all-faction on the East starting to build a place to make you two different people? Very happy. Yeah, you know, that definitely plays a factor, especially in today's game with the five-span-of-run backs in the NFL. So I think that, you know, with the, like I said, the situation here just made me able to come here and contribute to this team and do what I can when it all. What did you mention? I think it's right. I think it's right. I think it's right. I'm curious, something like that. You know, like I said, any way that I can contribute to the team and do what I can to show and execute, that's what matters. And actually, you're given up the tire and you do the way that the trigger is. There's a lot of carries up there too. Right. Give my phone like, do you like that? And do you think it's that part of the curve, you know, you said from the outside to the other end of the game? Yeah, and not just that team as well. It's many other teams that do the same thing, you know? And I think it's just really special that what they've done together, just seeing how they play together, how far they come to see themselves, very special.

23:40And not just that, but how much carry the day to time last year, having a quarterback that can run or two running bags, I mean, is that how much the Fed expect you to have a fact to deal with that option of the opponent? It's very exciting just to know we have so many weapons and so many different ways to win the game. So it's very exciting and I'm looking forward to it for sure. How do you start to rationalize that decision? I don't think it's something that you more so just specifically think of, but I think it's something that's important in today's game that has to be valued as well. Did you feel like you were overused at Ole Miss? How would you describe it? I wouldn't really say overused. I don't think that's the word. I think, you know, just when you're playing, you don't focus on those different type of things, but, you know, like I said, you don't really talk about it. There was much made though about used to play with having a meeting with Coach Kidney, who knows something about the direction of the opponent.

24:41How much of that was true of how many Americans see it? Was it any of that true or just, you know, what was that all about? No, it's just a rumor. But I got to say, man, like a lot of people, they won't be happy when you make certain decisions for yourself, but just to sign it up. Did you enter it thinking, oh, how I was stating, I just walked up here a second ago, but you probably went all over this, but... When did Ohio State get on your radar this time? A possible landing spot. Just a nutshell maybe. Immediately when I got in the portal, you know? What? I think, like I said, this is the place that you want to go to, you know, a place where everyone's passionate and everyone wants to win here, you know, and there's a great culture and everyone is focusing out and into do something that's bigger than themselves, you know? Why wouldn't you want to go to a place like that? A lot of people are saying you and trivia on the same backfield and even having dail in there. This might be the best running back through some in the country. Do you feel that way also a lot?

25:43Definitely. I feel like, you know, with everyone in our room, they contribute in their own way. Everyone's a great player in our room, so I definitely agree. What's your thoughts on how to pass this thing? You know, you said I was going to be successful in the game. Review what it... I just swear, like, on a second down, it wasn't just a problem. Yeah, I think more so for me, it wasn't about, like, this is where I want to go immediately, but I think that I wanted to make my process pretty short, especially when I got in at a later time because I had to be in the world in school. So I think just more so, just figuring out where I wanted to go and, you know, making that decision as soon as possible. What was it on the code that you said? Just, like I say, the meetings, what Coach did, everything that I was showcased. This is just the place that you want to be. Two quickies, the name Quint Shawn, what was that come from? That came from my parents. Yeah. I know, but I mean, what was your background? I don't know. Of course you were. I forget that. But, um, I really don't know. I've never asked my parents that question.

26:43Actually. Yeah. And then, number two, the hairstyle. What's that? What's the juice? I came up with this hairstyle in a march of last year. So I just decided one day. I was like, okay, I want to die half a year. So I just went with it. I got a lot of great compliments, so I can't be the same. But I want to get more, but I'll tell you more about it. I'll tell you more about it. I'll say more about it. With you, we'll be able to see. Um. And I think that Coach, you know, especially when you're not getting reliable, and sometimes you have no chance to do that. Um, they want to know that, but I think you know, I don't think that Coach, she actually actually has a lot of things to do. It is here. It's here. How do you accept that and break that? You know, I embrace it well. You know, that's what everyone here works hard for. And that is the, the end goal. You know, it's not to get a certain amount of wins. That's the goal. That's what everyone is here for. To win the national championship. So I take it seriously. Um, everyone here is caught in.

27:43You know, whatever it takes to get that in. That's what everyone's trying to do. What's your subject for the first time? Let me know in a moment. One question. You know, you don't focus on things. Like I say, the most important thing is playing football, especially for me, you know, the NIL, that was that wasn't like, you know, something that I was focusing on. You know, I was just going out there playing football, and doing what I think. I was just, I'm sure you could have gone for a lot of places. I think the guy you're running that is, you know, you're in coming here sharing the load with Trady Arden. You know, I think just more so, the situation here in La Conde City just coming here, being not only with Trady, but just great players all around and being able to execute and contribute to this team and do what I can to help us win. That was the most important thing. Was there any thought about like, you know, taking some tread off your tires, like knowing that you have had something carried you for the first two years?

28:43I think just, like I said, I can today's game that's something that is important for running backs, you know, to be able to bow you and to think about as far as the shelf life and things like that, but you know, just in my situation come here, that was the most important. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The pig mentality of problem of instant gratification, you know, you can develop and grow. So, and sometimes you may be, and behind a guy that's a really good player, there's nothing wrong with developing and growing and playing when your time is right. And if the time is right right now, the freshman, like, what was your name? Did you play early, you know? So, we try to also sell that, you know, we care about them as people and try to prepare you for life after football. So, it's bigger than just football. We're going to prepare you for life, whether it's the NFL or on with a regular career in the workforce. We want you to prepare you as a young man and we try to sell that and preach that to the parents. With Tremaine having gotten it, in fact, you mentioned, holding all these different spots. Do you anticipate, you know,

29:43there wasn't a lot of rotation among the cornerbacks last year, when everyone was healthy. Do you anticipate maybe growing him through the rest guys here with the longer season potentially? Yeah, we play it about here. You know what I mean? We see how goals, by the time we get in the camp, but, you know, obviously, he's earning his stripes. So, you know what I mean? You earn your stripes, you know, a lot of jobs to create opportunities for you. You know what I mean? We have to see how it goes with all the other stuff. You know, once we get closer to the season, and we're getting the game plan stuff, but he's doing a great job, and he's taking a great step forward. Tim, when you're the way that you can build the room, or the way you can kind of just have a shirt from now, it seems like it's been, like, sonopies is kind of a relationship, and kind of building bonds. But I'm curious, is that something that you came in with the, like, a couple years ago, with the intention of doing it, or is it something that you're like, that's kind of been cultivated over the course of your Thomas position, both here and the guy who? No, it's been there for a while. I've been doing that for a long time. It's all about relationship. If you develop real relationship, and you're authentic in your communication, and you have honest feedback, and you have direct teaching, the guys that have a value in character

30:44and they appreciate that stuff, they'll embrace that. But they have to know you care, and you have to know that it's real, and they have to know that you're really concerned about where it is a young man, and when you get close to him, it's been a lot of time with him off the field. You could coach him hard, and you can say truthful things to him, and then they'll embrace it, and you have real conversation, because you know, the only goal is to help him get better as a young man. As you see, a couple years ago, I think those are the most known list of the... I've received really so far ahead of the border with a kind of skewed-out evaluation sometimes. How's that dynamic change in these two years? I think it's gotten older, and you've been better even more counted. Yeah, it's done balanced up a little bit now. That goes with great competition. We go against the best receivers in college football. So that helps escalate your growth process, because if you don't figure it out real fast, you're getting embarrassed. So that competition, and what happened with that, I guys start competing, I guys start growing, I guys got better, and now it's even up a little bit. So where you get really good work at practice today, you know what I mean? So as competitive,

31:44it's fun. Those guys both on both sides of the ball care about each other, so it's great competition, and they all are real close. So you know what I mean? It's that stuff that gets us better that will prepare us for Saturday. I asked Denzel, kind of like that same idea. He said, like first day practice, actually the receivers kind of got them, because I didn't get it. But they're able to make a poll, maybe if you're this... No, it's just, it's gonna competitive, man. They got the best group in the country, that you're going to get every day. So you have to bring it every day, you know what I mean? So we got a great quarterback room, we got a great receiver room, the running backs are really good. So when you out there going against them, it's deep. So you have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we're seeing a lot of good stuff with Coach Day and Coach Kelly doing over there, and so it prepares you a lot, and it helps us grow. So what's your room playing kind of an massage tube for three and three? What's that? It's the one that you're reading. Or a wide receiver room kind of, like a part of your reading, it's like these are the guys you get to play at the gym. Yeah, all of that's because, you know,

32:44that's where you get better. Our shop is our. So you know, you get to see that every day of practice, that helps you grow. It's no better thing to go against every day, than to see that on a daily basis. I'm also near room massage storage, looking at to play that in the spot. We just moving a lot of guys around. We watch our practice, we have a lot of guys in there right now. You know, we pop out through a four different guys in there, obviously the ring's old in there, the gym ain't in there, Kelly. Miles, we have about four or five guys moving around. Right now, we just try things out in spring ball. See what it fit, you know, see what things work together. So it's probably some more guys in there. You know, we move it around to try to just get the right fit throughout the N and C. How it goes by the time we get really start the season. What's in the sound about Calvin to some part of that? He can run any strong. You know what I mean? He's fast. He's very serious about his business. He's big, he's 200 pounds. He can run, he's strong. He's conscientious. You know what I mean? He's starting to grow and he's starting to get better with it. You know what I mean? So we look for big things for him in spring. What do you want to see from here in spring? Keep competing. You know what I mean? Now he's made the transition competing today.

33:46You know what I mean? Start going in. That transition is all just like how I'm in your main last year. You throw them in the fire, you let them go, you compete. You go by the time we get out of the end of training camp. You have to be them figured out. Yeah, I want that. But now you just throw it all at them. Compete. Continue to grow, continue to learn. He has the skill set. He has the length. Now you just got to put it all together. And it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by the time we get in the training camp. It seems like a midway through spring and kind of click for the main last year and you start to see and perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want parents to be? By the middle of spring, does he have to be in a certain point where you wanted to start clicking? Yeah, by the time you start getting about two weeks from now, that last week. You know, because it takes time because there's a lot of stuff going on. But you know, by the time you get into that last week of spring ball, you look to start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you get another evaluation again when you get into training camp. See if this stuff carried on to make sure we go up for starting in September. What's your assessment of the growth of the lenses made now that he's kind of got his feet under one defense? What do you like about him and that knickles?

34:46He's very conscientious. He's smart. He can run. He's tough. He's made the adjustment because he's out of Europe on his belt. So now you can see he's not making a lot of mistakes. He competes. He's real conscientious. And he has a physical presence. So the growth has been really good and we look to continue that throughout spring. Coach, thanks very much. I can ask one more. All the guys that came back, like Denzel, the great example. That surprised you as you reflect on all these guys that came back late for the ransom. They could have turned pro. No, the culture here is real. Coach, they does a great job of building the culture. Our room is close knit. The guys on defense are real close. Those guys want to come back. They have an agenda. We want to come back. They want to come back and walk away with something. It didn't shock me. But it's a good environment for them too. That's when you see those guys come back. That's a testimony to the culture that's set here. The brotherhood, the environment. And I, Coach, they run the program for those who want to come back. Because we go edit. It's hard.

35:46It's not easy. But what we do. So, in fact, they come back and do that as a testimony to how he runs the program. Coach, thank you very much. Thank you very much. I think my capability, what I'm capable of, and then the personnel we have. Like I said, they're going to try and get the best level on the field, whatever that may be. So, you're still trying to figure that out. Just the fact that the conversation was about, it may have been hard for you to keep your weight down the stage. Do you look bigger? How much have you changed, physically? Are you allowed to just like finally eat now? I mean, last year I was eating regular like, I was like 2.30 to 2.35 the whole year last year. I don't know if people thought I was 2.25, but I was like 2.35 sometimes last year. So, it's not really like anything changed. Obviously, I'm a graduate of the game, some more weight. You know, I'm listening heavier weight. It was different training to be a DB than training to be a linebacker. So, you can gradually get a little bigger. Do you, are you embracing that different kind of training?

36:48Yeah, I love it. I love to be with the linebackers. I think with the DBs, like sometimes in the way room, I was expecting to win. So, like when I won, I was like, oh, it's anyone. But when I was with the linebacker, now it's like it's more of a conversation. You know what I'm saying? Not any hits with the DBs. I'm 2.30 going against someone who's 2.05, you know what I'm saying? I'm expecting to win. So, I love the competition. Cody said you came in and said, well, it's already bigger than most of the linebackers. See, are you playing Will and Sam at how far is the position? I've been working on both, yes. Is there any, like, fundamental difference between the two in terms of both? I'm seeing Sam's in the game. I mean, obviously, Sam, you're more outside the box, outside my backer overhang. You can be walked up on the edge on the tight end. Will's more inside the box. I think the biggest difference from Sam and Will, Sam, you just got to be more outside sometimes during the slot with two. You know, but I think it's similar concept. Because you can do the same thing in the boundary. It's almost more like the same for the field and the wheels at the boundary.

37:49So, I think it's pretty similar, honestly. The only difference is that Sam, last year, I never really was an interior run fitter, like in the A gap, you know, going A to B or whatever that might be. So, that's a little different. But I mean, I think I got some of that experience of safety just from a few yards back. So, like I said, the only difference really is now just suggesting the less time. Yeah, Coach, how's it coming from where you're coming from? You have a better perspective of what's going on. Because you might say, you know, I feel like I have a great understanding of the defense. I think that safety, I kind of already knew what the linebacks are doing. So, now what I'm really starting to learn is like exactly like every little detail with the D lines doing. That's not really what I didn't know every little aspect of it. I think I'm starting to learn that now because obviously the linebacker got to be knowing that more. So, I think when it's all said, no, I think I have a really, really good understanding of the defense and knowing exactly what everyone's doing. Do you feel like you're warm enough to afford the makes of the defense too at that linebacker? He's out of the sun because you can be dropping one minute pass rushing that you or me.

38:51I think you can handle some of that anyway. I think you can say, being a linebacker in the play, you're almost in every play. Obviously the play can run away from you. But you know, safety sometimes you're just back there, playing every guest. You take two back battles and it's a tackle. So, I think yeah, a linebacker, you're in the play more. More opportunities to make tackles. Can you feel comfortable there? I mean, what does that, you know, obviously you're staying that linebacker? Yeah, I feel super comfortable with it. Like I said, I think it's just going to be adjustment. Obviously it's different playing from a five than it was from playing from like 10 last year. I think it's an adjustment, but I'm super comfortable with it. So, are you talking to your dad and giving you any advice on the new position? Oh yeah, we watched table all the time, watched practice. You know, he was a high level linebacker. And I'm just getting started with this. He gets a little footwork and stuff like that. But it's good. I get good teaching him. You know, obviously coach Laurenidas, great player, great teacher for him, coach Noles. You know, he's a super smart football mind. So I'm getting great teaching all around. And I think that's why everything happens quicker for you.

39:52How much did the experience playing from that sandwich got faster, helping with this? I think it helped a little bit, let's just be like in terms of physicality like being in the box down on the line. But I do think the run fit as a will and a Sam can be a little different. And in terms like I said, like being an interior fitter, like your 30 backer, you know an A, you get pools. Now you got to go spill it. So things like that. But I think I'm adjusting well. I think I'm picking up on stuff pretty fast. You know, there's still going to be a lot of stuff to work on though. Do you feel more pressure talking to the media with your brother sitting right there? Not at all. What do you think has been the biggest change from linebacker and safety climate? I think the biggest change will probably be that 10 to 5. Because it's a big adjustment because everything's happening faster and you got to react faster. And like I said, the waist and movements. I think footwork is huge. I think when you see the great linebackers, seems to play habits are going.

40:54They're not taking any waist steps or not fall stepping, things like that. So I think waist and movement and being able to see what's happening react fast. It's been a big spin fitter between the same team with your brother. I mean, you know you got someone out there that's a, it's more than a team. We call each other brothers, but you know, bloods, bloods a little thicker. So that's always pretty cool. It's always, it's never 101. Yeah, but when he tells you something, he doesn't observe that, you know, it's coming from. Yeah, I think when you're blood like that, I think he's not scared of telling me the truth, you know what I'm saying? Obviously guys here, we have tough love, but I think it's always going to be a little different when it's your brother. Because he's going to keep it 100% blood exactly what you need to hear and know what you want to hear. What's your advice on playing Dickel? Oh, for him. I mean, he just so have let it. He got to keep trusting his instincts. No, I think he's going to be great. I think what's huge for him is like I said, the athletic ability speed.

41:54You know, he bliss off the edge. He's, he's been blessing super fast. And he's just great in coverage too. So I think something really good. I think we'll be able to do a lot of different things. Kind of like you see a hand caught. Obviously, a little different body than a hand caught, but I think he's going to be really good at once and stuff. So I feel he needs, he needs his time. Thank you. Great. What did you see for Jator? He's time. We saw him on Saturday running with the ones. The two seems like he's making a little bit of his opportunity with the key. Yeah, he's been a guy that's been on the rise, you know, to me from where he was when he started spring ball to where he is now. He's made more plays at practice. His eye discipline is better. His understanding of the defense is better, which allows you to be able to play free and be able to play fast. So that's what I've seen so far and I can, I expect that to continue. Who? What about Jator? We played not seeing him before dressing. He's been great. He's been great. He, first off, we do a thing where we track. How well you run to the ball every practice. One of the things that we grade, right? So you can talk about all the schematics that you want. Coach Knowles has all that. But if you're not running to the ball, you're not playing good defense, right?

42:55So we track that and he's one of the guys that every single practice is one of our highest grade guys running to the ball. So he's been awesome from an effort standpoint first. Attitude, he's in early. He puts the work in and he's made a bunch of plays out here. So now I'm excited about Jator and McLean for sure. You talk about running to the ball. You mean like he's ball hockey really well in the back end or is it a nose for the football running game or both? Yeah, so we're really tracking effort and how hard a guy's playing from there is what we do. But I would say this too, he's been around the ball a lot, right? With his alley running and he's downing the ball and on a break through run or fitting gaps and things like that. And then he's got really good range in the post for the half-two. So he's done a good job of both of those things. I guess all the above. Yeah, I do. I do. And it's been an opportunity for you have a couple guys out there. So you're able to continue to grow the depth and be able to see what guys can do. And you have increased reps from that standpoint. So I do feel confident.

43:55I feel confident in the guys that, how they've performed so far this spring. And the guys that haven't been out there, I feel confident from what their abilities are, what I've seen on film. And then the mental preparation from that standpoint. Now I would go back to refer to what late was like a couple years ago and taking that same blueprint. Yeah, he's done, I would say the mental side. I would say if you took, he has really good physical skills. You see him when he walks on the field. I mean he's a, yeah, no doubt. I would say the mental side of the game, right? Really understanding what's the defense, what's my eye progression, where do I fit into this chess piece? You know, what's my chess piece in this whole match that's happening? And yeah, I've been pleased with him and he's putting the work in to make sure that he understands what's going on. I wouldn't say we're not, I'd say it's great, right? And because his preparation is so high level, it challenges you as a coach to be an elite teacher, right?

44:57Because he's going to be on his game, it's like coaching a professional player, right? He understands the concepts in the game so well. He's put so much time into it. As a coach, you better be matching or equaling that, right? Going above and beyond that, because if not, he's going to be a step ahead of the coach, right? So that's, it's been awesome to be able to push each other to make each other better. He's got a great understanding and feel for the game. He's a great young man. The work ethic is really high level. So every value that you would look for, not just for a skill or entangible thing, but who he is as a person, I can't say enough about who Caleb Downs is. It's been awesome. What's the next step for you for Latham then? We'll talk about the preparation that Caleb has. What's Latham coming back from your final state, coming back from injury. What do you want to see from him? Maybe it's leadership, maybe it's on the field. I don't know. What is it for you? Yeah, I think leadership is definitely something, right? He's a guy that's been there, done that. Has accomplished a lot, but not the goals that he wants to yet. So I would say from a leadership standpoint, holding guys accountable, and he's done that at a really high level.

45:57And then his own preparation. I've been impressed with, you know, if you're not taking as many physical reps, what are the mental reps that you're taking? And he's done a really good job of having daily routine, putting the time in, making sure that he's caught up with me with everything. So I would say the off the field stuff is a step in the right direction. What did you take away from your experience, like you as a coach, or maybe that since we last saw you, you've been through multiple spring practices. You're like, what did you learn something in your time, or whether it's just for you as a coach that you brought here to bring the safety of your injury? Yeah, I think that you learn different ways to be able to do things whether it's taking the ball away or tackling methods, or, you know, the way that it's taught from other defensive coaches. So to learn from a different tree and thought process and philosophy, you know, I try to, I pride myself on being a teacher, which means that you better always be learning, right? Or you're getting behind. So I would say, yeah, just different ways to be able to maybe do similar techniques or things that have to be done from a defensive principle standpoint,

46:57and then, you know, bringing that to the table. As you step back and you say, okay, here's how I've always done it, or I've done it in the gym-null system, right? And then you're in a different defensive system, and how does that get executed? And then you can blend some of those or pick what you like from there. So a chance to reflect that, say. Did you feel like you accomplished what you wanted to do away from the gym-null system to bring it back to the gym-null system? Yeah, I mean, I think any time that you're no matter where you're coaching, right? You have principles of defense and a way to be able to play defense, whether you're how you tackle or how you play the red zone, or different things like that, and there's metrics to be able to track that. And some improvement was made, not enough in my opinion. You only move there where it strives from that standpoint. And then, yeah, when you come back into it, you say, okay, the system here has developed in a year that I was gone, right? And then maybe I'm able to develop a little bit as a coach too, and from a positional coach or a coordinator mindset, things like that. And then you're able to mesh ideas and come back, and you learn, hey, what's the new that's happened over a year? And then I was able to see the big 10 from the different lens as well. And, you know, so I think that's valuable.

47:57Man, last question, down a few safeties on Saturday. Just kind of, how do you feel about your depth of that position right now? Yeah, it's something that, you know, we've addressed and say, hey, here's the guys that have played. Here's the guys that haven't played. Who's taking the reps right now? And how do we grow those guys? You know, from a mass standpoint. So I think that's a work in progress every single day. So I've been pleased with the guys. I think there's been a, you know, steadily on the rise approach from everybody in the room. You know, so I've been pleased with the guys and the progress that they've made. So I feel good about it. And I expect that to continue throughout spring, and then continue throughout summer and into fall camp. You know, from that standpoint, yep. For some of those guys that maybe haven't played much here, but you can see it making a move with spring. Yeah, Jayden Bonz was taking advantage of the opportunity that he's had. Jail and McClean's taking an opportunity, you know, advantage of the opportunity. Inky had a really good day today. You know, it's taking advantage of the opportunity. So the guys that, you know, are taking reps, you know, I'm pleased with watching those guys, you know, continue to progress. You know, and the Caleb, I think, is, you know, learned our system and done really well and gotten better every day. All right, man, thank you.

48:57Thanks. Appreciate it, guys. Coach Day's offense, and Chip Kelly's offense is the same offense. It's kind of neat going back to the roots and the origin. Maybe understanding a new twist or why he called it how we did. And it's been great for the Titans. I'll leave it at that, not to get too much in the scheme, but we've definitely benefited and me personally learning every day. Do you look at the, I guess, the most of it experience for you, dude? Is that true? Is that true? Coach, you've heard other years, the emergency intensity, the time is your talk, you know? Yeah, I think, you know, awesome. That's a great question. I hope not, right? I think, I think the energy was still there with a guy like Kate. Now, again, it might have been, like I said earlier, also it might have been, you know, the 3000 level course with, with Kate, because he's ran that play for four years before I got him. Right now, it still might be the, what do I got to do? Yeah, I mean, I hope the guys feel that the energy's picked up,

49:58because the urgency has, I mean, eight number eights, not in the room anymore. Great, we're going to play somebody in a couple months, right? And there's got to be a tie-down out there. Hopefully it's two, hopefully it's three tie-downs out there. So hopefully they feel the urgency's picked up. I believe that the roof is structured, but the G's been in a long time. But it felt like year after year, it was fun. The better guy, the next one, the better guy, the next one, that's the thing, it's just dynamic. Is that the easy thing? You have to provide all the leadership for the guys. You know, you have to be, is that after the war? Is it just the tough? Is that just G's job, even if it's not going to work? Yeah, I don't know, I'm not going to put it all on G, right? But again, the leaders drive the culture. Now, whether it be G or whether it be Pat, who's been here for a long time and played a lot of football, or whether it be Will came in and said, no, this is what it should look like. I mean, I want those guys to take it around with it. You know, on Saturdays, I'm the boss. I'm not cutting off the C gap. It's got to come from them. And now, again, my job is a coach. I make them hear things they don't want to hear. You know, pushing to do things they don't want to do. So I'm certainly going to do that at times.

50:58And I'll keep doing it. But they've done a great job of driving the culture. Keenan, you were in the room with Kevin. Was in the offensive meeting room for so many years. Does this have a chip kind of get you guys back to where you guys were with Kevin? I know that the room has an offensive staff. You guys were kind of young last year. And now to have a chip with that experience, is that kind of like what you guys have with Kevin? You know, some similarities. And I think the comparison is that we're talking about Kevin Wilson, Chip Kelly, or two of the brightest, you know, minds and offensive football in the last several decades. So I think there's some similarities there. But yeah, I think it's a loud one coach day. Maybe to delegate, you know, to Coach Kelly. And let him be the best version of himself. And Coach Kelly's been an awesome leader, right? Of driving us and listening and providing input. So it's been great. I don't know if it's exactly like it was with Coach Wilson. But it feels great, however it is right now. And it was initially a bigger role. It's been for Johnny in the cotton bowl. And that not get to come to fruition as much as the way that game played out here. You know, I don't remember exactly what, you know,

51:58the expectation was he was going to help contribute. And certainly we wanted him to contribute from the jump and keep him in there contributing. The game kind of started off, you know, not ideal. And we had Kate in there. And you know, that was his last game as a buck guy. So we felt comfortable riding out with him. But I think Jalani and everyone else is kind of focused going forward. Did you guys see him coaching? I'm doing the bull prep that was a step forward at all. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah, he definitely takes that forward for sure. If you are painting an ideal situation for the fall, what does the depth look like in terms of how many guys you trust? I think I got six seats in there. So six of the toughest dudes on the team. I'm not trying to just give you the coach speak. I mean, however, it shakes out. Hopefully we could play 13 person, no 14 person now. And I got guys out there that are going to go a recent happy. But I don't know. They're going to make that sort of out. Right now I'm worried about whatever Thursday's practice, the toughest dudes on the field. Are you seeing enough of that to feel comfortable saying

52:58that that can happen by playing? Yeah. Yeah, I mean, we're taking strides. We'll see about the end of spring. And then hopefully fall camp. It's a long ways away from wherever we play with one. Can you, uh, what's up with my coffee? Yeah. Yeah, it's been great. It's been great. A pump return kick return. And again, the coach, other positions too, right? I mean, I mean, special teams comes down to technique and effort. Right? And that's the ultimate test of the brotherhood. And no one signed up to be a buck out of me on pump return. They want to be first round this, first round that. So it's been awesome. And involved in that. What's that? Oh, yeah, we're working quite a few guys back there. We got some options. So that would be fun. But you guys were thinking about puts a lot of you that maybe have a bigger world. But I'm not. What was the, what is he giving you guys that would make you do that? I mean, he had more time, right? Just because we have that whole month of kind of December for development. And, uh, you know, the bull press a lot like spring ball. And that he has those three or four weeks, you know, to get the reps.

53:58He wasn't getting during the year because Katie was taking it. Right? I think good. I think it just shows that, you know, next man in we trust you fully. Kate couldn't go. No one better than I was G. Then it was Pat period. We called their offense. There's no modified offense or anything like that. So to put our trust in him, he went out and made a lot of plays. And both of this kids play really well. I think that helps the confidence for him and awesome. Really good. When you look at G now, do you, and this is the easiest question maybe, do you see a tight end? You're still when I'm saying from a couple years ago. A couple years ago, he was, you know, he moved over from my receiver and all this kind of stuff. What just jumped out at you about what he brings with the tight end spot? Yeah, I know what you're asking Tim. I promise you, I never like, he's in the tight end room. I didn't say, oh, but he's a receiver playing tight end. He's a tight end. He's a tight end. So he's going to be greater like a tight end. I like it to that, I'm sure you like it. So I never really, but like Kevin talked about when the, you know, first made the move.

55:00You want to, you want to get this guy some confidence, play and tight end, meaning, I'm not going to say it gets lesser opponents, but having some success out there, you know, like in the run game, the blocking aspect of things and stuff. And he seems to progress big time from that. I mean, do you feel that way too? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah. He's gotten way better. And again, I practice, he's on the left side, he's against JTF, he's on the right side, he's against Shaq. So I mean, there's no, this is Ohio State. You're playing against the best every day. So yeah, he's definitely progressed. Do you think that the labyrinth of entering you guys, having a special team, do you think that's benefiting you guys in terms of just how you're coaching out there in the team? Yeah, I think so. Dan, as far as ownership goes, right? Like, I mean, I'm not saying I wasn't invested last year, but shoot, I'm pumped with your own kicker, turn. I mean, that's Coach Hartlan and I's product out there. And if there's not tight ends all over those units and they're not going to play tight end in Ohio State, and I bet you Hartlan feels the same way about the receiver. So as far as the buy-in from the staff, heck yeah, heck yeah, for me at least speaking for myself. When Coach stayed broke that up, what did you think about that change?

56:01And number two, what has he told you he wants that he wasn't getting from a special team two years ago? No, he never, he never told me anything about last year. It was all about, okay, how it going to be? This is, again, Ohio State, whatever the janitorial staff is supposed to be the best in the country. The tight end coach better be the best dynamic in the country. Same thing with quarterback, same thing with PumberTrend Coach. On the PumberTrend coach, I should be the best one in the country. So I got to work with Coach Hartlan and Coach Keys and everyone else learning this game and techniques and now we got to put on the field. You find yourself studying punt returns or like NFL teams and things like that? How are you doing your prep work? Oh yeah, Coach Hart, Coach Keys, thanks Gunner and I, I mean we lot ourselves in a room for a week there. I don't think I did any offense. You already have pretty good knowledge of return game or good moves if you have to start from scratch. No, yeah, there's no starting from scratch, Dan. I mean, it's all ball and that's the coolest thing about special teams is if you're not special teams it's going to make you better, Tydan. It's going to make you a better DB, you're running back and it's like the technique and everything like that. I think I had pretty fair foundation and then maybe some tweaks and you know kind of we have to decide what our identity is going on this season.

