Press Conference (JJ Smith) Elite Edition September 2

0:00Um, as a true freshman, um, but no, it's time to move on. I mean, that's behind us now and I can't wait for this season to come up. What kind of obligation do you feel to a guy like me to kind of take a look at you? Are you even showing how you work? I feel like he already got that, just coming in. He already got that hard work at it. Um, quiet, just like me as I came in. Just all about ball really. Me and here early, um, me spending time with Coach Hartline, me and everything. He doing it the right way, I should say. And he have a bright future here. Coach Hartline said he wants you to become more of a good person. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. How much for challenge that you are kind of quiet guy? Yeah, it was a challenge. Uh, no, just no stepping on my comfort zone. Um, 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, a lot of people call me out on just saying they want me to talk more. Um, working on it takes time. Um, not really the guy that's talkative or no, but lay by a zombie. Um, one thing that's definitely working on is trying to talk more and get more of my

1:02comfort zone and just build it. Yeah, definitely the biggest challenge. Um, you know, like I said, just stepping on my comfort zone and the guys and the young the guys as well. Do 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? Uh, yeah, I think not really thinking about it. I mean, that's behind me. Um, maybe we won the game. We ended up going to the national championship. And I mean, we see it on week one. I just know can't wait to know face a great opponent. What's your impression of David Sanchez so far? Yeah, big long corner of the Corrine, um, physical. Um, he got it all and I can't wait to see things he do here this year as well. And what if you know his difference? Are you anything different about this defense of the, you know, these first three weeks of spreading the touch? The cocktail ride? Uh, they just fast. Physical and willing to hit somebody I should say, saying they nothing really changed for me. Um, guys, they're going to know what they've been doing over the last year and then I was

2:02in the year and then I should say, yeah. Coach, that makes the quarterback's live like he did for a couple of practices last week. As a wide receiver, Cardinal, right? How do you think your quarterback is responding to that? Over offering? Uh, I think they responded pretty good. I did not expect the quarterback to be live. Um, they're in a scrimmage. Um, that surprised me for sure. Cause they definitely surprised me with that. Um, but I feel like they handled it very well. They took hits. Um, something we need. They needed, I should say, you know, tough. Right. Why do I see those people? They're all like, I'm not quoted back seeing how they handle that. Since it's obviously not a norm to do that. Uh, learning anything, but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit. It gets his no defense, I should say. Um, but no, guys, they was, they was getting hit for sure, but they was getting right back up. I'm not going to come in to, uh, good ones of them for that. Do you have a question? Can you get? Uh, definitely can't get better. No, I feel like I'm getting complacent. Um, always want to prove that.

3:02And, you know, I'm just taking the day by day and they're just getting better each and every day. And I want you to be prepared for this. The expectations you're going to get on the next two seasons here. Uh, off the season you just had. Uh, not really focused on the espacation that I have coming up or you're after that. Um, no, just focus on spring. Spring and, you know, just going to the fall camp and just get ready for the season. I should say, as best as you can go, be there. I really know something high. No, in my mind right now, I'm just, you know, being a leader and just focus on the team. How much changes is right? How much changes? Uh, I really know we haven't really spoken about that right now. I don't really know. What's the aspect of that? Jeremy, a lot of guys just said that they want a lot of championship. I've taken down. They don't want to see it. It's moving into the sea. It's a museum. What is, how important is that for you? And why do you think that's significant for the team? Um, I mean, like I said, we came live in the past. Um, the club in the 2014, they won the national championship.

4:05Um, this year we did it. So, I mean, we just take everything down in the weight room and everything. So, you know, we could focus on being ourselves and, you know, this is our season. It's amazing. I wouldn't believe it. Yeah, my house has been getting another. Guys, obviously you're going to testify where you came in early and you touched probably, touched Ryan, then all of a sudden he's gone and then someone's been like getting another new guys. Um, they made it pretty, like, pretty easy to get the note of the road because, uh, Coach Boa and he kind of recruited me out of high school a little bit when he was there at a Virginia Tech. Um, and when he first came in, I remember going out spring workouts and he kind of just gave the vibe like he's a great dude. Like he, he really wanted to build connections with us. So, it's been amazing. What's been the biggest adjustment you've had to make since coming in on that stand? The biggest adjustment I would have to say is, uh, just really buying in to the culture because, uh, we're a big culture program. We, we keep the culture. It no matter what's going on, we are going to be, um, same way.

5:07So, just kind of buying in stuff like that. And you've got to go to a couple of those bowl games and kind of see what that experience was like. What did that kind of do for you to help prepare you to do it yourself? It was crazy because, uh, there's my first time actually watching games from the field. So, I actually got to see steps. I got to see play call and I got to see coach Fry. I actually coached those guys up on the sideline and actually forgot to talk that he's talking. For freshmen offensive life, patience is important, right? It's a development. As a guy who comes from high school, we're playing a lot. How do you kind of reset coming in as an offensive? Knowing it may be a year or two before you start to get real fun. Um, you know, you kind of just want to learn from those guys that have been here because, uh, like you said, it's kind of tough coming in and being a young guy and then going against different fronts you might never seen before and talking different knowledge that you might not have talked before. But for me, it's been kind of a learning process, but I'm picking up on it. Um, I get very great coaching every day.

6:09Um, and the older guys do a great job of, you know, communicating. So, it's kind of been really easy actually. Nine different guys started last year. Like, what does that mean for this real in terms of, you guys know you have to be prepared for it. So, how do you prepare for that? Um, just coming every day ready to work and coming with that mindset that, uh, we all need each other. It's not just one guy there's one guy that knows five guys out there and those five guys that are going to be out there, they got to be able to trust their brother and the guys that are on the side, we got to be out there churning on our brothers. And when our names are called or whatever names call, you got to be able to step up. Come forward to that early on. Like right now for you, trying to still, your teammates can trust you. Just coming every day with the mindset that I'm here to work. Like I come in the building, I come in the wood and they know that I'm here to work. They know that I'm not here to play around. They know that I'm coming in to meet and ask the questions.

7:09Trying to figure out what's going on picking the older guys, brain staying out the practice, isn't, isn't getting at your work. You talked about this kind of scene improvement already. Where have you seen that the most in your games? I want to say knowing the game and football. That was the biggest improvement for me because coming out of high school is kind of a lot more simple. Coming to a place like Ohio State, you got to know your stuff. And coach gives us a good look. I'm talking about Cusper, Dief's Accord, he gives great looks, different looks. Is that through no more? I think you start to see that the most, kind of the knowledge of the game, not necessarily the whole field. I want to say the film and on the field because you can work on it in the field, you can work it on the world, but if you can't take it to the field, none of that really matters. Thank you, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, and we're trying to morph everything together right with these things that we've done. What he knows and do, it's a lot.

8:11But he's been incredible with, I think the staff he's very organized, he's detailed. You'll have constant, clear communication. You know, and me, hey, we're going to get together at this time and be like, you're just efficient in your role. And it's been a lot like when you're come from outside and you come back into it, and you have to try to catch him up on the recruiting board. You know, like, you have a lot of these conversations, okay, what are we looking for at these positions now? How do you see it? Because you don't under one coordinator, you might see the Mike Line back, and he used to be this, and then under this coordinator, well, I think the Mike back, and he used to be this. So you have to have those conversations at every position, and he was kind of keep going through, and I'm just excited to learn, I think the more systems, I mean, luck, play in the system here in college, play in the system, underneath the Spagnolo, play in the system, or tumble, play in the system under Greg Williams, Dennis Allen, Coach of Ralagold, and Jim Null.

9:13Every one of those, there's like different terminology for everything. So you're just learning a different language, Colin Think. You know what I mean? There's his concepts, and I think he's kind of collect over time, what you think is really good stuff, and how you do stuff that may be a little different, and I'm just really excited to learn from that, and I'm telling him a success. He was seem very excited over there talking really to me here, yeah, coaching college, whatever, so long. What's his personality like with you guys? He's been great, I mean, his energy is incredible. He's very, he is, he's authentically excited to be back in college football. He could tell there's like a yearning to get back to like the way you got in the coaching, right, is that impact young people, is the impact, and teach the game of football. And so the few times he's been in front, you know, kind of like talking to the guys, and he's like, he's excited to just teach them all. You know what I mean? And kind of ironically, like you know, simply learning a lot about things that chips that last year, right? You gotta get back, and you're like, man, I'm just excited to.

10:13And so he has that excitement, he's doing a phenomenal job, I think, of getting to know the players. Just kind of like walking around versus like popping in, making sure that he's in front of them, and they get to know him, and he gets to know them, and it's a lot, and you can imagine when you come in, you have all these guys, right? And trying to learn all these guys, I'm learning recruiting, trying to learn to staff, and learn dynamics, like it's a lot, but he's handled it really well. You know, he's an old school ball coach, he's a grinder, so he's really good job. James, Sonny's probably not going to need to do much this spring. How much more can you get done with the young guy? Tell him that, so he's got to do a lot. But in terms of Ryan Dair, he said, you know, 50%, 75% or whatever. How much more can you get done with the young guys when they're not worried too much about the senior? Yeah, I think, I mean, you're always just looking for competition, especially like in Spring Bowl, and that's what it's all about, right? You're trying to have, it's so cliche, but it's true. Like, the Iron Sharpens Iron mentality of, you want your run to be super competitive,

11:14to where, hey, the guy in front of me makes a play, my next set of four plays, I go out there, I have the on point, right? And it's a constant driving of the room forward. And so, yeah, Sonny gets 50 or how many reps, reps off, 50%, remember, Coach said, and that means more opportunity for somebody else to play, right? So, that need more for our Val, is that scheme flexibility with our Val, we're going to pay Pierce around, we set TJ Riley, you like, all these guys stove, we're all going to get more reps, which I think is great, so we got to do it at this point in season. But I think, you know, yes, there's still stuff that, within that all of the best sunny, is that he's going to be clawing to try to get those reps, because he's a true pro, and that's been the most enjoyable thing about working with him, is like, you get a kid who's played safety, his whole life comes to the back, or he just wants to learn the why behind everything. And, you know, very similar to the fact of Cody,

12:16like, would you have guys who are that easy to work with? You're not trying to, like, not worried about texting anybody in our room, about coming over and trying to learn ball. You know what I mean? Like, were you at, you know, they're obsessed with the game of football, they're always around, when they're at class, so it's like, it makes it really easy as a coach, because they're passionate for the game, and so strong. You mentioned TJ, in terms of the higher-width map, just what can sunny, like, what do you envision more with him with all of that stuff? I think, I think we just have a lot of guys with a lot of length, we just talk about sunny styles, long, conron, our Valries, long, conron. It's crazy, because you see sunny, and you're like, okay, this guy, like, I wish I was built like that when I played, and then you see our Val stand next to sunny here, like, you know what I mean? And so, like, and then you look across the room, like, as the room warms up, you're like, holy smokes, like, we just have a bunch of guys, and that's a lot of credit to make. Coach May does a phenomenal job.

13:17He's just talking to Burm about it, like, to see even our mid-year guys, what they looked like when they showed up during, like, the bowl of the hola and Maddie run, and they're kind of hanging out during practice, and you see the high school bodies, you see what they look like today, before they go away, and like, the shoulders are all like, everything is just different, and they've been indoctrinated into the brotherhood. So I think, you know, there's just a lot to work with, but he's really good at, right, is like, and he's talked about it. One year, he has Junior Sayah, willing to get us Mike Vrable, you know, Roosevelt Colvin, and you know, those guys, and then a couple of years later, he has Brandon Spikes, so he's like, okay, I'll just put his blitz brand up in the middle all the time, because he was 260 pounds and beast, and he always says he was my best nose guard, from Mike Bakker, right? And then the year after that, he gets, you know, we got Jamie Collins and Dante Hightower, so now we can do a lot of stuff, right? But they're not just like, hey, this is what we're doing,

14:17we got plenty of people in there, and say, hey, here's what we got. Let's utilize it. So that's what Sprint will be. While going to Lab and figure out what they mean, I'm sure through Sprint Ball, there'll be like, hey, here's what we do really well as a unit, because this unit's gonna be different, right? I mean, there's a lot of production, so a unit will be different. So you kind of gotta reform your own identity, and you gotta re-hearn that silver bullet, nickname, and mantra. How many other guys can look at Arvel? He's on a very good track, is that it? Is it a record just, what's his ceiling? It's talking to Mr. Arvel. It's just a lot, and right now he's locked in. He's done a great job becoming a leader, coming out of his shell, I think, you know, I think for the belly, it's all about consistency and just preparation, and I'm proud of Arvel, you know? He's through the season, you got way better at, you know, a lot of it's little things, just note-taking and stuff, like sometimes these kids are always on their phones and stuff, not like in meeting rooms or anything like that, but just naturally.