57:04What do you mean? What do you mean? What trust is what kind of trust is advocating for the same thing? Yeah, I think I think he proved it on special teams because he played on special teams before he played offense. And then just just reps up practice again against blocking the best linebackers in the country. It doesn't matter if you're a fight star or if you're a walk on. But to that point, I think sometimes there's a mentality of what he's just a walk on. That does not exist with Pat. It's went out the window to start a, once you start a plan. Is that how you go to here? How about 30? How many stars? Oh yeah. Oh yeah, they know I think everyone in my room knows and you know guys I talked to on the recruiting trail. Kate went down and there was G and then Pat was right in. I didn't see that in I. It's the toughest dude out there who goes to the hardest. I don't care if you're from Ohio, you're a dancer, a buck guy, if you're a walk on or a five star.

58:04Whatever should help us when you know. We can marry in the past. Not here yet. Yeah. You still work with them for a far, how does that kind of work right now? Yeah, we can. I mean with Max and Toe, it's Face Times and it's encouraging them to get here and watch practice so that when they get here right after graduation, we can hit the ground running. But yeah, it's much prep work as we can do on the front end with, you know, sending them tip sheets and that's what a thing. We're technology nowadays. I mean COVID, we had to do it. So yeah, we could get to work right now. Two more questions folks with the special teams question. The collaboration that you guys have. It's three people in one room. Like how does that work semantically where you guys are all putting your heads together to get one idea? How does that play out in the room together? Yeah, I mean luckily, I mean it's Coach Hart and I. I mean that guy, we worked, we see each other every day for the last eight years and luckily I worked for years with them. So that's so organic. Hart and I just kind of bounce each other. Thoughts off each other. We can read each other's minds by now. I think that's how close we are. So this really organic in there and then Coach Keys does a great job of kind of setting the direction, giving us some expertise and we just kind of have a flow off each other.

59:07Okay. I've seen the guys react to that. So you're coaching, that's much of teams. Yeah, I think they like it because like the accountability, again, if my tight ends aren't on a tournament takeer during the day, they're not playing tight end and they know that. So I think across the board it gives us a platform to coach other positions. She and in a time when the print transport is so big and the guy like G probably could have left multiple times if he wanted to. What does that do for the room? To have a guy who's a leader, he's just so step-ass and like I'm going to stay here, I'm going to stay here and make an impact. Yeah, I think it speaks volumes that you hit the nail on the head, not just for G, but for the brotherhood. I know it sounds cliche and people read it on Twitter and kind of roll the rise of brotherhood. Because why did they think the entire defense came back for the brotherhood? We got two goals here, we haven't done them since she's been here. He hasn't hit his two goals so he stayed for the brotherhood. So I think it speaks volumes for G as a leader in the room. But also, I mean you look around a roster, how many guys could have either left for other opportunities in the portal or in the NFL? So I think it speaks volumes to the brotherhood.

1:00:07Is it different at tight end with the transfer portal maybe because for some positions it's such a development position at tight end where you have to develop run blocking? And you have to learn the passing game. Like is it different trying to keep kids around maybe in the portal or at a tight end? Yeah, maybe it is and I haven't really thought about that because it's still so new. I think you've got to be so honest in recruiting. If you think I'm going to walk into a living room and say, come be my starting tight end and I should be crazy. You're crazy. Now come prepared and get to work before you get here and you know I'm going to give you the opportunity to. Again, I took a question earlier. I don't care if it's a senior or true freshman. If you could play you could play period. I can't wait. Give me a true freshman you could play tight end. It's the Ohio State. You got to block Jack and JT and then your dog tired next play. You're getting covered by downs and late lin and all those guys. You kidding me? Is this NFL? No, it's Ohio State. Right? So yeah, I think it's a little bit different but you got to be honest on the front end. Keena, thank you very much. Awesome. Thanks guys. Thanks coach. We're just circling back to what we had.

1:01:08Natural maturation a little bit because he's been through a little bit of spring boys. Been through a little bit of camps. So you're still learning the terminology. You're learning a new skill set. But he just dove right in and wanted to be a sponge and wanted to learn. He's doing a good job and he's improving every day. So that's what's making the battle and the competition. All these great snaps really good for us is because they all have that mindset. So from Seth, awesome. The unit in the group, awesome because there was no combativeness to it. Let's get in, let's go on this compete and then let the guys win. Luke said the skill set made you guys win. Just learning the same deal. All the young guys you come in, you got to learn how to play in friction. So having three tech, having two eye, having those guys like right in front of you. That every time you take one of those reps and you're out of your base or you're in your base. You feel the good, you feel the bad. So being more consistent that way. You can't make moves or shift guys if they're not mentally there. And so for him, he's got a pretty good football FQ. So he's continuing, he's growing every day, he's working and he's getting beat every day too.

1:02:11And he's learning from those. You know, it's from the spring time. You know, we have saying in our room, we're like in the spring, it's yes and it's no. And I know it's KNOW. Why didn't the rep work? What happened? And how do I make sure I don't repeat the same mistake? And so whether he's coming in and watching the tape on his own and then come with questions, he's grabbing me and watching tape with me or we're coming doing stuff as a unit. He's learning so that same deal the game can slow down and he gets more comfortable there in friction. So I mean, his weights up, his strengths up, he's spending all his season with Mick. You know, there's a lot of development that still has to be had. Obviously not a finished product, but being able mentally for a guy to handle that, you know, helps a lot. Are there any good answers? Similar to Carson and his weight. Yes, the bottom of that. Luke as well. He seems kind of like the leader. Luke, a leaner guy. Did you tell him that? He paid you to say that? He did not pay me to say that. That might be the first time he ever heard that in his life. No. No. No.

1:03:13You know, like Luke, Carson, whoever, maybe, that jump of 18 to 19 to 19 to 20 year old kid, that plays a lot into it too. Being in a full year with Mick, I mean, all those guys, you coming at mid, you're like your Divo and Dion and Ian more right now. You're keeping your head above water. That's your whole first year. Now you can actually get and we can sit. So when you sit and talk about a jam combo or a lock or whatever the call may be to Luke, he registers that. And I like something new because then there's paralysis by analysis. So I think the mental part on top of another year, natural maturity of getting bigger and stronger, that's always going to help. You're not going to, guys here, they're not going to regress. It's going to keep adding progress and how fast can we get that going as well. We're working on every day with him. But Josh said that he would have been all guard to this point. And Coach Day has mentioned this several times that Josh could play guard too. And you guys are trying to work through that fire. Josh could play off five. I mean, he snapped the ball in high school.

1:04:14You know, Josh had a great off season. But for you when you're going through spring and it's fact finding experimentation, how much do you want to put them in different spots or not? Because you also have an eye on August to try and settle on five-man rotation. What's the balance of that for you? You have to get a really good, great upset so that everybody has numbers of, you know, just like we said before. How many times have we done a run blocking or pass blocking in this situation so that that all evens out? So that's the, it's not experimentation. It's just making sure that you get a good book of work to work out and grade that. So as we, you know, work guys around the platoons and go just to make sure that everybody gets good, greatable reps. So we can sit back by the end of spring and say, all right, this is your comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges. And not, you know, apples to oranges because it's completely different that way. So that's kind of the thought behind that as you're going through the spring. I'm here a couple years ago because I was a little too old to use them now. Chip Kelly is going to be here as an officer for the junior. That laughed. You know, but then I said, you know, it's college football.

1:05:16So who knows, right? What's up in, like, I'm sure you're enjoying it. What's up in, like, the... Yeah, I mean, he just added to another piece of just good people here. I mean, you still, you're coming to work here with the guys every day, you know, with the kids we talk about a thumb, but then for us as coaches as staff. So adding just another good dude that's in the room. Obviously, as he says something and, you know, he might speak in old terms or terms that we had, you know, maybe be a little bit of a rosetta stone. Like, no, no, this is this. He's like, yeah, that's right. Because that happens to all coaches. That happened to me when I got here. First, I was at what's coach day sometime with Ryan. It's like, you know, what do we call this? Because he was in a system like that before. And he's like, oh, this is this now. So I think just the, you know, translation of a rosetta stone there help, but just overall standpoint of adding a great guy that's a great coach that's been around that's... He's going to supplement the room and every time you add something new to the room, then that makes the room better, makes you individually better. Oh, look how he does that. Maybe I could do that. Maybe I could bring that to my meeting room.

1:06:16Maybe I can bring that to communication to the staff or to the kids or whatever it is. Because he's done it for a long time and he's done it on a high level for a long time. So it's good to add that guy to us and then continue as us to rest the staff for me and Brian and Key and everybody just learning and growing with that. What does he bring specifically just, I mean, does he from a talent standpoint? Does he see things sometimes, others don't see, I mean, does he... I mean, what does he kind of bring from the chalkboard aspect of that? Well, I mean, while you're saying so, what does he see? It's good to have fresh eyes come in that maybe you're getting a routine and you're getting a rhythm and all of a sudden... Football. You know, he's one of those guys that I think goes into categories, forgotten a lot of football and some people have learned in their life. But no, I believe he coached every position on the field both sides of the ball through his whole career. So as he looks up and he writes when he's talking about, well, this will linebacker's going to do that. Then he might have coached that at Columbia, right?

1:07:17Or this is what the three techs are going to read on a down block of attack all because he's coached the offensive line and he's been a coordinator for a long time. So just a really good vision of big picture, understanding and, you know, the next step and not just being right and now, yeah. What does that say, Stegra? If you had a theme or whatever, this spring, because I mean, this seems kind of like a... Not to make it a break in time for him. The time to step up and step in point was nobody cares. Nobody cares what struggles you have or whatever. You got to go out there and feel like you get the job there. It's a life point. If you know anything different about tech, what do you see about tech? Yeah, he's competing his butt off. I mean, he's kind of living that way. That's why we have the red line over there. When you cross the line, you know, of course, Steg talks about that. You know, it's the game doesn't care. You're off the field. You got to come out and step out and do your job. It doesn't care about anything off the field. That can sound really negative and harsh. But then it also, if you just spin your tone.

1:08:17Isn't it beautiful that the game doesn't care? It doesn't care that your skin color, your socioeconomic background, where you've come from? If you just want to do it the right way in the 53 and the third, the game will love you back. You know, so I think it's the approach mentally that guys take that way. So yeah, for Tegrit, he's taking that approach. He wants to come in and be a guy. So he's fighting and clawing and scratching every day. So when he makes a mistake, he's trying to correct it when he does it well. He's trying to enhance it. And that's what competitive people do. And that's what he's showed up to do. So that's good that he said that. What's his comment on the field been like as a center? It is that difficult when you're coming into a new offensive line to have that. Or is there something innate about the center position? If you've been experienced at it, like he has where you kind of have that, I guess, a command on the field over with any offensive line. So it's said over, it's all over again. You're saying the comfort of center with who now? Seth. Yeah, I'm saying like how has his command of the field been? And hasn't been difficult, I guess, to adjust for him.

1:09:19So it's just to have a certain level of on field command at that center. Yeah, I mean, the on command is just great communication, getting everybody on the same page. Yes, having a bunch of banked reps helps. But then when you do come into a new offense, just like we talked, you know, with Chip a little bit earlier. You know, he might have called it yellow and we call it green or something. I don't just make it stuff up, but the transition of that in your head to get going with that. But yeah, the comfort of having a ball on your hand, having a guy, I mean, you talk about that. Accommodation of football, like play one handed and have, you know, tie leak this far from your face. You better have command of something, you know, so you got to understand the communication and the technique and those things there. So yeah, I think him coming into a new place, the game's not as fast as it probably would be for a younger guy. But also, there's mistakes there that he can learn from and grow from. And same deal. And he's, you know, the one thing we're not having concerns with, we're not driving right now as the guys just competing and trying to get better after a mistake.

1:10:19Or like we said, we're enhancing as they've done some stuff really well and he's adapted to that really well. This spring is the same for Sam. And how do you assess their doing by center versus guard? Could they do both? They both have been ripping its center. Yeah. For the competition aspect, could they roll out and play guard? Yeah, probably both of them could. How do you assess that? You just got to give them a bunch of guard reps. But if you thin guys out too much that way, then that's not good coaching, you know. So we got a good plan with everybody. Those two guys included as we're moving ahead. But yeah, they've been really working at center position right now, both of them. So you asked about Josh. No, I have a obviously came after spring practice here. How has he been this spring? It kind of speak to how what the challenge must have been for him last year, not having spring practice stepping in play that position.

1:11:20Yeah, same. He's been here not even a full year yet. So coming in the summer, doing what he did, coming in through the fall. And then now I mean the same with him. Sound like a broken record. I think the game's slowing down for him. Those mistakes that may have showed up or the questions that he had through the fall. And as we got going through the season, those are starting to erase a little bit, which is good. You know, his communication level is just talking more. That's probably the best thing that he's done so far. He's a highly, highly talented guy. We're just developing that skills and discipline and does go into communication. So as he communicates and talks, that's probably the biggest thing I've seen from him, which I think, you know, volume and communication equals confidence. And so he's playing much more confident right now. He also had a few plays of game or, you know, the penalty or whatever. Have you seen him reduce those? A bunch. Yes. Coach, thank you very much. Thanks, sir. Thanks, guys. Thank you. Thanks, Chef. You made my bare fans. Thanks, Chef. I understand.

1:12:24All right, folks, we will come back when? You know, the communication and how everything works. And really just understanding football, and what you kind of understand, like how defense align the work. And you want to get the best investment, coach J, the rest and so on. I think that's what I'm talking about. How can that chemistry be different from your colleagues playing in a regular website? I think it's an even here. Like, there'll be things like, sometimes you won't even have to communicate. So you just know, you know, like, you're a little bit of a ball together. It was great. It's like, it's a childhood one. It's tight. It's a bit tighter than what you've come to this screen. You know, you're too, you can go live to be able to do it with this ramp. I came in knowing that just about everything. I mean, like, obviously, I kind of feel like, in terms of like physical attributes, I can kind of like move and strong stuff like that. I feel like there's a lot more to it that I need to work on even to come close to what I can do. To me being able to help a team, like such as technique, awareness, just everything.

1:13:28Definitely communication, I think that's like the biggest thing. Open ear and those big games, you gotta be able to call it out, like a pressure might come and stuff like that. So it's awareness and goal. So I think you have a few hours to go for I. Coming to summer, get the start resonating. I get a little spring. Is there a level of understanding how we coaches and what we want to do as players and how to do it down better than we hope you. Folks, we have Dallin, Hayden, not the 20. Yeah, he wants just 100% effort and just work hard. Like, obviously, like, there's more to it, but those are things that he wants you to do and want to play fast, play physical. That's a summary. I pick that every day. Someone out here gets the best to do it for him. I know. All four of them. You go back and ask me, is it almost like you have all the stuff that was thrown in me, all the stuff I had to adjust to. I really think that is great for our needs. Definitely, but I kind of like when I come here, I knew Coach Fry and staff, like they were going to, they're going to definitely like scope me into the player.

1:14:29Yeah, scope me into that. Yeah, like they know that like scope. Oh, scope. Yeah. Like just kind of make me into that type of player. I mean, the development factor from Coach Fry and I mean getting these like, I didn't even, it's like magic almost. So I mean, I'm just kind of keep going with him and keep riding with him. Yeah. Having a spring practice, having some or all that stuff, how much better do you think you're going to do? I guess we'll see. I'm going to keep picking that in. Sure. I guess, yeah, I would say sure, but I mean, I can't really take credit for something like that. You know, the boy like that is, you know, the man above kind of put that in my dream. So how much is running game changing or nuance, whatever you want to call it with Chip Kelly in charge? What if you noticed this little bit, little nuances or stuff? Maybe like little things. I mean, little things add up to big things, right?

1:15:29Yeah, I mean, yeah, well, where do you think you guys were lacking at some point last year in certain, some of those matchups? I mean, it was a whole new line. So I mean, I know the side camera swoops each other, but other than that, it was, I mean, it was a hard game. Nothing's going to be like for sure what's going on. You know, you can have some part time. Did Missouri test y'all about as well as anybody? Just about, yeah. Yeah, they were pretty pretty well. What did you know coming out of there? Y'all had to get fixed. To be honest, I felt like we just tried to go out there and just play hard. Obviously, we know number six was a really good player, so we just try to make sure if you can either back through as much possible. So that's really, we can try to go to. The stripper game a little bit, Josh, wouldn't be well when you saw the boy come to those. Just stripper dancing. So as a left tackle, like after like the number of jobs, make sure nobody gets to the quarterback. And that's something that I try to do, make sure nobody kind of get around me or go through them. And just keep the quarterback playing out of here. There's a lot more. You gotta be able to do well on the player. You know, more people in the run and stuff like that.

1:16:29But like that's probably one of the biggest things. Not sure if the quarterback is going to be the one. What block did you, I was essentially something that I heard. Yeah, so I mean, we got, I mean, we have the main deal I'm going to go through. So I was twisting and stuff like that. So in the run, those twists, too. So he's kind of like, I guess you just got a really state technically sound. That's something I'm trying to do. Josh, if you're going to get Mitchell Melton much this spring and stuff, what stands out about him? Obviously, he came back from a couple of knee injuries and stuff. But what just jumps out at you back there. Yeah, you wouldn't even know he had too many of these things. I mean, he's so, like the way he rushes, it's so, like, it's his signature rush. Yeah, it's something that you can't, it's probably the hardest person I've had to block here. Yeah. If I'm being honest, like he's very twitchy, great with his hands. Amazing get off. And he has that sneaky power. If you're not really like setting for it, he'll get you. And I want to get your take. You know, you came here from San Diego State. Your center, the guy's transferred in Seth McLaughlin, whether he starts or not, we'll see.

1:17:29Right or no. He's from Alabama. Is it amazing to you how college football teams are put together anymore? Yeah. I mean, because he could be a key thing. And what does that just tell you about the game these days? I mean, yeah, I mean, it can go anyway. I mean, like Seth is a great player. I mean, he tells me like, you know, stuff that they did differently in the back of the stuff like that. And I try to take some of like, maybe some advice he has, because he's been in college football for a little longer than me. So, yeah. Yeah, he seems like a grown-up, doesn't he? Yeah. He comes across that way then. Yeah. What's the line? What's the line? What's the line? What's the line? What's the line? What's the line? Play fast, play physical. I mean, there's obviously more that we're working on. We're learning like each other to be honest. I guess the right side is kind of like going a little bit. I mean, not with fire, but like, you know, we have like some people that compete. I mean, we're all competing. I know I am. And stuff like that. So, I just, we're just trying to play hard and play. How true most of the way through this, real quick, is how helpful is it? How is it really a spring?

1:18:29How do you have that? Yeah, it's very necessary. Especially when you kind of got a new OC and stuff like that. It's best to kind of get, you know, comfortable with the scheme now. Then maybe like post-acam, because then like in like a few weeks in here to get we going. So. This time last year, you know, like, do you know what to lead on to get the future? I mean, Don, he's like, dude, I owe Don and I like he's an amazing player. He gives me like insight on this, but it's like Notre Dame. I've never been like more nervous for a game than Notre Dame. I just kind of talk to him and he said, we got it. Keep doing what you're doing. We got to it. We got to open the W. Oh yeah, especially. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, like I said, I just sort of been tough on your leave this year. With the opportunity we got, you know, you only got one more chance left to, you know, to go do something that not many people get to do in our lives.

1:19:31So, we're in a blessed position. Yeah, but you can't put it in your pocket. Yeah, I can't put it in your pocket. You guys are in the same company. Uh, and I just think that I was putting good positions. Just kind of let, you know, let loose. We're not there in played ball. Like I know how to and, you know, my teammates played great too. And coaches called it a game defensively. I mean, you know, we give a 14 total points or a 17, 14. I mean, 14 gets a good offense like that. Great team. I mean, that's a good day. So, obviously we didn't get the results we wanted, which is frustrating again, but it's a whole different story. But yeah, I mean, I just think it was, it was collectively a good day on defense. And I happen to be fortunate to be in position, make some good plays. I mean, that'd be the time for, obviously, some opinion in the conversation. You guys are playing well, but nothing really has a problem. The most I've done is necessarily meant we're in that. And we're in a group that's got to give us a good advantage.

1:20:34Yeah, I think I felt like I was in a group probably the whole second half of the season. I felt like myself again. And I was just out there playing and having fun with my teammates. And, you know, I think that, you know, when you come here and you expect to hit the field and to be a certain way, you know, it's hard to get over that for a little bit. And I think you can look at kind of all of us on the D line as a front. We all kind of had our own journey into how we're playing right now. And now it's all about building and I looking back and playing how we know how to play and being confident out there and using our abilities that God's gave us. So I think that this whole next year, you know, we're just going to see a whole different level of play from all of us. I know you're trying to keep it up. But, yeah. And that'd be kind of a launch for you. It's a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Yeah, you know, I've knew all along what I was capable of. And I know it's frustrating for a few years, you know, not being able to, you know, not playing for whatever reason on the field to what I was capable of. But, you know, once you just put that stuff to the side, just got there and play ball, you know how it's just going to take care of it.

1:21:39So, you know, you're good. Did you play, you used the term early, you didn't tell what issues, well, it does. So I've got like an emphasis of not focusing on the little things kind of on you on that stuff. And you guys know you're on the talent issue. And what is it for you to show you the professional? Yeah, you know, I think you said it, you know, with, there's no talent issues here on this team. I think if you look at our team across the board, probably one of the most talented teams in the country. If not the most talented team in the country, and so, you know, that's God given though. And what we can work on is our discipline, our skill, our technique. I think if we become the most, you know, disciplined and sound team technique wise, there's not going to be a team of countries to stop us. But it's, you know, it's a long process to get to that point and to get to that season. So I just think that when Coach Day talks about that, you know, it's true. We've got the talent. Just got to go out there and work every day on the little things. What are you specifically working on this spring? You know, I'm working on a flexibility. You know, I'm working on bending the corner a little bit in hands. You know, at D line, you can kind of improve on everything.

1:22:41And so, Coach Johnson's emphasis is just, you know, just taking care of the little things, hands, hips, foot placement. So it's kind of a little bit of everything in the spring. There's a lot to be excited for, especially if all of the guys come back on defense. But how excited are you to play again with JT? Oh, I'm really excited about that. You know, it was cool, really cool. I mean, him going back and forth the whole time, deciding whether we're going to come back or not. And, you know, when we, you know, I kind of knew before you guys knew when he was coming back. So, you know, I was excited. I was a, you know, a hell of a player and, you know, a really good friend of mine. So just having another year with him and, you know, we're going to enjoy it. And, you know, hopefully have some fun. You know, we can have a comfortable match next fall. Even going back to your recruitment. You know, the first guy to come in, that's what we're doing. You high guy over the bar, you using your house. What was it like, I guess, to see a kind of comfortable circle in a way that you could kind of almost leverage that relationship. And we're good guys to come back into the pool and run back on the run. Yeah, you know, it's unique. You know, I think it's a really unique position.

1:23:41That great group of guys coming back, man. I mean, you know, it's just so exciting. And I just wanted to, you know, for me, you know, and at the same thing, for those guys, how much they care about this program, and care about the team and coach day, and guys you want to do it for in the city and, you know, the chance. We all knew that, you know, we had great opportunities going in the field. And we also have a great opportunity to put another one of those banners up here. And, you know, get some revenge on, you know, the guys up north, all that stuff. So, you know, when you put in a nutshell, you know, it was a really simple decision for a lot of us. And, you know, we thank God for being in this position. And coming back, you know, I don't think anyone's regretted it. And we're just really excited to, you know, get back on the chase. And, you know, not miss a day. Jack, can you take a wide view of the defense with the additions made by Caleb coming in? And now you see Sonny Wu-Pulsar Alliance footage. You have an opportunity to, like, look at what's out there.

1:24:41How does it change the capability of your defense? Last time, how can it change the way maybe you deploy that you couldn't do a year ago? Yeah, I mean, you look at the defense one of the fear, like, damn, we're big. You know, corner, we're big, lineback, we're big, D-line, we're big, safe, through, we're big, fast. You know, we're just, you know, we're just, we've got a lot of weapons to say the least. And so, you know, when you got, when you know you got those guys behind you, you know, you just make you play so much more free up front. And, you know, you're dependent, you can rely on those guys behind you. And I think that, you know, if we take that approach and everywhere on the field, offense too, that, you know, we're going to really fun here. Jack, thank you very much. You kind of changed the perception. I don't know you guys don't pay attention, like, outside noise, but also, a lot of the same cheese stuff. You catch it all the way through. Yeah, I'd say it starts off with, like, you kind of got to, it starts off with tuning out the outside noise. And what other people have to say about it.

1:25:41And it's really good, but mine said, I kind of look at it as if it's like a drop in a bucket. You know, if I got a big bucket, there's no one thing I'm going to do to make this bucket full. It's a daily thing where I put one drop in in a day. And you look back over a year, two years, three years, look back and be like, man, I've gotten a lot better. So, like I said, I'm just very thankful for the unit. The guys that I have around me push me very hard, and I'm just thankful. You mentioned that the development is part of Tatex. What was the most challenging part of you to make everything into the play of the line? Yeah, I'd say, definitely the size component. You know, you got to be someone that's, you know, when the, you got to be big, you got to be strong. You got to be fast with a lot of jobs that you got to do. It's a very asking job. You need to buck the big, some of the biggest guys in the field. But also, when Ralph's off, some of the smallest guys in the field. So, I think the standpoint is to be out here and do exactly that. What was it like to get that shot the other day for the pros counts? Running Ralph's catch balls. Oh, yeah. Show off. Yeah, no, there's a good opportunity. I think some of the big, you know, region behind it, we're just kind of giving those guys out there that we're at.

1:26:44We're living in numbers. So, just get out there and give those guys a breather. But maybe the opportunity to get to go out there in front of scouts. I think that's a pretty good deal. And you're taking only a quarterbacks to this point. The quarterback battle is going on. What's been your take on Will, for example, get to know him. And then, of course, David, I think the line said that we have a body around here is ironing, sharpening iron. So, that's kind of like, it's not just, you know, one room. It's from top to bottom, front of this whole team. No matter what position you are, we're here to work. I think we're all here to make each other better. Whether it's in a quarterback room or tight-knit room, we're running back room. Offense versus defense, coach for his coach. It doesn't matter. We're all just, you know, iron and sharpening iron, especially this time of year in Spring Ball. We're not doing too much game planning for next week. We're really just spending this time to get better and just build a good foundation for ourselves. It's time to work on room forward. If you've seen Will, Will, how it fitting in more and more is the practice that's going on. You know, getting to know everybody and all that kind of thing. I mean, I've always been here for a while. I think it's time goes no matter where you are. You start to adapt and you start to get used to what we have going on here.

1:27:47So it's good to have... Thanks. Yeah. You came in. You came in. Thank you. What's it been like? Yeah. It's a lot of important. I'd say when it comes to that, I think it's all the glory to the Lord. And I decided to give my life completely to the Lord a little over a year ago. And that kind of really changed my outlook on the way that I approach football. There's no longer something that I idolize. It's just something that I do. And I think from the time of my life where I stopped, you know, compartmentalizing who God was in my life. God was something that I do on Sundays or something that I do in a Bible study. It went from what I do to who I am. And so now I embody that as who I am. And so some of the fruits of the spirit is peace, patience and kindness. And so those are the kind of things that I've started to embody on this journey. I think it's easy to kind of compartmentalize football away from faith. But ultimately it's all one.

1:28:47It's all one. So it's giving me a spirit of patience, peace and joy with the guys around me. And so I'm just, I'm thankful. I'm thankful to be here. But being quite honest, I just, I know for a fact I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. I know on the outside looking in, you know, I was like, you know, where are you right now. But I wouldn't be where I'm at right now if it wasn't for my relationship with the Lord. And so I actually came into my life and you know, changed around for the better. G, what did you see from Bennett Christian last year? How did you go about suspension and how did he work through that? Yeah, I think he did a great job. A lot of perseverance. I think that's no matter who you are, we're kind of hearing news like that. That you're going to be out for a year, that's hard. No matter where you are. I'm really proud of him because he came up, he came to show up every single day. He got better. He got better. The easy thing to do in that kind of situation is throwing the towel. You know, forget this or I'll get better next year. But I saw the drive at him. One thing I see now every day, he showed up. He got better. I'm proud of Bennett and I'm proud of this unit.

1:29:48Why's the question of seeing Mike? One, two, three, four. Three, four, three, four. In your heart. I mean, yeah. I don't know. I don't really know how to answer that question because if you go from one unit to another unit, the moment you trade units, you're no longer in the unit you were initially in. So you're now a tight end. So I need to answer that question. I think the time that I went from in the receiving unit to the tight end unit is the moment I became a tight end. You're the one who's the one who's the most beautiful. You're the most beautiful. No, I kept, no. Kevin Wilson, the coach Wilson was my coach. Coach Alvin was my coach and I was a receiver. It's just different. It's two different roles. I think I'd say to answer that question. The moment that I decided to come to play tight end is the moment I couldn't tighten. And so now over the years, I've gotten better at playing in the position. But the moment that I transferred over, I've been a tight end. And I'm excited to be a tight end.

1:30:49Another position I'd rather play. Little buck us. Thank you, G. Yeah. Yeah. We're the issue, so I am. What we're trying to attack. And so I think that's something that over time, I can feel Lincoln getting a better and better feel for it. Lincoln has definitely stepped up from a leadership perspective. And you can see the way that he attacks workouts. This winner is so big for all three of them. Just set the standard and understand the intangibles that playing quarterback is all about. Because there's so much more than just picking up a football and throwing it when it comes to this. So he did not Saturdays. So I've seen that growth from Lincoln and that's really exciting. As for Julian, you know, last year going into the year, he was competing for a job and, you know, end up not winning the job. And, you know, he could have turned it down and been bummed out and, you know, not attacked it the way way. But I saw him continue to grow throughout the year. So I'm torn from well and to get to a point this year where we're now he can step up and be more of a vocal leader.

1:31:53And, you know, that's something I've seen growth of him as well. You know, he's put on some weight and he looks good and he's definitely attacked his time in the, you know, the winner. And so that's been awesome. And then Tavy and comes in and, you know, Tavy and Tavy and, you know, really should still be in high school. Instead, he's, you know, in my office all the time, learning the offense. And when he's not with me, he's with Coach Mac, when he's not with Coach Macerite, he's over there doing academics and sassos. So, so his days are pretty jam packed and it's definitely new for him. But his commitment to wanting to be great and wanting to be to the level where he can go out and compete in the spring has been really impressive. So I'm excited for all the years on. Does it feel like what August 30th? Is it just around the corner? You're just telling him saying you got to have a guy ready to go. I'm against Texas. You know, you open. Yeah, I don't think so. I don't think so quite yet. You know, I think we have a unique situation where we've got three really talented kids. You know, they're all young. They all have a lot of room to grow. And I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth.

1:32:56But most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going through a year and they end up, you know, having a guy get hurt or something happens. So as far as, you know, having one guy, I guess not to go either. We want to develop the room. We want all three of them to continue to get better, to continue to develop and, you know, be guys that we can count on, you know, throughout the season. You guys want to board? Scholarship guy. That's still in conversation. We'll kind of see how it goes. You know, obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have. But you know, the three that we're really confident in right now. You have to try and work with the quarterbacks to work with the quarterbacks. You work with the quarterbacks, but for the next. Who's filling out your room? I mean, you have someone that you've had in mind to come in to meet the system for you. Or how do you see that? Yeah, right now, Colin Kienos in helping me. So Colin was working with me at Akron. He was a student assistant and he was really, really impressive there. So he's going to come in. He's going to help out with some of the day today stuff. And then, you know, Coach Day and I. I built a pretty good relationship where, you know, between my time here is a GA where, you know, I learned the game of football the way he sees it.

1:34:03And that was such a pivotal time in my career. You know, I was so blessed in college and then in my first couple, you know, my first job there that I got to work with Joe Morehead. And, you know, I learned so much football from that man and I credit so much of my career to him to put me in the position. But then, having the opportunity to, okay, hey, maybe I'll see you through a little bit of a different lens and to learn how Coach Day sees it. It was so big for me in my development. So that couple of years as a GA was awesome for me. And then last year to be able to sit in with him and really kind of see the game, you know, in a similar fashion. And I'm always going to continue to learn from him because he's just such a special coach. But to be able to see it, you know, in a similar way and continue to bounce thoughts on FAM to make sure that him and I are communicating in the same way. You know, Coach Day will always be directly involved with the quarterbacks. And now Coach Hartline will as well, you know, as the offensive coordinator, I think, as a guy in that chair, you have to have a relationship with the guys in the hotel. I think that's really important. So, you know, him and I have already begun conversations just about, you know, how that's going to work out and how, you know, he's going to continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's going to communicate to them.

1:35:06Those conversations are already beginning. So it'll be, it'll definitely be a combination of, you know, us three. Bill, you can't be in being there from the championship, right? How about that? I guess help with development. Well, it's pretty cool. Just about every one of those games where he was at a playoff game at the national championship. You know, our guys were warming up and I grabbed him and say, hey, look around. You've got to take a couple minutes and take the same, right? This is what it looks like. This is what we work for. So, you know, when you get to a really hard day in the winter, right? You just remember not a homework and get to that point. So for him to have that experience and to be able to see that and, you know, hopefully one day when he's in that spot, he's like, oh, I've seen this before. I know what it looks like. I think it's pretty cool, I think, just to have that bank in his memory. I think it comes off so I've spoken, but he's without question, you know, come out of the show. And I would even say he's so spoken last year. You know, I think that he kind of understood that, you know, Will was in charge of the offense and he knew that he was young and was still earning respect.

1:36:11You know, a big part about leadership is you can't just walk into a room and start leading. You have to earn the respect you're curious and truly understood that. And, you know, I think he earned that respect throughout the year. And so this year, you're definitely seeing him step up. Him and Lincoln both, you know, are in that phase where they've earned that respect. And so they're doing a really good job leading right now. And, and Tavine's doing a good job on respect. So we're kind of in the middle right there between those two phases. Really, Lincoln is, I think still less than two years, just specializing. He was just regretting. I guess where do you think he is harnessing all of that all athletic ability to be a really good cop? Yeah, I mean, there's no question how Lincoln is special, I think. And, you know, guys that have that background that have been successful in multiple different sports. One way or another is going to translate to the game of football. So I think that we're continuing to see that. You know, I think as the more that he is in position to understand and learn the game, in which we saw last year, you continue to grow.

1:37:20And so to take that into spring, you know, and combine that with his athletic ability, I'm excited to see. I think it'll be really good competition. Can I, you know, I truly lead until he is the quarterback. Absolutely. I mean, the important one is talking about it. Oh, I think so. I think so. I mean, leadership comes in all different phases, you know, in all different ways. There's, you know, there's without question, I've been part of different teams and I've seen it where maybe the guy that wasn't starting quarterback was, you know, the strongest leader on the team. So I definitely think that that's part of it. You know, I think once you are in the respect of your teammates and once you show that, you know, you're going to lead by example and they respect you for that. You're in position now that you can be both. So, you know, I definitely don't think that you need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all. Even around some incredible offensive minds in college already, what are your, what are the traits you look for specifically as a quarterback being a quarterback yourself?

1:38:21Yeah. You know, I think it comes in a couple different ways. You know, from a tangible perspective, I think that you've got to be extremely accurate. I think you have to be able to make great decisions with the football and get them all out of time. And I think that you have to be able to do it. And we solve a problem with the feet. So, you know, it's rare in college football that every protection is blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly that we drew it up on the whiteboard. And things break down. You know, I'll be able to fix it with our legs. And then, you know, as far as intensible school, I look at, I look at, you know, Guy Lake Will, who had those intangibles about as well as I've ever seen. And that's just a complete command and understanding of both the offense and the huddle to know exactly what we're trying to do on every single play. Know what we're trying to attack, understand where the issues are and where they lie and how you're going to combat those issues. To be able to understand, you know, when it's time to move on through the ballway and move on to the next play.

1:39:21And then also be mentally tough enough that when things don't go our way, to be able to react the right way and move on to the next play. Did you know last year? Last year? Last year? Last year? What were you just focused on last year? No, I didn't do this one. When you're coaching and you build a relationship with these guys, you want nothing more than for them to go out and have success on the field. And I think that's so important. I sit in that room and it's about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and going out and execute on the field. And so last year, I was just trying to find a way that I could help them do that. So, you know, to be able to work with those guys last year and to help out and have them see some success. It was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it. And so that was pretty neat. I always feel like it's one for improvement. Never feel like you just got it. That's one thing. A lot of people mess up one for like, oh, they have one good year.

1:40:23That's not any. I'm a no consider doing for years and years to come. I feel like to myself for sure. What do you know about this important? Because you party no big. It's all received just like me. I just came in and kept it set. Now I'm just working on my happy CS future here at Ohio State. Probably going to be no next one for sure. What's it like seeing all these like the national championship banner and seeing all the new signage. You know, you played a huge role. I mean, it's no sub-blessing. No, the subway, no. A role and no, the nighty run that we had as a truth freshman. But no, it's time to move on. Me and that's behind us now. And I can't wait for this season to come up. What kind of obligation do you do to a guy like me? Kind of take a minute. You're waving, showing how you work. I feel like he already got that. Just coming in. He already got that hard work at the quiet just like me as I came in. Just all about bar really. Me and here early. I mean, spend the time on Coach Hartline meeting and everything. I'm doing it the right way. I should say and he have a bright future here. Coach Hartline said he wants to come up with a good game.

1:41:23Yeah. You should have a car now. And I'm going to have to leave as we do. Yeah. How much for a challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy? Yeah, there's a challenge. No, just no stepping on my comfort zone. I mean, something everybody wants to see for me. Not just my coaches, but players on the team as well. We have a leadership meeting. There's a lot of people call me out on just saying they wanted to talk more. Working on it takes time. Not really a guy that's talkative or no, but lay by the time. But one thing that's definitely working on is trying to talk more and get more of my comfort zone. And just build it. Is that open with you? Yeah, for sure. That's definitely the biggest challenge. I mean, like I said, just definitely not my comfort zone. You know, leading the guys and leading the younger guys as well. You guys open with Texas next year. Going back to the playoff game. Do you think about that moving forward? Just kind of how you were taking out of that game? Oh, yeah, I think not really think about it. That's behind me. Maybe we won the game. We ended up going to the national championship. I mean, we see it on week one.

1:42:23I just know can't wait to face the great opponent. What's your impression of Devin Sanchez so far? Yeah, big long corner of the Corrine. Physical. He got it all. And I can't wait to see things he do here this year as well. Look, you know, it's different. Is there anything different about this defense of the, you know, these first three weeks of spring that's caught your eye? They just fast. Physical and willing to hit somebody. I should say saying they got the really changed for me. And guys still got no do. They've been doing over the last year and a half. And the year and a half is actually safe. Coach, that makes the quarterback's live like he did for a couple of practices last week. As a live receiver, right now, right? How do you think your quarterback is responding to that? Over authoring it. I think they were responding pretty good. I did not expect the quarterback to be live in a scrimmage. That surprised me for sure. Coach, they definitely surprised me with that. But I feel like they handled it very well. They took hits. Something we need. They needed, I should say, you know, tough him up.

1:43:24Right. Why are receivers all like not holding back? See how they handle that since obviously not a norm to do that. Learn anything now, but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit. It gets his no defense, I should say. But no, guys, they was getting hit for sure, but they was getting right back up. So command, who knows if I'm for that. Two more questions. What can you get? Definitely can't get better. No, no, feel like I'm getting complacent. Always want to prove that. No, I'm just taking the day by day and just getting better each and every day. And why do you prepare for the scrimmage? And the expectations you're going to get on the next two seasons here off the season you just had. Not really focused on the espacation that I have coming up or the year after that. No, just focus on spring. Spring and you know, just going to follow count and just get ready for the season. I should say the espacations go be there. And I really know something high. No. In my mind right now, I'm just no being leader and just focus on the team.

1:44:29How much changes is right? How much changes? I really know we haven't really spoken about that right now. I don't really know. What's that? Jeremy, a lot of guys have said that they want a lot of championships. They're taking down. They don't want to see it. It's moving into the CSU and the team. What is how important is that for you? And why do you think that's significant for this team? I mean, I said we can't live in the past. The 2020-14, they won the national championship. This year, we did it. So, I mean, we just took everything down and weight room and everything. So, we could focus on being ourselves and this is our season. Great. You know, deep in, you couldn't stop. And what happened? After that? You know, they're a great team. We got a great running back. Riley Leonard is probably one of the toughest guys we've ever played against. And Marcus Freeman is a great job. So, hats off to them. You know, we knew they were going to make plays. Like you said, they did go right down the field, the first drive, 14 plays.

1:45:30And they were thinking of it. Whatever it was. There's a fun. Well, I mean, like I said, they're a great team, low coach. A lot of tough guys on that team. We knew they were going to fight their ass off. And it's a heavyweight balance. And that's what championship is, that's what it's all about. And we knew we were going to have to take some shots and keep swinging. It's hard to get up the coach's way. In that meeting, you guys had the yesterday's season. To him, to stand in front of you guys. A whole team, and a vulnerable like that. And to make changes, what is it say? I mean, it just speaks to how great a coach is. I think a lot of coaches would have had a lot of self-ego going into that meeting in there. He didn't at all. I mean, he loves us, you know, all of us like when his sons and we felt that form, you know, that loss. You know, we knew that we had a rebound like we did. I mean, I can't say enough like how much he means to stand. He means to me. The way he goes about business, you know, we don't go about it. Like a lot of teams do about fear of losing your job. We go about it as a family. It's about what. And we know we had to execute and we did that tonight.

1:46:30How happy are you for Coach Day? You know, and how close you are, you were his first conveyance for him to build a healthy good. Yeah, I mean, it's a dream come true, like I said. I mean, God is so great. And during that, it took us down. It took Coach Day on. He was family on, I mean. And then I'll be curious that we did a night. And I'm so happy. It means everything to us. And to see it have the success, you know, it makes me a safety. I know I saw the smile as a wife on her face. And stuff that she ever do. It's going to be an excellent challenge. And I guarantee it's where it's terrible. And to come out tonight, and win this game for them, it's awesome. I think you dropped them and come and burn them. The championship will bust all that expectations with this team. And you point in that. And things that they do that will be the world. You know, we knew what the expectations were going to the season. You know, we knew that we're at Ohio State. And the job I had every year, I was at the Ohio Campaign for National Championship, and I'm doing my job. So, you know, what never a burden. It was kind of a motivating factor. You know, do what we're doing right now. And you just did. And people legacy who just left is something that, you know,

1:47:32you can't put in the words how much it means. So we never looked at this as an burden, but there's an opportunity in it. And we did that just tonight. Yeah, keep dropping your name in the microphone. The chance of the championship. When did you sense that? Well, look, we never know today was going to fight some hand. But it didn't just say. You know, during the season, it was during the season you felt that you had a feeling. I think before the season, we knew that we were capable of a national championship, just because of the guys we had and the coaching staff. We knew that we were capable of this. And through all the ups and downs, we were able to persevere and keep fighting. Keep swinging coach. They always say, you've got to fight your way out of bad times and life. And as a player, as a coach, as a family, really, for him, you know, he's got to fight himself out of bad times. They did just that, made the adjustments, made the change ahead of you, made it, and now we're champions. And so, like I said, God is so good. And the journey brought us home is amazing. Jackson, I believe that was the last week to send your deep butt guide. Obviously, you grew up in Pickerington. When did you allow yourself to think about what this moment would be like? And what it would mean for your legacy, you know, the highest day that you could get this done? When did you allow yourself to think about that? Yeah, I know. Honestly, I haven't still been about about it.

1:48:32You know, I'm just so happy to be able to celebrate this in the squad, guys. It's not about me at all. It's about this team and coach Day and the city of Columbus. I've been waiting for this for a long time for 10 years. And now I'm just so happy for this group of guys and the stuff that we went through and heard. And to keep getting up and keep shadow of the practice and going as hard as we can. And I'm pretty sure the positive attitude and trust in God's plan. And you know, here we are in our national champions. And they can never even take that away from us. So, just so happy that we're able to finish the job and get it on. You check now that it's on. Please, on the stage at one point, what were your thoughts right there, Jackson? Is it look like you kind of dropped your knees at one point and we're giving them some kind of thing. But what was going on there? Yeah, I was just thinking God. I was just thinking God for all the ups and downs in my career and everyone else's career. And then to end it, this way is just so special. I mean, you know, we put your faith in God. You know, he says it's not going to be easy. It hasn't been easy for any of us. And we kept trusting him and believing his plan. And here we are in national champions.

1:49:32You know, when I don't want to say all you guys didn't believe it, but. What have you guys done? I think we did the job and we can November. So here we are in national champs. I feel it's great to say. Who brought the cigars? Who brought the cigars? I could care less. Because I do, I know this out there. Because as it should be, it should be. I got hurt two major injuries back or not back to back years. But you know, so I haven't been on the field as much as I should. That's true. That is true. But it's not like I'm having these little, little, dinky injuries and sitting out. It's something I can't control literally. So that's why I'm not bothered by it. Like, yeah, I am injury-poly. You can say that. You know, but I do think that the chargers are getting. The guy that's going to be healthy from now on, you know, God will it. And it's going to be great. And I do think that it's going to be a great however many years here. When you've been on the field, you've been highly productive.

1:50:345.8 yards of very average for your career. Like knowing that when you're out there, you're very productive. How much confidence does that give you that really all you need is an opportunity? All the confidence in the world, you know, the way I work. I wouldn't say just from the numbers, but just the way I work, my work ethic, you know, and my relationship with Jesus is like, I have the most confidence when I step out there. Because I do know like if he grants me the health, it's over with. I don't think I'll be, you know, I think it'll be a great year or whatever, a couple of years. However many years he grants me great health, you know, and I think just the work ethic, my prayer, and all that stuff, that's what helps me have that confidence. What the numbers will be there in there, they might be higher after this year, you know, and it's crazy to think about it because I had 6.6 yards per carry, you know. So we'll see. You're looking forward to running behind this line, is this particular thing? Oh yeah. Yeah, yeah, I play with Bradley.

1:51:36I play with him, you know, I know Slater, I know all the guys, you know, and I'm excited. I think, like I said earlier, it's a talented group. You know, we just got put together, win some games, because that's what I came before. Just in all the part of the year, oh, I wouldn't say part of the recruitment, but like whenever I decided I was going to sign it, it was great to have him in the room. What's your definition of like a racer? Yeah, we're great, we have a great relationship. He's like my brother, so. I think it complements each other very well, you know. He can do a lot of stuff too, you know, a lot of people think he's just power, power, power, but I think he has some other parts of the game too, which it'll be great, because I feel like I can do everything. When we want to get tired, we can roll it in, we can keep rolling, win some games. When you, the two of you get going, how do you think this is going to look, or what will be that partnership back there? I know, that's a hard question.

1:52:37How do I think it will look beautiful? You know, a lot of people call this a passing league, but I think you got to run the ball to win a Super Bowl. You know, if you look at the team to win a Super Bowl, they can run the ball, they can control the clock. And so if we're both good, it'll look great, beautiful. I would describe it as a great offense. I would describe it as, you know, a great offense. I think he gives a quarter, he's going to give the quarterback a lot of options. He's going to give the running back a lot of options. He's going to give the receiver a lot of options, you know, and I think it's going to be great. He's often going to be amazing. When we talk to him, you know, I was like, why are you going to build something good for Russian offenses throughout your career? Which everywhere you've been. And you said that one part of it is just, you got to call the place, you got to call it on the place. As we're running back, you know, how much confidence, how much you'd say it is to give you, you know, you have a play collar that's going to stick with it and allow you and the offense to run into a rhythm of rope.

1:53:39He gives me a lot of excitement, you know, it's going to be, like I say, it's fun to play this offense. And I think he does have some good things in the pass game too. But like you said, he sticks with the run and that's the identity. You want an offense that has an identity, right? You're going to be looking everywhere else to find your identity. You want to have it. And so I think his offense has that. And the guy he builds and puts in there, it complements that identity. So I think it's going to be great. You mentioned you're on it for a set now. So you mean full goal for training? That's the expectation. Look, I ain't going to answer any of the four. If it's up to me? Yes. Look, because I had this problem like two years, three years ago. I'm thinking I'm full goal. I think I'm ready to go. And then next thing you know, I'm on PUP. Like, hey, look, some stuff is above my prey, pay gray. So, but I don't know. Hopefully I can start. I think I'm ready to start, you know, at the beginning of training camp.

1:54:39But that's not up to me as I've learned. How do you... How do you... How do you... I wouldn't say that. I think I've been in some great organizations. And I think this organization is a great organization. And the training staff is great. And so they just want what's best for me, you know. And they're taking care of me, which that's what you want in an organization. And so that's where that comes from. Which I appreciate it. Like, I really appreciate that. You know, because I'm a type of guy like I work really hard. So maybe sometime I'm blind to, you know, the danger of something, you know. So I appreciate it. But like I said, if it's up to me, yeah, I'm out there. But never know. Well, any frustration for you during the heading into pre-agency, you know, dealing with rehab and not, you know, having a full season of tape or the production to go out there. Was there any part of that where you're like, cat, wish, you know, had it for the public market with a different situation, you know. Nah.

1:55:39I like it. I like... How would I say this? I like it the hard way. But not... You know, I like it the hard way. I like it. I like trial and tribulations. So, I mean, the dice that I was given, the role was I was coming off a... or a killie. And that was the Lord's plan. So it was beauty in that. Like, I was comfortable. I was caught like... There was multiple teams, you know. I wasn't... It wasn't like I didn't have any other team. But I was comfortable in sitting back and just enjoying the process, letting myself get fully healed. So whenever that team, whoever I would, now as a charger, is going to get the best me, you know. And I think people all around the league know that, like, okay, this guy, okay. It's a high-risk, high-reward type thing, right?

1:56:39Not even a high-risk, low-risk because you... It's a business, right? So I got hurt last year. So not as much money that he's been throwing at. But I think everyone around the league knows that whenever I am on the field, the numbers don't lie. And so they know that. And a lot of teams will be like, alright, here. We give you this, but we want you to be healthy. So when I'm healthy, it's going to be great. The chance that I've been giving here, I'm so grateful, and I know that's going to be... They won't regret it. Are you the type of person that likes to throw people wrong? You've run a couple things like a high-risk, high-reward, injury-prone, you know. Are you the type of person that really tries to improve people wrong? No. I hear it. I see it. It's pretty cool. Like, you'll never see me unless I'm just like in a bad mood. You'll never see me like, oh, like, if I have a great game or a great year, like, I have this wonderful year, I ain't going to go back and, you know, like, yeah, yeah, what happened?

1:57:41Because I don't care. Like, you're eventually see. Like, I'm a guy that's really good. So, I ain't worried about that, but I'm proving myself right that I am one of the best in the league. Right? So, forget all the naysayers and people that talk about me being injury-prone, because whenever I have this great year, it's going to be forgotten, you know? So, why give that energy? Talk about Justin and all of our kind of chances. Yeah, I was, you know, we just, we're just, you know, he's a great guy. I mean, he was in my class. I remember seeing him, we were at an award show, because I was a dope walker or a finalist. And I'm like, I've seen him play, but I didn't know he was that tall. Like, I didn't know he was like, six years old. When I first saw him, this was years ago in college. And I'm like, am, this is pretty tall. Like, it's cool though. I never really got to, I think a lot of those are going to be kind of, you know, nerdy, dirt, but he's cool, dude. Very laid back.

1:58:43No, we'll face to him. You know, in terms of playing, what you did in Denver. I don't know that yet. I kind of just mentioned previously. I don't know my role. I don't know the engine out yet. So, once we'll get, you know, through the protocols in NFOPA, we'll talk about, you know, the schemes and everything. Right. So, welcome. When you were in Denver in the three, four, where did you find yourself most comfortable, most effective in my role? I played a lot of different positions in Denver. I mean, early in my year, I played zero. I played three, two, one. I mean, I definitely more comfortable in a shaded position, mainly being a three technique and five technique. That's why I found myself to be more comfortable. Whether I'm standing up or I'm not, or there's runner or pass. Those seem to be my best, my best fits. And what is your impression of peak carols defense and whole environment and Seattle from afar? From afar, it seems like he holds in on a defense a lot.

1:59:43I can't really say too much about that. Yeah, I don't know. I know peak carols very little. So, I'm just trying to figure out more and I'll give you a better answer later. What's the reputation around the league running the C-Harm? You know, hard-knows, hard-hat type of team. Definitely on a little more lack side as opposed to being a stuck up or military style. Which is definitely good because this program is one of a lot of football games. They've been super successful for many years. As long as I've been alive and as long as I've been watching football. And definitely, this has been a good program. And peak carols have been a hell of a coach for a long-darker member and getting back in his college days. So, I'm looking forward to experiencing that. Tell him why. Yeah, I know you said you don't know yet what your role can be. But what kind of player are you that you don't understand who haven't watched the C-Harm? But what kind of player is he has to get? Definitely a high motor. Definitely not a one-trick-pulling type of player. I like to attack. No, whether it's first or first to the fourth now.

2:00:43I like to attack. I'm always on the ply pressure. I'm definitely just a high motor guy, my opinion. Maybe. Are they already understing for me? Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Yeah, this is not a team that really makes big splash sign-in in for agency. Did you think going into it that Seattle would be in play? No, not at all. It's kind of like being a cure at the candy store here. You know, got a whole bunch of different options coming at you. You're hearing a whole bunch of different crazy things. And you know, you only get to choose one. And this is the place that we both chose each other. I mean, I'm loving Seattle so far. I like these colors. For real. What, what did you got to do in Seattle and see some season? Not much. Just kind of just drive around the city exploring. Get down to the market a little bit. I want to get on the Ferris wheel. Do some more like touristy type things, you know. I'm new to the city and I got a lot to learn about city. Larry? Yeah, there's been a lot of comparisons with you to Michael Bennett.

2:01:45I'm wondering if you know Michael Bennett at all and he could go to the back. I know Michael Bennett, like, I don't know nothing about it, but besides his style of play. But I'm honored to be considered in the same conversation as him in a style of play. You know, he's a hall of fame type of deep lime and that I've known about. So I was a kid. I mean, last time he played here, I was in high school. So, you know, it's cool to. It kind of came full circle a little bit watching him on TV. And now I'm being kind of compared to him in a way. You know, I mean, I'm not touching the surface of Michael Bennett. You know, he's a hall of fame. And I'm not there yet. So, you know, I just have to keep doing my due diligence to be a better player. Carmen? Hey, Dream. Welcome to Seattle. I know you get to play several seasons for Vic Fangio in the three four style defense. And Seattle's playing a similar system now dating back to last year. I did a defensive line. And what do you think is most important to be successful in that system? Maybe fundamentals or just playing style to be successful? Um, just from what I learned, being gap sound and being patient has always been the biggest thing.

2:02:50And that's how we've been successful when I was in Denver. Um, just kind of like relying on each other. I know that sounds kind of cliche, but like this kind of like the realm of being in the three four defense. You got to really really rely on the guys behind you and the guys on side of you to really make their. To do their job to make your job easier. Bob? Um, yeah, Dream. Um, you're, uh, you're going to have a state plan because you didn't start playing football to your junior high school. Why did you play basketball so that next? To, uh, what made you know, I guess you had to go play football and then with that, I just entered all the time away from basketball. No, no, I'll, I'll always love football first. Uh, it was just kind of just time to just playing it out. You know, I let a hoop, but you know, football was definitely about calling it and giving. I was, uh, 265 pound. I was like, I'm six degrees. I'm changing. So, you know, I kind of chose to route that guy gave me. And now I'm not six eight. My speed up. Yeah. My welcome to Seattle.

2:03:50And you've been told it. You're looking at something. I heard that you listen to the job. And can you just talk a little bit about that? That we're on the. I think the same. You know, I think it's been a long time. I've been playing basketball for years. You and I weren't knowing that. Um, just for a standpoint, like I always get like over over shadowed over look, whether it's, uh, and something, you know, saying, like, I feel like I do a lot more than what can be, uh, sitting by the, the eyes of the inexperienced, no scout. And I do a lot of different, different dynamic things that help make place for others. You know, I'm definitely an active player. I'm always doing something, whether in a run or pass game. So nothing that goes on. Sometimes and, um, I'm looking forward to putting people on notice. Brady. What, uh, what do you like to do outside of football? What is putting your audience? Uh, big gamer. Um, I'm definitely, I'm, I've been getting to a lot of chess lately. So I just to expand my brain. Uh, I try to get into reading, but if it's not supported related, I really not interested in reading that much.

2:04:53But mainly just video gaming in chess. And then when we write and say your name, do you prefer gray or dream? Uh, I mean, you can say, you can say, you can say, you can say, you know what I mean. But like just, I'm like personally just calling me Drey because it's easy because people like to, f my name of a lot like a lot. And they call me Drey Montaill. I don't know why you put a Drey Montaill in my name or Drey Montaill, whatever you want to say, I was going to go by Drey to keep it simple. Thank you. All right, Michael Sean. Hey, Drey, what's the sense that you're bringing to the C-Maw as a past player? Uh, some of the new era of the past question, you know, someone who's on the little lighter side of the average Drey technique and bring nice explosiveness, that quickness, uh, someone who's great with their hands, someone who's very extensual, and someone who's a go-getter when it comes to the run-and-pass game. Appreciate it. Yeah. Hey, John Boyle. Yep. Drey, John Stadard said after the trade, or after the signing, that you actually got to date, they wanted him to trade last year,

2:05:53but Denver said no. It was that second time you were aware of it all? Yeah, I was aware. I mean, like, shit. They'd be flattered if they wanted to be even like that. Yeah, I am flattered. I mean, shit, they should've just traded me from the jump. But, uh, it was cool to, I guess, it kind of came full circle for Seattle a little bit. I was included into the trade and Denver said no, and then, Diver kind of, I don't want to say that word, but Diver didn't pay me my power of respect, so I'm here, because they respect me from the jump. All right, anything else, guys? Thank you. I think it's just not getting too high, not getting too low, um, you know, saying, in a nice, even medium, and, uh, attacking each play at a time, no matter what the score is, and doing it to the best of your ability. What, what ails this offense the most? Uh, I think just, saying I had the chance and getting, getting past those third downs, I mean, that's what we got to be better at,

2:06:53um, but then the day, we got to put him in zone, and, we're not doing that, we're not doing our job, so, Are you guys creating more explosive plays? Does it have an offense? Right, I think, uh, you stick with it, um, you know, the explosive plays are going to come, and, you know, he's got to trust that, and they'll be there for us for sure. Coach Sins has been here for, uh, high zan loads over the many, many years. He's been with this program now. What sort of his message to your group right now, and when you're turning to him, well, what is he saying, as far as how to get through this? Yeah, so I think it's just, really just, coming in and attacking every day as you would, um, regardless, and, uh, you know, staying, staying even, even through hardship, and, uh, attacking it, attacking it the same way every day. Um, that's really all you can do, and, uh, you just get a little better every day, and see where it takes you. Based on, the way things are already we're setting up, but then also we, um, um, chase him, assuming he's calling the game on Saturday. It seemed like tight ends are going to be a big part of this

2:07:54as you guys are trying to pull out, and what role do you think you guys are going to have in trying to get this offense? Yeah, I think we, I think the role is always to try to help the offense move the ball, and, um, whether they were called upon to do that, and the past game or the run game, we just got to step up and do our job at a high level, and, uh, whatever you asked from us, we just got to do it at high level, and let the offense go. You're some of the leaders on the offense. Some of the leaders, how to say Gus is a big leader. I mean, he's been doing it for a while, and I, and it's someone that everyone trust, um, is going to do his job at a high level, and, um, I think we have, uh, Hudson's a good leader too, as well. Um, obviously he's a quarterback, so he takes on that leadership role, and, um, I think, we just have a good amount of leaders, uh, you know, throughout the offense. You were told George might be fairly close to getting back, what would mean to get him back in the mix with the Titans? Yeah, it'd be great. I mean, George is a great athlete, so having him out there can only help. Um, you know, we're really excited about him, and the way he can do on the field,

2:08:54so it'd be great. Um, yeah, I mean, just, when you look at the schedule he asked for us, and how it takes care of our body, um, you know, just, uh, the diligence, and, uh, and, uh, situational football, uh, the, the, the, the, the, the football, our customer cardio, um, he's, he's, uh, great coach. Um, we see about today just us being, being ready, uh, and this week went opener, and, um, happy to be on that. Um, I feel like I always feel good, not always, but I mean, this week one, auh, is this week one, um, so I mean definitely fresh. But, uh, you know, just got a, you know, take care of my body and we want to be feeling good in December in January. That's right, I know there's always been a good moment for me. I'm just going to get back behind you. Oh, it definitely felt great. You know, it's going to touch down.