15:17So like to get out of pen and paper, and like, you hear things, and to me, yeah, I got it. What you do until your dog tired, and then you forget, you know what I mean, but when you really understand it, you know what I mean? Go play faster. He got so much better through the year, just a lot of that's because of Cody, like becoming a pro, and now it's like Sonny's pulling him along. He's pulling Peyton along, the Peyton's pulling TJ, and Eli, so I can still, so I kind of love the competition and the way it's made up. Yeah, he's on a great path, right now. How many different guys do you feel like can be in that mic spot? Obviously, losing Cody and now having that. I think that's something that's fluid as we kind of go, because, you know, week one, Sonny actually started at mic for us, and Sonny's smart enough to play them all. Peyton, Pears is smart enough to play them all. And it's also like, how do you, like depends on what scheme you're running. Where are they, how do they being utilized as well?

16:17You know what I mean? So, you can say, my backer, you know, whether it's Tommy, I convert, Garofil, Reese, or two different people, and Cody's different from those two, so I challenge to like a lot of the guys that come in, and so you got to learn both. And understand about the scheme in general. The faster you will play. You know what I mean? Like, if I just sit here and I say, hey, I got to learn Mike. My drop is this, and that's all I need to know. Like, or no, football happens so fast, and all the shifts and motions that like, if you're out there just playing, and you're waiting for a call, and you're just reacting, like, you're so worried about what's going on on your side of the ball. You haven't recognized that the offense is telling you something that's what they're doing. So, if I'm out there, and also I'm not getting a call, I know what the call should be. It's like, hey, are we playing, you know, let's go. Now, as soon as you get it, you can look. I can see, okay, here's what the tie-down is doing. That's what the back's doing. Here's what plays are coming. If you just line up the play, it's rather passive at the time.

17:17Like, you know what I'm saying? You've got to eliminate plays in your mind by seeing what the offense is doing. Like, tell you a story every time they line up. They just window-dressing. My people motion and say, if they're trying to, okay, are they trying to do man-zone indicators? Are they trying to make sure that they're getting the same formation, they're in the same place. But, they just shift the people in the same motion. They move, and they don't want you to recognize them. So, for always worrying about what work you're doing, you know what the more you know, the faster you can play. You're not sitting there thinking, oh, what do I have for you? You're reacting. You're reacting. So, my challenge to guys, like, there's always a no-both. So, I think a lot of it would just be on, on the depth of certain guys, you know, if Sunnies are only doing 15 to 75% of this place, then probably more guys get more will reps than they had, because we need more will bodies. That's technically where Sunnies started. But, we'll rotate them through. Let the production kind of show what it does. And sometimes, you know, you'll live with some mistakes, just from being a news spot, but you'll be able to judge too, like, who's actually getting in the book, you know what I mean?

18:17Who's actually studying? How much growth have you seen from Sunnies this time of year ago through the National Championship game? And then, what's next for you? Man, I mean, definitely, I know Sunnies has big goals, and he should. I do as well for him, and to see how far he's come, you know, the first thing kind of stands out is just like his, his footwork has gotten so much better. You know, when you're in the boxes and linebacker, you gotta be able to remember Luke Fickley's to say it all the time, and you gotta be slow until it's time to be fast. And when you're twitchy, like he is, a lot of times, you know, when you're got safety, you're used to pulling the trigger and rolling. Like, you gotta learn how to shuffle and not cross over, and he got so much better as a year or not. I think a lot of people question whether he'd be able to hold up his Caldewise, and, you know, he was, he was great, you know, he was the season guy, he's really good with his hands. He's had really natural ability to snag, but keep challenging him. I think he should be a dominant guy in coverage. Like, he needs to be a guy that we can put on a tight end

19:19and be like, he's not gonna be in the catch on the ball. You know what I mean? Because he has that athleticism. I think we need to challenge him there. Challenge him. I think everything is just mistrust of Sonny, it's everybody's urgency in zone coverage. I mean, the urgency with the three of us to break on the football, to close that space, not at the ball carrier, have so much space on you to cut making mist. It's critical. I think sometimes he's, he could be so athletic that, you know, he can be the way some stuff. And he knows anything that I'm saying right now, here he knows. So the best part is a lot of times, like he'll come to me before film and I already said, man coach on that play, I should have, you know what I mean? Like he knows. And the best part is that he's humble enough. Our whole problem is that they just want to be, they want to be pushed and they want to be coached. And so the pain and heck of loss could be asked for, right? Like, how I was asked, like, what do you need for me? Just, just keep making sure like you're pushing it. Don't let me settle. Don't let me settle. So, he's probably the best in the room with that. Do you look at Sonny and Arvel,

20:20and it's kind of your top of these guys right now? Yeah, I mean, I think going into it, you know, I think it's Sonny, Arvel, Payton's right up there in that mix, you know, your accurate there, and then it's like, who else is going to emerge from really the fourth, the fourth guy, you know, I think it's a healthy way to put it. Um, yeah, I just, I think our, I think our backers are so competitive, so competitive that it's, you know, like I know, Payton Pierce is chopping at the bit, and I know that he's going to push, you know, Vell and Sonny, I know that, you look at Riley and TJ and Eli and Stove, like those guys are going at it. These work guys, those guys are going at it, and it's constant competitive, you know what I mean? They're trying to fight each other, everything. So, because the reality of it is they're fighting for reps, right? So, this game is hard, it's winter loser every single day. And, you know, a lot of the guys are going to make our break, and then start with the mental preparation, to be honest with you.

21:21And, um, because that's where trust starts, right? If you don't know what you're doing, I can't put you out there. So, who preps mentally as we get rolling, and then the physical part of that bloodline. That's it, it's Sonny, our Bella, and Payton probably have probably the top three, and then, but like I always say, it's always fluid. It's always fluid. I haven't done this, you know, it's funny. There was one coach who said that, um, I forget what kind of felt he was, but he said that what he does is he has a depth chart, sit in the front of the room, so like if you're a starter, you're the first to grow, you know, and then your second row, and he's like, it'll change weekly. Sometimes loop camp, I'm like, I can't do that. I got it. I'm not sure they can handle that. Good? Yeah. So, I can't wait. Check it. The interest you've had, is that, is it just bad luck? Is there anything you've been attributed to beyond this for just a second?

22:21Yeah, it's just unfortunate. You know, um, but Guy has a plan always. You know, um, I don't know what the plan exactly is. You know, I don't know. But whatever plan it is, it's for me to be here. You know, I had a great rookie year. I didn't really have the volume as other people in my rookie year, but I still had a great rookie year. Six yards of carry, you know, things like that. I think it was like nine touchdowns, ten, including the playoffs. And so, there's always been like, alright, Guy let me show my talent, trying a little bit, like, even when I had the knee. So, I had the knee, right? A lot of people don't know, like, I didn't get hurt again whenever I got, you know, got cleaned up. So, I went down in 21, right? Had the injuries, the knee injury. And then, um, came back later the next year. And I, and I played the first few games, and I just feel there was a lot of scar tissue in there. So, I had to get it cleaned up. I didn't get hurt again. I could have played the whole year, but I got it cleaned up so I can feel like me.

23:21And, um, so, after I got that cleaned up, I had the first two games back from the injury. I had over 120 yards rushing, right? And then, went on, had great, great ending of the year. You know, 100 total yards in the play-all game we lost, which I hate the most. It's not going to matter to me I want to win. But then, come back the next year, hurt again. Like, 20 kills. So, two really unfortunate injuries, but that's just a guy's plan. You know, and, um, I think that the storm is now over, you know, and I do think that I'll be able to shine a light to the whole world. Are you concerned that you have been labeled, you can't stand the thing? I could care less. Because I do, I do, I know this out there. Because as it should be, it should be. I got hurt two major injuries back, 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.

24:23It's something I can't control, literally. So, that's why I'm not bothered by it. Like, yeah, I am injury-pone. You can say that, you know, but I do think that the chargers are getting a 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. Yeah. 5.8 hours 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? You know. All the confidence in the world, you know, the way I work. I 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.

25:24And 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 six-point yards per carry, you know. So we'll see. You've been in Florida running behind this line, that they put together? Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. I play with Bradley. I 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 here for. Justin, on the part of the year, or... 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. Yeah, we're great. We have a great relationship. That's, he's like my brother. I think it complements each other very well. You know, he can do a lot of stuff too.

26:24A lot of people think he's just power, 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. And when one's getting tired, we can roll it in, we keep rolling, win some games. When you, the two of you, he's going, how do you think this is going to look? Or what will be that partnership that is back there? I know. That's a hard question. How do I think it'll look beautiful? You know, a lot of people call this a passive 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 the Super Bowl, they can run the ball, they can control the clock. And so if we're both good, it'll look great. Beautiful. How do you describe the recruitment 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 runner 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.

27:26He's often going to be amazing. One thing we talked about, you know, is like why are you going to build something good for Russian offenses throughout your career? Which, everywhere you can. 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 excitement does it give you? You know, you play call it, that's going to stick with it and allow you any offense, poneties or rhythm, or anything. It gives me a lot of excitement. You know, it's going to be, like I said, it's fun to play it as offense. You know, 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 that's the identity. You want to offense that has an identity, right? You don't want 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 100% now, so you mean full goal for training? That's the expectation.

28:26Look, 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 year, you know, I'm on PUP. Hey, look, some stuff at Bum, my prairie, pay grey, so. But I don't know. Hopefully I can start. I think I'm ready to start, you know, the beginning training camp, but that's not up to me as I've learned. 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.

29:29So I appreciate it, but like I said, if it's up to me, yeah, I'm out there. But never know. Any frustration for you during the getting into the agency, you know, dealing with rehab and not, you know, having a full season of tape or production to go out there. Is there any part of that where you're like, I wish I had hit the public market with a different situation. Yeah. I 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 to roll was I was coming off a third Achilles. And that was, 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.

30:30But I was comfortable in sitting back and just enjoying the process, letting myself get fully healed. So whenever that team whoever I would sign with who now is the Chargers 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? Not even a high risk, low risk because you, it's a business, right? So I got hurt last year. So not as much money and he's be throwing it. 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 were like, alright, here, you can, 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 be, they won't regret it. Are you the type of person that likes to throw people wrong? Like you've done a couple things like the high risk, high reward, injury from, you know, like are you the type of person that really tries to throw people wrong?

31:35No. 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're like, yeah, yeah, what happened? No, because I don't care. You're eventually see, like I'm like, I'm a guy that's really good. So I ain't worry 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 being injury prone, because whenever I have this great year, it's going to be forgotten. You know, too. Why, why get that energy? Talking just into all our kind of chances. Yeah, I was, you know, we just, with him, 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.

32:37Like, I didn't know he was like six. So when I first saw him, this was years ago in college. And this is really tall. Like, it's cool though. Like, I never really got to, I think a lot of those would be kind of, you know, nerdy, but he's cool, dude. Very late, but no, face to him. Come here more and more. Can you tell similar, will you roll these, like, in terms of playing with what you did in Denver? I don't know that. Yeah, I kind of just mentioned previously. I don't know my role. I don't know the engine out yet. Once we'll get, you know, through the protocols and 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 Waterloo? I played a lot of different positions in Denver. I mean, early in my year, I played zero. I played three, two, one. I was definitely more comfortable in a shaded position, mainly being a three technique and five technique.

33:40That's where I find myself to be more comfortable, whether I'm standing up or I'm not, whether it's runner or pass. Those seem to be my best, my best fits. And what is your impression of peak carol's defense and hold environment and Seattle from afar? From afar, it seems like he holds in on a defense a lot. I can't really say too much about that. I know peak carol 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? 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 then this program is one of a lot of football games. It's 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 carol has been a hell of a coach for longs. I can remember him back in his college days. So I'm looking forward to experiencing that. Tell him, well, I know you said you don't know yet what your role can be.

34:44But what kind of player are you that you don't understand who haven't watched the coming of them? But what kind of player does he have to get? Definitely a high motor. Definitely not a one trick paring type of player. I like to attack. No, whether it's first or first to do fourth now. I like to attack. I'm always trying to apply pressure. I'm definitely just a high motor guy. My opinion. Are they already under sin for me? It's been nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Yeah, this is not a team that really makes big splash sign in this in pregnancy. Did you think going into it that Seattle would be in play? No, not at all. You just it's kind of like being a kid at a candy store here. You know, got a whole bunch of different options coming at you here in 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. And I mean, I'm loving see how this so far. I like these colors. What, what did you got to do in Seattle to see some season? Not much. Just kind of just drive around the city exploring.

35:46Get down to the market a little bit. I want to get on the Ferris wheel. Do some more like touristy type of 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. I'm wondering if you know Michael Bennett at all. And you think those are actually. I know Michael Burr, then it 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 Famer. And I'm not there yet. So, you know, I just have to keep doing my due diligence to be a better player. Hey, Dream. Welcome to Seattle. I know you get to play several seasons for Vic Fangio and the three four style defense.

36:48And Seattle's playing a similar system now to the 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. And 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 there's kind of like the. 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? Yeah, Dream. You're a, you're a Ohio State class that you didn't start playing football to junior high school. Why did you play basketball so that next? Just, uh, what made you know, I guess you had to go play football and then with that, I've heard you said you're going to play basketball? No, no, I've always loved football first. Uh, it was just kind of just planned it out. You know, I love to hoop, but you know, football was definitely about calling and giving.

37:48I was a 265 pound powerful forward and I was like six, three, three, so you know, I kind of chose to route that guy gave me. And now I'm not six eight. Yeah. Yeah. You're looking at the other person. And you just talk a little bit about that. Uh, the moment. I think the same. You know, you might wait on that. Um, just for a standpoint, like I always get like over over shadowed over look, whether it's. And something, you know, I was saying like. I feel like I do a lot more than what can be sitting by the, the eyes of the inexperienced, you know, scout. And I do a lot of different dynamic things that help make place for others. You know, I'm definitely an active player. I'm always doing something, whether in the run or pass game. So, you know, I think that goes on. Sometimes and I'm looking forward to playing people on notice.

38:51Brady. What, uh, what do you like to do outside of football? I'm a big gamer. Um, I'm definitely, I'm, I'm beginning to a lot of chess lately. So I just to expand my brain. I'm trying to get into reading, but if it's not supported later, I, I really not interested in reading that much. But mainly just video gaming in chess. And then when we write and say your name, do you prefer Drain? I mean, you can say you can say Drain Mont Jones. I mean, but like just, I feel like personally just call me Drain because it's easy because people like to f my name. And they call me Drain Montet. I don't know why you put a Drain Montet in my name or Drain Montet. Whatever you want to say, I was going to go by Drain to keep it simple. Thank you. Michael Sean. Hey Drain, what's specifically you bring to the C-Law as a past question? Uh, some of the new era of the crash question, you know, someone was on the little lighter side of the average three technique and bring it as explosiveness, that quickness. Someone was great with their hands.

39:52Someone was very extensible and someone was a go getter when it comes to the run-and-passing. Appreciate it. Yeah. Thank you. John Stadler said after the trade date, or after the signing, that you actually got to date, they wanted them to trade last year. The rest of the trade that Denver said, no, it was not some of the time you were aware of it all. Yeah, I was aware. I mean, like, shit. Maybe Flatter, they want to be even like that. Yeah, I am Flatter. I mean, should they just trade it from the jump? But 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 Denver kind of, I don't want to say that word, but Denver didn't pay my part respect. So I'm here because they respect me from the jump. All right, anything else, guys? Thank you. Great water, and I ate a good size meal before the game, and none of it was food. I think I may have been like bloated from water. I don't know.

40:52I'm trying to figure it out and play around with some things, but... I know we're kind of jumping about, are you okay, like, anything served for you? No, no, I'm all right. Yeah, I'm all right. Just, um, just unfortunate. You know, I've got to deal with it, but, um, thank God, I think God, I got the, the God that got blocked, so, um, it's all good. How much fun are you guys having, like, in that last game? Just run blocking. I know that's kind of like what linemen like the best, and how much did you enjoy that game? Yeah, no, it's awesome, especially when it's hitting like that, you know, just, um, you know, you can kind of see the defense get worn down and start getting tired, and, um, that's what football is all about right there. It was defensive. Front though is a little bit different, obviously, than the gold Jefferson, one of the best defensive titles. How do you kind of gain playing for a game like him? Yeah, well, we have to obviously make sure he doesn't wreck the game, um, and keep him under control. It's not just him though. I mean, they've got a good big front across the board. The linebackers play downhill. There's just a very aggressive defense. Um, so we're having our hands full. It'll be a good game for you as a lineman.

41:52Is like that change or how do you approach that? Because it's two different sets of quarterbacks there, where it's a final, I'd be a little different. Yeah, well, just, um, you know, got to prepare and be ready for both. And, um, no matter who we end up rolling out there, we just have to execute, you know, and communicate and, uh, not miss a beat either way. So that's, that's the focal point for me right now. How much confidence do you guys have coming up with a performance way? That's a strong, aggressive performance. You guys have a league health. Yeah, I mean, I think we proved to ourselves that we could do it. Um, and I think that gives us a ton of confidence, you know, and well, and, you know, not just the rest of the team too. I mean, you're talking Malik in the confidence he has in himself and that we all have him. Um, so yeah, I mean, I think we feel good. But yeah, just just a bit. Like what? Just this kind of general question. What's your favorite part of playing?

42:52Uh, hitting. I was saying, coming down. It's, uh, smashed by the like, that's pretty much the right look forward to, um, and just, you know, going out there and dominating my opponent. That's the exact answer I was expecting watching your tape because you're just such a physical downhill player. Like, what does it feel like in a game to deliver? Play the wood on top? Um, feels great. I mean, it's just, it's just domination. I said, that's the best feeling I'm going to feel to be honest, better than a pig, a TVU. It's just physically putting yourself on the body and just, at the point of the tag winning and just, yeah. Do you think a lot of safety would say the same thing or do you think a lot of Sadies would prefer an interception to a big kid? Um, I would say it definitely is, uh, definitely, uh, differentiates. So, you know, some people would just like to get the pig and the flashy, but, you know, that's cool too, but everybody got that feeling. It's an opportunity for you with, you know, Nathan Ransom leaving to get on the 2D this year that you're going to compete for the playing time. What are you doing just trying to get to that point?

43:52Um, just maximizing myself every day. So, you know, taking coach G's advice and coaching and getting better every day. So, using what he gives me and creating a better version of myself these days. And, um, as I keep doing that, I think I'll compete. Are you sure to model your game after? Is there anybody who watched and grown up or you'll get it today? The college of the pro level. Uh, I really, I watched a lot, I like like, uh, watch German, German James and Jesse Bates. Um, just take like, put a bigger, just piece it out of everybody's game. So, um, and try to implement them in my game. And I really take anybody's game, but just take little bits and put them in like my version of Playstop. You committed to a high school, you've been a big class student. Yeah, I heard. Coach Harrie talked about, especially for out-of-state kids. Relationships are very important in that time. You're committed. What was it about coach Harrie and the relationship you had with him? You know, kind of made you feel comfortable and still thinking about it on the last day?

44:52Yeah, you know, coach G, he's, she's one of the smartest coach I've been around. You know, it's definitely my first year in college, but, you know, definitely just, uh, a very smart coach. Um, like has a potential to probably be a DC definitely. Uh, maybe a head coach Monday. So, you know, when we have that, just that mental piece, you know, I think it adds to my game. It's like, out of the physical ability and he's a mental piece. So, I feel like it jails together and I knew that in my recruitment to be the best safety, you gotta be smart. So, um, having that piece and maybe when you come here and learn. Having gone through that process, obviously, what advice would you give to somebody who is going through the process right now? Who does have a little bit to it, but what advice would you give them? Which is kind of weathering everything through the, uh, through their senior year? Um, I would say pick the decision that's going to best maximize yourself. Uh, first, uh, personality wise and football wise, you know, you got a lot of different things to go out throwing at you. But then in the day, you got to keep making the main thing and becoming the best football player and being whatever your dream is, go to NFL first round.

45:54Um, just put that first. So, yeah. He asks for us and how it takes care of our body, um, you know, just the diligence and, uh, situational football, uh, Coach McCarty, man, he's, he's a great coach. See you by the day just us being, being ready, uh, and this week went opener and, uh, excited to build on that. Thank you. Um, I feel like I always feel good, not always, but I mean, this week one, uh, uh, uh, this week one, um, something definitely fresh, but, uh, you know, just got to, you know, continue to, you know, build on that and, uh, take care of my body and, uh, we want to be feeling good in December and January. Oh, it definitely felt great. You know, scoring that touchdown, uh, had a bunch of emotions, kind of had to lay there and soak it all in.

46:55But, uh, you know, it's glad to be back. Very time front and, uh, first half to work, you started the day. I think those guys, you know, played the tell off day. They competed. Um, I think we had a great plan and we went out and executed it. When you were sitting on a bench, uh, in between ways, would you think about Mike's defense? Oh, wow. I mean, I think it was late in the second quarter and I think I have like 20 or 30 yards past 30 yards rushing. I'm like, many boys are out there playing. Um, but I mean, when against that defense all off season, uh, know how difficult it is to play them, how to prepare for them. Um, but, you know, they, they stepped up and answered the call. Thank you. Thank you. It took hard to create my team. Um, competing every day. Uh, that's, that's the biggest thing. Uh, having to compete. You know, these guys appear. They take winning and losing to heart. So, you know, my first, my first week up here when we did our competition, you know, I was winning. Did I actually, I got that first loss on my belt and, you know, it kind of opened my eyes.

48:03Like these guys take it to heart when they lose. They don't like it. So, you know, I kind of got that now where I don't like losing. You had, you had the opportunity to be around the team for that, you know, CFP Ron. What did you learn from just those few weeks seeing this team make that run? Uh, you know, being real tight with your brothers, you know, they're, they're real tight. Um, you know, they, they push each other. You know, it's a real brotherhood. Uh, they don't let nobody down. They always got each other back. So, I mean, it's a new team now. So, you know, we got to build that chemistry with each other, you know, just, just get tight. And I feel like when I was there for that playoff running and I practiced, um, when they were at the national championship, you know, I just got to watch, you know, how guys are, you know, real locked in. Uh, they're close with each other. They're not letting nobody slack off. And, you know, I feel like we had the opportunity to do that with this team now. How did you handle Luke? Uh, you handle that first loss. Uh, that first loss, you know, it kind of got to me. It was, it was the IGB, uh, you know, he, you know, he, he let me hear. So after that loss, I was like, now I can't let this happen. Cause it's like, now it's not high school where you 17, 16 years old. And if you lose, you lose appearance.

49:07No, if you lose the coach and see that. So, and they're going to see how you respond to it. So I feel like I had a, I had to, you know, open my eyes, I had to go, going and locking them like, yeah, I can't let this happen. Where, you know, so I got to grow up and, you know, these guys are counting on me too. So it's, it's really important that I don't lose. If you hadn't described yourself as a competitor, how would you do that? I'm a great competitor, you know, I like winning. Uh, who doesn't like winning? So I mean, winning is, it's in my blood. Uh, you know, my parents taught me that, uh, at a young age, you know, going after competing for anything that you want. And I feel like if you can go after a compete for, you know, it's yours. And if you compete for it all the time, who don't take it from me? So I mean, I'm a good competitor. I'm always going to go out there and try to take what's mine. If it's out there, then anybody can have it. And I'm going to be the one to get it. There's some role markers in your room, obviously. Are you a talker? What would your natural resources be? Uh, yeah, I mean, it could come out on you know, but I don't really, I really know my game to the talking, uh, for this part. But you know, if it gets there, it gets to that point where, yeah, I can bring it out because, you know, regardless, I'm not just going to let nobody just come out here and just, you know, kiss balls on me.

50:09So if I'm having a good day when I'm consistently doing TVU, yeah, I'm going to talk, uh, but you know, being in that room, you kind of got to talk, you know, you got IGB, you know, those, those real talkers in that room. So it kind of, it kind of makes you want to bring it out. And you know, when you bring that out, that just brings energy out of the whole defense. And when you got the whole defense clicking, I mean, you can see, you can see what happened. Is there anyone that's kind of, uh, it was during the winter? We were doing, uh, you know, just, just stuff on the field. We was just, just, just having the time of the field, uh, just a lot of competitions. So I mean, he just kind of, it was a day where, you know, they had us going up against just the freshmen and then they kind of threw us in there and fired against the older guys. So we had to, you know, we had to wake up and, you know, we, we all kind of lost and it all kind of like, we all kind of came together as a freshman group. Like, what are we going to do about this? Cause, you know, some of their kind of nice to just step up in those roles. Yeah, come and you're welcome to call. Yeah, definitely, definitely, definitely my welcome college moments, you know, you know, just, just showing that, you know, it's real now, a metal high of state.

51:09Uh, I'm not in Houston, Texas and I'm wearing my school, um, far from my family. Uh, you know, I got to wake up. I got to grow. I got to mature fast. And, you know, I just got to get ready for the next level. You've mentioned high school a couple of times. Well, how did, you know, grow it up. Very in Texas playing at that level. How do you feel like that? How do you prepare for Ohio State? Uh, I feel like you prepare good. You know, I feel like I went to a powerhouse in Texas. We obviously ran the Houston area. You know, we've been running the Houston area for a long time now. And I feel like, you know, we're a real college program. Uh, we live just like these guys who do the same. This, uh, you know, the level of ball I played, the highest level ball in the Texas 6A, you know, we're going against guys like Dunkin' Bill, no crowd. And I know that I was there. I mean, we're going to be here the next week. We're going to be here for a year. I think that those, those top schools, uh, you know, received the coin where I go against them. I want to get some three times in my career. So I mean, those, those that really prepared me for this level, you know, coming in like, okay, this is not where. It's a little school where, oh, they don't, they don't believe that I can come here and make an impact.