2:09:55Had a bunch of emotions. It kind of had to lay there and soak it all in, but you know, it's glad to be back. Did you have to feel the guys in front of you? Did you feel my hair in the gears? Like, you were supposed to help in front of you. How did you feel like everything? Very time in front. And for us that have two working Saturdays. I think those guys, you know, played their tell off. They competed. I think we had a great plan and we went out and executed it. When you were sitting on a bench in between plays, would you think about Mike's original events and the way they put on the time? Oh, wow. I mean, I think it was late in the second quarter. And I think I had like 30 yards, past 30 yards, rushing out. Like, many boys are out there playing. But I mean, went against that defense off season. Know how difficult it is to play them to prepare for them. But, you know, they stepped up and answered a call. And we have the best receiver unit in the nation. So we kind of were kind of jack of all trades. You've been moved around the offense and passed on different things. Motion's different. It's different.

2:10:56We've created ways to get open. Has that increased any knowledge of hell in here? Or is it kind of the same as the benefit of this? Probably stay away from talking about scheme stuff. So, yeah. What was it that Jeremiah did that you think enabled you to be in? Iron Buckeye. Yeah. Just coming in every single day and competing. That's really what we're challenged to do. As as Buckeyes, when we walk into the way we were going to coach, make your supposed to be there and show out and show out every single day. And you're not allowed to have a step back and not let it happen off day. He took care of all his, you know, the non-negotiables of this program. He was never late. He made his way every single day. He gave his 100% effort. And at the end of the day, he was just winning a lot of competitions and just grinding. So, yeah. I'm going to go, should I do a lot of extra training a lot about training. Hmm. Training didn't get a chance to do a lot this spring. Hmm. What stood out to you, even when he wasn't on the field, this spring that, that making things like, he can be a legitimate impact player for your own. Well, yeah, first and foremost, he got voted on by his peers to the leadership committee on our team,

2:11:59which is a group of about, you know, 16 to 20 of our guys who the team looks to as leaders. So obviously, you can see how people think of him on this team. They think highly of him. And he comes in every day as a very fiery competitive nature. And, you know, he puts in really hard work and days in and days out. So, even though he hasn't seen the field too much yet, we have no concern that when he does step onto the field, he's going to make a great impact. He's only been here here. Yeah. I heard last summer about him, like, he's gonna be darn as never specifies, he can be on the leadership, maybe I have to check it for 3365 days, like that. Yeah, just his ability to be able to, you know, talk a good game, but also back it up. Not in a sense of playing football, but more in a sense of, we're going to be the hardest working team on the field. We're going to go in day in, day out. I'm going to beat you even when I don't feel healthy, even when I don't feel good, all that type of stuff. It's all an mentality. I'm not going to, from far away, it looks like violent matches. I'm kind of lose a little bit of like young bear. Right.

2:12:59You were here with Dick. Like, do you see that in him? Like, I'm not trying to compare it to him. Like the pretend it was all fake. Do you see that a little bit in the way that he can shift around? Yeah, he definitely is very fluid about the way he moves and we see it in his, you know, his routes and his releases. So, you know, when all the White receivers are, you know, in the film room and, you know, he's getting crafty, he's doing all this body movement stuff. It's like, okay, we could see he got a little sun to him. So, it's just about bringing him along, you know, he wasn't, you know, he just got here. It's the first year here kind of built on a long, there's steps you got to take, but he's definitely training in the right direction. And I think a lot of teams get talent for whatever reason you guys seem to develop, develop the receivers better than anyone. What goes on out there that somehow helps the Iowa State keep replacing guys in Atlanta? We play Denzel, Davidson, Ibnelson, Germain Matthews, Jordan Hancock, Layton Ransom, Caleb Downs, that's really what it is. It's a, it's a BIA getting this better every single day. So, tremendous credit to the defense and the, the ability to be able to develop corners like that. It's just good on good every single day. That's, that's the way you get better.

2:14:00So, I'm like, what's the call doesn't get open? I mean, we definitely have a strong second there, I would say this year. But, you know, it's just, it's just, it's not just their talent that makes them special. It's their, it's their ability to go hard every single day. They show up every single day with a competitive nature. And, you know, we're going back and forth on the field every single day. They'll be bigger and spin at each other a little bit. But, it's all love at the end of the day. We appreciate them for getting this better. Let's question the method you do a lot of things. This is all that's ahead of you. We're in and seeing what you guys do so much. Whether it's moving around, whether it's just being to anything. You see kind of that same worst-how build in Brandon's, that's kind of something you do. Absolutely, Brandon, you know, he came up, played running back for a lot of his life, played a little quarterback here and there, you know, now he's received very, he can do a lot of different things. So, we just try to put him in a position where he can be the most successful in the position that makes him the most successful, it's just the ball on his hand. So, we try to do that for him.

2:15:01And a bunch of other guys in the program who thrive with that. All right, Michael. Well, I think it's good. We talk a lot, we communicate a lot, pretty snap. I think it's good with everybody, saying we're paying you a lot of those guys. When you look at what you learned, you have totally lost here. How much do you take that, trying to use it? How much do you also have to use our dollars? Oh. Man, I try to prepare like him. I like that from, you know, he prepared when he prepared he's intentional. So, that's definitely something I try to do like him better. Like you said, I'm, I'm leaving. So, but when it comes to preparing and being intentional with studying and how I prepare for practice, I'm definitely taking that to him. Anything from the leadership scheme? No, Cody Lee. Cody, different type of person in the media. Those are my guys. Big sheets of film. Then when you go to know something, you know, I don't know something. You would say, where's that come from? Just being honest, like, you can't be more than those guys. What happens to you? You try to lie and you get in the film, you get this obviously, obviously lying here.

2:16:05So, it's the other thing. Now, how much, how much, what is it that you don't know something about? I can't believe the last time that happened. So, that's a good thing. Those big sheets of film and Cody know from a leadership standpoint. What is he taking out the door with it? You know, maybe our mail? Somebody's got a fill in next slot. Yes, sir. I think it's definitely some big sheet of film. Cody was a great player, great leader. He's like, with a quarter back there, a big fan, so. It's definitely some big sheet of film. Yeah. And like, Cody's like, I said, you got to beat me or not. Yeah, that got a lot of right. Yeah, that got a lot of right. It can't just be him, but definitely that's for season two. When did you feel like you blossomed last year, where they could truly count on you and stuff? I mean, you remember how it kind of came along? I think it started in like fall camp, just flashed in the end. I had to like the first day, was wearing a wrong side on this hallline. I don't know what it was like when I got the first of the first. Oh, it's been great.

2:17:06I like it. I like it's personality. I like them all feel nice and poor. Yeah, and the life effort. What kind of is there in being different as responsibility is or in this system, or is it going to be in its own way? Is it kind of the same thing? Oh, we just, we just learn it right now. We just work it out. We just work it right now. We just learn it. What do you think about Suzie Hicks and what he can do in this defense? I think Suzie Hicks said what he can do in his defense? Or just what he can do in this season, you know? We can do this season. I think Suzie Hicks will pop up this season for sure. I think this definitely going to be one of his years for sure. Got to. We think it's the biggest difference between the French and the North Georgia and the North Georgia. To me, it's no different. They both coach you and they both like they hard on you, but they want you to be great. So I'm thinking of a different story. You're talking about how you're looking at what you guys would do

2:18:06and fitting in season. Do you think jitters you want? So are you trying to plug and touch you guys in season? Oh. No, I don't think so. What's the result for most of you? You know about the sun? You don't want to walk in the sun? It's just the mayor of something. I don't think so. I think Sunnie a great leader. First before anything. Sunnie a great leader. I feel like he liked the voice. He could be thinking of Sunnie. You just can't worry about for the whole team. I understand. So Sunnie definitely a great leader before anything. You're not sure about Sunnie or not. You're not sure. Why bad person? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. How does that show itself? Is he there? Obviously, locally. You're not. And you're in the fourth. What is? There's something that suits you. You need to back down. You talk about homing field or when it's leadership. Like I said, he's just a great leader. Like you're a vocal guy. And like you said, it shows up on the field too. And he's hard to follow up to a guy who says something don't own.

2:19:08And they're not on their stuff. So, it's only one of those guys who he's on his stuff. So when he leaves, everybody listen. It's obviously been long string of linebacker success of Ohio State. You've been a long string of linebacker success. I don't know how to say it. Now you look at, you know, about like sunny taking that next step this year. I'm motivated. Are you going to be part of that linear to be one of the great linebackers to play at Ohio State? Oh, I'm ready for it. I mean, that's what I'm here for. It's telling you to alleviate any concerns that you may have about the potential of having to deal with those same problems those former success are currently giving. Yeah, that's a great question. A lot of the information and a lot of things before, like during the time of those older players are a lot different than the knowledge and information that we have now. And I mean, we're able to treat concussions. And also a back thing is like if you got a concussion, they were sending you right back into the game. So now it's a lot different. We got a protocol and it gives your brain time to heal and everything.

2:20:08So I think things are setting plays now where it's a lot better than before and that time where we're making problems later on. So that's why I'm not really too concerned about it. Can you recommend it to you? Say it again. Can you recommend it by the trainer or Michael's dad? Oh, no, I just wanted to get into a new helmet. I mean, people have a refer to it. They also, during our team meeting, has said how there's a number of helmets are better than other helmets right now. So I just wanted to check those out and see what they are. Is this concussion any more severe than the others you had? No, and that's one of the other things. I'm not going to give a whole seminar on concussions over here. But no, it's not necessary more severe. Each concussion, just what I learned, each concussion is its own specific concussion. And you gotta give that time to heal and then once that's healed and ready to go, once you get back out here, you're good. So it's not like concussions are building on top of each other. Like if you give it time to heal, but I think before what guys were getting trouble with the long time ago, it was like they get a concussion, not fully healed and they go right back out there and playing.

2:21:09So captaincy aside, or maybe part of it, can you just reflect on how you've grown since showing up here in fairly 21 and did a player of personal armament? Yeah, I've been here for a little while now. I've been enjoying every second of it. I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead these guys as best as I can. And I definitely feel that I've grown vocally and just trying to help build the team up and build myself up. So I'm just trying to do anything I can to help this team. How about in a concussion situation like this? You're so close to your mom and your brother. Did you have to sort of involve the family's decision on that go? Yeah, definitely. They came down with me. So when I was, I had, like when the team was here doing meetings, I was driving up to a Pittsburgh meeting with the concussion specialist and everything. And they were with me and just easing their mind. That's the biggest thing. easing their mind. They're all, they're worried and everything, but they'll be okay. We saw the play with a large amount of energy growing. Say it again. We saw the play at practice. Yeah. Did you think you'd be out for two weeks after that?

2:22:10I mean, I was good. It was that day that I was kind of had a headache and everything. But I was pretty much good after that. But it was just about going through the protocol. I mean, there was no rush back. We weren't playing regular season games. So I mean, I was just really good in the time of the year. It wasn't any rush. You both are already in cap and still had a helmet to helmet. From your perspective, it has to be an expert. Are those doing what they're intended to do? You know, you have to take, wear it when he got to her. You know what I'm saying? Like, guys are still getting concussions and getting her wearing. Yeah, it's definitely still a physical sport. So I mean, concussion happened regardless. I know if you were in a guardian cap or not. I think it could be looked at too. I know and just talked about it on the guardian cap. I don't think in the back that is much padding is I would like. But I feel it could be looked at. But I think you get a concussion whether you're wearing a guardian cap or not. So I mean, stuff happens.

2:23:10This is a physical game. Sorry. Would you just clarify this? You said you're going to get any helmet. Also, wear the guardian cap during the game? No. I'm not going to. You feel good about this game helmet that you've been playing with. Yeah. Was it a game in the brand of helmet? Like any details you have? Oh, I'm not sure the brand of name yet. I have to get it from those guys inside. But you guys would definitely be seeing this in the. And how do you feel about not playing in a preseason game? You have to say you're career where it's going to be. I want to say it's not a big deal, but I don't feel any pressure. Any like, oh, I just needed to play in a preseason game. I feel that's a great opportunity for the younger guys to get out there and showcase what they're able to do. But I still been practicing and playing and working out and getting ready for the season. So, I mean, I know the game. I'm looking forward to that first game. And I'm not really concerned about not being able to get a snap of the preseason game. I think of how MJ did feel in the preseason game. You particularly during the joint practice against Jefferson? Yeah. MJ is the number one corner. I mean, you guys see it.

2:24:10He's going to be big for this year. And I think that's what's special about this team. We got three number one corners myself. MJ and Greg. I thought we all number ones. And we able to do different things out there on the field. And one guy is out. Another guy can step in and not lose track or not lose pace on what we got going on. How do you mean MJ and grow as a leader in the early of the year? And he's trying to take it on this world as a guy that's bringing energy and also trying to bring it on. Yeah, definitely. Like you said, bring it in. That's exactly bringing energy, bringing guys along. MJ is real vocal out there. And he competes as he's in competitor out there and just working hard. And trying to be the best. He got the mindset of wanting to be the best. And he is. So we just go out there and compete with one another. We're happy to see CD Lam get his contract signed and be ready to go out there. Hopefully this games can face the better. No, I'm definitely happy for him. That's like changing contract and everything for him and his family. So definitely happy for him. I'm looking forward to going to having that match up in the game. I always love going against the number one guys and best guys on that team.

2:25:11So I'll be looking forward to it. It tends to look up more to history, because concussions that we're talking about. I think when you suffer the latest one, people who cover the team and then fans are wondering how loud a discussion on, you know, could you contemplate retiring? Did that ever go through your mind or do you immediately know that you're going to come back? Yeah, like I said, this is a game I love, man. I love playing this game. Being with the guys out here, I really don't see myself doing too much other stuff. So unless I'm just really physically unable to play this game, I don't see myself stepping away from football no time soon. So like I said before, I can't take it easy on these receivers out here. So me being out here, I got to give them a good look and just go out there and play. But I answered your question now. I haven't seen myself walking away though. Are you actually out of protocol now? Yes. Hey, it's a great, cold miles hard in the steel drafts. What are you seeing?

2:26:11Say it again. It's a great, cold, miles hard in the steel drafts. What have you seen from any other camp? And what kind of excites you about him? Yeah, Miles, he's been balling. He's been showing out, making plays against the Vikings. And just making plays out here. So it was big for him to make the team. I was happy for him. We all congratulated him. And he's going to be a big piece on our team, coming going forward. Didn't some of them know that you mentioned making the receivers better? How have you made Jamari talk about how you've helped him as a rookie? What have you seen out of him in his development? Yeah, he's been looking good since he came in. I think he's been getting better and better. He's night and day from once he came in. So where he's at now, I believe. I think that's just his competitive nature and what he's been doing out there in practice. And us going against one another out there. So he's been good and he's going to be a big piece as well. That's our offense. What sort of tips do you give receivers? How can you help the receivers? Yeah, I mean, it's a constant communication. If I were to win on a red, they may come and ask me what it is that you've seen on that play, that you're able to get in position.

2:27:11And I'll tell them that. I may ask them a question. So it's just that constant communication on how we could get each other better. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you. Glad to be back. Glad to be back. I just... I don't get it. If you keep that in the back of your head. We want to get Jeremiah and Carnell and Brandon and a Mecha. Yeah, it's death of my mind so late in practice all day. I want those boys to give me everything that they have so I go up. Up, up, up in the inside of dance. It's going to be easy for me and how they prepare. What have you seen the grocery-be casos in the corners? Obviously we saw that it's not a Jeremiah last year. They're your mates, are you? But Calvin and some of the errands and the others, how have you seen them come along? Um, and Scott has gotten completely better from his brain. Like completely better. Is that just time in the program?

2:28:11I'm just getting used to the speed of college support, I would say. What about Calvin? He was obviously here last year. He was? Um, Calvin has gotten a lot better. Like, I would say that he's gotten a lot smarter. And then he also write GB. Go ahead. I think he's there about Calvin's intelligence, you know, where he's grown. Where specifically is it? The film room? Is it kind of picking up, you know, the playbook? Where have you seen that brain up? A grab? I would say Calvin has gotten smarter just like his game knowledge, like expecting like a different kind of routes and stuff like that. What did everything start to click for him? So last year was it in the softsies? When did you feel really comfortable with this game? I would say it in the spring, I started to get a lot more comfortable in our defense. We said you break up the past yesterday with the share of my name, though, sorry for your ask, but just earlier. But what is like going up against him? Do you? Seems like you enjoy it. Yeah, I love it. He's tough. I like going against him a lot. He's really good. What have you improved in your game just from that, for example, those those one-on-one matchups?

2:29:14This preseason or whatever. You know how I badly who disgave it? So Jim, he forces me to play the back of the game. If you don't play the ball against him, he'll go get it. Yeah, yeah. And you, Dave, send it. How would you describe this defense now compared to this time a year ago from this standpoint of a confidence factor? You don't mean that you guys feel on the field? How would you describe it? It's different about it, I guess. I feel like everybody is a lot more smart than this area. Everybody's like... I would just say I would go just just just just smarter. When you look up and late and ran some decided to come back and Caleb down, transfer it in. What did you feel about that? Did it just grow stronger in that one week span, two weeks span? You're still on up saying? I feel like those guys have played at that level. The level those guys have played at? Yeah, I would say that. What down is coming in, what they say he was coming back, ZZZ, he was coming back, it's still like moving after the Red and Lady.

2:30:19Thanks, man. I'm going to make a play. So you had a side with you and Juan on those touch-hands? Side again. It was to the side where you and Juan were on those one ball on those touch-hands. So was there something different you were trying or something that made that communication a problem? All the second thing you guys were was it something they were doing? No, it was just... I don't even know, it was just a long time. I got to go back and watch a film and just communicate. I said it just got to be better and just can't head out there on game day. Playing guys were on free. So was there anything unexpected? You guys have seen her over a couple of times even. Like a new offensive system. So were there any surprises? There wasn't really no surprises. They're a good team. A lot of stuff that hurt us was self-inflicted. I feel like we just got to be better on our end and then clean up our side to be better. So they're great offense, great team. But once we clean our own stuff up, I think it would be good.

2:31:21How would keep you pushing in the second half of the outside of game and the two in seventh start? Keep you going. I love playing this game of football. So just coming out here with my guys every day. I'm really coming to work with them and playing with them every day. Just trying to find ways to get a win each and every week. So that's the main goal. Trying to find a way to get a win. And just enjoying playing a game of football. You worried all about wasting your time? No, I don't consider wasting a year in my prime. I'm trying to get the best I can for this team and the city. And whatever happens happens. That's the biggest thing. But I don't know if it's been wasted. Just to be clear, what you were diagnosed for the concussion from the last game? I was in the protocol, but I feel great. And I'm out the protocol. But I'm good. Please make that nothing you do with mistakes out there today. Say it again. I'm happy to do it with the concussions.

2:32:23I just got to be better on my end and make sure we all in the same call. And we're all we're supposed to be. So that's on me. Then what does the previous communications use? Is it more so like getting up? I'm moving out to the last of you guys or just more about the next two years? Oh, yeah. I mean, all that stuff plays a factor. We got to get the call from the green dot and just spread the call around and just make sure we all in the same page. And execute all our assignment. So you guys are better in defense. This isn't new to you guys. Just help frustrating you. Is it to have these communication breakdowns that ultimately end up causing you guys in a pretty big one? Yeah, it is frustrating. Because we better than that. I mean, this is probably one of the first times that we even have blown coverage is really all year. But we know we could get a fix and we know we could be a better defense and better team out there. And we definitely go work to get a fix though. So we're talking about Russian coverage. And for a lot of the first half, it seemed like it was either a sack or they were completing a chunk in the past play.

2:33:27Does that add to the frustration you are getting that sack production from your front that's happening in the back end? Yeah, like I said, we got to clean it up. And we all get to figure it out. And all the thing end up can be better and work together. The Russian Carcassie work. You feel like it's almost like a wasting performance by the past Russia's files with three sacks, six sacks in the first half. Is that kind of sourness? Yeah, it's sour coming because the main goal is to get the win. Get the win in the game. But definitely he had a great personal performance. But it's definitely a sour feeling when I'm not able to pull the win out of that thing. And I know when we talk to you after the last concussion you had in August at the end of the season. I'm worried about you just because of the number and you didn't seem to have any added concern. So I guess after this week or do you still feel that way and everything like you're helmet and your future and all that? Yeah, I feel great. I feel great. I'm glad to be a part of this team. And just don't want to do what I can to hope it's a good win. That's the main goal.

2:34:27So I was not if you were asked this before. But what's your mindset, you know, obviously two and seven, so not really want to be. You have a by me. You're coming off a loss. Where's that mindset going into this week and what's supposed to be? Yes, definitely. So going into the by week, get some rest and get away for a little bit. But just to come back, refocus and try to help flip this season around and get a win. Come next game. There's been a lot of stuff at the trade deadline coming up on Tuesday. Some of it centered around your team. Are you just going to what he means to you guys as a teammate here? As a derriest is an amazing teammate for our team and captain on this team. A leader on this team and a playmaker out there on the field. Love happens to derriest on the field with me. That was one of my favorite additions to the team when he came on. So I say he's a great player and a great guy in the locker room. And I definitely appreciate the derriest. The player he is and the guy he is. Thanks for having me. Thank you. Thank you.

2:35:27I hope the team win. You feel that way? That's what happens to the league? Yeah, I definitely feel that way. We could have made some adjustments last week. Filly had a great game plan. They had a great front seven. Stopped to run. So that's just a bump in the road. We're going to get better. I'm glad it happened early in the year. And so we could bounce back from it. So it's only going to make us better. Does anyone that helped you with that mindset? Did you go to anyone for advice about? I was looking on film. I just say when it looked weak in a running game. Or when I come out and we run the ball. I just felt like I was kind of weak on myself. So just trying to take it took a step forward. And I got to try to get stronger to be able to make those blocks first of all. And do the dirty work. Is that something you really tried to do regardless? I know the system prioritizes it. But if it was a different system that wasn't really caught on it. Was that something that was just a period of like I got to do this better?

2:36:27Yeah, sure. I was one of my biggest weaknesses that I had to improve on. Like I said, I just want to live a week in a blocking game. I had to run in bags and quarter bags and lie in my account on me. So that's something I definitely wanted to improve. I mean, you kind of... You can go out of your own. So you're just talking about how when you got drafted, I'm first runner, I want the ball, things like that. And you would said last year, you know, that was kind of hard for you in that Tampa game when you didn't get the ball. But you see him kind of like at peace with where you're at now. Like is that all part of that, you know, growth mindset of it's not always going to be me? Yeah, but I'm still... Yeah, it's a team sport. I kind of got caught in trying to catch area pass last year. Trying to be the number one receiver. But like I said, it was just a growing, I was young. It just allowed me to grow with experience. And it's not always going to come my way, but as long as I'm winning, I'm doing my job.

2:37:29That's the only thing I can control. So just trying to control the controlables and layer everything right up from there. Considering the rivalry with Atlanta and how last year ended, do you feel like there's going to be any carryover from how last year ended this week? They always play as good. It's always a good game when we play against them. And I know it's going to come down to the wire. A big player or a great player show up in big time games. So we had to have our best player show up and play at that best. And it's going to be a great game. Oh yeah, now I feel fire. I said I just ran 10-50s. I'm getting back in shape. I'm getting in the way where I'm about to get strong again. So yeah, I'm be ready. What potential do you see with this defensive line? Yeah, I mean, you definitely stacked. I see a lot of great things. You know, we work together. I think Sky is a number. What conversations have you had with some of the veterans like Cam or any other people on the D-line? Yeah, just going to Cam just ask about certain things, chance with how he sees offences.

2:38:33Just the whole time he's been leading in terms of formations and how he picks up on little precionable reads, things like that. I think Mickey said, you dove into the deep end of the pool. How much important is it to be this invested with his team and how much are you enjoying that investment? Yeah, and I was really cool. I love it here. The only thing I had to get used to is that he, but it's real cool. Great teammates. Everybody welcomed me with Open Arms. So it was a great experience. He's going to get worked. Cam, day one is out. I'm just focusing on the day. Are you running it? Yep. Marshall and his other Ohio State guy just having him back in the building. Oh, yeah. Big bro. You know, it's definitely excited to play with him. We always chat it, obviously, on different things, but I'm definitely excited to play with him. That's, you know, that's going to be big for me.

2:39:34Was that one of the guys who was making a decision that you kind of talked to about what this locker room is like? Yeah. Marshall, Tyran. But yeah, I mean, there was a lot of great guys. You look at that, you know, on paper. I feel like definitely one of the most talented defenses in the league for sure. Now it's all about just putting it together and, you know, coming together as a team. I gotta get a shake. That's how I'm, the run was good, but I'm so disappointed that I wasn't in the shape. And I didn't finish that. Two runs. I should have finished. How can you do that during the season? In practice, I can run more gasses, run more sprints, and we'll be ready to go. What did you think on the 61 yard or when you were breaking free? You turned around and you saw them coming? Well, no. The first 40 yard. I was like, oh, yeah, bye-bye. I was going from them and then after that, I was like, oh, shit, I got heavy.

2:40:34So I was like, all right, let me just cover the ball. I got time for it. I think you're the great guy. I think you're the great Justin. You're the great ones. You're the games of your ones. What's that different from mine? I got Justin's back. I caught him back especially. Right? I caught him back as great. He can't be Superman. You know, that's what the team is for. And that's what they brought me here for. To have his back. Next week, I bet you feel about it. We kept hearing this is going to be Jim. I was going to run the ball. I was going to run the ball. You could just really have it more especially in the second half. Because you feel nervous stopping the offensive game and not even know what's going to work in the first half? Yes. I always took with it. I always believe in. I always fight. I knew we were going to crack some. You know, hard. I knew we were going to crack some runs. I mean, you were offensive. I was going to fight. I want to fight with them. I'm going to have their backs. And you saw that. Jake, hey, after everything. How did that feel? After everything? How did that feel? I mean, I felt like I was the first team in her game with the Chargers. Hey, let's turn around. Look, look, look. Get him, okay, look. Get him, okay, look. But let's look at my.

2:41:35It's time to eat. You're eating right now. You're eating right now. You're eating right now. You're eating right now. Man, it felt good though. It felt really good. But now I'm going to be ready for next week. You know, the type of guy who will have a good game. Go back to the draw board and let's get better. I'm really trying to talk to him about this, you know, just recently. Talking about how what I want to do for the homeless, I want to bring that home energy that he brought. Right? So last year, of course, I'm sure he's been doing for years, but the year I spent my own, he brought a lot of energy, excitement, happiness in the room, which is his natural energy, to where I always had to focus on me. You know, I didn't have to make sure other guys were, you know, feel some type of way when they came in here because hump brought that. You know, the hump's not here, but I saw when he did for the room, I want to be that guy who makes sure I was an amptical practice.

2:42:36Everybody's, I'm taking a field team one period, you know, until the low day, or something, you know, it's a different, but like, I want to make it feel like home's home. You know, you have parents to trip. I want to bring that because that's what me and hump did to each other. We would have each other do something like that too. But we would walk, we're lit. So I want to do that. I want to bring that energy, I want to make bring more guys. You know, to do that. I want to do that from day one, you know. I kind of, I want to do that from day one. Talking to him, and obviously it's that time I spent the off season before OTA started. Just being in my self-just thinking about what the room needs. You know, because I know I, renewal as one of leaders, you know, on my offense, is that we need a guy like that, just going to make sure the O-line is picked up. We're ready to go every day, those healthy, kind of little things don't happen to practice and people aren't saying anything, and how I believe maybe different than somebody else may believe.

2:43:40And not like that, and practice at least like the legal positivity, you know what I mean. So, but he, the energy, would be on just all hype of the beyonds, like to, so that's kind of how I want to be. Go on my, really my whole life, I want to get out of the NFL team captain, like specifically. And I felt I wasn't a captain in high school, wasn't a captain in college. But I want to make a joke, I want to be in high school. I feel like I'm not going to be a captain, like he's that I felt. But that would be awesome, you know, but, you know, that happens, I'd be great. But not either way, I want to assume a role as a captain from the respect of the guys on the team. The visual world, and get back in that point. Yeah, I mean, I can't say that, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt it has felt like how we, you used to in the past, but it didn't take just the first LTAs, it took training, left and right,

2:44:44once this season ended because I didn't know what was going to be the champion. So, I took a lot of, you know, grips, just to get back to feeling like myself, what they want LTAs. And then I hope, first week, but now like today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet. I've been seeing them talking about the long coach, about some things I can do with my feet to get to that, to sell my traditional angle that I love to sit on. I thought I felt great already, but I felt even better out there. Sorry, I need more excites tomorrow now, I'm getting my feet back, how I like the right side, and on the left side. So, I'm excited. I mean, obviously I feel like, in the league, whether I left the right, you're still going in this. For me, a guy, obviously, you have high expectations for your left and right tackle. But definitely, like the level of energy and like the expectation is definitely taking the human side. Because now tonight, the blind side, that's the, that's the detackle world, you know.

2:45:49So, yeah, I would say in terms of communication as far as even outside of the facility, like that, I'm really crazy about that, but tackle quarterback, bond even more off the field, I think has been something that's even cool. I got a text one day, and I said, hey, thank you, well, I was like, you know, yeah, I've been training both. I've been training both, you know, I asked after the season there, like honestly, you know, we'll talk to you in a certain season, and I just got a text one, I don't know how this went with the free agency. And so, I was like, you know, what? I had an O-season right tackle. So, if I get the word, I'm going, I'm standing right tackle, I'll do what I did before. I'm build on that. But I was like, I might as well as train the left tackle now, as if we're going to be left tackle. And I'd rather do that than train on right tackle because I could go play the left tackle. I didn't switch my feet yet. You know what I mean? So, I'm like, let me just prepare an advance. I was like, yeah, let's go. I think occasionally, on third down, there would be a lot of twists, that would just not look like it's automatic or common.

2:46:54And I think that was my mindset for like the first half of the season. Like, I didn't have to go into the game with some pros like, oh my gosh, they did that. I kind of figured, okay, like this is the type of rush. And again, this is how this guy usually rushes. If I get the vibe, this type of ends like the rush, you know, tackles that, you know, first year guys. You got to crum your patch on already, you know, what it was going to be. You know, we'll be every stunt. And honestly, just knowing that's kind of an advantage to, so you're not, you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twists on my side again. It was never air-dombed. But they come up on my side, three plays in a row. And two minutes, I knew that it wasn't going to happen. So, you know what I mean? I'm watching more everybody else, and you really, you know, it goes out there occasionally, on third down, I was like, you know, I was like, are you going to take me? You know what I mean? So, thick, thick, it's kind of, it's also kind of an advantage in a way. But it's also exciting, like, okay, I'm going to get the hardest to look. You know, those are real, real reps, you know, the things.

2:47:57Really, I went in kind of process. And I was like, hey, when I tell me, let me know, but I'm just going to train it. I was training all the way up. So, I guess if I didn't have anything about the days, I would have came in like, so, you know what I mean? Because just like, I'm cool with training both, I would have been cool with training both continually. But I feel like anybody, any position will feel like, okay, like, you want as soon as possible to give your feet kind of subtle to it. Your hips, subtle to it. Your hands, subtle to it. A certain kind of that. Would it have been harder to be a normal ball, very healthy, you know? No, you know. But they're definitely, but in terms of the development, they're definitely a lot faster, they're staying on one side. But I think having that week that we had the transition with the seasons over, I'm delighted it was fun. You know, it would have been good trying to get up to put up my heart and I think week things at a time right now.

2:48:59When it comes back, I'm going to show them the one house. I've got a house that's not too far from, so I told them I got that house, like I could yell outside. DJ! You know what I mean? So, yeah. I think it's a challenge that I'm looking forward to attacking. You know, can't be shy about what's been done in the past, but look forward to the future and then attacking that. You know, I think we got a good team. You know, we could sit over here and talk about playoffs, but to get to the playoffs, you got to dominate during the regular season. And, you know, we're not looking over that. You know, it's not playing for me or any of that. We got to play as a team and I just look forward to putting my hand in the pile. It's really stressful how you want to train one home. After all this is settled now, what does it mean to you that you don't have the opportunity? That's all I could ask for. You know, the chance to be a one-home guy.

2:50:01You know, that's not set in stone. I got to play like it. But that's the way I've always viewed it. When I first got here, you know, getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, I couldn't think about playing for another team. And, you know, that's always going to go on mine. You know, I told my mom in the car when I was on my way down here to sign. You know, she just, you know, she was talking about how rare it is. You know, I think it's me and Cam Jordan left that are able to say that. But, you know, I think it's really special to, you know, try to, you know, live that legacy in one place. Cam, that note, did you hear from any of those Steelers' mentors that you mentioned earlier? I heard from Keys. Like, Keys is my guy. You know, Keys is always the first one to text me. You know, I'm always the first one to text him. But, I heard from a lot of guys. You know, and I always, I've always felt the love from them. Even before, like, there was an ounce. When I would see them, they were just like, Cam.

2:51:02Just keep doing what you're doing. You know, we appreciate what you're doing. You know, I hear that from them. That's just love. Like, I do whatever I could help those guys. How much do you embrace being that bridge from that arrow of Steelers' performance to you? You get lost, the hours, nights, the unthinkable things that went on down the line? You know, I think I've gotten to see the cycle and seeing, you know, I am the bridge in that accord. But, I mean, I just, I want to conquer that mountain that, that first part got to do. And, you know, I've told them about things that have happened in the past. Talked about what we've done and what I've, like, I've experienced. But, you know, when I was young, it was just about being a sponge. And, you know, just learning from those guys. It wasn't me saying it, it was just me shutting up after the time. So, you know, I'm in a different position now, but you can't do it alone. Game of Music creates a film out process.

2:52:02This is a pretty rare case for you, God. The coordinator of an NFL team, the game won after the head coach, the play caller, the U-4 on the same seat. Do you use that at all or is there, like, a troche or a settlement there where you might be thinking you're seeing something that you're actually seeing something different? I don't know what it is. I feel like my anxiety is so high every year in the first game. I think we always play somebody new that's got something new going on. I don't know why there's just me over thinking it. But, I think you just got to rely on your technique. You can overthink a lot of things and it can get you in the treble. But, relying on your technique, you know, play assignment good football, I think that allows you to play better. It allows you not think as much because then you're not just waiting for someone to dictate terms, you're dictating the terms. So, that's all I'm really worried about, you know, I understand there's nuances going on in new players, but, you got to play still a brand football. When you met with us the other day, did you think this would get better this time?

2:53:04It moved pretty fast. It was a mixed of a lot. I didn't want to get my hopes up too much. I wanted to just stay locked in. Because, you never know, it could go sideways very quick. I wanted to just see the process through. And, you know, you could call it a poker face or what, but, you know, I think it wasn't time to really gauge where this thing could go. Can't what do you think might be different for this time? I just think we've got a good balance. And, you know, we talk about defences being on a sideline. That's a good thing. And I think our offense can sustain that. I think we're healthy this year. And hopefully we stay that way. And then we have a component in the special teams. You know, you look at Miles Killabru, you look at Boswell. And then you have a guy like Cordero Patterson. I think that group of guys allows us to just, it's a complete team.

2:54:06You know, I know you guys might think differently, but in my eyes, I think we have a good shot, you know, competing every game. And yeah, we had to have those a team to be able to talk to each other and communicate how everybody was feeling, why everybody thought the issues worked. But at that day, we're a team and everybody here stands with each other and we've got to go play. Can that bring the team closer in some ways, you can galvanize a brother who really needs more? Definitely. Just getting information out that you have to each other and being more open and honest about everything and how you feel. It's a serious way to express your feelings to somebody that you really care about. You really want the best work. Right by the paper for your 24-7 sports. The tempo, obviously, is a big conversation. Coach Nose was talking about some of the ways you guys are prepared for that. And kind of creating ways and practice coming to that. Someone who can't be in just a few ways for teams. How have you felt like that has worked and having played against this tempo before? How prepared do you guys feel?

2:55:07You can only be able to practice fast in terms of getting prepared for the game. Last year we did the same thing out of the demo everybody. They were on the back team for it. Between drills and between practice, between plays. We pretty much would have been doing the same thing here. Just trying to build up stamina and then being able to play a full game. Because they play 80 plays a game. So just being able to do that and do it at a high level is going to be a really big thing. You need to know quickly what's happening. I guess it's just as big as getting warmed up. Just getting one call and being able to get your cleats in the dirt is going to be really big. Just be able to play fast and play physical. And you have your eyes in the right place. If you have to get the call in the back, this way better than looking to a call late. Third row left. I hope that the Warriors came. There was talk that you were one of the guys who took my leadership role after that mission. You can name the team as you guys had. Is that true? And so what was your message to the team?

2:56:07I mean, I would say I was just the person that I was the whole season. I wouldn't say I did anything more than anything less than anything. I've done all season in terms of leadership. But yeah, I mean, everybody had to step up. You guys are like a mechek guys like JT, Jack. Everybody had to step up in terms of trying to get the team back on track. Where are we going to go? So that was really just the biggest thing for us just to try to move our focus to where we're going to be. Right, front of them. Steve, how do I get 24-7 sports? This season you've been recognized pretty widely for your play. Just in your mind, what you came to I State to accomplish. How did you expectations, I guess, beat up with how you feel you've played at this point in the past? I feel like I've made the plays that came to me. And that's where the Alcanec control had more opportunities as years progressed and been in the spot to be around the ball. But the expectation was to come in here and contribute to the team and try to find a way to push the team to win games at the odds level.

2:57:15And to be better than they were in Alcanec for me to play better than I was in Alcanec. So really just coming to try to grow with myself and with the team. So that was my big goal and I feel like I've done a good job and the team has done a good job progressing through the year and getting better. So yeah, that's all I can say about that. I'm here to the right. Can anyone in the room? Yeah, I can't stand here right now. Just feel like a different season. What does it feel like when you're going into the playoffs? You know, you don't get to go. You want necessarily the regular season, but here you are. Right? I mean, what is that sense that you have right now? That's different from the regular season. I mean, everybody wants to say it's a new season in terms of because it is. Everybody's 0 and 0 right now. When you keep going, if you lose, you're done. But genuinely, that's how you play every game. You know, they play every game. It's your last game. So for me, I don't think it's really any difference to be able to go play at high level every game that can't be based upon.

2:58:16So I would say in terms of that, no, you just have to play the game and play the game this year. What feels different about this defense right now going into this though, you'll feel even more. You know, got by tied, I mean, close together. What was that? I mean, what is your sense of the brotherhood, so to speak of the defense? I feel like we progressed throughout the season. We did make a change after game 6 because we lost and we didn't play well that game. And I feel like we've grown from that and got into a better place. And over these past two weeks, off just realizing, okay, these are the things that we messed up throughout the year. These are what we need to face. These are what this team is trying to exploit on us. So just really going back to everything and seeing what can do better for this kind of game and for the next coming years. Last couple of questions. Do you tell me you hurt me? How does the Tennessee's widespread receiver's impact you?

2:59:22I feel like it makes the game more, more, more, more game. I make sure receivers on your DB set the play a separate game than the guys up front. And it makes it truthfully like those guys have to do their job when these guys have to do your job. You got to be able to stop the run, but if you believe you have a run fit and you have to be able to stop the pass with the BFL you have out there. So that's what they do when they do it at a really low level. So it's going to be tough to go with. And final question. Going back to the game. The coach knows the time of the speed at which you guys are able to call in place. Is this built for 10-0 because of the power fast? Is it a play call and what kind of band is it that gives you the speed with the coach calling in? All right. It allows you to get your clean senator earlier just a ability to see the formation and see what keys that you have before the play and have knowledge of your job and not really thinking. Being able to play and not think during the game is a really big thing. So whenever you can get the call out faster and play at a high level and play without thought, that's a really good thing for you to think.

3:00:28Caleb, thank you very much. Appreciate you all. Thanks, Jeff. Thank you for making some plays here and there. Is there anything else you want to offer on there? Yeah. Season everybody's been there. Throughout training camp you and Aziz got very close. How good is to see him back on the field and how were you able to be there for him as he went through that three game suspension? Yeah, it's great to have him back. I'm really happy that he's back and I know he's very motivated to play. I'm excited for him. He's a form team and he's able to, in the season RWA going into the playoffs. Yeah, he's a leader and we need him around and nothing else that's going to help this team. I'm keeping some of the teams have already played the playoffs. Our resting players this week, but Domingo has said that all you guys are going to play. You think it's important for you guys to get out there and try to get back on track before the playoffs start this week?

3:01:28I can say that. Domingo has a plan first and we've got to trust his plan and go out there and play. It's a blessing to be able to go and play in this league whenever it is. We're excited to play to see and probably more even excited to play in the playoffs. But I do think that this can help us. You practice against him all year and you see the top corners. Domingo's in the junior, the pro bowl will come out this week and last year's alternate. Do you think of his chance to earn that distinction and what he's done to improve himself? He's probably the best athlete I've been around in my life. He's just boss skills, speed, strength, size. Somebody who I've seen just grow as a player. I'm just very happy for him. Especially just having this top of the year before, I think he can really negotiate.

3:02:28He's about to get a bag and I'm happy for him. He deserves it. That's not his motivation, which is just being a league at football. I think he's going to be great and his league for a long time. You got to experience January football last year. What is it about when the calendar turns in January and the national football league? It's a new season, it's a new excitement. It's all about winning that week. When you dumb it down, it's like I get to win four more games. That's it. Of course, it's not that easy, but you have to find a way to motivate yourself. It's motivation just being able to contain. I think it's good for us to realize, I know what's going on. I don't know exactly what's being said, but we put ourselves in this position. It's not a chance, it's not by luck. Other people is about us being a good football team.

3:03:28My team, I remember that, is like, people are going to talk. Simple in playing. We're the ones out there playing and we got into the playoffs by being a good football team and we're going to continue to be that. I'm excited, man. It's a new, you all know. Hopefully we get healthy going into there and be able to play whoever we play here. Really tough and healthy to win. Your teammates have always mentioned how competitive you are. You won everything. Your perfectionist is that nature. They both say in-game, you know how to not get too high and not get too close. How do you challenge that ultra competitiveness and keep it within that tube to want to compete but not get out of you know beside yourself? How do you go about balancing that competitive drive but not allowing it to make you play beyond out of your career? I just say just be myself. I've been kind of this way in my whole life. I mean, you have matured in a lot of ways in my life.

3:04:30Both on and off the field. But, yeah, I would say, just failures have helped me realize, you know, what is important to me. Trying things that I didn't like, doing things that I didn't like and then learning from it. On and off the field has helped me ultimately with just that, I guess, that calmness that I have now. Even in chaos, I guess. But, yeah, I guess it's just, you know, trying to err and that's why I don't, I try my best not to like, hardness or duck. Things that are difficult in life because ultimately the values teach you, you know, humility they teach you. Just, you know, teach you how to get up, you know, and the Bible says that the righteous man falls out seven times and he gets up and, you know, just like Peter, you know, I want to get up. So that's what I plan to do. And, yeah, and so that's all I feel like why I'm the way I'm just being able to learn from my failures. Take the off the field for a second is there a new year's resolution for CJ Stroud?

3:05:34I was as probably a lie. Man, I don't know. I really, I never really believed in these resolutions. I kind of started this a couple months ago. This journey I started to just, you know, really just locking back in with the Lord, you know, was, you know, kind of in the lukewarm season, you know, one foot in, one foot out. And, you know, the Lord has helped me to get out of that. And so that's really my 2025 goal is just be locked in with the Lord as much as possible and, you know, and fast and praying, you know, being part of getting discipled, getting part of a church here in Houston, which I've been able to do. So, yeah, just that's my 2025 goal is just, you know, getting closer with the Lord. All right. Thank you, guys. I'd say, the role of staff, how much is it grown that you can put your finger on?

3:06:35Yeah, I was growing immensely. I mean, Caleb, he makes a lot of checks. Latham makes a lot of checks. I listen to them. Whatever they need, if I need to cover somebody, I'll go cover anybody that they need me to do run support. I'll do run support. And it's really what Caleb does, what we do in Latham. It just goes back to Coach G's preparation and everyone's preparation to give us more flexibility. And it doesn't matter who's in those positions. And we can all play every position, whether it's covering somebody or running, running and tackling. Did you feel like that was the case before the Oregon game? You're sure I'm not saying that? Something's been added to just, you know, rely on a little bit more. Go ahead. Yeah, it did. I was probably going to brass again, Megan and more safety reps. And we had a five week to prepare. So I really learned to play, but a lot more, even though I knew the playbook, I learned a lot more. Mount like in debt, you know, so really just after the Oregon game, it helped me a lot to go back to safety. Go to Neku everywhere.

3:07:35You guys had a lot of issues of giving up big plays in the passing game of the first game against Oregon. What do you feel like you guys need to do better this time around to make sure that doesn't happen? Just the same same mindset. We got to challenge these receivers. You know, every dog has their day. Maybe some people didn't have their day that game, but we'll look out there and hopefully change the narrative. And we still play with the same confidence, same technique and, you know, Bill Rebinois, what is this batch? Denzel obviously had a tough game and that one. What have you seen from him and how he's responded? Do you get a sense of from him? How up do you is for this rematch? Yeah, he's super stoked for this rematch. His preparation has been very good. He's always been preparing, you know, it didn't go the way he wanted to go that game, but he just always had his confidence. And we're going to see a big game out of him this week. And, you know, I know you guys wanted to play them in anapolis, but the fact that you get to play them at the Rose Bowl,

3:08:41I mean, get a second chance and people have said you don't get that very often. How determined are you guys to take advantage of it? We're super, super determined. We watched film. I mean, we've watched a lot of film. The first time we played them, now we've got another six games that they played up film to watch. And it's just they've grown a lot as a team. Same as us. We've grown a lot. We're not the same team. We were when we played them week one or weeks, six or whatever. But now we're out there and going to play fast, physical and everything like that. All right, Jordan, we're going to jump to the to assume a question here from Joey Kaufman. What's the most this fact? Oh, my bad. Not to join. Can't we T Robinson? The athletic. Hey, Jordan, you've moved around a lot in the second day in your career and now kind of getting some many more safety reps. What is it like at this point when Walt or coach knows comes to you and asks you to do some else? And just how much can you lean on the experiences you've had moving around when you're trying to learn something new in the middle of the season?

3:09:43It means a lot. We always talk about when this is being on selfish. Whether that's making plays or not making plays or doing your job so another person can make plays. That's kind of what we pride ourselves on. And it's just fun. Me moving around different positions. I'm always up for a new challenge and a lot of people in the country can't do that. I just hold myself to that standard where I can play any position and excel at it. Okay, anybody else need to question? Let me know. But otherwise we're going to ask them more of the podcast. Jordan, when you were talking about watching film Oregon, which one do you think is more valuable to you watching that against yourself? Seven games ago, even if you've changed or the ensuing six games for Oregon, which one do you put more stock in? Kind of both. For me, I kind of watch what I did. Things I did well. Things I didn't do too well against them. And their team is that like their scheme has changed. Some players have been out those those stretch of games.

3:10:44So I really watched the past game we played and I know they're going to go back to some of the stuff that they liked, of course. And different games like Penn State, maybe Illinois, they run a lot of men. So just watching watching stuff like that every game matters. So yeah. Jordan, thank you very much. Thank you. J.J. this spring. Yeah, I think everyone played a lot longer than they ever have. So, you know, I think, you know, heading to this spring, it's just the tear down of the former foundation and the rebuild of the whole new team. I mean, you have to have that mindset, you have to have a mind, a day one mindset in order to progress. You can't rely on previously built culture or schematic understanding. There's no assumptions. You have to rebuild from scratch. We're in the process of that. We will treat day one like day one that includes Jeremiah Smith.

3:11:44And so great opportunity to, you know, evaluate and grow a new group of guys. I think in spring, I think our opinion is, you know, by fall, everything the team, the team, the team, it's what it's all about. But in order to add to a team, in order to add to a collective, you got to focus on the individual. The individual must improve so the collective can improve. And so building the base, I think, schematically and fundamentally culturally is what we're attacking as we head into spring. How much is Brandon looking forward to a different spring and different opportunity? I know it wasn't fun for him having to take a little bit of a backseat to have not yet. Where do you see him, the fire, the passion right now? He gets right to this one. Yeah, I think when you come out of a season, you get out of January and kind of take a breath. Then when you get back in the winter, it's the first opportunity to reestablish the new role that I want to have.

3:12:44I mean, across the board, there's not one guy that doesn't want to improve roles. So I think they're all attacking it that way. I think Brandon is one of them, but he's one of 50. And I think that it's our job to provide opportunities to grow, to separate themselves, to see peer-to-peer evals, to allow these guys to check a chase a role. At least through winter they've gotten that started, to continue that through spring. I think Brandon fits in line with that. I think Brandon did a great job looking back of finding his role last year and excelling at it. We know we talk a lot about if you want to be a starter, you have to be a starter before you start. And if you're not, they're never going to be the starter. So I think he embodied that. He gave himself an opportunity to get into the winter, continue who he is, continue to build his base, build his leadership. And then now he's got to get that in spring.

3:13:45So all the great things you do prior doesn't mean anything, if you don't have to go out there and do it in spring. So that's the harsh reality of this sport. What have you done lately? And I think all these guys are chewing at the bit to get back on the field. Brian, everybody brings their own experience. Ryan was a quarterback, you were a receiver. And then to become a play caller, I obviously have an understanding of the whole offense. But what was the process like for you up protections and the run game and quarterback play and just continuing to grow with your knowledge of that part of the game as you prepared for this position? Yeah, I mean, I think you're always growing. I think that you still have a specialty here. You still have an expertise in one area. It's seen you have an expertise in all of it. That's just not true. In my opinion, I've seen multiple coordinators and I know that as a fact. So, you know, for me, I think it's just you have an opportunity to be with the best staff in America every single day with the best coach in America.

3:14:49Just stay off your phone and pay attention and take notes and actually maximize your time. It's amazing the amount of people that don't do that. So every time in a meeting, I just try to make sure I'm getting a nugget or I'm getting information or when things are said, do I truly understand it? And I really, guys, will tell you I don't care. I'll ask the question. I think I'm I look dumb, but I don't care because I want to know the information. So I think that approach, I think a lot of guys have that approach. That approach allows you to just build over time and then that'll continue to build from now to game one and build through the season. So the opportunity to grow is literally daily. So I just try to make sure I'm finding those opportunities. I'm aware of those opportunities when they're writing my face. I make sure they want to do a role in the offensive meeting room. How important is that? Yeah, the coach Jordan's always been a huge part of other receiver room. I think that yeah, he's just understanding that my pull away is real that can happen.

3:15:52So he's going to be on his toes and being ready that we're ready to not skip a beat. So information wise, communication wise, he's got to be locked in on that and just time to assume that you know, Coach Harbs got it. He never really has. I expect him to continue to do that and you know, he's been a big part of everything we've done. Is that almost like taken from what Ryan did last year where he shipped away from play calling and handed that to somebody else? And she'd think away from being a quarterbacks coach. We're like, didn't have somebody to trust. How long did it take you maybe to develop that trust and that relationship with them and to where like, you know that, hey, if I pulled away for a second, like, Devon's got this. And I don't have to worry about like, what my room is. I think it's more important that I do a great job being organized. So I'm never pulled away. I will be in that receiver room and they will be coached at the very highest level. So I think there's ways to eliminate being pulled away by being organized on top of things, having the right work and working great help before that receiver meeting ever happened. Is that important for you? Is that what you've got to emphasize?

3:16:53Nothing is going to change in terms of your, I never, never. There's no, nothing's going to change in my involvement in the receiver room. Ryan, for my land to be going through a full spring, full oxygen for the first time, what do you look at everything? It's areas he can grow to push for playing time is here. Yeah, I mean, my land is, he's doing a great job. He's growing on exponential rates, getting stronger, getting bigger. He's got way added. You know, I would tell you like, you know, I always explain to him like, you don't realize how much you've missed when you come in June versus a mid-year. Like, it's massively different. Not saying you can't overcome it, some do. At the end of the season, you know, some have. But, you know, I think that's probably reliant on the room. You know, I have Chris had an opportunity to lay a lot of, you know, in the season to kind of make an impact. But it's very, very rare. So, and now, you know, he's going through the winter workout, his growth, his everything he's done. He's like, hey, Coach Harri, you know, I know what you're talking about now and when you miss that, that section of winter workouts. So, that being said, it makes you laugh.

3:17:53But he's doing a great job. I have expectations for him through through spring. And I don't see that changing. The only thing that's that the opposite is, the opposite is that the staff this year is younger than it's been last year's. I think it's a makeup book that you don't have somebody to say to yourself. What's the average? Like the average, like, 30 is the average age? Does that include support staff? No, it's just the primary. What's it been in the past? A couple minutes, bro. Two more minutes. Huh? No kidding. Yeah. We don't know yet. Kevin Wilson. I don't know. Daniel Aining's a head coach in Oregon. I was there. I was his average. I'm asking. I don't. I'm 38. Kenny Dylan Campbell's. It's 30. I don't know. I gave zero thought to that. Yeah. I think that, uh, you know, I think your ability to cap with players is important. I think you probably see a little bit of that happening in the NFL as well. Um, I really have given zero thought to that. I don't want to just ramble on that. Yeah, I just didn't know if it was the solid of the main.

3:18:54No thought to it. You were you versioned with Bryson. What's the next step for him? Because we've heard a mecha talk to him and I like you, Mr. consistency catching a lot of things. Like he's, he seems to generate a little bit of buzz, but has limited role. Like now he's got an opportunity. What's the next step for him to get that out of you? Take the next step and, uh, and be a, uh, be everything he's capable of being, right? I mean, I think the guys that, um, you know, we're out there are, uh, you know, very consistent in all job faces. You know, like, again, I think he wants to be a full rounded receiver. You know that. Um, I think he loves playing in the slot. The great job there. I asked him to come out to the outside a little bit. Did a good job out there. I think it's natural positions and is, is in the slot doing a great job there. But it's just another opportunity to establish himself based on his peers, right? I mean, it's kind of like the draft to try to explain sometimes these guys like you come to Ohio State to compete with the best. It'd be alongside the best. It's always pure to peer evils. Like that's how it works. Like the draft embodies that. Like if, if it's easier to go play somewhere else, then that's fine.

3:19:56That's what we're kind of looking for. I'm not saying that's Bryson. I'm just saying it's a very competitive room. And you chose that because of this room. Now you got to beat your peer to play more and do more and all that stuff. So, um, you know, I think that, um, it's got to continue to build where he's at. And the guys that seem to be, you know, starters in our room, you know, really, I think over the last eight years have been NFL quality guys. So if you're and it become a start of the Ohio State, it's a good chance. You're probably NFL caliber receiver. I mean, again, just go off the numbers. So, um, you're chasing that. Can't get discouraged or maybe not being, you know, not doing what you think you should have done. And that goes for everybody. It's not just Bryson, but all these guys are chasing that as I ramble about Bryson. But, um, you know, I think that it's not just him. It's at BI. It's car now with everybody once it's chasing a higher level of play. And this spring is another step forward to do that. What's your first impression of the freshman? I'm a transgender multiple play. How much in your estimation is that a gift?

3:20:58To be able to do it? How much of it is learned? Where do you stand on that? Oh, I haven't given a lot of thought to it. I've never, I've never called a play in a game. So for me to have an opinion, I think that'd be a little brash. I would say that, um, like anything, it's probably a skill that you can improve on. And do better at it. Do good. Do worse at. I think being surrounded with guys and seeing how they do it has been a blessing. And it's very clear. There's more than one way to do things. So, um, being, uh, being aware of that, um, I've noticed that. What's your impression of the three freshmen and how they maybe transition to your family? Yeah, all four freshmen. I'm like very, uh, encouraged, impressed with. They carry themselves the right way. Like we have hoped. They worked their tails off. They've all improved. I would say that, uh, um, they're the right mode, they're the right fit. They belong in the room. And, uh, now they have to just improve. Now they're competing both, you know, first individually between each other. And then, you know, as we get into spraying, they'll start competing against each other.

3:22:00Uh, what the rest of the guys want to mean by that. So, but as a group, the freshman group, uh, very impressed. And they're off to the right start. Great. Go, charlotte. Thank you very much. Start with Lincoln. You know, a guy that's going to his third year here. And I think really like what, when you've been in an offense for, for two years already. You're going to that third year. You've got a really good feel of the scheme. You've got a better feel of college defenses and, you know, where our schemes are susceptible. And what, where the issues lie and what we're trying to attack. Um, and so I think, you know, that's something that over time I, I can feel Lincoln getting a better and better feel for it. Um, you know, Lincoln has definitely stepped up from a leadership perspective. And you can see the way that, you know, he attacks workouts along. Um, you know, this winner is so big for all three of them. Just really just set the standard and, and to understand the intangibles that playing quarterback is all about. Right. Because there's so much more than just picking up a football and throwing it when it comes to this. So I've seen that growth from Lincoln and that's, that's really exciting. As for Julian, you know, last year going into the year, he, he was competing for a job and, you know, end up didn't not win in the job.

3:23:07You know, he could have turned it down and been bummed out and, you know, not attacked it the right way. But I saw him continue to grow throughout the year. So I'm going from well and, and to get to a point this year where, where now he can step up and be more of a vocal leader. And that's something I've seen growth of him as well. You know, he's put on some weight and he looks good and he's definitely attacked his time in the, you know, the winner. And so that's been awesome. And then Tavy and comes in and, you know, Tavy and Tavy is, you know, really should still be in high school. Instead, he's, you know, in my office all the time, I learned in the offense. And when he's not with me, he's with Coach make, and when he's not with Coach make, or I he's over there doing academics and sass off. So his days are pretty jam packed and it's definitely new for him. But his commitment to wanting to be great and wanting to be to the level where he can go out of the compete in the spring has been really impressive. So I'm excited for all three of us on the field. Does it feel like what's August 30th? Is it just around the corner years down when I'm saying you got to have a way to go.

3:24:07I think it's Texas. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I don't think so. I don't think so quite yet. You know, I think we have a unique situation where we've got three really talented kids. You know, they're all young. They all have a lot of room to grow. And I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth. But most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going through a year and they end up, you know, having a guy get hurt or something happens. So as far as, you know, having one guy, I guess not to go either. We want to develop the room. We want all three of them to continue to get better, to continue to develop and you know, big guys that we can count on throughout the season. Did you guys win a fourth? Scholarship guy. That's still in conversation. We'll kind of see how it goes. You know, obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have. But you know, the three that we're really confident right now. You got to ride in order to work back to two for back to you work in the back spot. Who's filling out here? I mean, you have someone that you haven't mind to come in to meet the assistant review or how do you see that?

3:25:08Yeah, right now, Colin Kienos in helping me. So Colin was working with me at Akron. He was a student assistant and he was really, really impressive there. So he's going to come in and he's going to help out with some of the day-to-day stuff. And then, you know, Coach Day and I have built a pretty good relationship where, you know, between my time here as a GA where, you know, I learned the game of football the way he sees it. And that was such a pivotal time in my career. You know, I was so blessed in college and then in my first couple, you know, my first job there that I got to work with Joe Morehead. And, you know, I learned so much football from that man and I credit so much of my career to him to put me in the position. But then, having the opportunity to, okay, hey, I'm going to see you through a little bit of a different lens and to learn how Coach Day sees it. It was so big for me in my development. So that couple of years as a GA was awesome for me. And then last year to be able to sit in with him and really kind of see the game, you know, in a similar fashion. And I'm always going to continue to learn from him because he's just such a special coach. But to be able to see it, you know, in a similar way and continue to bounce thoughts on them to make sure that him and I are communicating in the same way.