52:12you know, it goes us floated in the Polly Georgia. So I mean, they're counting on me to be ready and that little ball preparing me real, real well. How'd you do against DeCaurin? Uh, you know, it was when, when lose, when lose. You know, I went something, he lost something. So I mean, it's just getting better on Shabban Iron. Because, you know, he's the top receiver, obviously, in our class. You know, I feel like he's gonna have a good impact at working. So, I mean, it's just, it's just, it's just, uh, just seeing what's gonna happen next. Looking for to see it in him again? Yeah, definitely, definitely. And you know, I plan on planning against him. We don't, we won't see them this year. Hopefully, we'll see them in the big team in Jammyship. So, you know, I, I want, uh, I want that rematch, you know. DeVa, you committed super early in the process six months after that. You shut things down when, quite frankly, someone of your caliber didn't have to do that. You could have, you've seen kids play the game a little bit longer than that. But you chose to not do that. Just kind of lock it in here. Why? Uh, you know, cause this was, this was, is where I felt, this was home. You know, I didn't really feel like, you know, standing, chasing things was a good thing for me.

53:13I didn't, I didn't feel like that was home for me. Up here, I just felt like it was home. You know, because of all, because they, you know, they're making it, you know, making me feel important up here. And then, you know, like, you could ask, cause what, how many times I came up here, throughout my high school career, I came for 13 times. So, we got to the point where I was known, guys on the team, I had the numbers just like that. When I come up here, you know, I don't got to always build the coaches. I can go chill with some of the guys on the team. So, it's just, just me, you know, what I want to put in my college ball at, you know, knowing where I felt like it was home and then, you know, it was also my parents too, you know, my mom being, you know, feeling safe that, you know, I'm up here, you know, I'm handling the business and not having to worry about me. And she goes to sleep. Are you in the big 12, two part question? When you look at what you've done, Jackson State, first year at Colorado, the accomplishments and the eyes and attention that you've brought, have you taken the moment to sort of sit back and appreciate, I know you've given a lot of love to your players and programs,

54:15but have you taken time to appreciate the worth and what you brought part one, part two? I do, you have one at a time, I'm five to six. You can't do that. One at a time, give me one at a time, all right? First of all, thank you, thank you for just understanding and recognizing those things. I don't have time to sit back and watch what was done because I'm so busy doing what I do. So I don't have time for, you know, even though my arms can reach that back to the pet myself on the back, I ain't got time for it. You don't like it anyway. Every once in a while I do it because I know y'all ain't gonna do it. So I don't have time for it, but I appreciate it. And I'm thankful of the calling that God has on my life. I really am. Now we go to part two. With what you brought to the programs in the historic Black colleges and to Colorado, do you feel an obligation with whom you are to perform at a higher level or a coach at higher level? Yeah, like I, yes.

55:16Yes, I'm judged on a different scale. My wins are totally different than your wins. Your wins, you just judge in football. That's why I have to start out and give you education and academics and so forth. I have to give you those things so you understand there's a greater scope. I can't win nine games and we, our GPA suffers. Our GPA can't be high, but we lose another eight games. We can't not go and grab high school players and you got a bunch of guys that are in the portal out of the portal that's getting incarcerated. My wins are different. We have to win in every area. That's the way we're judged. I'm cool with that because we come a little different. So the expectation is greater, but it's not just football. It's been like, did all my life. I've always had a greater expectation for myself. So the expectation you have for me would never outweigh the expectation I have for myself.

56:19Thank you. That's a wonderful question. All right, we'll go to the left side, third row in the middle. Hey, Deon Collins-Willson with the action network over here. One question. What led you to the hiring of Robert Livingston come from the city? Oh, my God. They test the opportunity. I mean, we needed the defense coordinator and I'm a pro, man. And that's nothing against the college coaches because we have some phenomenal college coaches, especially in this conference. But I'm a pro. So I like the relationships and the thought process of a pro. And Coach Livinson was recommended to me by a few pros that I'm well familiar with in our trust. My ex-member being one of them. And his interview process and his consistency and his thought process and his relatability just put place him well above the other applicants. I'm happy I made the decision. And when we look back on it, first of all,

57:22I pray to God that I keep him because I feel like we're going to kick butt, we're going to win. And he's going to be a head coach and college or pros and whatever he endeavors because he's that good. So I'm thankful and I'm happy for him, but he is awesome. When I tell you, awesome, he is totally awesome. OK, we'll go over here to the right side in the first row. We got another guy on the side of the ball named Pat Sharma. That's pretty darn good as well. I mean, really good. And his compatibility and relationship with Shador is amazing and what they plan on doing this season. I can't wait to see it myself. Yes, sir. Coach Prime, my name is Arnie Bayesmore with Vegas Sports today. I want to officially welcome you to our amazing City of Lost Vegas. Thank you. Now, my question is, I don't gamble, though. So you ain't getting that out of me. OK. With respect to legacy and impact, what legacy and or impact do you hope to have on the world of sports as a player and or as a coach? Both, really, I don't care.

58:23I'm like, how you see me? How you look at me? I'm more apt to understand how I see me and how I look at me and how God sees me and how He looks at me. So really, I don't care how you see me. It's never going to be enough. Nothing I do is ever going to be enough. So I'm cool with that. I understand that that is life. And that's how life is going to be. But I plan on being a tremendous blessing to as many people that I can bless, especially those probably 120 young men that put on this CU helmet and go out there and to play for our school and our program. So the sum and all up, man, I just want to be known as a great dad. I think I have three sons here today. And I just want to be a great dad to them. That's it. Thank you, my man. I appreciate you. All right. We'll stay on the right side. We'll go about halfway back on the aisle. Coach Domizzo WDY in Fargo, North Dakota. You're opening up with North Dakota State,

59:24or a known GF killer. Tell me what you know about the bison. They're good. They're really darn good. And I'm mad at Rick right now, if I put them on a schedule, open up with them. Like, can you give me a layup or something? Like those guys are wonderful. Their staff has always been amongst the best. Many people have matriculated from that staff to go to higher levels. Those kids play their butts off. They play their tough. They don't make many mistakes. They're accustomed to winning. They don't give a darn about being at home or on the road. That does not faze them whatsoever. We just can't wait to see it. I know it's a national television game. I believe it's a Thursday night game, hopefully not too late. But we can't wait to see them. It's going to be a phenomenal game, phenomenal matchup. But that program is second to none. All right. We'll go to the left side. Sixth throw on the far left side. Stuart Mandel from the athletic. Going into your two, what are some of the things that gave you confidence that this season can end a lot better

1:00:26than for a day? When I see the offensive line and the way they train, the way they work, the way to go about their job, when I see the defensive line coaches and the way they're on their kids and the way they're demanding excellence and the way these young men are working in the athletes that they are and the bodies that they have and they've developed right now. When I see the receiving core stand out the practice to work with the quarterback, coming over quarterbacks, coming over there on off days to work with one another. When I see the running backs doing the same, led by a former walk on Charlie Alfordol, you know? When I see the special teams, Mark Vesett is here right now, I think he's a darn pro and model that don't miss and Jayce Philly and those guys that they can't wait to their time, they understand special teams mean that we're special. You know, when I see those, the secondary shoot,

1:01:27and they get out of bed, wanna play Man to Man coverage. I love it, man. Shall okay, wait to hit somebody, you know, Cam Silman. So many of the guys, the change made from safety to linebacker would travel, I mean, and I really think this young man is gonna be the next Bryan Erlecker. I think he's gonna make that transition from safety to lineback and be dominated. Like I just see the won't in the fire, and he's from our young men, and I can't wait to get an opportunity to see it as well. So I'm very optimistic on what we have on our plate this year. All right, we'll go to the right side, third row, right in the middle. Phillip Dukes, the five star flicks on on three. Coach Sanders. My dog, as the father of three Division I football players, what did you learn during their process as a parent that's helped you formulate your recruited style as a head coach?

1:02:28Great question. First and foremost, I've set in all seats. The parent seat being recruited as the kid. Now being the coach, that helps me tremendously when I'm recruiting, when I'm understanding what the parent is thinking, what the kid is thinking. Now what the coach desires to want to know. It's been a tremendous asset for me to understand those facets of this new recruiting age that is impacted tremendously by NILs and collectives. So I love it. Sometimes I don't like it, but I love it. And I love that these kids are being compensated somewhat for what they bring to the table. I don't want them to put the bag before the game. Because if you have the game, the bag is going to come. I want them to understand that. But I just don't want to take away from the purity,

1:03:30the purity of this wonderful game that we have. College football is phenomenal, man. This conference is phenomenal. Look at what we are. You got to be kidding me. Now I'm a brother from Fort Maas, Florida. And I'm sitting up here in the Dern, Inzon, and Las Vegas, talking to the whole Dern country about a childish game that I play when I was a shouting. Don't you understand how powerful, how wonderful it is is, and I'm so darn thankful to be here. So I try to relay that to all our young men. This is a moment, man. You better maximize it. And let's go get it. But thank you. It was a wonderful question. All right. We'll see in the right side. We'll go halfway back in the right. And the end of you out there is right. I got you today, right? OK. All right. We'll go back halfway back in the right side on the center aisle. Coach Prime, Alex Blackburn, College Football Dogs, with all the media attention surrounding your program, how do you stay focused on the main goal, which is winning games? How do you keep yourself and your team focused?

1:04:30Well, you keep the main thing, the main thing. The main thing never should transfer itself. Winning is what we're here for. As far as the focus and intention, I think every sense I step into Florida state in 85 has been like that for me. This ain't new to me. I'm not new to this. Like we say in the hood, I'm true to this. So this is new to some of you all. And you want us to change. We're not going to change. We're going to try to do things being smart, tough, fast, disciplined with character. That's what we're relating to all our young men. But the cameras and the lights, I think, I haven't seen one kid here in today to say he didn't like that. He may not like the process, but he likes the packets that you wrap him up in and you put him out there. All these kids are excited about the EA sports game, right? There's scores and levels. They want attention. They want affection. They won't love. They want adoration. Adulation, I'm sorry.

1:05:30Yeah. We give you that. But you got to work first. So you can understand the consistency thereof. It's going to take you to where you want to go every time I'm home. And dad, if that's what you please. I will stay over here on the right side. Third row right in the middle. Hi, coach. How are you doing? Good. How are you? You go, girl. I know you. Nikki Edwards, you sports reporter. We talked during spring and throughout last season, the importance on stopping the run. You get a guy like BJ Green and your defensive line. How is he going to be a leader in achieving that goal? BJ Green is already a leader. Do you know that BJ Green played for me when he was five through seven years old with truth and Dallas and well, South Dallas? So he's been a part of my life for a long time and they raised him right at Arizona and stayed in for him to come over now. It's phenomenal. His work, I think, the way he approaches in the text of game, it's phenomenal.

1:06:31His want, his desire, his will. I just got to finish doing the interview and they say, well, you have two young men that projected probably the B to top five picks. I said, yeah, but we won't for in the first round. And the only way that's going to happen is we win and they're dominant. And I think BJ Green could be one of those guys. And I think he will be one of those guys because he wants it that much. Shane, Round Deal, Amari McNeil. I'm just the name of few Anquan is Tom Feeck, Chidosi, T.C. That's my dog from Arkansas. I mean, we have some guys inside there that can flat out do it. Outside, we have some guys that can go get the quarterback as well. We just want to be in the position to allow them to be the best they can be. And that's one thing that Coach Livingston is doing well. He's not coming in trying to remake everything and reinvent the wheel. He's like, let's find out what these guys can do well

1:07:31and let them do what they do. And that's what we're going to do. That's the formula. I've told you guys, that's what we do. Okay? That's how we come in. All right, final question. Far left side about a deep breath. I'm just having a good time. Now you got to go right out of time. We got a shot. Pluck, join. Did they give you a shot? Pluck. How you doing, Coach? How you doing? On me, Archon, TG Sports here, I have a quick question regarding building a winning culture. Yeah. What does that mean? What does a winning culture mean? I want to know what that means. Because you got to be a winner to understand what that winning culture means. Everybody want to know about the culture, the culture. What is culture? To me, culture is day in, day out, putting in the work. Life stuff. Life stuff. Yep. Okay. So progressing in that general area right there, as far as the winning culture side, last year you guys started off strong. You did kind of feels a little bit towards the end of the year. But I remember you still talking about continuing to build

1:08:32that winning culture day in, day out. Do you feel the guys that you brought in this year are going to be able to help you build those gaps? I don't talk about culture that much. So that wasn't me. But I do talk about the consistency there of the goal and being consistent in whatever you do. So if you have a team that's got to be a little more physically tough, you got to develop that. If you got mentally tough, strategically satisfying and from the coaching staff's point of view, you got to understand that. But culture, everybody's own this word, this word. And I don't understand this word one bit. And somebody got to help me understand what that word culture means. An environment, understanding of winning, you want that. I feel like I'm a winner. I know I'm a winner. So whatever I display, however I go about my job, my work, my business, my personal life, that's a winner. That's all I know. I don't know anything else but that.

1:09:34So in due time and due process, we're going to reach that goal. Because we're going to get there, because I know I'm going to get there. And I'm not going by myself. Is that it? That'll do it. Coach, thank you for your time. Wow. God bless you all. Is that kind of a, is it keep that in the back of your head? And we're going to get Jeremiah and Carnell and Brandon and a Mecha. Yes, that's my mindset. Like in practice the whole day, I went to those boys to get me and everything that they have. So I go, I go, I go, I go, I go, I go, I go, I go. And inside of this, it's going to be easy for me and I'll be a pro.

1:10:34What have you seen the growth of these young foreigners? Obviously we saw that it's not a Jeremiah last year. They're germane, sorry. But Calvin and some of the errands, some of the young guys. How have you seen them come along? And Scott has gotten completely better from his brain. Glad completely better. Is that just time in the program? I'm just getting used to the speed of college football, I would say. What about Calvin? He was obviously here last year. He was? Calvin has gotten a lot better. I would say that he's gotten a lot smarter. And then he also write GB. 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 the playbook? Where have you seen that? The rain 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. Perfect. What did everything start to click for him the last year? Was it in the soft season? When did you feel this company was doing that? I would say in the spring, I started to get a lot more comfortable in our defense.

1:11:37We said you break up the past yesterday with the share of my name. I'm sorry for your ask, but it's earlier. But what is like going up against him? Do you? It 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 one-on-one matchups, this preseason or whatever? You know how a ballie who disgames. So Jeremiah, he fought. And he was just me to play the ball. If you don't play the ball against him, he'll go get it. Yeah. And you, Dave, how would you describe this defense now compared to this time a year ago from the 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 they say it. Everybody's like, I would just say that we're going just smarter. Yeah. When you look up and layton ran some decided to come back and Caleb down, transferred

1:12:38in. 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 the level of those guys that played in. Yeah, I would say that. Like, a down's coming in. What they say, he was coming back, they just say he was coming back, it's still like a group of half-a-go-redeneddy. Yeah, you're still on up saying that. Thanks, man. Of course. I was hoping to get a look at him for help. You like that thing, huh? It was a blown coverage, all of both of them. So we just got to be better. That was the biggest thing. When you say that, you could put it on me. I mean, are you confident for other people when you say that? I just know I could be better at whatever faster it is. I could just be better to avoid a situation like that from happening. And so I was hoping I'd done it in the future. And it just got to be better. It got to be better to avoid just leaving people wide open and able to make a play.

1:13:40So you get excited with you and Juan on those touch-shops. So say it again. It was to decide where you and Juan were on those bone-button touch-shops. So was there something different you were trying or something that made that communication? A problem? All of a sudden, you guys? Or was it something they were doing? No, it was just, I don't even know. It was just one of the times. I got to go back and watch the film and just communicate. I said, just got to be better and just can't have that out there on game day. Playing guys are on for you. So is there anything unexpected I mean with what they were doing? I mean, you guys have seen her for a couple of times, even. It's like a new offensive system. So, were there any surprises? Yeah, it wasn't really no surprises. They're a good team. A lot of stuff that hurt us was self-inflicted. I feel like, and we just got to be better on art and then clean up our side to be better. But like I said, they're a great offense, great team. But once we clean our own stuff up, I think it would be good. How long keeps you pushing in the second half of the outside of game and the two-septiceye

1:14:43and seven-start keeps you going? I mean, I love playing this game of football. So just coming out here with my guys every day, I enjoy coming to work with them. And playing with them every day. And 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 this city. And whatever happens happens. That's the biggest thing. But I don't know if it's being 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 yeah, I'm good. So you've taken in and nothing to do with mistakes out there today. Say it again. I'm not having to do it with the concussions. I just got to be better on my end and make sure we all in the same call.

1:15:45And we're all we're supposed to be. So that's on me. Then what those always communication uses is more so like getting it from what we've got to the rest of you guys, which is more about the rest of the second. Oh, yeah. 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 the assignment. You guys are a better in defense. This is a new to you guys. It's just how frustrating you are to have these communication breakdowns that ultimately end up cautioning 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. And 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. You guys always talk about rushing 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. Does that add to the frustration you are getting that sack production from your first

1:16:48front 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 playing up and be better and work together and rushing coverage and work together. Do you feel like it's almost like a wasting performance by the past rushers, the files with 3sacks, 6sacks in the first half? Is that kind of a sourman? Yeah, it's sour coming because the main goal is to get the win. Get the win in the game. Definitely he had a personal performance but it's definitely a sour feeling when I'm not able to pull the win out at the end. I know when we talked to you, last concussion you had in August that I don't think it's 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 your helmet and your future and all that? Yeah, I feel great. I feel great. Glad to be a part of this team and just don't want to come up with a good win. So I'm sorry if you were asked this. What's your mindset, obviously 2 and 7 is not where you want to be. You have a bite, you're coming off a moss.

1:17:50Where's that mindset going into this week and what's supposed to be less? Yeah, definitely still going into the bite week and 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. I'm going to send it around your teammates and there is. Can you just speak to what he means to you guys as a teammate here? As a derriest, it's an amazing teammate for our team and captain on his team, a leader on his team and a playmaker out there on the field. Love having the 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. It's the player he is and the guy he is. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And I'm excited, like I said, to be able to play in space, be able to play in open holes in the defense and make plays after the catch.

1:18:53Chris, is it a receipt really? When you make a catch and you're trying to make the determination of like, you don't work to get somebody out or not having a necessary hit? How do you make that calculation of like when it's worth it? Just, just all feel really just seeing, we can really see a pre snap from the coverage, post snap, see what they see what they do with the defense does. You can really feel the defenders around you. Like I said, if you can see three or four people around you can really do too much. Like I said, there's a lot more space with his offense, a lot more holes in the defense that you're trying to get the playmaker's into. So I'm excited to be able to work with that. You can't really do it as much in practice, you know you're not going to get hit, but more preseason and first couple games, I'm excited to see what that looks like. I think of the sheets, especially. I'm excited, man, like I said, from jump, he's a special player, you don't really get that so many players like him that's so quick, so fast, at least speed and I ain't got

1:19:57a lot of rounds to it. So I'm excited to see what he does in the future, but I feel like that's the least they can do for him this year. How do you think he would get in the combo with one another? It's just speed, man. Speed, you can't teach speed at all. Just having us on opposite sides, even playing on both sides. It's just speed down the field. You can run 15, 20 yard in-breakers out-breakers. And like I said, you can have to play two safes most of the time, or you can run the ball, you can get underneath the routes. It's going to be a great compliment to the offense, so I'm excited. Chris, you said you hope this new offensive put in play-breakers in position to make plays. What about you specifically? What's an area where you think you'll have more opportunity than this year game? It's a lot of areas that you can see to look at, to improve my game, but yards out the cases that one I'm looking for, for just more opportunities with that, more space. Just to showcase my speed and my ability with the ball.

1:21:00I'm excited to do that this year. Something that I really showcase the first two years, so I'm excited to be with the quick game element of it, just getting the ball in your hands. Yeah, quick game, play action, more over the middle routes. It's a lot of different things that you can say that it's going to help that, but I got said I'm excited. How would you describe the students we doing in the game? Derek, how is it going? We're getting way better, man. I mean, it was our first year last year, so it was kind of up and down, but that's what comes with the game of football. We worked a lot this season, OTAs, which was really good, and we got off to a good start these first two days of game, getting extra working, but that's going to come with time, so I'm not worried about that at all. We both competitors, we both want to be the best, so we got to do something to be good. What do you kind of notice at the front? It's just like feel on the route, what do you kind of notice now that it's year two, but it's more natural. What do you mean? It's like, Derek, are you when you're just going to have to work?

1:22:01What do you kind of notice? It's just like, it's more than that, man. It's in a fail, everybody's good, so we just got to know what each other is thinking, three snap post snap cover cheese, where the ball's going to go. Just rees, what read I am in the progression, everything goes along with that. So just being on the same page, being, like I said, chemistry is built with time, so just little stuff like that that turns into big things is going to be huge. You caught one from Spencer Rattler to the two, what are your early impressions from? He's real talented, that's the first thing I've seen from him. His arm talent is out the charts. He's a real natural, natural feel out there. He's going to be real good. I want to see him in action, but from my first impression, he's going to be a real good player. It's going back to the sheet that you talked about all the different stuff you should do. You think there's still a lot more there for him? Oh yeah. He hasn't really, I think this is first year being receiver two or really receiver, in my

1:23:03opinion, we both are receiver one, so I just be able to move around. Run real routes, feel like it's going to be a huge advantage for the same. So it's a special player and I can't wait to see him ball. I can't wait to see him get more opportunities. You can see what he can do. By run real routes, he's just like an opportunity to run. Yeah, just getting more, you know, he hadn't really played too many plays in his first two years. He kind of just get thrown in there when he's getting the ball or when he's a decoy or I'm like that, but he's actually being involved in the offense. Always being in, even on run plays, I feel like he's going to be a huge advantage for him to get a feel for the game and be more natural. How hard is a receiver like that for the shed kind of a, you know, think of him as a deep threat level and then so people just think of him as a deep threat, but we can do more – how hard is it to kind of shed that label or that perception right? I mean that's what life everybody is trying to label somebody as one thing or two things,

1:24:04but I feel like you can showcase, I mean, that's not really who we are, you know what I'm saying. As it gets more opportunities as you can see, you can see you can do more and more. That's what anybody on the team, so I'm excited, like I said, and for his huge opportunities, I'm gonna get this year, and it's gonna be a big one for the Saints. Does this scheme ask for more blocking from the receivers as ever more responsibility? Oh yeah, for sure. I mean, that's what I told you too, we both don't have to block, and I know we're not the biggest guys or the strongest, but like I said, we want to be on the field, we got to be on the field for the play action plays, all those things, so we both got to go block B-Line and block linebackers, but that's what's coming football, so we both got to take that next step in our game. Is that somewhere there's like a payoff, like you guys know you play from play action next time? Oh yeah, so yeah, it's gonna be a huge payoff. Like I said, most of our office is based on play action, all the end breakers, all the yards at the catch up play, so we got to go on there and block,

1:25:05and like I said, take that next step and be able to be great for our team. Like being here? Oh yeah, so, after I filled the weather out here, man, that's what I'm used to, not using the war and it's out there trying to catch my breath, but it's a great opportunity for us. You get a chance to see family and friends and also this is their football friend here? Not yet, but they don't come out here soon. Appreciate you, John. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Me, you know, I didn't have to make sure other guys would, you know, feel some type of way when they came in here because hump brought that. I mean, I've a hump's not here, but I saw when you did for a room, I want to be that guy to make sure I was an amptical practice. Everybody's, I'm taking a built team on period, you know, it's a low day or something, you know, it's a discipline, but like I want to make it feel like home-to-home. It's like you're a pairs of trip. I want to bring that, because that's what me and hump did to each other, we would hide each other, and do something to get walked, we're lit.