3:26:14You know, Coach Day will always be directly involved with the quarterbacks. And now Coach Hartline will as well, you know, as the offensive coordinator, I think as the guy in that chair, you have to have a relationship with the guys and how I think that's really important. So, you know, him and I have already begun conversations just about, you know, how that's going to work out and how, you know, he's going to continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's going to communicate to them. Those conversations are already beginning. So it'll be, it'll definitely be a combination of, you know, us three. Bill Etaven being there for the championship round. How about that? Like a help with the development? Well, it's pretty cool. Just about every one of those games where he was at a playoff game and as a national championship, you know, our guys warming up and I grabbed him. I say, look around. You've got to take a couple minutes and take the same, right? This is what it looks like. This is what this is what we work for. So, you know, when you get to a really hard day in the winter, or you just remember not a homework and to get to that point. So for him to have that experience and to be able to see that and, you know, hopefully one day when he's in that spot, he's like, oh, I've seen this before. I know what it looks like.

3:27:14I think it's pretty cool. I think just to have that bank in his memory. I think he comes off so I've spoken, but he's without question, you know, come out of the show. And I would even say he's not spoken last year. You know, I think that he kind of understood that, you know, Will was in charge of the offense and he knew that he was young and was still earning respect. You know, a big part about leadership is you can't just walk into a room and start leading. You have to earn the respect to your peers and really understand that. And, you know, I think he earned that respect about the year. And so this year, you're definitely seeing him step up. Him and Lincoln both, you know, are in that phase where they were in that respect. And so they're doing a really good job leading right now and in Tavians doing a good job on respect. So we're kind of in the middle right there between those two phases. I think still less than two years, just specializing. I guess where do you think he is harnessing all of that?

3:28:17All of that flexibility to make a really good job. Yeah, I mean, there's no question how Lincoln is special. And, you know, guys that have that background that have been successful in multiple different sports. You know, one way or another is going to translate to the game of football. So I think that we're continuing to see that from Lincoln. I think as the more that he is in position to understand and learn the game, in which we saw all last year, you continue to grow. And so to take that into spring, you know, and combine that with his athletic ability, I'm excited to see, you know, I think it'll be really good competition. Can I, you pull back truly lead until he is quarter back? Oh, absolutely. I mean, the entire one is quarter back. Oh, I think so. I mean, leadership comes in all different phases, you know, in all different ways. There's, you know, there's without question, I've been part of different teams and I've seen it where maybe the guy that was in the starting quarter back was, you know, the strongest leader on the team.

3:29:23So I definitely think that that's part of it. You know, I think once you are in the respect of your teammates and once you show that, you know, you're going to lead by example and, you know, they respect you for that. You're in position now that you can be both of them. So, you know, I definitely don't think that you need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all. You've been around some incredible offensive minds in college already. What are your, what are the traits you look for specifically as a quarterback being a quarterback yourself? Yeah. You know, I think it comes in a couple different ways. You know, from a tangible perspective. I think that you've got to be extremely accurate. I think you have to be able to make great decisions with the footballer at the ball at the time. And I think that you have to be able to do it. And we saw the problem with the feet. So, you know, it's rare in college football that every protection is blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly that we drew it up on the whiteboard. So, when things break down, you know, you're going to be able to fix it with our legs. And then, you know, as far as intensible score, I look at, I look at, you know, guy like Will, who had those intangibles about as well as I've ever seen.

3:30:29And that's just a complete command and understanding of both the offense and the huddle to know exactly what we're trying to do on every single play. No one we're trying to attack, understand where the issues are and where they lie and how you're going to combat those issues. To be able to understand, you know, when it's time to move on for the ballway and move on to the next play. And then also be mentally tough enough that when things don't go our way to be able to react the right way and move on to the next one. Did you know last year? What last question? Did you go fight or quit? I didn't have a condition at all over you just focused on last year. Oh, no, no, I didn't do it as an addition at all. I did. When you're coaching and you build a relationship with these guys, you want nothing more than for them to go out and have success on the field. And I think that's so important. Like I sit in that room and you know, it's about them. It's about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and going out and execute on the field. And so, you know, last year I was just trying to find a way that I could help them do that.

3:31:30So, you know, to be able to work with those guys last year and to help out and, you know, have them see some success. It was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it. And so that was pretty neat. I have to do some big scene to feel this Cody was a great player, a great leader. He's like with a quarterback and a defense. He's definitely some big scene to feel. And like, Chris, Laura, and I said, you got to be who you are or not. Yeah, you got to be. Yeah, definitely. You got to be in there. Definitely that's what you feel. When did you feel like you blossomed last year or were they could truly count on you and stuff? I mean, you remember how it came along? I think it started in like fall camp just flashed in there. I had to like the first day and was wearing a wrong side on this hallline. I don't know what it was like with the concentration. I'm just been great. I like him. I like his personality. I like him all feeling that's not so poor. Yeah. And the life record. What kind of is there going to be any difference between the only assortment of this system? Or is it going to be the same or is it kind of the same?

3:32:31Oh. We just learn it right now. We just work it out. We just work it right now. We just learn it. What do you think about CJ Hicks and what he can do in this defense? I think CJ Hicks. I think CJ Hicks will pop up this season for sure. I think this definitely going to be one of his years for sure. Got to. We think it's the biggest effort between Frank and me with not the Georgia and the future. To me, it's no different. They both coach you and they both like they hard on you, but they want you to be great. So I'm not taking that difference. You're talking about how you're working out what you guys do and fitting in the situation. Do you think Judith will want to be trying to plug in the judge's eyes? No. I don't think so. What's the result of the approach you know about the stuff either on or off the square or something on the phone?

3:33:36I think Sonny is a great leader. First before anything, Sonny is a great leader. I feel like he's like the voice. He can be thinking of Sonny and just can't worry about the whole team to understand. Sonny is definitely a great leader before anything. I think it's a lot of fun. I think it's a lot of fun. I think it's a lot of fun. I think it's a lot of fun. I think Sonny is a great leader. First before anything. How does that show itself? I think it's about the whole field or when it's leadership. Like I said, he's just a great leader like you, you know, vocal guy. Like you said, it shows up on the field too. So he's, it's hard to follow up to a guy who says something don't own and like maybe not own their stuff. Sonny, one of those guys, he's own his stuff so when he leaves everybody listen. It's obviously been long string of linebacker success on a higher stage. I mean, you look at like Sonny taking that next step this year. I'm motivated or are you going to be part of that?

3:34:36I'm motivated or are you going to be part of that? I mean, to be one of the great linebackers. To play at a higher stage. Oh, I'm ready for it. I mean, that's what I'm hopeful. The most, the most at stake. But, you know, like I said, we're trying to treat it like a business trip. We're not good. You know, this isn't, this isn't the normal bull trip. But we're not here to, you know, necessarily go sightseeing or check out the city or anything. We're going to go looking for that. That's what we're here for. You know, we're going to be hunkered down, doing everything we can to get this went. Well, you talk about motivation, getting over that October 12th game. But I think you talk about running the league and trying to balance that with not getting too high on your emotions. How does that motivation for you show up on an idea of that basically? It's more preparation, more film. What does that look like for you? Yeah, it's just really an edge and everything you do. I feel like, and you know, carrying that kind of pissed off mentality. I mean, obviously not letting it affect you in a negative way. But, you know, making it remind you, hey, like, I'm going to go the extra inch here. I'm going to, you know, see if I can find something extra on film late at night.

3:35:39Or I'm going to, you know, go over this sheet again, call the plays one more time. Like, all these little things that, you know, I just, you know, we just can't let that what happened last time happened again. I don't really know this week, but I was talking about how you play back here football. He's telling me to be playing in the Rose Bowl. You grew up in big 10th country. What does it mean to take part in this game? What does this mean? It's a game to you, you know, kind of grown up. It's a tell, man. It's crazy that, you know, that God has blessed me and put me in this position to be here and be the quarterback in the Rose Bowl. You know, a game that I grew up watching every single year. Some unbelievable games that I've watched in the Rose Bowl, some classics. And just to be a part of it is a blessing. And I think we're all, we're all humbled to be here and we're all understanding of how unbelievable this opportunity is and we're not taking it lightly because, you know, again, it's a business trip. And, you know, the only thing that we're looking at is, you know, we win this game, we go on and play in the Cup Bowl. So, you know, it's really exciting.

3:36:40It's, you know, crazy that we're here and we're a part of this, but, you know, can't let it be too big and just, you know, got to go out there and play football. I think so. I think, you know, you go back and watch the film and, you know, I just didn't, you know, and I'm hyper critical in myself and I think we all are here, you know, but I just look at it and I'm like, man, I don't think anyone this year beat us. I think we beat ourselves every time. And, you know, you watch and, you know, we had to turn over, you know, in our own 20-yard line and they got the kick. You know, it's two possessions just over the first half and then, you know, obviously the way the game ended, like, and we're still one point away. And that's what, what hurts and was, you know, a hostile environment in their place. You know, I'm just, I'm just thankful that, you know, I said this, since the other day, but we're just thankful that we get to the Rock. Do you feel like, looking back to two weeks ago, you've come back to this and confidence about this, where you may be one of them, to show the end of the game.

3:37:45Yeah, put it all together. What is your sense of the team from that aspect? Does it feel a little bit different? Yeah, I think, you know, a game like that, you know, in stills confidence, because it shows us we're capable of. But you can't beat complacency. And it can never be comfortability. It has to be confidence and drive. And that's what it has to urge us to be like, man, like, we can do this. We play at our best. We're playing in one country that can hang us, but we have to be on our game. We have to make sure that, you know, we can't let anything come back. It doesn't seem like you'd rather come back faster than it is to account for this season up close. Just, you know, at the end of the day, I just want to keep the ball moving down the field, you know, getting in a rhythm. I think that's gonna be big for us, and I think we did a really good job of that in Tennessee game, whether us storm a little bit early in the row for the recent call, so we got to the end of that game, and kept this going.

3:38:47this going but regardless we kept the drive going. For me keeping us on schedule, taking care of the ball and making sure that we can hurt on third down in our situation we could. We do all that stuff obviously for me and I want to leave these guys and drive them sheep because we got when we're on our stuff we're hard to stop so we just got to make sure that we finish our preparation right these last two days and go out there and put our best reward. Thanks for having us. Thank you guys. You come out this way. Yeah that's what we're going to do. It's a good play. Oh it is good. Yeah that's what I'm going to do. That would be a good play. Yeah that's what I'm going to do. That would be a good play. Yeah when you got a lot of playing time right here, what kind of problems would that people in the game have? A good one. You know especially sorry. My whole goal was just to get going. It was on there. It was just too good. I mean when I got by the team, it was pretty good. That's what I was going to do. I was just going to try to get it. I definitely tried to. I definitely believe that if you speak something, I'm going to be kind of trying to be passionate

3:39:52about it. It's just really helpful to kind of see a vision and stick to that. So it's a blessing to me. You spend some of the vibes guys. In the tight end room and a monitor. A lot of people are passionate about it. Vive guys, I'd say better pressure, he's walked away. He kind of brings some good energy. Jace Middleton right there too. He kind of oversees Max and Barron for a little bit. So that's pretty fun. And then catching we all have some pretty good opportunities for catching. Especially practice, we've all made some good money. Very competitive for a fish here. Definitely competitive, but in a good way. We're all there, supportive. We all know our strength and we're all getting it. After practice, we're working with each other. We hope each other get better. We all know that we're moving to other. We'll see what's going on.

3:40:53So, the other guys, you know, he just has a drop list of all of them. They're doing a lot of trick for him. I'm going to say, they're ever a point where he's like, okay, not just a few of them. I'm part of it. I need to be like, understand all of them. That everyone would be interested in. Definitely not. If you're not interested in how some people can be powerful. So, speaking with the time of the day, we're right there. I have a coach here that's feeding on that. Someone that's taught a real round. I mean, it was before that there was one I knew. The Rutgers was just a first opportunity. Yeah, I got a few. I was a lot of people. I'm very close to the crowd. I think that's what I'm trying to tell. He's definitely a lot of people. I like that. I mean, that's what our unit is.

3:41:53We're trying to help us. But you know, I think that's what we're doing. First lesson for him. We're doing great. I would say we definitely put him in the spring. That's where it was all started. I just wanted to get it. I mean, I want to really say that it's real. That's real. And talent. It was right there. So, you know, we've done this. It's a lot. I mean, it's all started. It's all started. It's all started. It's all started. I would say our gindi. And that's where we're going. We're going to see. We're going to see. We're going to see. We're going to see. We're going to see.

3:42:53We're going to see. We're going to see. We're going to see. How much is your family? Been a great resource. He's been a football player here at Ohio State. I mean, being 20 minutes from home is pretty nice. And my dad playing here is a big one too. So, just being able to go back home and spend time with family is good. He's up in the air. How often do you go back? I would say I probably want to go back. So, I'm right around there. Not that far. There's some good people. Yeah, get a family dinner. Do you ever go back? I'm very high school event. Yeah. When the schedule permits. Yeah, it's a play going by when you saw this week I can go back. So, it's not going to be that good. When things ramp up in the school, how do you balance that? You know, cover the place. Yeah, it does. Especially when the skin is stressed and everything.

3:43:53You really have to go to the next week. You really have to go down. Now that we're in this over 10 years, what excited about this is the fact that you're not getting on the field and playing meaningful football. You know, the brothers, seeing the brothers succeed and just knowing that all the work that we put in and doing that will go to the room. That's awesome. Are you a big guy that had on taking the environment or you choose all business once you step out of the audience? I'd probably say it's a little business. I kind of just kind of want to talk about how I go out there and play football. There's moments when we had a big run at Notre Dame on the table and that was awesome. There's moments like that when we just kind of have to look at it and run. Yeah. When you were at Rutgers and getting on the pitch, what's that? How can you prepare for that for everything that you do?

3:44:57Is there a way that you can get ready in that moment? Practice. You know, practicing here is practice 100% here. So that means in the journey, you can then definitely get the opportunity to help you and work on it. At the game, it means just what they're about practices. What you're thinking about is that you're talking about the TV, you're always excited and working against that practice. How do they push you as to having an idea of you better than the previous one? A little quicker than the previous one. So I'd like to get my hands on them a little bit if I can and just kind of break off of that. That quickness kind of helps me get my feet moving.

3:46:08How many guys have you had in your mind back before? How many people have had in your mind? How many people have I had in your mind? People don't know what I had in my mind. I think it's good. I think it's good. You've never seen this before. You've never seen this before. It's not really different. It's good. How important is that you push it down to the floor? Good. We're close to the top floor. How do you feel about it? I think that's pretty much the best place for us here. First utility, a lot of playmaking, a lot of down and dirty blocks, because I've been as blocking just like just an exciting player. The seat paid have the kind of year he did last year as a receiver. Like how inspiring is that to see the way tight interview used in the club? I mean, Tanya or Jai Hala more and more. K was just one of the people that stood out this year because he put in that work consistently.

3:47:11And in the woodies late nights, early mornings, even with me sometimes. What do you like to say? What do you like about blocking? Blocking. Just knowing that you can physically move a man. He knows you come. That's all blocking is. Knowing that you can get your right back to the hands-on. Just by you, you can't somebody else. Is there a community area where you've made the biggest strike? Of course, it was something that I highlighted when I first got here knowing that a high school I didn't do really too much of it. I was more of a catcher while I was here. But when you got to do what you got to do, you got to get better. What's the thing you do when you bust up down? Blocking. It's all about leverage. It's all about leverage. You bring power, you have good leverage, you're in the club. What's it been like having an air here? It was like, hey, that's my dog. It's always good again. Somebody from back home, especially with a guy you already had a connection with for 2-3 years and years before that, look, for a football before high school.

3:48:11How would you see them taking a high school? Man, he's dressed with everything. He did not. He did not them gym from the other guys in the quarterback room. Probably from the other guys that came back down. practices because our one man is great man. There's gonna be a great guy. Cool is that when you see a guy like he just dropped back here right? It was a little shocking at first because I decided to play with him and all you do is get the hair about him. So CJ he's pretty cool. I talked to him a little bit. He said he sold it to the Titans while he was here. There's a bunch of guys from Georgia. I was a team of both sides of the ball. What do you make of that? There's a bunch of guys from Georgia. Hey Georgia, what are the dogs at? Literally. I'm not good. I was really good. What was the combos you played? You made me really good. I mean, game plan was come out of wind. I was a part of that beginning then some other guys came in who could get the job done. Just probably a little bit more better than me.

3:49:12Combos, great experience, really true. It was a great bonding experience for the whole team. I had to leave the witty for a minute. That looked cool in vacation. I spent Christmas out there. What was it like to have to have patience and panic about taking play? You've got a big guy. Yeah. Because you were a peagly maybe. What's it like to wait kind of your turn? At the same time trying to prove yourself? It's not. I still want to say something. Yeah, it's not really too much proof of myself. It's just me getting better on a day-to-day basis. I mean, it's not the first time I've been waiting to play a little bit. Obviously, some guys, freshman year, high school, they played JV. I was one of those guys playing JV. You get better, you have moved up and they'll work a show. It's better here because they're not that good. We've been going, Alex. Long time no see coming close to me. Well, Aaron knows the grind. Aaron's a quarterback. He knows the grind. He knows they're a little bit better than me while I was in high school. He showed, he didn't show me the ropes. He definitely gave me gems and motivated me while I was making that process.

3:50:16Obviously Caleb Downs, one of those Georgia guys, that's been like practicing at the same time. Caleb Downs, comparing him, man. I mean, he's trying to bring it every day. I bring it every day. Or high on stage, you're going to get the best of the best of every day. So, I love it. Do you have to do your climbing at baseball? I didn't get to play at the same time. That high school night. What would you see of him in practice at center? People speak of him being one of the best in the baseball. And the best in the state. Yeah. What were they talking about for your match? What stands out about his play? I mean, he proved that everything he had proved to get that title at Alabama. He showed, he could make plays. He showed, he's a great football player. And all he did was bring his time to a higher stake. Can you see Sammy? I mean, you see Sammy, but he wants you to play a league again. He knows what he's doing for the game. I know for sure, Caleb has definitely did his homework. He's definitely watching him. He definitely knows what he's looking for. So, it makes the game very easy. All right, so, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, guys. You know, taking the podium points that Coach Kelly and Coach Day give me. And then I also learned from our older guys, you know, William Devlin,

3:51:18who are here to play a lot of football. And so, I'm just taking the points and then I'll jump for it out for you. So, you went to the portal after a few years of the game. What's that like? I'm going to take a few hundred bucks to a little bit. I mean, it was a little bit crazy. I was only in for about two days because I had to make quick decisions just because of the classes starting in January. So, it was definitely a kind of crazy time, but definitely in the right decision. Julian was Nick really the primary reason why he left? I would say yes. I came to Coach Sabin. We had great leadership, the free process, and I loved him, left Coach Sabin, and I really wanted to play for him. And, you know, just the new staff came and we didn't have the relationship prior to when I got there. So, what was it about a high-state staff that may be correlated between what you were going into with Alabama that you felt you could transition over here? I felt like there was a really good quarterback development. Coach Day, pretty good like Westboro. You know, the quarterbacks, they've had just the past five years shown the credit rate numbers.

3:52:19And I've just played on things the right way. And I wanted to come to this offense because my husband, Coach Kelly, you know, make adjustments to Ryan. So, what does that happen? It's happening all the time. I had pretty much contact with them. And they weren't really a... I didn't know that's happening. Julian, one of the things that Coach Day says, you don't like having enough in that process. You've played up a need a lot of time in football. What is it about you to drive and you want that much pressure? I would say, you know, in high school, I had a coach that, you know, he was giving a lot of responsibility. And he would, you know, play a lot of... Not always responsibility on me, make things hard on me. And so, I just, you know, I want to be the best player right here, can be. And take the need with me, with me, with all the two things the right way. And just do things around. I love watching Hillboro. He makes adjustments to Ryan. He's a really good decision maker. I like Justin Herbert, tonight's a Charger's fan, so I'm watching him play.

3:53:19But, some of those guys know, just, you know, the decision makers who make things look like. I would say I'm a little bit more quiet, but I'm working on the high-class side. Coach Day is trying to get people to be more, the vocal leader out there with the guys that I knew my man had a pressure. He's trying to be a leader for me. That's why it's definitely quite a confidence. That's why you're confident in your ability to play. I know, let me show up for one of your guys. I think you have a few days to go. I actually, I think I've only been here once in a few months, all the time. I love that. Really good food, good places to be, hang out with friends. I think I've visited maybe Freshman or Softman. Yeah, just for the camper and visit, just to see the stories. So, it's really good to have him. I know it was only a few days, but being in the Outland program, especially if they prepared for a challenge for one plant front, what did you take away from that short period of time?

3:54:21Yeah, it was really good with Coach Rees and Coach Savin. They were coaching players hard, and I saw the work he takes to get to the playoffs and then coming here to see the older guys putting the work in the... Throughout the winter, I've seen our older guys all the leaders putting the work in, and I'm sure they had the takes. How much of a relationship do you have with air, obviously? Coming in, he had been committed. You come in, you're both Freshman. What was it like before and what's your relationship? We didn't have much relationship prior. We measured it when we were 11. I knew each other a little bit, and then come in here, you know, the quarterback room, everyone knows it a little bit close. So, we're all pushing each other to be better. We're all taking push points from each other trying to get better. Coach Savin, you're trying to make sure you're quite satisfied. I'm just expecting you. I would say we are a cop, I surprise. You know, coming back from the game, and you're a little bit high spirits because of the team in Germany, and I mean, it was high cop, I suppose. How did you feel when you went out into...

3:55:22Did you like your play floor, did you just sign up for the play? Did you personally have a good drive? Or a ballback? There was definitely a lot of emotions, but I'd like to have a lean on a healthy thing and make the right decision. And I'm here and I'm like... I've been through a question for a while, but... I've been through a question for a while, because... I'm sure... You know, I can't really explain how to have a knee. I'm just really trying to develop and take push points from Coach Day. I can have a great quarter of my course here, and then take push points from Coach Kelly. And then I'll just start working on the development run, the offense, and then they want it. And then just take push points and try to figure out how to move it. You look at your face and you think, you're great. What do you think, what about your game, do you think you're trying to pass the ball? I think that I can be a really good decision maker for the offense and some of you will be absolutely making trust. It's the last question. Coach Day called you and you think you're going to play a part of it.

3:56:22Is that an absolute dream? You think you can do that for a while? That's a good thing. That's a good one. I think it's kind of a lot of things. I was always around for a ball. My bow is a quarterback at Penn. So he used it quarterback and eighth, and I was in high school, and I was following his footsteps. So I've always been around for a ball, and then I just been at high level off this high school. And you really just had a ball around that. Who do you want to take more? Who's your favorite type of player? Faggared. So what are you saying? I'm a good player. I'm a good player. I'm a good player. I'm a good player. There are ups doing a good job, not just sitting there and being like, right, this is another player. I see them fiercely battling from that position. So I had developed a great job. Is there any practice in primary or left tackle? Left tackle. Is that your natural position pretty much?

3:57:23Yeah, I played left tackle towards the end of my high school career. I played it all the way up until the spring of my junior season here. And I went to write for spring ball a little bit of camp, and I went back to left. I think that I'm much more comfortable left tackle. You went to write this pass. The spring before the spring. So my junior, yeah. Were you right tackle all of last season, like throughout the year? No, I played left. I'm primarily good left. Yeah, most of my time here has been left. Very much more comfortable left tackle on my... I'm left handed, like, everything I do I've been playing left tackle. Are you left-footed, too? I'd say, yeah. Are you really? You kicked it to your left play. You know, Chip made the comment about wanting 10 dyes, if possible. Because you guys are going to need as much depth as possible, especially when it comes to the offensive line. Do you think right now your room is at that point where you can probably legitimately platoon? Like, not just kind of at the end of the game type thing, but really throughout the game and get some meaningful minutes.

3:58:25Yeah, with all the stuff that went under in camp, like, a lot of guys got a lot of reps. And I think a lot of guys were able to step up and show that, like, they are reliable. Like, there were days that we didn't know who we had going into practice. Yeah. I think that genuinely, I can honestly say that we do have good pieces in our room. We have more depth than I thought we've had so I've been here. You think that would be something that, like, you guys would be able to kind of cohesively agree on. Like, it's like, okay, any second of you, let's get in there. And it's, you know, end of the first quarter, second quarter, whatever the case is. And some people may not get, like, kind of touching about that. I got to come out of the game, you know. You think you guys have that kind of, like, relationship, if you will, to be able to agree upon something like that? I think we have a great, our room has a great relationship. I feel like that we, you know, everyone's best friends, you know, and like, we, this is one of the closest, I mean, just the rooms I've ever been in. I felt like we've been together for so long and all the young guys have been coming along. So it's been good, I'd say.

3:59:25It sounds like a bond, it sounds like pretty pretty well. How do you think there's a unit handle that criticism for this venue for a couple of years for the O'Line? And then it's just constant. Yeah. I mean, when you're at a place like this and everyone, everything around usually, you're going to keep up. And what Coach Friar always tells us is that we have them in our room. So like, there's no, like, it's on us. Like, you look at your brothers next to you and it's on all of us to uphold that standard and just keep kind of like fighting to be the best version that we can be of our offensive line unit and put it out there on game day. What's the biggest thing that feels different for you this year than maybe years past? I would say confidence and just comfortfulness. And then I'm in my fourth year. I'm back at my, you just playing left to act while I'm having a good time. I've just been, you know, I feel like I've just been genuinely having fun with it. Like taking it seriously, but like it's at the same time realizing that like it's football. And I feel like that is almost relaxed me. I've been able to play faster. I've been able to, you know, and just be more comfortable.

4:00:26What do you think it is that's instilled that confidence in you? Oh, reps. For sure. reps. Just, I have not a lot of reps this campus. Is this a campus you probably had the most reps of any campus you've ever had? Oh, yeah. I mean, probably the first week of camp, I probably, I mean, I was taking like 30, 40 reps of practice. I feel like this was, you're going back to back. Me and Austin, he's just going ones and twos. And I'm saying, I mean, guys, sick and whatnot. I got a bunch of reps. So yeah, how have you seen Austin take to playing tackle? He's doing, he's doing good. I feel like Austin, he gets, you know, he gets out there. He's tired. It's like the end of the rack. We're switching off. I don't have anybody. So I think sometimes it's kind of just like, oh, I hear you're out there. But he's gotten better at it for sure. Just in general, like him playing both tackle guard. Like what are the things you've seen from down down to the year two? I see Austin going to, I mean, gosh, Austin's been such a big jump this year from last year. Guard. I mean, obviously I didn't see him a whole bunch last year because I think he was quite a Maryland scouting. But this year, especially spring ball, I saw him take some strides.

4:01:28And with this camp, especially Austin's stepped up so much. I've seen so much more of Austin using what we've learned to execute in a game and improve in the practice. Now we're in Josh and we're here for four years now. I've seen it grow the most of just having reps in the system. You know, there's a lot going on in the system. And so having reps, having seen live fire in front of you and just getting that confidence. You know, oh, line, you know, half of it's mentality that it has confidence. So just having the other half to the game, adding that to the half of this game, I think it's just going to improve further. Number, where is this line going to be? Three-seater. Really stepped up. Basically, you know, I mean, taking a bit, where have you more confidence? Where is your season set? I mean, I would just say this whole line for the most part has a lot of playing experience. You know, set, bringing the set, he has a ton of playing experience. And then everyone else that on the line, that played last year, not coming back how he yearned it or belt.

4:02:33So just the, the veterans mentality is like, these two and all so now, not just seeing it, you're not guessing, you can play fast. And with the tools that we had, with, you know, push-by teaching lesson, and just going against, I would say, one of the best headlines in the country, where you have much more to express, to get better, know as much as I hate confidence in my sky as well. They, they do do this better. And so I just rolling off the ball, playing with technique, playing with the band, is what we learned about the season. It's a, it's a, it's a good one for a taker, what is he, what is he brought? Can you tell he's played Big Town football? How does that show up here? I'm not saying that, but Big Town football, where he came from, is that what? How does that show up here? I mean, he doesn't blink, you know. He's, he's not jittered out there, and he's played in the biggest games you can think of. And so, you can see his experience, his, his leadership as a personnel position, just communicating down the line and making sure everyone's on the same page. Johnny, last question.

4:03:33Can you be a pilot? What's your situation? What was your time for? Time, just, how weird is this month been for the whole offensive line, starting with day one, illness and everything, having meetings in here? I'm sure it wasn't what you guys expected August to look like. Yeah, no, I just kind of had to adapt. We've got some pretty split illnesses in here, but just, you know, trying to adapt and make sure everyone's one healthy. When we're, where health comes first and foremost, so we had to make sure we weren't in an area where we can still learn how to learn it. And then just make sure those guys are taking care of it, so they come back to come back stronger and healthier. Okay, just have a chip on your shoulder, I know we talked about that before, just a little bit of what happened last year. And so, the lack of a better term, a bunch of my, you know, in terms of, you know, criticism, and you guys are taking that to heart, the content of the show. Show people something. I mean, yeah, I mean, I added, I added, I added, I'm not sure how it was there, but yeah, I mean, what's, what's been said in our room, don't get me

4:04:48to say that out here, we understand the narrative, we understand what some of y'all think of us. I mean, it's, I mean, we just got executed, man. It's a, y'all in your court, which I see on the field, so if you want to change that narrative, you got to come to field. That's what we got to do. Alright, God of a thank you. That kind of surprised me. But I liked that it was a little Christmas flare, so. Austin Moore, fuck that. What did you guys think of the rotation on the guards last week? I thought all three of those guys did a really nice job, and I think it's, you know, to develop depth, lateness season, like we have is critical. I thought it looked really well, but I think when you can kind of keep some guys fresh, you know, most teams defensively, Tennessee being one, our team being one, Oregon being one, rotate defensive linemen very rarely, you're rotating offensive linemen, so to have three really capable guys inside that that can spell each other. I think helps keep them fresh a little bit, so, you know, I know Justin and coach have talked a lot, and we'll continue to play all three of those guys, and I think it makes all three of those guys better players.