1:26:07So I want to do that. I want to bring that energy, I want to make bring more guys, you know, to do that, you know? I want to do that from day one, you know. I kind of, I want to do that from day one, talking to them, and obviously it's that time I spent in the off season before OTA started, just being in my self-just thinking about what the room needs, you know, because I know I knew we were all as one of leaders, you know, on our phones, 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, I want to help a kind of a little things on having to practice people and saying anything, and how I'd maybe lead, maybe different than somebody else may lead, you know, like at practice, it's like a legal positivity, you know, I mean so, but he, the energy yeah, would be on just, like, hyperb, beyond, so I kind of, how I want to be going on,

1:27:09really my whole life, I want to get, I felt team captain, like specifically, and I felt I wasn't captain at high school, wasn't captain at college, but I want to make a joke, I was in high school, so I feel like I'm not going to get captain's like, I felt, you know, but that would be awesome, you know, but, you know, if it happens, I'd be great, but not either way, I want to assume a role as a captain from the perspective of guys, until the visual world, and get back to that world. 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 used to be in the past, but it didn't take just the first LTAs, it took training, left and right, once this season ended, because I don't know what it was going to be, so I took a lot of, you know, grips, just to give back to feeling like myself, for the LTAs, and then now,

1:28:11for the first week, but now, like, today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet, and then talking about the long coach, about some things I'm going to do with my feet, to get to that, to sell my nutritional angle that I love to sit on, thought I felt great already, but I felt even better, starting to work, starts tomorrow now, get on my feet back, and how I like the right side, and on the left side, so long side. I mean, obviously, I feel like, in the league, whether I left the right, you're still going in, premier guys, obviously, your high expectations for the left, and your high tackle, but there's definitely, like, the level of energy, and like, the expectations, definitely take the human strength, because now, tonight, the blind side, that's the, that's the tackle role, you know, so, so yeah, I would say, in terms of communication as far as this, even outside of the facility, you just stuff like that, like really crazy, but tackle core back,

1:29:11body, even more off the field, I think, has been something that's even good. Cool. I got the text one day, because I, I keep put it left, I was like, you can't, you know, yeah, I've been training both. I've been training both, you know, I asked after the season, they're like, honestly, you know, we'll talk to you simply in the season, and I just got the text one, depending on how this went with the free agency, then, 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 staying right tackle, and I'll just do what I did before, I'm built on that, but I saw, I was training left tackle now, as if we're going to be left tackle, and I'd rather do that, than training all the right time, we're going to call it, and do the left tackle. I don't know, I wish I'd beat you. You know what I mean? So I'm like, let me just prepare an advance, I'll say, yeah, it was good. You know, I think occasionally, on third down, there'd be a lot of twists, I was just not like, it's a automatic outcome. And I think that was my mindset for like the first half of the season,

1:30:12like I didn't have to go to again with some pros, like oh my gosh, they did that. You kind of figured, like okay, like this is the type of rush, you know what I mean? This is how this guy usually rushes. If I get the vibe, this is how it begins, like the rush, you know, tackles that, you know, first year guys, you got the primary patch on, already know what it was going to be, already know what we every stuck. And honestly, just knowing that's kind of an advantage to, so you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twist on my side again. It was never air-dophilated, but they come out the hot, like three plays in the world. In two minutes, I do that, it was the way he had me, so a lot of, you know what I mean? So I'm watching more everybody else, and he really, you know, it goes out there occasionally, I was like, oh, he's gonna take me, you know what I mean? So, that effect, it's kind of, it's also kind of an advantage in a way, but it's also exciting, like okay, I'm gonna get the hardest look, you know, so it's a real, real reps, you know, the things, and really out on our way to kind of process,

1:31:14and I was like, hey, when I tell me, let me know if I'm just gonna train it, I was gonna train it all left, to OTA's, I guess if I didn't hear anything about OTA's, I would've came in like, so, you know what I mean? That's what I mean. Cause just like, I'm cool with training both, I would've been cool with training both, continually, but I feel like anybody, any position will feel like okay, like you wanna as soon as possible, give your feet kind of subtle in, your hips subtle in, your hands so then, certain kind of what? We've been hard of the age to work both, they're OTA's. No, you know, but they're definitely, but in terms of the development, it's definitely a lot faster, to stay on all one side, but I think having that, the weeks that we had to transition with seasons over, I'd like to respond, you know? It would, I'm trying to get up, put up my mind, and we, I think he's at a town right now, but when he comes back, I'm gonna show him the one house,

1:32:15so I just gotta house it not too far from him. So I told him, I got that house, I could yell outside, DJ. You know what I mean? So, yeah. You know what I mean? I'm just doing your, I'm the type of feeling, all that newness around you, it was sort of the opposite last year, with a new guy, and I did, and I did, it just pushes you into a new role, because you're kind of the leader of the group now, and it's a blessing to be in that position, and be able to have guys looking up to you, ask some questions, and it's a great feeling to be a part of, to know that, I mean, I can help develop younger guys that have the opportunity to play this year, next year, so, it's a honor to be in the position that I'm in. You feel like, what you need to develop a knack for playing with, the other safety, to be able to get out there, kind of know what everybody's doing, and that's something. I feel like that's communication that comes at time. Yeah, we got, I used to play with Nathan last year, so that was a blessing to have him here,

1:33:18and to have a year with him. But now, yeah, we gotta learn to play with new people, and continue to grow as a defense, and have new people in different positions. Okay, who's caught your eye in that secondary, this kind of making a move this spring? Yes. It's turning out to you. I think everybody's done a really good job. I'd like the lot, the way Roker is doing, done, he's stepped up a lot, and had a lot of improvements that I love to see. Jailin and Malik have played extremely well, so just love to watch those two guys continue to compete, continue to grow. And then outside those guys compete every day, Miles Lockhart just got a strike off, and he's been playing really well, so proud of him, and what he's been doing, but those are the people that I would say. Just, just Devin Senchez looked like, what you would call a five star? When he's out there and stuff, what you know what I mean? The guy comes in with Louis Vuittar, he goes back to a certain extent, but living up to a billing. How has he lived up to it, I guess? At the end of the day, even when I got to college, it really doesn't matter about your stars.

1:34:19You walk in, you're at the same type of stature as everybody else, so it doesn't really matter in terms of how would you walk in here with. He's done extremely well, he's learned a lot, he's improved a lot from day one to now, so it's been great to watch him develop, to watch him get better, and he's made some exceptional plays, and I hope to continue to see that. I do feel like McIrry is helping you grow as a player, what's your relationship? How has that kind of developed at the time that you've been here with him? Very football intelligent, very, like football first mindset, and I respect that as a person, just to be able to go and have somebody with the same mindset as me. Coach Wallen has been a really good help to me, and has helped me a lot on and off the field here. So I respect him for that, but Coach G is pushed me to increase and learn more football every day in our sport. Coach Matt, do you want to just want to see the interview process? Not when you guys, no, not before you got hired.

1:35:21Did what about this new coordinator, baby, brings a new idea of stuff? What, how could you change your revolve, or just be new to the parent? I mean, just being in new positions, the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, playing down and stuff like that, being put in different positions that I wasn't maybe put in last year to have different things on the field. I think that's a great thing. Always good to have versatility, as I said, and something I promise I've also looked forward to. Yeah, Coach. Coach, what are you thinking about while you're using it? Obviously, I'm just trying to get to the end. We can do more opportunities, which are a lot of sure. That's a good day at Coach Hark's hands, so I don't really think about that. But if I get the chance to go back there, it'll be on, and I'll try to pick another play. It's a light-blocking every day. It's a light-blocking, I see my hands. I see my shoes too hard. It's been, it has been kind of weird to walk in here and see all the different pictures that they put up, even the three from the playoff. So it's been great, and then they have different pictures

1:36:24inside and everything. So it's been good. It's been eye catching, where you walk by, like they just accomplished that. But it's a great situation to be in. You might have been asked for a few guys to couple of you, kind of, want to say, and have taken that with the issue because you haven't achieved anything yet. We've got one of the leaders that kind of, like, I think I can feel about that. I mean, I think that's, you have to reset at some point. And I think at some point, we had, like, in the weight room, we had, like, national championship stuff up there. And it was like, I mean, the new guys that walk in here, we haven't earned anything. We as the new 2025, 26 season, we haven't earned anything. So we can't really take credit for anything that is up on the banners. We can't take credit for winning anything at this point. We have to compete every day with the mindset of, we have to get better to be able to put ourselves in position to be the opportunity to get to that point. Yeah, what is the lesson learned from an accomplishment, like that, Kayle, that you do carry forward? I mean, the lesson learned is you have to continue to work.

1:37:26Last year, every day, we continue to stack bricks, like he said, and continue to get better every day. And I think that's why we came out to be where we were. And you can't just think about that from the moment that you get here in January and you start lifting in there. You have to continually push to be exceptional every day. And it's not really helping if you're just looking at stuff from the last year every day. And you get the move passed, and you have to keep going. But I think the spring has been good for that, because it's been able to be like, okay, we are turning to new leaf. We have different people, again, new faces and everything. And there's different people on the field. And we got to make plays with who we are. Coach, thanks as you've been limited from a participation standpoint to a certain extent, right? I was asked you want to go about the team, but what have you noticed about this team from a work standpoint of the catches your eye? Very competitive, I'll say. People are trying to compete and push themselves every day. And it gets chippy sometimes. And that's always a good thing,

1:38:27especially on the defense, to have people that are willing to go there, willing to get to that edge, and willing to be physical. I really like to see that. I'd love to see it. And I think we just need to continue to be more disciplined, continue to work on our skills and everything like that, continue to strive to be better. We good? You're the first to get your back in. I mean, that's not what my ass is. They ask, I'll do it for sure, but that's not what my ass is. Team that has so much turnover, you guys step up into the big ones, helping us to have a guy like Sunny, and how much have you been seeing him grow as a leader if he was a last two or three months? Oh, it's been an honor to see just because we've had conversations about it and everything, about how both of us are going to have to step into bigger roles and everything like that. But to see where we had those conversations to where we're at now, it's just honor to see the growth that he's been a part of and a part of him and he's going to continue to get better

1:39:29and to be the person that he's supposed to be. If they need me to do run support, I'll do run support. And it's really what Caleb does, what we do and lay them. 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 and tackling. Did you feel like that was the case before the Oregon game? You're saying what I'm saying? Is that something's been added? It just, you know, rely on a little bit more. Go ahead. Yeah, it did. I was probably the Nebraska game, 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 play, but I learned a lot more in debt. You know, so really just after the Oregon game, it helped me a lot to go back to safety, go to NICU everywhere. You guys had a lot of issues of giving up big plays in the passing game of the first game against Oregon.

1:40:30What do you feel like you guys need to do better this time around to make sure that doesn't happen? Just the 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, yeah. Bill Rebellion, what's the longest this patch? And 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? Oh, 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, I mean, get a second chance. And people have said, you don't get that very often.

1:41:31How 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 of 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 thighs, physical, and everything like that. All right, Jordan, we're going to jump to the Zoom question here from Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch. Oh, my bad. Not too Joey. Cameron T. Robinson, the athletic. Hey, Jordan, you've moved around a lot in the second day I knew in your career and now kind of getting some many more safety reps. What is it like at this point when Walt or Coach Mills comes to you and asks you to do some else? And just how much can you lean on the experiences you've had and moving around when you're trying to learn something new in the middle of the season? It means a lot. We always talk about when this is even being on selfish,

1:42:33whether 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. OK, if anybody else needs a 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 it 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 changing, their scheme has changed. Some players have been out those stretch of games. So I really watched the past game we played.

1:43:34And 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 stuff like that, every game matters. So yeah. Jordan, thank you very much. Thank you. Being over here, just what do you how did all you feel call of that kind of helped mold you interview are now? I definitely, definitely, maybe, like tough. And not afraid of new change. And it's like willing to just adapt to my environment. What was it like for you coming in here as a freshman and getting the SEAVIS team go win an national championship those first few weeks here? Definitely was a high motivated, you know? Being a freshman. It wasn't really my team though. So I didn't really get it. So that makes like push me like that once, when it's my turn. I got put in the word, I wanted the same position, but with a ring on my finger. What did you learn from those guys just about what you need to do to have a chance to go accomplish what they did? So you just got to don't let the past affect you.

1:44:35And just, yeah, I remember this. You got to be relentless. You got to put it to work. It's not easy at all by any means. It's got to be hard, but you have to do everything it's doing. What do you view as the best attributes of your game that you're going to bring to this team? I'll just say my size, my speed, I can take the top off the defense, and I can play tough and physical. It's about that. It's the last year that we picked back to the whole reward this year, and I don't have the skills to accomplish. What has the last kind of year been like for you? It's a little bit of a draw from the player. It's kind of a quality of process too. It ain't even hard to say, it's a big transition. How has this last year been the 12th? I was definitely chasing like, because I was always my sophomore year. I was hurt. And in my junior year, I got hurt during track. So I was able to, I was a highly defeated player anything. And this time last year, when my recruitment really picked up, it's been crazy.

1:45:37Must have another. But it's leaving me in my corner, my coach is everything. They should just give me the motivation to go. Where's your relationship with like the table? I'm just saying you guys, two of us, they came in together. Three more than they could. That's a big good. Before I even got a hosting offer, and before I even knew it, he was exactly actually through with them. A couple of times, he built a lot. So I was working with, I knew his head coach, and he invited me to come in and run routes. And I actually ran routes for a table in the fight. If we was exactly headed like this, we first came to New York. We had a lot more, we got got together, hustled freshman class, and he's growing, he's working on everything. He's definitely got nice on. This corner back in the years, I've been doing some great challenges, and how has that kind of helped you a lot in your freshman year? The corner back? The corner back. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And they're definitely talented in it.