4:05:51He says not, it's not that common, we don't see it very often. Is that a difficult thing for a coach to do and to do, and to just go against the notion that one chemistry and cohesion and all the rest of that, was it a difficult step for you guys to take that back? No, I think it's a credit to those guys, and I think they've all earned it, so I think that's the one thing about it. It's a meritocracy here, if you've merit playing time, you get playing time, and all three of those guys have worked really hard at it, so, you know, the more depth you can have is better. And that's a positive, you know, as you're getting in here, as we talk about it, it's a 16-17 game season to win the whole thing, and so your depth is going to be tested. Our depth obviously has been tested in the offensive line, losing Jimmy and losing Seth, so, but to have Luke step up the way he stepped up is a huge deal for us. You know, David, you've got a celebrate set. A lot of the guys, every time somebody's talking about consistency, people talk about what he's playing consistency, and the talents play better, but it's getting bigger or old, getting a good block in the touch.

4:06:54What do you see with Jolani? This is a lot of a ground up there, and you kind of find the consistency of that trust until the end. I'm a big Jolani fan, I think he's a tremendous football player. He works his tail off, and you can see him develop. He's certainly gotten better each week this season, and continues to develop. He's a big tall, rangel target, but he's a physical football player, you know, and when you look at him, you see his length, and you see his height, and you say, well, you know, that's impressive, but then you watch his toughness, you know, I think, on the one play, we'll take a look at that. I think he took off for a first down and fell forward, but when he hit the ground, the ball popped out, and then Tennessee picked it up, and he laid a hit on the Tennessee defender that picked the ball up. There's an innate toughness to Jolani that any football person just kind of amires from him, so, you know, combining that athleticism with that toughness, it's a pretty good package. WNS coach obviously, these are kind of charted waters. You guys knew going in, that death would be important, but this will be your 14th game.

4:07:55From a fatigue standpoint, and whatever, they've never played this many games before. How are you guys handling all that? I think there's a little bit of a break, you know, there was a break between the last game of our season, and then the first round of the playoffs, so then I don't know if it's 10 or 12 days between round 1 and round 2 here in the quarter finals. And then I think there's a, it's not a week to week thing, you know, similar like it is in the NFL. There's a little bit of a break in there, so you just have to manage it the way you can manage it, but the other teams you're playing are going through the same exact thing, so it's not like one team's at a bigger, bigger advantage, you know, so I know Oregon had last week off, but then they did, but they did play in a championship game, you know, the week before that, so they didn't have the week off after the end of the season, so it's just how it is. And it is going to be a battle of attrition when you get down to the end, you know, I know like Georgia's lost their quarterback in their championship game, so that's just part of what everybody has to deal with, everybody's dealing with injuries and losing he guys that keep positions, but it's about guy stepping up and, and, and running with it when they can.

4:08:57So, you know, and there's no better model than Cardell Jones and what he did when the last time this team won a national championship is, you know, we started off the season of three, but then he was a quarterback that led them to the championship game. We talked to our players about that a lot and it's when your time comes, are you ready when your time comes, and if it is then let's go. What I get on a roll, ball amount is important. Do you feel the momentum coming out of that tendency game and your hope it continues now? You do hope it continues, and I think our players are in a good mindset right now, you know, I think we're still, I know today, I think you said Jerry a Saturday, right Jerry? It's Wednesday in our world, so that's kind of how we approach it. So, you know, we had a good Monday and a good Tuesday, so now it's, it's really just having a good Wednesday and concentrating it fully on what we can do today. To get better for this game that's coming up in a couple days. Tell me, is this WSYD? It's this WSYD, both teams have a wall and the dimensions are organizing first back. What have you noticed the differences in organizing the last time you play on?

4:09:57I think some of the personnel has changed a little bit, and I think some of the players that did step up, you know, when Birch went down, I've really played well. You know, Mateo's got 10 and a half sacks and it's been a really, has been a force on the edge, you know, and I think all those guys have grown as a group, just like our guys have grown as a group. You know, it'll be a different game than it was the last time, just because of the maturity in both teams. I will have a really good game in the four games that can be off-art really maybe, but I think as a black eye, how do you see a hand approach to me? He's been the same, that's the one thing I love about Willis, his consistency and his approach on a daily basis is every Monday is the same, you know, same preparation in terms of film study and what we talk about. What's Tuesday? Look like what's Wednesday? Look like what's Thursday? Look like in his growth during the week. So I think it's that consistent approach that you really kind of admire from him. You know, there's nothing looking forward. Make the proper corrections on a Sunday after a game, whether it's a win or a loss, you know, and then move on to the next opponent. That's the way I think he's approached it since since the first game of the year.

4:10:59Even me, believe in.com. There's more on the rotation. Well, the Austin, I guess, is a ability to be able to do that in the same game. Donald Jackson sometimes talks about different things like brain, right brain. So just him being able to do that in the same game and he great on as a champion in that game can you evaluate his performance on both sides? Yeah, and I think you make a great point. You know, there's a big difference between playing on the right side and playing on the left side. People really, truly realize that it's a different deal. There's a big difference between being a garden, being an attacker, you know, how you see things and what you see, you know, you see different looks. You're facing different players, you know, you're using different footwork on the right side. You're the right hands down and the right foot's back on the left side to left hands down and left hands back. So that sounds easy, but to drill and to be a great offensive lineman, the technique and the repetitions are huge and have to be able to do it both ways within a game itself. So that is a credit to Austin and I think, you know, that flexibility allows us to kind of move those those three guys around because somebody has to swing if you're going to do that.

4:12:05So I think he's done a really good job and I think since the beginning of the year he's always kind of been that guy that you know, started off a little bit early in the year on the on the right side. Then stepped in on the left side when Donnie was down for a while there, but then to be able to fill and go over the other side is a really big deal. And there was a way you guys are running the ball obviously pre a million different injuries on the offensive line. Just happened the time between the last time you guys played and you guys played on Saturday said maybe revamp whatever you guys need to revamp to fit into what the guys are now. Could you do that during the season when your plan week to week will also try to mitigate all the losses you're having and we put the offensive line. Yeah, a little bit and I think a lot of times your game plan specific in the run game really is dictated by who your opponent is and how they play and how they deploy what type of spacing do they use up front and then what plays are better against that spacing and then breaking down the individual play of the individual guys. You know, where is their strength is it the inside guys is the outside guys. How do they handle certain plays so there's certain plays that are better against different teams.

4:13:10So there's always adjustments that go on from a week to week basis from that standpoint. Spencer Holbrook, let him grow. Chips as well has come back tight and what is the use that you guys are missing the time or thickness. Yeah, just having them back, we actually lost them in this game, you know, and then to come back, I think he's a big strong body. He can be a tight end and in line tight end that can block defensive ends block the C gap. You know, gives you that that match up in there against and we're going to need it this week because the ends were facing are really, really good. But given a guy that can play in line in line up as basically the sixth offensive lineman and can be able to compete like that. He's done a really nice job and I think it just added more depth than given us another weapon to use on the offensive side. Did you use the tight ends pretty well against Tennessee and I think you had a big, Johnny and big catching in the state. Did you use G and story and transfer is almost pretty good against you guys.

4:14:10What is it about big games? You've been a play couple of times that makes you guys like get the tight end more involved. It seems like in a big game, offense is just targeting right now. Yeah, I mean, the tight ends are usually deployed towards the middle of the field. It's a shorter throw for the quarterback. The tight ends are usually bigger targets. They have a bigger catch radius just because of the size of the tight ends and what they can do. Sometimes it becomes a match up game with tight ends. You know, how do they match up against the linebackers? If they're a little bit more athletic than the linebackers then do you put a DB on them? But if you put a DB on them, maybe they're bigger than a DB. So that becomes kind of the game within a game when you're trying to control the middle of the field. You know, it's like having a really good slot receiver and we do in a Mecca that can control the middle of the field. But they have a really good tight end, you know, watching them on tape that does a great job of helping control the middle of the field. And he's really a safety valve for the quarterback knowing that, hey, I got a big guy somewhere in the middle of the field. It's a shorter throw. They don't have to drive the bottle to the sideline to get the ball to him. But you can take advantage of some of that spacing and use those guys.

4:15:11But I think it's the same thing. You know, the teams that are really successful in the NFL, the chiefs and people like that. The Niners with Kittle, you know, having that that kind of security blanket in the middle of the field is a big deal for a quarterback. Folks, this press conference is being zoomed in streamed around the world on the worldwide web. We're going to go to a couple of those on zoom right now. A question from Andrea Soto from the Los Angeles Times. Andres. Oh, she you are returning to the stadium that you've all told home for the past six years. Is that at anything that is game for you or is this kind of business usual? Gotta get more sunscreen looking at the weather report because we haven't seen the sun a little in a while out here at Columbus. But I think more of the game itself in the rose bowl itself, you know, is it's such an iconic place and such a special place to play. You know, to be at that two o'clock kickoff on the west coast on January 1st is it's special. And so I'm excited to be an opportunity to coach in another rose one.

4:16:13I think that's going to be really special. And how would you say you've grown over the past year? Say that again. How would you say you've grown over the past year? Like as a coach and as a person. Yeah, I mean, I think anytime your product or your environment so to be able to be around this group, you know, the players and obviously this coaching staff here is. Has to make anybody better. So I think the fact that I got a chance to spend time with this group is is a truly special time. And I had a great time when I was at UCLA. I had a great staff and an unbelievable group of players there too. So I think just really fortunate with everybody that I've got a chance to be around the last seven years. Move on to Jordan Mendoza USA today. Hey coach, you at one point almost had Dylan Gabriel as a quarterback at UCLA. So clearly that you have a connection with him. What was it about him that you know, wanted you to why did you to have him as a quarterback and what can you say about just the type of quarterback and person that he is? Yeah, I'm not surprised that the success Dylan has had, you know, you could see it.

4:17:17When he was at Millilani in Hawaii in high school and then watching what he did at Central Florida. Didn't surprise me to success. He had at Oklahoma, no other success. He's at it Oregon. He's extremely accurate. I think he's really calm. There's a poise about him that I think is, you know, kind of special for the quarterback position doesn't seem to get rattled too much. Really has a true understanding of what they want to get accomplished there. And is also really athletic so that if you do take away some of his options from a throw standpoint, he can beat you with his legs. So I think he's the complete package and one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Got time for one more on Dylan Joe Reedy from the Associated Press. Hey, Jeff, just with working with this offense for the past year, when was the point where you felt like you were really comfortable with this group? And everything was kind of operating how you wanted it. That's always a work in progress, you know, I think in some games you're like that was, you know, we were really productive and really efficient in terms of what we did in other games.

4:18:21You know, you come out of the game and say, hey, we left some things out on the field or we didn't do what we thought we could do against his team. So that's part of the process. But I think we really approach it on a week to week basis. We don't kind of look at it and say, hey, I think we've arrived because I think each week is totally different. So, you know, there's been some games where I think we've been really, really happy with what we've done. There's been a lot of, there's been a few games where we know we got to be better. So, you know, our job is to put those guys in position to make plays and then let them go play. So we got a great group from that standpoint that is a joy to coach because of how they approach every single day here. So, you know, we're excited about the next opportunity that we get with these guys. And then just what's it been like just, you know, being an offensive coordinator after many years of being a head coach has it been like you thought it would go? Yeah, it's been a lot more football and a lot less overall meetings, I think that a head coach has to have to do. But I think any head coach would share with you that part of it. You know, sometimes I think as a head coach, you wear a lot of different hats, you know,

4:19:24obviously as a coordinator and just coaching the quarterbacks, it's a little bit different. So it's been fun. It's been a really enjoyed being back in the meeting room with players on a day to day basis as a head coach. You bounce around to different meeting rooms, but you know, as the coordinator, you're with the quarterbacks all the time. So I really enjoyed that aspect of it. At time for a few more questions here. Tom Moore, what kind of other? So we've seen teams kind of bracket Jeremiah at times as a playholder. How does that maybe open things up? When other areas of the field, how is that? Yeah, he's that like an underappreciated part of this game. He maybe have a mean impact. He's not getting involved. Yeah, he's he obviously has an impact every time he's on the field. But I think it's really the quarterback being able to discern that. Are they bracketing him on this play and not breaking him on that play and understanding? Do we go to option two or option three? If maybe JJ was option one and they are double in him, then we got then hopefully that means someone else, you know, is going to be is going to be open. So it's really will be able to process that post nap from how teams are deploying him.

4:20:27But I think and I think was done a nice job of that. Having a quarterback like well on going up against the quarterback, like Dylan, this is obviously two real veteran quarterbacks. You've had young quarterbacks somewhat recently as well. Where does that show off the most? Is that during the week that you can just kind of sit through stuff because it's the idea of seeing it? Or does that show up more on game day? Where do you see the biggest impact from having veteran quarterbacks? I think in both, you know, and I think a lot of times with Will specific of this year, like he sits in on our game plan meetings with us and talk to him about, hey, we kind of like this in this situation. What do you feel like? Hey, he'll give, you know, he doesn't always agree. So that I kind of like this. You know, bounce ideas off of him because he's played a lot of football and has a lot of experience. So, you know, that's enjoyable when you have an older quarterback. Sometimes when you have a younger guy, they don't have the wealth of experience to be able to share with, you know, I kind of like this because they haven't done it. You know, they just lack the experience. I don't like the talent. They just like the experience. So having a veteran quarterback like that, that's played a lot of snaps. And there's things that will say, hey, we're looking to do this. So I did that.

4:21:27You know, that was a two point play for us a couple years ago. So I kind of like that, that operation. So, you know, having that experience, I think, is huge when it comes to quarterback spot. And I'm sure Dan will tell you the same thing about having Dylan over there. You know, I think he's got 60 somewhat start. So, you know, that experience can't, can't hurt you. Bill, a bit of it. It's on this back. Should have you coached for a long time. You've seen great play pushing NFL. Have you ever seen anyone who's good as young as Jeremiah? As young? No. No, not that maturity level that approach those physical skills as a young player as a freshman. I've not seen anybody like Jeremiah. No. And you guys wrote in last game. You're not going to do it throughout the playoff. What makes you so confident and feel for that? You know, I think the one thing about Jeremiah is just his consistency to practice itself. He practices every day. Very rarely is he missed anything. You know, I think his durability over the course of time.

4:22:30You know, we played 14 games now or 13 games now. And he's, you know, he's been there every day. You know, some other guys have had an ankle, had a knee, had something that would keep him out not further an entire game. Or but during the course of a week, maybe a miss a Tuesday, miss a Wednesday. You know, the one thing about JJ is he's out there every day. And I think he's, he really enjoys practicing. He really enjoys playing. I think the kid loves football, which is awesome to see. So, you know, I think he's built for it. You know, you look at him physically. I think he's, he can handle the workload. You know, I think everybody was concerned after that. But when we, because we're off, we run around on Sundays, but we're off on Mondays. When we got back to Tuesday, he was back out there running around. Now, what both things out with Bill Landis, Kings of the North. I think the fantasy game was the most maybe you guys have moved Jeremiah around. It was the highest percentage of Sam and Snaps out of the week from the season.

4:23:30I know a lot of you guys do as a public specific, but how much of moving him around with, you know, dictated by just how teams have defended him. And what is it for you, I guess, when you can not always have him. I think we did it early. We did a little bit against Nebraska, had him inside and did some different things. He caught a post-strike down the middle against Nebraska in some of those situations. So again, most of its game points specific in terms of how our defenses that we're facing, trying to defend us in what puts us in a situation to make plays. So that'll really depend on who you're playing and how they, how they kind of approach it more than, hey, this week, let's just try this. There's not anything we're just trying. It's all based upon our evaluation of however many games they played and how they deploy their defense and their spacing to how we're going to deploy our offense and try to space them out. Jeremiah is a physical presence and I know he's really well. I know he looks like one handed catch as he's made. But when you guys have gotten in the ball kind of in space and his ability after the catcher was that out.

4:24:34I don't think anything about Jay Jay's underrated. He wasn't the first guy you were. They have that. He didn't win it. I see. Oh, the linebacker. He's a good part. I didn't have a vote. Kids are good part. JJ after the catch like is that. I guess maybe the better answer is that's something you want to try to unlock a little bit more. That you go forward here in the post is just, you know, letting him use his feet or or away. Yeah, I mean, JJ, you know, you, you, I think he ran a reverse against Michigan State for a touchdown. He's a short pass against West from Michigan. He just ran away from everybody. You know, I think obviously he's not just throw the ball up and haven't go get it. He can do a lot of different things. That's what makes him a complete football player.

4:25:37So, you know, he can, he can take short passes and turn them into runs after catches and can make some damage that way. But he can also beat you over the top. I think the one thing that maybe underrated is I think he's a really good blocker. He's, he's done a really good job on perimeter runs in terms of being able to lock up the B's and get his hands on because he is such a big guy. But he takes a lot of pride in that too. That's the one thing that's always so good about JJ is that there's nothing that he's not willing to do to help us win. So if it may be a key block in a certain situation or it may be catching a short pass and running with it or maybe, you know, catching the ball over the top. Those, those highlight touches that he's made. It's, it's a, he's a complete package. So, you know, we're fortunate to have him. Coach, thank you very much. Thanks, Coach. I can't remember what the title was either. They just thought I could, they just thought I could be an end just because how quick I was. They thought I was going to gain a lot of weight. I was already 235 last year. So they thought I at least knew that. 250. But it's time to stay with you 40.

4:26:38Do you have like a, you're playing lineback now? Obviously, you, you got the fear, you're preferred spot. Like, what do you like about linebackers? Just persons like, if you had stuck with like maybe being on the edge or an end? I like a linebacker more because I feel like I'm more free is what I like is too. But I like a linebacker. I'm more free. Not to make a bunch of plays. I'm like, did you ask me to go back to linebacker? Did they just push you back? They put me back there. I took it one last year. Not being out there for a while. You heard? I really see feel that some deep. It wasn't really difficult. I knew I wasn't seeing a feel that was because what I was doing, I wasn't really into the playbook. I was really all over the place. So the one that I knew the bottom was, that's what I changed. I'm actually going to drive you into this year. I completely changed from last year. I'm in the playbook. I'm watching film or where my coach is. Or what does that look like day to day when you're in the playbook studying?

4:27:38Coach Day mentioned that was an uptick and preparation going to each one. What's taking me through a good day? What do you do? I just go over to mistakes. I may yesterday. I just can't make the same mistakes. We don't all make mistakes, but we can make the same mistakes. I just go over to mistakes. Obviously watch film or ever seen. Talk to Nova Stem. You have the mindset you seem to have on what you play. The mindset of a linebacker. Here's the one I'm saying. Do you feel more like a linebacker in your heart than anything else? Yes sir. Why is that? How do you feel? Like I said, I feel like that linebacker, I feel like I have to be around every player, like make every play. So that's why I'm always running to the ball. Because you never know what happens. The pop out, you get a pick from that. So you just run to the ball, being around the ball. Do you guys have to coach you about that or do you always feel like that? That just sound like I always be. Just ran to the ball and saw that inside. That's something I always do. If you have a little max sometimes, some guys have a firm initial.

4:28:39What's common before it gets to the other side? What actually happens? Do you feel like you have that kind of sense of action? Kind of having a feel for what's common before they run the blind year. Yes sir. That's just what you're watching film. When I was playing, I was chasing the ball. I pretty much knew it was coming. The mistakes I made that week is what I cleaned up on it when I watched it. That first week when Cody wasn't out there, what was that like for you and what did you learn from yourself? Getting so many reps on foot. It was exciting because I knew I was going to play a lot. I got like 35 plays. That game I knew I was going to play a lot. And I just honestly, I learned that like, that like, five, five, five, four, I'm not sure where I have to do it. And when you add Cody back to his lineback around, I mean, you Cody, C.J. Sonny, the four of you very first talk guys do a lot. What is it like being with that group and how much is that? Do you have help each other? I learned a lot from those guys, like especially Cody played a mic, so meet me and behind him.

4:29:39I could just watch him and just learn from him. Like when he's going to walk through, I'm a lot being learned. I just learned a lot from Cody. I'm going to see you to kind of be a player, make an impact. It's here being from Ohio for the season area. And the chance to make a play that I have a big house here. It means a lot to me, especially when I come from, it's a lot of guys that come from came from where I came from. That did the same thing. So just the fact that I can live up and be and make shoes, it means a lot to me. Of course some people who leaned on had it grown up, that maybe have had experience. It's a pleasure. Can't really play. You can still do a lot of football. I've been playing football since I was five. My mom put me into it, so I said my mom. You didn't work at all at the will during camp at all. He never got any work over there. So a lot of times Sunday we'll talk about how interchangeable the two positions are. I learned about it, but I didn't get too much work there. Arve, with the preparation stuff you're talking about, like what flipped that switch?

4:30:40Was it a conversation with Coach Laurenidas? Was it something you just saw? Was it a conversation with the team? What got you in the film or more? I say Coach Laurenidas made me realize that I could really do it and actually play. He always say if I just put the time in, I could do it. He always say something to me. So I say I could really say Coach Laurenidas is just me realizing too. I really can't do it. So it's a lack of confidence. Before things, you weren't sure if you were up there to cut it right back. Not a lack of confidence, but a lack of life. Like serious, man. I say, I was like last year I was here. I don't want to really involve. I was here. Did you not know how good you were? I'm serious. No, I knew I'd do that with that. You're talking like a guy who didn't understand how good they actually were. Somebody showed you, like, no, this is what you're talking about.

4:31:40Not me. Were you all struck by the process and everything? Or being here? Or was it just showing up and going to the motions? Were you all struck by everything? Is that why you weren't taking a series? We're just trying to process more than you. I started off at Laundry and I got moved to A. It doesn't feel like. You know, life. Here? Yeah. What was your work? When you got her life stress, what injury was that? And how did that change things for you? I had a good person. I was off for like five games. It didn't really change much. Was that a heart thing to go through? Yeah. I never met Andrew like that for that long. So he was hard. Well, I grew up. Last question. Did you just do a marketing that coach said yesterday about 50th? Can I have a way to do that? No, what did you say? He said, if any of the blood types on the Q-dot here, basically you have a whole usual best case. You know, what you have to have. You're acting when I think about that? I'm not known.

4:32:48Thank you. If you end up in Marshall, I'll stand up for it. Try to play and head coach knows what's best for him. I thought I was good to go. A lot of people told me I wasn't. I was like, what do you mean? I'm fine. and coach said, talking off the cliff a little bit. But it's just trying to protect me for myself. You know, I've blessed with opportunity to play a lot of ball this year. And so, you know, just like, look, man, let's calm down for these weeks, and we'll get your back after the buy. But I wasn't the most happy camper in the world for a good minute there, but it is what is reprinted for ball. You know, it's tough to watch this play, it's tough. It was amazing, you know, as a senior, I know I only have a limited amount of opportunities left to play in the horseshoe. So just running out of the tunnel, you know, I've never, never said I'd take the game for granted, but, you know, knowing that I like the number of times I have to do that's whaling down, kind of waiting on me those first few games. And so just playing the game to the highest levels,

4:33:49fast as I can, and just, you know, taking it all in in the moment. I've been playing for Jackson for a while and I've been playing for a while, and some more entries that, laying your mind on a lumbar and dealing with it in August. Yeah. Maybe it didn't kind of happen. I mean, I mean, when it happens, I've been lying about it, I said, I was taking the route, heated obviously, this is what I was saying. But, like, but, like, I was like, oh my gosh, like, what happened? And it was kind of a moment of like, okay, like, how long does it take? And then everyone's like, that's an arm sharing like we don't we don't know like everyone's body heals differently and so just just trying to you know put good things in my body so I heal as fast as I can trying to get like I've been arrest doing everything to train me to do everything Coach Ryan Coach Day told me to do to try to heal as fast as I can and we've had a few moments of uncertainty you definitely remember that everyone

4:34:52feeling differently you know what you're talking about you're doing what you're talking about and what you're feeling that but the decision to come back is you're going to come back in the middle of the hard and the first few days and then we have to be with that going on what's going to be on it yeah no there there are definitely moments of frustration I'm not gonna lie about that but our training staff of you know Stu, Solo, Sean, Tyler, Karly Kelly always get one there they told me to trust the plan they said that they've seen this type of thing happen numerous times and they know that it's gonna take a lot but you're gonna go in and drop the lekyo and so it's you know think of it now it's kind of funny but in the moment I was like don't tell me that but it's you know it is Coach Ryan Coach what do you think of? I think it played great you know it's a competitive excellence that we talk about here you know making plenty of those calls and also some of those calls and he did a fantastic job you know it's always great seeing young guys that sound

4:35:54all the same but awesome going out there and doing the same you know we all know we could do it there was not a doubt in my mind he was gonna go out there and show us did it but it was great seeing 67 on two I think we got a new way to being here you know leading up to those games I don't have a mean you know giving tips whatever you want college yeah I know I would you know make my voice known here there but he's already on this stuff you know I do like little new on things like I mean like like if he does this he might do this because learning from my mistakes I was like I like he can do this so you don't make the same mistake I do but Austin's a fantastic athlete you know just calling his not and so he did fantastic doing what he does well the team that you hit his much time between you know he was every year a little malony and coming back because time he was all I mean was it was that thinking was that hard to grasp it sitting out would be maybe tough but in the long run the right thing yeah those those difficult concepts from the grass from all boys and the stubborn kid you know my mom but you know

4:36:55patience patience hasn't always been my thing so when it happened I was like I'll be back until he's two weeks can and I was like it's the hurt but it was just you know trusting the process and knowing that the our trainers have knows what they're doing and they knew they're getting back on the field and so I don't want to feel just keep on going a hundred percent less we feel happy to agree with you got a lot of experience on this line when you add a guy like set with that level of experience how much does that help and that's that I think he has so much yeah you know I'm very very upset you know set is I would say that the tip of the spear of our offense I would say they'll be like if teams play us they're not gonna come out exactly what we think they're gonna do because that's just you know game playing but set set communicates throughout the entire almost down to the snap count of what we have to do to make sure all guys on the same page there'll be times where well done this

4:37:55cadence and he like he yelled at me like hey we're going over here and so I know that just follow what he said and we're gonna make a good play out of it what do you make up your experience your experience guard what are the pros and cons maybe well it's a great coach for a question I just way left guard I know that I know that both guys are very talented and I know that when they're in the game they're trying to prove themselves and so just having to compare the guys getting after it and as long as we move the ball and get to the end I mean I don't think it only cares if you play you doesn't all right thank you thank you all coming back we didn't really know how much I could handle how many plays I can handle at a certain amount of time so it's just like kind of trial by air just seeing what I could do in the short amount of time that I had it but I definitely

4:38:58think there was more trust to be had on the coach's side with me so I think that definitely came into this fall camp you know doing all the plays and doing a lot of repetitions those plays and getting you know really home doing all my play with the team. Yeah I'm a trainer room as much as I can I've been in there I can leave I leave a facility with like five different body parts I just start but yeah I think the biggest thing is just saying consistent that's probably my biggest challenge going on in this fall camp was I'd have moments like that where you said I'm flashing but it's like where I stay consistent in every single play and doing my job every single place. I'm trying to continue to work on it's just the depth of defense and you're technically a backup maybe very staggered backup you got a jacks and get the storage of jacks player and jp just the depth of defense that's really good for the job. Yeah um I personally think we're one of the best team or best groups in the

4:40:01country um so I think it's great to have so many guys because you know it's going to be a very long season and we're going to leave a lot of rotation so I guess even when jack and jp come out of the game I stand there so I have to be up out so I really want me to even in our cage or find you find me to do every job. I'm a veteran. It's going great um I'd say he's very he's because I feel like he's found himself in a humble kind of space you know I'm saying where he's kind of took a step back and just like put his head down and worked I think that's the same could be said for a lot of the freshmen here that's really cool to see him motivating see from the guy like that. We think this deep is a fun we'll be known for in October and November when you think that would be my people who can say it. Thanks coach Nolson. You still want to get it? I know you mean it's just kind of hard to frame because I'm not there yet you know but I just hope that we're known for doing our job and playing at a violently high level each and every step uh going as hard as you can each and every step and if that's what we are then I think we can hang our heart on that for sure. Mitch how much more do you think everything is made by Dave?

4:41:02Oh gosh man who you telling now um it's definitely like those injuries like I said it's probably one of the more humble experiences of my life and it kept me grounded you know I really realized like this is not something that is going to be here forever and I'm not going to be playing the sport forever so I just really got to be blessed and thankful that I'm even in this position right now coming back from those injuries and saw the opportunity to play at a high level which I am so I think I've definitely found myself really trying to stay in the present as much as I can because it's not always guaranteed but I'm going to be able to do what I can do I think it's not going to work for a while. I think it's not going to work for a while. Yeah. Uh it was definitely hard I definitely had to lean on some of my uh loved ones my family members, my parents just to like really understand that this is what I wanted to do and of course it is now um but yeah it took a second to really just like I had to understand what it really took to get my body right out of the cover right I just you know rest right do everything I can to that I can say help with my long season.