1:46:37And I always say, I should have been on it. And they make it hard for you. And when you play this high level competition practice, you go on a game, you're like, twice as easy as you do the practice, and he's really built on stuff. Is there going to be a moment of question? I don't know what that is. Oh wow, this is a lot of different. This is something that I guess I can walk on. I guess there have been kind of like a moment first. I've realized. Oh wow, these guys are really good at this. Yeah, just like, I just first, like on high school, I would just take some reps and have a seat with this guy. Yeah, I just had speed, had catching abilities, like face separation. And I come to college. Well, everybody's fast, everybody's big. So you have five new ways to get open. It's really good for yourself to hire high-cuters. Now I was, but I just got more older minded.

1:47:38How do you say I should play out over to your family? So I've got that. I say, just come in there and try to be the first guy to come in, like, I'm trying to come in before the older guy. You get in here. That's hard because they're going to be here at least. So really just sticking with them and going on the ride with them and trying to be them at the thing they're doing earlier to me. Where do you feel like you've grown the most from year one to year two? I would say, learning a game more, like learning concepts and just know what the offense is going to do before they do it. Does it feel different being out there of a spring than it was when it was coming year ago? Yeah, definitely. Everything was slower. Everything was lower in my fresh air. Like, my high school defense, all we read was this man. So like, all this is new to me, especially with cognitive defense. And this year is like, everything's low now. How are some different future new defense? I'll say I just simplify more. It's more simplified. And coach is trying to get a lot more guys.

1:48:39Just see where everybody, it's pretty new skill. We still learning and working through it, but he's just trying to get the basics and figure out what guys are good at. You guys guys like Jeremiah and Rack, this is a pretty good step on the field of real game. You didn't get any other than Rack, so you didn't get that little good? Yeah, it's all the guy, Jeremiah, Carnaval, Brandon, Autumn, I feel like in the game it's definitely, I definitely do feel like it's easier. I feel like we got the best with him in the country. I'm competitive, I think. I'm like, I take you, I think it's a lot of it. I don't know what to talk a lot. What's the like in the room? It's very competitive. We all be going out of each other, we all be telling each other, I'm telling you, I'm telling you, man, I'm going to come try and come take you as much, my come take you out. See, Nate let me know they're not going to let me do that. So it's all, it's all love. Thank you for your time, Nate. Yeah, it's all love. Devin St. Joseph's kind of the same role that you were in last time, was that big time five star recruit? Yeah, what do you see in a dubbing circle? You're very competitive, very competitive. You got how about an energy? Maybe talking to the eye flyer, our whole room kind of like, there's time together, we all got the same energy.

1:49:41So, but he definitely put a lot of energy in, yeah, that's it. What did you learn from the time I was in last year? Really had to just approach the game, take a time watching more film. It really, they helped me slow things down, they helped me break things down and know what they're expecting on the show. It was coming. When you did play the actual, how do you think it did? I feel like I did, I feel pretty good, very good. And I feel like, what could you do with this? So I played it like one play, I think it was against C&C. It was like, it was played, I could've, it was made a bit in the area more, but that's just, Listen, it's 6 foot even, looked all over the place. Yeah, I'll try like 6 more, I don't know, 6 more, I'll say 6 more. Talking Jerry about that. Yeah, yeah. You talked about watching film. How different is that now for you in like, high school and even coming to last year? Now it's like you got a lot of more resources. So you got coached actors, just coming in and helping, and like my main thing is I'm trying to come in early and I'm getting with every coach I can. And really, you just, high school, you know,

1:50:42you watch the film, but Tyler thought you got to stay watching film every day. I'm watching their practice three times, two times a day, and flight. That's it for real. It's being close to home, working out well for you, or you just kind of stay in your bubble, and what is that like? Uh, yeah, stay at home, it's cool, but I don't really be going back home, ain't not back home for me, but my family come and come kick it with me here and there. I pay for sheep. Yeah, yeah, for sure. Yeah, my mom, she loved that plus, because of that. With your rats, you're a person. Who's going to build me just this? I think it's not the one. Yeah, what you talking about? It needs to grow up. Yeah. How many for a person? For each of my mother. Players wouldn't say that about you. Ah, undergrad. Yeah, I would get it's typical for her. Uh-huh. You can't feel like you feel that way too? Uh, not for real, I'm honest with you, but they said I did. I was, I just think that it was a tanker. You think it was just a typical for a person? Yeah, it doesn't know what it doesn't know. Yeah, I feel like I knew a lot. I knew, I knew too much, but I feel like I'm held my home,

1:51:43but I definitely could learn more. I didn't know too much. I think I'm in a high school, because basically I'm on a program, a high school, wasn't there. I think I have other skills in other things. Thank you. Thank you. Leonard on the other side. It was awesome. He was winning a lot, causing a lot of havoc. He had a couple good plays in the run. But this week, I think we're playing a better, honestly, a better team that's, they're playing better football. It looks like, and they run the wall well, and we're gonna have to be better in our techniques. We kinda got away with some things last week. So yeah, we have to hone in and not pat ourselves on the back. We'll consider going back. I haven't watched too much on him. He's now the interface. And you know, he's already in the club. I haven't watched too much on him. He's stout and could run a little bit. I mean, since he's been here, I know how his arm strength is and how he's a good processor of information.

1:52:45He can get the ball out. So it'll be the same formula, try and make him one dimensional. I'm gonna go from there. Super great, Darren's on what's made him. What makes him so much better? I think he's got a low center gravity. He's athletic. So it's tough to power him. And then he said, he's athletic enough to run nearby. And if he gets his hands, he kinda is able to replace him. Run you by? Somebody like Leonard, he's got such a good high motor. Does that, you see that kind of carry over to the rest of the room when you're playing next to the guy that's given that kind of effort at any club? Yeah, I think our effort was pretty darn good against the Jets, even from first play on. Sometimes it takes a little time early in the season because game speed is different and that game wind is different. But I think we're flying around and Floyd's no exception. Aaron held the ball, that less amount,

1:53:46at least amount than any quarterback in the league. Last week, 2.33 seconds. How do you, as a past Russian who wants to get those sacks, how do you do that? I mean, there's obviously a positive that comes with that from the overall defense. But how do you do that? Yeah, I mean, it's tough. We kinda expected it though. And then they pulled them late, which was kind of surprising. But I think we were causing some pressure. We weren't on the field much and then you're going three and out and he's getting the ball out. So it gets a little tough to keep your mind in it. But there was some ops at the end there and we're just gonna, I mean, games, it's good football. It's nine or football if that's the type of games we have and we don't have a lot of ops, but we have to go get them at the end. So we have to keep our mind in it. We're kind of saying the other night that he came and missed in all the camp. He was, he said, I can't believe how laser focused everybody was. Nobody was doing, no joke got around. Everybody was serious.

1:54:46He was like really impressed. Have you had that feeling all along through camp and did you feel that going into the game? Yeah, it's funny because when I came in last year, I was talking to Trent about how it's like high fives and hugs right when you walk in. And then everybody's like, all right, we've been here, we're working. And then like, it's work, it's football and that's just how it is here. And that's why we were able to have a good team year in a year out. Nick, what kind of pride do you've taken the fact that you were beating the Jets so bad they took out here in Rogers? Like I said, we're not patting ourselves in the back. It's one game and we don't know how good we are yet. We don't know how good other teams are so we just have to keep getting better. You're gonna have a backward ball rush like you have last game. That was a failed move. But I'll take it, I get a little pressure on them. After the game, what were you on Patrick Willis kind of talking about it? Yeah, he was just asking me about some of my past

1:55:49wrist plan and that was just elaborating and we were kind of going back and forth. As far as road environments, Minnesota's got a pretty unique band. Do you enjoy playing there in Minnesota like stadiums, the fans all that? It's a long flight and it's field turf, but it is one of the cooler environments I can't lie about that. Thanks Nick. Yeah. What makes you good in that area? Good round runner. Where do you feel like you're able to sort of succeed at the past catcher? Right, yeah, I think I just, you know, I have a good feel for the game when I'm running routes and you know, try to understand the whole play, the whole concept from a very deep level and try to find those holes in the defense as well and be on the same page with quarterback. Do you ever receive a backhand? No, no, so I actually played quarterback growing up until my junior year of high school, so that's kind of when I made the transition to Titan. Why'd you switch? There's just some things as a tight quarterback battle and the coach knew I could play Titan. So, you know, I kind of wanted to do it too.

1:56:51There's something that I was interested in. So it's kind of how that came about. Do you get to do it? 51 kind of laps here. Right. I'm talking about the Titan here in the event. I'm talking about 40 catches. Yeah. I'm sure you had a lot of suitors. Why come to a place where that's not necessarily been the history in terms of production and type. Right, yeah, no, I think coach key. I mean, he hit on all the things I wanted to hear and some things I didn't want to hear, you know what I mean? And that's real as a coach and you want to be in an environment that's going to push you in all aspects of the game. And being in Titan, it's not just about past coaching. You know, you got to block. And, you know, I think that's something that I want to keep developing. And, you know, going against these guys every day, I mean, running routes and blocking these guys every day. I mean, it's going to make you better. So I think I have a, you know, a vision of where I want to be as a Titan. And I think this place gives me the best opportunity to do that. That's like getting production and more about well-rounded yourself. Yeah, I think so.

1:57:52Just whatever way I can help the team, whatever they're asked for me to do, I'm going to do. So. What did you want to hear from you? What was that? What did he say that you didn't like your coach? I mean, I liked everything. But like, you know, you know, coaches, like, they sometimes just tell you what you want to hear. You know, you don't always want that. You want someone that's real. And you get the real with me, you know, shows some things that like, I need to improve on, which I like to hear, but not everyone wants to hear. You know what I mean? So stuff like that. What you noticed really grow up on, which of the descendants are so far in spring, like, just getting the best from? Yeah, I mean, they're all great. There's so many of them. I mean, I think, you know, honestly, I'm not. I'm so locked in on the plays at the time. They're like, I don't really have time to see who's even across from me. So it's kind of hard to really think about who's giving me the most trouble at this moment. Keem was saying that Caleb and Nathan kind of vouch for you or to tell you where you were from the, from the crew game, maybe you had a chance to talk to Caleb or Nathan. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nathan's awesome.

1:58:53Got to know him a little bit before he went off and started training. So he was awesome to be around, awesome to talk to, and same with Caleb. They're just great people. They're your protectors. They're in your corner. Yeah, yeah. They've been great so far. How much do you know how long you've just come as part of your injury in January and having that opportunity to be with the team as they went about now? Probably, yeah, it was great. I mean, just seeing the culture they have here and how they run things, they had that group of guys that really led the way and showed me what it looks like to win here. So it was awesome. Thanks. Thank you. Please, football. I mean, this is like, I know that from even being an NFL, but just, well, the good players are from the club. So I'm excited to be able to state that is amazing. That would be great. I think you're talking to Julian Edelman. That's one of the only podcasts you've had to refer to with recent interview. You know, we're talking about building schemes a bit of the person. It doesn't seem like you're married to just one thing. So if you are scheme flexible, what is the overall principle that guides you as a defensive coordinator?

1:59:54Yeah. And that's something that kind of developed, right? I think when I originally went to New England in the early 2000s, the game was different. You know, there was much more like two back sets and double tight end sets. And we were fundamentally at 3.14, as people would say. Now our 3.4 changed through the years. We're always kind of developing it and evolving it. But the game changed. And one of the things that kind of happened to us in New England and luckily, and not fortunately, I'm all very lucky with the things that happened for a reason. But we would pick late in the draft because of our season. Our 3.4 scheme really expanded. You know, a couple of coaches left. No meal, Cornell left. And Eric went to the Jets. And so they became much more difficult to find the pieces to fit the scheme. So we had to take the reverse effect. Let's just get the best players we can. Let's bring them in. And let's figure out how to use it. Let's figure out how to put them in position. And then with 11 personnel and no huddles and all those things that evolved, the game changed from a really heavy kind of like called base defense

2:00:54and packages to multiple sub packages. And that's something else that happened. And we just had guys that evolved the defense through the years because they were on our team. So saying all that, I guess what I tell everybody is, my whole goal is to try to figure out what do you do well? How do I put you in the best position to go get on the field and do that well? That job well. To invest your ability because if you can play fast, you can play aggressive because you know, I have you in your skill set, then you're going to be disruptive as a defensive player. You're going to help us win as a defense, win as a team. And we can fit the pieces around where everybody goes in that accord. And then go from there. So that's kind of like, I'm of course, all of it. Right? Of course, 3, 4, 4, 3, nickel, big nickel, dimes, all those packages, four down from five down from the other side of the front. I'll add space, and you know, just do kind of do it through the course of the year. So to me, it's all like, hey, that guy can do this, or that guy can do this. And then I also think it creates rules. So it's not always like the same 11 on the field. So you can have a really good skill set