4:42:04I'm actually not pulling on. I'm going to go. Mike do you want to get tightly caught in the middle? It'll be fine. Well I'll fight right here. Five or six years. I have a big picture of me trick on this roster. You got here? Yeah. Everyone did? Yeah. What is that that still means to you and then forward like how do you instill like this is how you want to be for changing? Because you watch everybody's good already been at the fore. Yeah I think um it turns into motivation if anything knowing that a lot of the guys within before us got to that point and succeeded and stayed there so that level excellence has to be like solidified in each rep that we do and I think that the leaders of this team have really tried to hone on that every rep with every practice we're trying to like understand why we're doing it and what we're doing is for us I think keeping that on the forefront of our minds and every day and every practice in the big part again backwards. I mean yeah we understand what's happened these past couple of years and all the things that we haven't done so I think this year is definitely like kind of a redemption in that right

4:43:04understanding that you know you're following sort and we haven't met our expectations and you know it takes a lot to get there we understand that and it takes more than what we've done so I think finally you know taking that next step and doing everything we can intentionally be the biggest thing that's what our top 10 thanks guys and you know now we're just hoping to put all of our best games and have it in one and you know just all of us can decide and to come back you know that's just another year of memories but another year to you know grind and get better by each other side would you be asked you'd also be here in your court? uh no no but you know God has his own way of doing things and this was his plan for all of us to come back in you know we just have to continue to trust in his his works but as well as do our our works that we need to do it each and every day

4:44:05you uh he's more poised you know we there's a lot of uh great reps great uh won't be ones and you know he he tests me athletically I tested him athleticly but you know both both him and both Josh is actually uh they they do a great job they do a great job with just uh having us stay on our toes and you know there's I mean we're going to say the best tackles uh nation that's going to win the best the ends the best do you line so you know we're just it's just good on good every day uh he has great feet uh very athletic um you know he he's just uh he's a freak um he moves well at his size and and uh you know it it tests all of us to you know stay on edge uh you know he's not only has his has moments but Josh is a great kid man you know he's getting better each and every day young guy but you know he's the high-simmer

4:45:06can I get your thoughts on Tilly Contize new secret TNT handshake I don't have seen it but uh I can't talk I'm not part of it I always I was but you know that I just I guess that's how the cookie crumbles you know you like the TNT moniker you like that uh you guys are explosively sunny yeah um again I feel like I could be a part of that I have a T but it's probably not in the you know my first name but I do have a T so I guess I'm just the the cousin of the whole thing yeah right now they just have me on the side so I'm just on the side uh I think that's high but I think right now um we're working on the all the little things you get off violent hands and just stay you know taking our toolbox so you know of course that's a that's in mind but we understand that you know that goal would not be reached unless we

4:46:07unless we don't continue to do the things that we do now and just work on our craft man uh you know Cody um you know once he he came back he just took on leadership well took on that uh the vocal role um you know wasn't was it easy at first um he he's uh he just continued to you know talk you know just get get that confidence going and you know he he just he grew and his his uh his growth as a as a leader um you know I seen it from we first started off season to now and you know he's a great leader uh great guy want um you know playing playing behind me and just leading the pack and you know I'm blessed to have as a my car back when it turns October November what what what are y'all what are y'all going to step in my face stand for the world you want to call it is a is your reputation do you feel uh I think for us the front four the D1 the R2X uh we just want to be known as uh you know the the guys that

4:47:08play relentless you know like uh Cozis has had on fire you know never never uh seeing us you know for sideline the sideline as big as we are you know we may be 300 or maybe you know 260 to 250 but you know no matter what we're gonna be flying we're playing on our you know our heads off and just you know make sure that you know that relentless effort is a it's held to a standard yeah it was a commentator around the country stuff they they talk about how you're a good thing one of the things they talk about is having a pit stay game every week you know what he knows I mean what is your goal in that regard this year my goal yeah I think you just hit on it consistency you know my goal for me is uh you know as much as it would be great to have a pinch day game every day every week um you know that's hard so you know for me as you can't go chasing uh I got let it come to me gotta stay you know in my warehouse uh not you know going outside of it you know doing things out of you know out the blue that hurts me more so right now it's just you know eyes hands feet uh playing fast playing physical and just continue to just uh you

4:48:13know be the player I am and just uh bring that every every week yeah yeah that's a that's one thing we've been uh we've been preaching across the room is a lot of us just uh being us by as well as you know playing together um and just playing fast as we can yeah man you know I've been a I've been roommates with him uh Jack has um you know I just big praise for him you know just seeing him grow being with him uh Jack has been a tremendous leader uh ending out the uh the delab room and you know for him and being named captain uh you know for us to have R2SV named captain I mean that that just speaks volume and you know he's gonna he's gonna continue to lead continue to push us I continue to push him and uh we just continue to just have a hard hat days and you know keep our head down and continue to work oh yeah uh I remember uh we was just playing in the in the Rose Bowl

4:49:14you know a couple of weeks back but now it's a senior year you know we get ready for this last season uh man time flies uh that's one thing though uh all the guys that came before me told me just you know count your days make every day count because um you know when that day comes you look back and that man you know it's already my my senior year and uh I do that every day he just wake up but you know that just made me understand that how blessed I am played this game you know the position I'm in uh I'm just able to you know not only um you know affect the affect others around me but uh you know bring bring a positive message to whoever whoever's uh come after me you know just let them know what the standard is let them know um you know what uh uh all-how state is specimen close yellow expects 的是

4:50:15Do I don't realize how much you're a guy. Because usually I practice catch up contact with nothing. And the game I told the run I didn't think I had that much green guys. Why do you see interesting posture in the history of the match? Watching it we kind of see like they said we were playing the corner over there. He runs a similar C-O to defensive. And I cover three, cover one so that the high safety. When you see like that you can pull on the back side. Is that kind of catch your guys attention? Yeah we know they're kind of play ball. It's a big team. They play the big team team. So I know we know they're going to come over and play ball with us. I know we two like ball. We did also have a way of wondering. I feel like I could block better. I look for a couple of blocks out there on the field and stuff like that. I love one catch up there on the field and stuff like that. I always feel like I could play better than what I did.

4:51:17What do you think you are as a 4-in-1 blocker? I think I'm pretty good. I just got to be more consistent with what I do. How do you feel like the world is going to stand here? Well they're going to hit the pressure get to immediately. He just stirred the will. What do you see as your chemistry world? It's going a lot and stuff like that. I don't try to bother him. I try to let him get through all his reasons and stuff like that. I just tell him whenever it goes back down. If you need somebody I'm there for you. I just turn around and do what you do. Yeah. Should I stop this? Okay, Brandon, it is on the goal line. Is that the way you went up? Did you say to him after the game or did you say you did him after the first series of fouls? Yeah, I was the first. He got the first ball to him like keep your head up and things don't come back right back to you. That's what he did. He'll just hit up on him with the ball. I know you're a close friend to see what he did as a corporate turnaround game. How many chemistry does that inside you? That excites me a lot. Especially I'm out there blocking from. So I'm going to go my off from my dog and stuff like that.

4:52:18Hopefully you take one to the house this year. Yeah, how long do you think it's going to take when that's the first time you've got it? Not going to be too long. It's going to come real soon. Thank you. Thanks, Brandon. I feel more confident once you see, once you see basically about everything you're going to see in a game. You just want to get more comfortable and you just feel more at ease and just feel more just like football. What do you see your role at spin this deep? I think just it's a guy that can play anywhere in the back end. It's a guy that can feed me help and especially to you whenever they need me at this year. Just go out there and just give it my all. I've been in the nick a lot of the spring. I've been going back and forth. It's been a new transition for me but it's really not that new. I played at a nickel in high school. I really didn't play that much last year because I was just trying to get back and get into the groove of the college football ball. But I'm back to it now. What's the difference between working outside this first time? I think it's just the two-way goal that you get to have been in the slot.

4:53:18You can go inside outside and if you press the catch technique compared to back pedal in and you've got the sideline and sideline, the next dependent, it can help you. It's a great thing to be back to. I think it's just about me pushing them and then pushing me. Last year it was about me just learning and it was just helping me as the older best. Now we all back again. I think it's just give me a chance to learn more and just watch the best. It's about to be a four-year starter. That's big. So just watching everything he do, how he prepares for practice, how he prepares every day, is going to help me in a run run. Is patience been your long-soup since you've been alive or you had to learn a little bit about patience in the last couple of years? I think you're just like the words you were just talking about there. Patience has watched another student. Patience is like, it's a thing that's very hard, especially when you come out of high school.

4:54:18You're one of the higher recruiting players and you come here and you play as much as you thought you would. You want to, you know, I think patience is just something that you just got to just hold on to and just grab it and just don't let it go. It's easy for a guy like me to get man and run away and go somewhere else and you're filming me to do whatever I want to do. I think patience is key and I think these last couple of years my patience has definitely gotten better and it's just helped me to be a better player. Who's in Green Dead in you? I mean coach, you know, because Waldover was just talking a minute ago. You know, it's going to be a competitive thing here if you come to Ohio State, you know, in Y'all's room. And you found it it is, but has he talked to you about that as it's gone along to you? I mean, about the patience aspect? A little bit, but you really just know, you would know if not like what's going to go on. I think a lot of it comes with, like, just know yourself and know what your ability is and know where you really are.

4:55:18I think some people get too hit or something or think they're hit or where they are really are. It's just a look in the mirror. And how tough is it when you get your shot tonight, but just press the gas in the floor? You know what I mean? You just got to go in here and do your job. I feel like that's the only thing that's going to be on your mind once you get that chance to go in there and do your job. Because the worst thing that can happen is something. You know, just go out there and do your job. You feel me? That's all I got. Well, when I say Jeremiah Smith, what's the first thing come to mind? Freak. Athlete, you did, strong, fast. There's like a lot of the same things you see in Marvel, but not the same kind of younger right now, but... Yeah. Freak. The same defensive staff, you know, mostly with BJ back. It's nice, you know. The second year in the season is always a bit better in the first, so I think we've been embracing it. Like I said, I've tried to make the corrections from last year and just be better. And as Shum was talking about, there's some kind of like mental awareness that goes into that income passes and building one.

4:56:19You're not going to get to the quarterback. How do you just talk about that as a defensive line as a defensive outside rushing group in terms of techniques or how to work on that one? Yeah, we do some of the drills in practice. We haven't kind of restarted them yet, but those some things you drill in practice. Obviously, you know, if it's a quick game, you're not going to get there. So, you know, just get your hands up. I think it's just more of a feel thing. Zach, in particular, seems really good at that. Are you sure you think he does well in the career? No, yeah, Zach is definitely good at that. And I think that's something that the interior is very good as a whole. Just even hands up. Aaron, what's the bigger impression of Jonah Ellis now with a few months working with him? You know, Jonah got a lot of natural skill. I think his upside is very high, but I mean, like any work, you know, there's a learning curve from playing, coming from college and NFL. So I think he's just continue to develop and continue to get better. I mean, I'm happy what I've seen, but I mean, obviously I know he has high expectations for himself. And not only him, but I hold him. So I'm just like I said, excited to see him keep growing. What's the most challenging aspect of that learning curve for you and you coming to the later? Or really, I guess you're too.

4:57:20I think the biggest thing was switching from inside to outside. I mean, inside, you five yards off the ball, kind of versus edge, you right there with somebody in your face. So just kind of learning how to just that change up. And I think just learning how to, you know, get off the ball, you know, inside, you have time to read. Outside, you don't have that much time to read. We have to be kind of very decisive. So just getting reps of that, you know, that was the biggest thing to have me. I think that it would be something to have wellness to just getting reps and more reps to get the better you would get. Darren, can you talk to me your relationship with Jonathan Cooper and how you guys have hired some Rotterdam kind of forms of relationship up front? Oh, yeah, that's my dog. I mean, I play with him four years in a higher state. So I think just, you know, being in another place, like a higher state together and going through that hard training and then making it out on the other side. I think we just able to hold each other to that standard. And I'm afraid to hurt one another's feelings if we don't hold, live up to that standard. And he know how to push my buttons. I know to push his buttons. So, you know, I'm grateful to have him as a teammate in this area where you get to play somebody from your college.

4:58:20How much are you experimenting to do this time here, especially with the defensive bands, just in terms of how you want to rough shop each other, how you communicate all that? I think it's just the time you learn to rush as a dealer. You know, this is a perfect time for us just to learn how to rush together. You know, we meet together. You know, you ask the guy who's to your side, you know, what you're thinking on this play and film. So you just kind of get a feel for it when that scenario pops up on a practice field or in the game. And just creating that dialogue is, I think, it's a big estate and asking questions. Darren, you've got a back to screen drive on Sunday. Can you tell us a little more about it? Yeah, don't hurry to give me if I can't say too much because I've been focused on training camp. So my publicist and my agents kind of been doing a lot of the legwork in my mom. But yeah, we're just going to have a big event out here. Sunday, I believe, up there in the parking lot. We're going to have a corner ice machine, some jump houses. We're going to be donating backpacks. I think over 150 backpacks for the kids, for the upcoming school year, with supplies and a bunch of different things.

4:59:20But just trying to get the kids excited for going back to school and obviously helping out families who might not be fortunate enough to buy their kids, just to supply their need for school. So just trying to do what I can to have my community here in Denver. That's the blessing about being at a school like a high estate, everyone around you, scout team, those that are on your team and against you are the best players in the country. And that's the blessing of it is if you can perform here and practice, you'll be able to perform in a game no matter who it is. I said last year you came to the room, so you were at the physics event. What have you changed about your body or your being in the doctor's technique? Physically, obviously, the big issue for me was speed, operation time. So I did a phenomenal job at the expectations of getting that mower. And a big thing for us is not getting blocked. We haven't been blocked in four years, five years. So for me to come in and change what I was doing and speed it up, does a real sort of personal conflict, whereas I want to be the best partner I could possibly be.

5:00:31But that was conflicting with the speeds they wanted. And then I just sort of had to change my mindset and think about truly what I wanted to be. If I wanted to be a school like a high state, which had high expectations, or go somewhere else. But with that, I just had to commit to it. So just had to work with Coach Keys, John Filman, our long staff. I live with them now, but we work every night to make sure that what we're doing is game like and making sure that the speeds that we go out in practice are faster than what it is again. It's been a blessing to work with him. It's been a blessing to work with a guy from Mora Evans, as well as Colin Johnson, more long staffers. And then obviously be able to see what Joe has been able to do in the national championship, had a phenomenal kick, which was under extreme pressure and extreme state. So to be able to look at what he did, it was awesome. You mentioned the physical obviously adjustment, but you would work with Darren Bennett, you've been over here a few times. But this is your first time living here. What was the emotional and kind of adjustment?

5:01:36Like just being a college student, just moving to a different country and also trying to manage being comfortable with you. Yeah, no, it was definitely a emotional toll. But without your family, it's definitely hard. Time zone differences don't also help the situation. At that time, there was 16 hours. So I'd wake up and now it'd be going to sleep or vice versa. So it was definitely emotional. And the actual stress of trying to keep up with what they wanted also was mental, I'm going to tell tall. Fortunately, I had a lovely lady called Nicole Kraft, who was one of my teachers and she got me in contact with some pretty cool people. Well, we're put some sports psychologists and all that sort of stuff to work on that metaside, which is far more important for me than the actual physical side. Because I knew I could physically do it, but it was a matter of getting a mental headspace to perform at the highest level possible. And this is what it is in college football. Just physically, if I just be about the acting company, you can say, what is change? Definitely compare it to this time of year.

5:02:37You can put it in there next year. Well, definitely the speed. And then try to build the consistency of the speed. There's expectations of what they want here. And then you've got to meet those expectations and try some passes. So again, working with John and working at night, we had to make sure that everything I was doing was trying to be as efficient and as effective as possible. With that being said, I'm still trying to improve. I'm still trying to be as effective in my contact with the football under the press, under the spades that they want. Which again, it's a blessing because if you can perform here, you can perform anywhere. Is there any franchise in Elstrand, Roots football, wherever that rivals this in terms of pressure, exposure? What did you want? In terms of exposure, not at all, this is the biggest that I've ever seen and been a part of. In terms of pressure, I was fortunate enough to play high-level football, Australian Roots football.

5:03:40And the pressure is the exact same. You've got people relying on you, you've got coaches wanting you to perform. There's jobs at stake, there's money at stake. There's all that sort of pressure and then obviously the own personal goals. Which is again the biggest one possible. I grew up in a household where my brother played professional sport and the expectation was for me to sort of follow any path and try to surpass him. And that was the expectation. So I had on myself and again I wasn't able to do that. So again, the opportunity to come here and perform. I had to sort of take a step back and understand that it all takes time. And the only thing that's really going to get me to where I want to be is just hard work and having good coaches around me. And that's sort of what I got. And again, it's so much more learning that's going to happen. But with that being said, it's a blessing to be here and it's a great opportunity. So yeah, I'm blessed to be here. All right. Thank you. Thank you.

5:04:40Thank you. Talk about Wipper's釣%. What have you noticed in his leaderships down the way he carries himself? Any difference at all? I think he's definitely getting a little more vocal within the building. And yeah, I mean, I don't think he's ever going to change. I don't think he's somebody that's going to change even when he gets paid next year. So he's a man of faith and kind of reminds me of Scotty Shepler. But except for. Just super humble and really good kid. And yeah, he's definitely famous. You know Shepler. I don't just watch him. You had you saw Armsted get released. Obviously meant so much to the fans of line into the team. I don't know. And John were pretty open that they were willing to talk about trading. Debo or I you draft.

5:05:40Does that just another what's that feel like in the locker room when those sort of children happen? I didn't even know that happened. And I wasn't here, but you're talking about this off seat. Yeah, Armsted will in alarm air. Oh, so certainly one thing. It's a tough business for sure. You have to have thick skin and. I haven't gone through that, but I think you just have to understand that it is a business and the team is going to try and get as good as it possibly can with or without you. And you have to look up for yourself. That's why you go through holdouts and do certain things that seem selfish in the moment, but. It is what it is and when everything settled, we're going to come together as a team and try and go get one. What's the overall feeling around the group right now? Like how much does it feel like the excitement of the ramp up to the season even though it's early?

5:06:40It feels good. It's been a couple of days for me. So I like all the new guys. I'm getting to know everybody. But I think the past is in the past and we're ready to go. You talk to B.A. about. Can you talk to B.A. at all about handling business part of this? Is that going through somewhere? We chat a little bit, but not too much about the details. I just told him he just had up and trying to stay positive through it all. Well, we're a personal person when you heard you like your schedule would be in that area in August this first time. It will be fun. Yeah, it's going to be. Can we do one? Can we move into this for the fact that last year we had that holdout to say that the effect would do somewhere early in the season? If you hadn't had that experience, would you be doing it again? Was that part of the motivation for being here early just to have the opposite of what happened? No, I don't think that's one of the reasons, but I just talked to Kyle and he kind of asked me.

5:07:46He kind of stated how he felt about why it would be good for me to be here and asked if I agreed and I 100% did agree. So it's not like I'm missing too much. I think out here it's a little less workload than I'm doing back home. So it's kind of a good active recovery thing for me and I'm getting football stuff, football work in specifically. So that's good. It's not compromising my training at all and get to meet all the guys. How did Joe kick me? He's got the right plan behind it. Oh no, he's there. He's got a new regime over there. Did you play? I actually thought I was coming next week until recently. So I was going to have one more week at home, but we're both in California. Last time, anything you could share about times, reasons that you agreed with for being here?

5:08:53Yeah, just the things I already stated just getting around the guys and just getting the football stuff homeed in a little bit before campsters. You know, you've been afraid to speak out on player safety issues and things like that. That's the playing service and things like that. The 18 game schedule has been kind of discussed again here recently. What is your kind of take on that possibility? I don't know how many games you could just keep adding. Yeah, I don't know why I want more needs to be added, but... Yeah, it's not my job. So if I used to say you'd be against it. I think 16, 4, 4, 4, 4 were the good bulls set up, but... So good. Thank you. I'll put it. Yeah, but then we got a short and off season program a little bit.

5:09:57But no comment. Thanks a lot. You don't have to be making strides on every track. You see the road folks and I can see the difference now today. How Jolani's different right now is all the non-glamour stuff. It's just that daily habits and stuff that you guys might consider boring. But just what are your habits for a day-to-day standpoint? How do you attack the off season? Him in the weight room with coach Mick? This off season is like nothing I've seen yet. I'm super encouraged and I cannot wait to watch it translate to football field. Going back to Max. Yeah, which one? Max Flarek. Last week of the Combine, Layton Ransom said that you may have given you the idea to look it. Yeah, I don't want to give Lay too much credit, but no, no. There was no lies told there. So every Friday night, Layton killed up downs and I said next to each other for dinner. Just a tradition we had last year. And every week I asked him about the opponent and kind of their game plan. I asked him about the tight ends that they're going to see.

5:10:58And when it was Purdue week, they were both going on and on about this kid. So when he entered the portal, Lay was like, that's what I was telling you about. So then we watched this film and then conversations kind of started organically and then the rest of his history. But yeah, I'll give Layton a little bit. Since you said which one, I'll ask about Max Flarek. Yeah. What's his development been like year now, year after year? Almost. Yeah, sure. Really good. And we have high expectations. I mean, he had an awesome workout this morning that he won a one-on-one competition in front of the team. And we've been feeling him more. He's a tough kid and super excited to coach him to spring. You didn't make it all. I think secret at all. How much do you guys want to make rock? I'll continue the class last year. No. Yeah, no. It was. What have you seen so far with the things you think these people are in the land? Not maybe that this year. You've got to do it. I'm super impressed by his maturity. I mean, I think it's credit to go back to his high school coaches, coach Beller and those guys at Washington and his parents.

5:12:02I mean, he had a brother who played college football. So he kind of gets a little bit. But he's been so locked in this winter. It has not been too big for him at all. You know, coming from a place like middle of dorm and open home on a Columbus Ohio competing against these guys. Maybe there's an adjustment. But he has not blinked. And I'm super encouraged by how it's attacked the winner. I'm sorry to start with the additional max. How have you seen the under guys? A half of the how it's maxed it in? And where do you see? How do you see the life? Yeah, no, I would just say that they've messed perfectly. And I think max come in here and nobody leaving speaks to the room and the culture that's in the room. It speaks to max one because I told him I said listen, Kaz is coming back. Benny's coming back. Lonnie's coming back. It's not like the cupboards bear at all. And he understood that and he still wants to be a block. I which says a lot about Max Claire. But then like today's day and age, you bring in anybody from the portal. You got to think somebody's walking right out the door.

5:13:03Let alone one of the better guys returning at that position. No one batted at an eye and I told him on the front end. And I'm not surprised at all. Like the brotherhood in that unit is so freaking strong. And I told him the expectations to be the best unit in the country. I don't waver from that. It's a Ohio State. It's not just to be you, why resuper you? Like it needs to be tight end you. And they know that expectation. So I'm going to sign the best in the country. Portal guys, recruit guys and everyone's on the same page there. So we're well aligned. Is that part of the conversation that we weren't looking for. Someone to replace anybody in this room. But the best tight end in the country. Is that part of the conversation that we're looking for. Yeah, I don't know if it was that easy. Like we could not say no. I mean, you still, everyone else in the country wanted them as well. But the conversation I went to will and I went to, I went to Bennett. And I said listen, I have not talked to him yet with your permission. I will. And if he's a culture fit, that was my only promise. If he's, if he doesn't fit you guys, I'm not going to bring him in. But I think he has a skill set that might be a complementary to you guys. You know, and I think it might make the room better.

5:14:04And they were like coach, let's go get them. How much does the help that everybody played last year as a show they could play? They got, they know they'll play. Yeah, you hit the nail on the head. We're going to play the best 11. Think about two years ago and I took it. Like it was the case, the over show. And then you go last year, we had six guys playing the playoffs. We have 13 personnel at Ohio State. We got 14 personnel at Ohio State. Like that, people probably would not believe that two years ago. So our guys know the proofs in the pudding now. If you're one of the best 11, you're going to play. And listen, if you're maybe you're not one of the best 11, but you're the top 20, we're going to have a package, you know what I mean? So to your point, like they saw it last year. Now we got to expand on that now. 16 packets. 16 personnel. I don't know if I have no bodies. We saw a little bit of this role. People just thought it was a block. But so I don't know if it's organized or something. Obviously Max does what he does in the past game. What does Ben need to do? Maybe to show you that he can do those things because we haven't seen him do any.

5:15:04Sure. I mean, I think he was the first tie-down in the score last year. Yeah. And I was the 80-year touchdown. So he showed us that. But if you want to play tie-down here, you've got to be receiving threat. And you've got to be dominant in the blocking end. Go on off for your same before. How would you define the culture that I can see feeling these tie-lines are? Well, you know, each year is different. That's OK. I had his own little thing going. Last year, we tried it ourselves. We needed to be the baddest dudes on the field. Because I told them in the first meeting last year, I was like, the least talented unit on the team. Not just to insult them, but like, we're not full of all these high profile names. We needed to be the bad boys. And we needed to kind of embrace that blue collar image. So that was last year's. And I think we did it. Just turn on the film from the playoffs. This year, who knows what it's going to be. I've seen what it was this past winter. It was a bunch of dudes that are super hungry to be, you know, the hardest work in unit on the team. But times you're going to tell, I'm excited to see kind of, and it's on them to set the culture. Is there a point like in the season or in like camp that you realize like what that culture is going to be like?

5:16:05Yeah, I think when you come out of spring, you have an idea of sort of the direction we're heading in. And then throughout the summer, then maybe fall camp, you know, like last year fall camp. You know, we all kind of looked around the room and the leaders were like, you know, if we block our tails off, like we got a shot. And then obviously we got to do our job in the past game. But we got to do the dirty jobs and they embraced that up until the last game of the season. This year is going to be different. Like we've already talked about it, you know, it's not set in stone. But like the challenge just winter in this spring is that the tight ends need to set the tone. Like you look around the team like we've got so many veteran guys who have played. We've got to set the tone like it should come through the tight end room, the energy, the effort, the toughness, the physicality, the production. It should come through the tight end room. And that's what those guys are saying. So I'm, I bought into what they're, you know, kind of pushing for. You say that was the leader of the room? Yeah, I mean, we've got a lot, but I mean, Ben has certainly been vocal. I mean, that was from the first day of winter training. He's been here for several years and, you know, he's definitely been probably probably the most vocal of the tight ends right now.

5:17:07What kind of leader is it? Is that an interesting, you know, four years? Four years now. I'm going to say, I'll jump in as he has a leader given, like, yeah, this takes away from him. Like what do you see for him, as a leader? Yeah, I think to your point, you just made it great. When I think, show me a great tight end, I bet you I'm going to show you guy who has some scars. I don't know that trying to make believe for like a tight end to come into college and it all clicks right away. Ben has had ups and downs and I think guys relate to that. Like this just going to be freaking hard, man. So especially those young guys with new guys coming in, Ben has kind of, you know, that veteran figure. He's been through hell and back and then we lead on him down the stretch and he's out here dominating news and playoff. I mean, he's a lead first guy, but he's been super vocal and I've challenged him to take these new guys in the maxes and the nates and, you know, show him the way. You know, you know, Billy does a little while. What stands out about him as a coach to get this shot? Yeah, and I don't want to compliment too much because he's one of my best friends, but Billy right off the bat is his knowledge.

5:18:09He's one of the smartest football minds I've ever been around. Like you got coach day and you got a couple of them and like Billy's up right up there. Billy and I were roommates during COVID sent my wife back to Cleveland and we don't want to get anyone sick and Billy and I room together. And like when that season got taken from us for a little bit, it was like football clinic every single day, 24 hours a day. And I was learning a whole lot more from him than he was from me. So I mean, one is football mind, but also how he relates to these guys. Obviously he's young and he played the position, but his ability to teach, he's off the charts. And I was home run higher and super excited to work with him. Do you think last couple of questions that you benefit for you guys having such a young office staff? Yeah, I think so. I mean, I absolutely love our office staff in the sense of yeah, we're youthful, right? Like we can relate to the guys and we got full of energy. You come to our practices. You guys see like the starts with coach Hart. He's out there running around like a mad man and we all got to follow suit. But also the continuity. Like I've been here going on, damn near a decade.

5:19:09And my two bosses have been Ryan Dane, Brian Hartline for 10 years. So like we know each other every day for whatever eight years. So that continuity even you mentioned Billy Fessler. He was gone and came back. So yeah, we're young, but we've been together. Show me another staff that's been together for eight years. That knows each other that well and that's been this productive. I don't think there is one. How much does it help you that you have experience in the being in all these different positions so that you now take on that role of C-Wall? Yeah, I think a lot, right? I think I'm going to try. I mean, my job again is to make sure that coach Hartline is a best version of himself and make sure he's organized and has everything he needs. But to your point, like I've been in the running game, I've been in the past game. So to be the guy to help maybe Tyler Bowen out a little bit, here's what we call that in the past or you know, bridge the gap between running past. That's what I tight end does and that's what hopefully I could do for the offensive staff. With Max Claire's skill set, I'm going to phrase this wrong. You guys have great slot receivers or Ohio State. You always do a backup with a stud.

5:20:11Could it tighten like that help fill in some of maybe what you lose with them after that physicality and the slot position that he's a tight end but you can pass catch up. Yeah, I think I think we've got several guys in the room that if we're in 12 personnel they could go line up in the slot and they could line in line. I think that alone the ability to do both is a mismatch for a defense. We tried out two or three different tight ends like how do you get to treat that? We're going to pack the box and run it. But if we could also spread it out and attack you through the air, I think that could be a mismatch just like you said. With way, way Ryan and Ryan, you know what I call it here do you think they like 12 personnel? What does a tight end push have to do to show like hey, we can do this whenever you want to do it. I promise you we have two guys who are ready to do it. Like what's that? Yeah, sure. Yeah, and just like you said, challenge, that's exactly what it is. Because really, I tell my guys like they don't have pride. Like the best guys are going to play. It's not like Brian Harlan coaches receiver.

5:21:12So they're going to live in 10 personnel. That's not going to happen. If I just know the guy like he's my brother, like if the four best are running backs, we're going to run the win T or something. Yeah, like he's a competitor and he's going to put the best 11 on the field to win. And if that's you know two tight ends, hopefully two tight ends to each tight ends, we're going to play with all of that. And that's why you come to Ohio State. We don't shy away from that at all. Both of those guys, Coach Hart and Coach Day, you know, have NFL experience. Both of them have used 12 personnel in the past. And we're really looking forward to expand that role. But that's really on the tight ends. You know, they got to use this spring opportunity to prove they're one of the best 11 top 20, whatever that is. Do anything else guys? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your participation. Kind of like maintained it and got my weight up. So. It's the biggest and most things that's been brought to me here in the last year. Yeah, I feel like Seth, he's definitely made a big impact on how I play the game now. I feel like I look at the, I look at like first and second down different because I feel like he's

5:22:15gave me a lot of information on how he sees the defenses, how they move and stuff like that. So like Seth has become like a really good factor in my game in high and fruit. For a guy like that to come in from Alabama and he is and he has a ratio himself to you guys to fit in like that. What do you, what insight you get into what it means to be able to do? Yeah. In your group, you get up for not just playing like you were in the last year. I feel like you know, Seth, when Seth came in, I knew Seth was a really good player at Bama. He's playing those big games. So you know, just learning on everything he's done and how he like takes the next step. And like how he gives his features is something I took, took note. Josh, you guys obviously have quite a turning nucleus there. I'm into your line, you person, you take a pause. And how have you seen just the chemistry of you guys growing up in the last couple of years? Yeah, I feel like everything is just like bonding together. I play a world just playing really good next to each other and everything's been going really well. Do you feel just physically stronger when you're messing with the game?