2:01:54and you can do something if it's in a critical situation, then you know, we got to get you in that spot and help you be in that situation when we win the game. That's really reliable. Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I'm always going to say it is. It is. Yeah, I actually have two of them right now. I brought them in and kind of like set them down. Everyone's like, oh my gosh, what is that? I just don't worry about it. It's just just reference. As you look at this opportunity to come to Ohio State and become some of the talent that's coming back and the guys you'd be able to kill, to shoot it out to you, it's like, hey, I want to go coach that guy. I would like to have an opportunity to put that guy in. Yeah. I mean, it's hard not to work in the building and try to find Caleb as fast as possible, right? I mean, he is unbelievable, amazing player, very versatile. You know, there's a lot of, like, you know, you look at a guy like that and you think it was okay. We're going to be able to do some really fun things with him and he's super smart and he's so such a great student in the game and his approach is amazing. Sonny Styles, I mean, you know, we look at him and, you know, our belt. I mean, those are guys, we always had big backers. I walked in and I was like, hey, I'm going to,

2:02:55oh my, these guys are, you know, they're big, they're long. They can move, they eat up a lot of space. So now my brain just starts, I'm like, oh, we can do this. We can move here, we can put in there, we can line up ears, do all those things. But then you got, you got IGV outside, you know, Dramay, you got, you have so many great players to me. I know it's exciting. It's exciting. So you have a relationship with Timmy Wolfe. Yes. But basically this whole staff is here and you're coming in just to talk about that dynamic and how much work is there. Yeah. I mean, how lucky for me, right, to be able to come in in a situation where these guys can really help bring me in, you know, and let me in. So obviously I lean on Tim quite a bit because of our relationship going back, but coach Johnson and I have known each other for a long time, you know, going back to when I was at Syracuse University, the head coach there was called Pasco, and he hit, played at Penn State. So we always kind of had a Penn State Syracuse, you know, kind of connection and obviously just admired him for the years and always was talking to him because he's great players coming out

2:03:56wherever he's coached to come to our level. So you were always building those relationships. And so to be able to sit down and talk football about the philosophy within is amazing. The cover stuff we put on Tim and I, it's like just natural conversation because again, Tim was in the NFL for a long time too. So a lot of those conversations are great, Matt, you know, James, I worked out James here. I'm probably pretty sure that I'm a field and I was yelling at him, but you know, super smart player, a guy that saw the game extremely well and was able to play fast because of it. And so all of that, those connections that's been, it's been really awesome. And I'm just, again, I just, my job's really to sit and learn and try to observe and then, okay, where can I add, where can we change, where can we adjust and, you know, and then we got to work it out of the system. I still wear the... Yeah, I was actually as I practiced. So I was rolling. Yeah, is that just... You know, I'm always taking notes. I actually don't have them on, but I usually care like on a notebook. So even when our guys are working out,

2:04:57I'm probably walking around and just taking a little notes and, you know, where we're drawn for ball. It's kind of just to have it at most points from being a young coach and breaking film. You know, I think I kind of told the story on Julian's podcast or the show that Coach and I did. But, you know, as a young coach, we would break down film. I would draw every play, you know, in detail. All 22 guys, footballer, depth, alignments, all of it. And it really was, you know, we hand-drawn and, you know, the good old number two was the best thing to do. Nice and sharp. You have a nice, clean point. And the lines were smooth. But it used to take us like 12 hours to break a game, you know, you're drawing as we play. So when you're coaching all day long and then trying to break four or five games during the course of the week, if you had 10 minutes, I mean, can you where you were in the building? You had your pads where they were like, boom, let me start to draw. It kind of just went in the hat, because that was the safest place to put it. So that's kind of where that is. But I'm always trying to take notes and stuff. I'm going to get to this point where they were going to work out. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

2:05:58I got some good notes in this morning for sure. Yep. I'm sure. So it's going back to school. Don't speak. Yep. Did that impact you? Have you guys prepared notes at all? I mean, I don't know if you do that. Yeah. In terms of why he did that, maybe that's what we showed you. It can be done. Yeah. I would say this. I start to wrap it up with these first notes. But I actually very close. We talked a lot, you know, and we've spent great, you know, two decades together of football conversation, too. But we were together every day this past fall. And we did the coach show on YouTube, which was great. That was something I wrote last spring. And then just, you know, no way for you and I to get in a room and just teach football, which we'd love to do. But we did have a lot of conversation about college football, you know, through the course of really last spring. Take a look at how we really get fascinated with roster builds. So one of the things I think that was really interesting with college football was with the portal, with, you know, the true opportunities there, with recruiting how fast can you build your team and how fast can you really,

2:06:59you know, get the good players in the building in the NFL. It was pretty, pretty rigid, you know, you knew your points. Whether it was free agency to the draft, to the 53 cut to the, to the trade deadline. Those are the four opportunities. Then with the contracts, you know, how many, how many, how many really big contracts can you sign? And we just, we got fascinated with the college model. So we really started studying a lot of the different schools and how they were building the roster. So we did have a lot of those common associates. And duties are different, but what did you learn in Detroit? There is so much you do learn in that situation. I mean, obviously, you know, for myself going from being a coordinator to a head coach, it's, there's no book. It's really, you know, interior in that position. And that's why, you know, so many first time head coaches, it's not easy, you know, and a lot of times when you go back, and if you get in the second opportunity, you have more success because if you do take that opportunity, and the mind of Detroit was great, I learned a lot. I was a great friend of my coach, you know, that's what I certainly, I take responsibility for.

2:07:59And, you know, through the course of my years of coaching, like not all of them are going to be perfect. You know, I'm trying as much as I can, but that first year was really hard, you know, and I was trying to learn a lot, and I didn't do a good job. You know, I reflected a lot too. I think one of the things that really, that I kind of watched that Michael Jordan, you know, document, you see that? And something like tricky, you know, I think that's what I was thinking about. You know, document, you see that? And something like triggered when I watched it, he was talking about, you know, his intensity when they lost the championship and how told everybody that was coming in the building the next year, exactly how it was going to be like his focus. You know, we had lost the Super World, and we had been, you know, the Super World Championship, Super World Championship, it was like every other year, and so we had one in 61, and went back and set up to the loss. And I think that, that mindset, when you use that game, like, all you want to do is go, you just want to go back. Like, it's just your level of where you're intensely in your room season, such a high level. And I do a good job of walking into a new building

2:09:01where they didn't lose this. You know, I mean, that was, that wasn't their fault, that was my fault. And I never reset myself. I don't think well enough to like, hey, I'm in some place new, like these guys didn't have that during the last year. I got to, I got to start teaching coach again. I got to start the building and I didn't do a bit much out of it. Matt, you mentioned that you have so many different packages that you've used as a group to the college level. You can be looking at the school. We have Matt, Larry, on the 10th. Yeah. I think the beauty of football, and definitely something I learned at New England was, let's take the extremely complex, and let's try to boil it down to maybe three to five things, really simple, so we can really detail that out as much as possible. I think that's a really cool thing to do. I think that in general, yes, we have lots of packages and all that stuff, but I always felt going into a game, my whole goal was like, I just want to make sure that I can go play fast and play aggressive. So I don't want to have too much where they can't do that.

2:10:03I want them to be able to go play, they play, you know, I'm not playing, they play the game. So let them get on the field, let them play fast, let them play aggressive. And I think that is a good balance of making sure you have enough to defend what you're going to see, but also, you know, let the players go play free and have the tools on the field they need to make sense. Matt, thank you. And it's going to be my job to make this job easier. Darius, Darren Urban from AZCarnels.com. I know that a lot of players these days aren't sticking in one school for a long time. You did it for five years. I mean, even Marvin did it for three. Like what went behind that? And why wasn't meaningful for you to stand one school? Yes, I'm a Zura. You know, we had some tough seasons, but we were really built with a edge. Energy details, grit and emotional consistency. And I just find myself just trying to grow and get better each year. And also as a team, you know, one more games each year. And that was my home, that was my family. I was blessed to, you know, get two degrees as well, off the field. And I just love Mizzou.

2:11:04Two degrees. Wow. Good. See you soon. Marvin, Bob McMan, I'm an Arizona Republic. Congratulations. Thank you. To both of you. You're known as all business. And I want to know how that's going to serve you well in this league from personal standpoint. Your brand, everything you do in a daily preparation. There's a lot that goes into being all business. Tell me what that is to you. Yeah, I mean, yes, just being a pro. It's kind of raised and grew up to do. And keep the same mindset, same attitude that I've had throughout my whole career. Once I get here, I continue to work hard, be consistent and disciplined, you know, and all that I do. So I'm looking forward to putting in the work. Hey, Marvin, Josh Wayne, plus ESPN. What were the best pieces of advice your dad gave you about being an NFL player? I mean, yeah, it takes a lot of work, a lot of preparation. No, from Monday to Saturday. It's all working. And then Sunday should be the easy part. I go out there, have fun, probably put the work in.

2:12:04So I'm going to start with the work first. And then no one Sunday comes. It's really benefits. Hey, Darryus, Howard Balls are from CardsWire. I can't help but notice that ring on your fingers. Is that a cotton bowl ring? Yes, it is. The cotton bowl ring. It's a short. So you showed it to Marvin very quickly. No, I just saw it to Marvin. I was telling Marvin, you know, he was glad he did play. And then the whole week leading up, you know, you see how I stayed. Everybody said, OK, Marvin Harrison. And then he's like, is he going to play? Is he going to play? So you know, we looked out. So. Hey, Marvin, Paul Kelvici Cardinals broadcasting. Do you believe that receivers have to earn the trust of their quarterback? And if so, what does that usually require? Absolutely. You got to earn a trust of the quarterback. And they start every day in practice and being consistent, really. You can't just do it one day. You can't just do it for one week. Has to be done over and over and over again. I think that's how trust is earned. So no matter where you get picked, whether you're a first receiver,

2:13:05it's around 7. Doesn't really matter how to go in there. And trust the quarterback. Your coaches, your teammates. So it all starts in practice. What's going on, guys? Good to see you again, Tyler Drake. There's no sports. This one's for Darius. What's the feeling of just being able to represent your school as that first round pick? And what kind of impact can that have for those guys falling in your footsteps? Yes, awesome. I feel like I'm setting the standard going for it. But that's named Mizzou is known as D-Line Zou. So I'm just added to the family. But now I feel like I'm setting the standard for my younger teammates that this is attainable if you work really hard, be consistent, and really get the trust of strength coach. I feel like every program is built out to strength coach and that develops all the habits, on and off the field. Darius Zachers, Manezy Carnels.com right over here. JG mentioned that he loves the violence that you play with. You mentioned the different tendencies that you picked up. The emotional consistency is the great. How do you balance that? The violence with discipline on the field. Oh, honestly, just through preparation and practice, I'm a big guy, I'm a big believer in inside hands.

2:14:07So that's why I'm always working my hand placement. And then I live weight. So that's all connected. So I'm just trying to be focused on my technique as much as possible. Hey, Marvin, over here. David Bramford, the Associated Press. You know, a lot of rookies come into the league, and they get a little bit of leeway. It's like, oh, he's young. He needs to grow and stuff like that. But obviously, you're going to be expected to be the guy here really quickly. How do you deal with that pressure? How do you go about just so much being expected of you so quickly? I mean, yeah, I've high standards for myself. But I'm just going to go in there and try to work. The best I can. I just want to help the team win really. So with that, I roll, I play. Come September. I was doing best. No, good day, roll. Now, this one's for both of you guys. The fans want to know who you guys are on the inside. I don't know how much you're willing to reveal to us today. A lot would be nice. Can you tell us what you like to do away from football, what pisses you off about things, and what makes you roll?

2:15:14I'm pretty simple. I like being my apartment. I watch the movie. If I go out and I go to a restaurant, get some food. But other than that, I don't really do too much. And then I'm pretty easy going, guys. So I'll try not to let nothing bother me too much. I said the same thing. A real chill guy just really obsessed with football. But outside of football, like I said, I got my two degrees. I got my undergrad, hospitality management, and a minor in business. I got my master's in a positive culture with emphasis, affiliate leadership. So just thinking about being well-rounded. And then I do philanthropy work. I start my own nonprofit foundation. Derrick Robinson helped my hands foundation. But really, just football and then everything else, honestly. Congratulations, guys. Welcome to the Valley and Robbie Baker with Fox 10. Derrick, this is for you. After the draft, last night, you had a great response about how you're processing preparing for a game. Just kind of wondering where your love for kind of the grind comes from and your love for that process comes from. I would say my junior year, because I play literally ball often known, but I got my junior year

2:16:15and I was playing high school. And my whole goal was just to earn a scholarship. But during that process, I really fell in love with the game, fell in love with working out, relationships with teammates. And now I was kind of like my vice. And I can't let it go. And just kind of finding ways to always get better, you know? Luke Lidden here with 12 sports. Congrats both of you. Welcome to the Valley. This one's for you, Marvin. I'm curious, your thoughts, or what was that conversation like with your dad after your name was called? And you were able to be drafted by this organization and how surreal is it for you to be following on your own father's footsteps, but in your own way? Yeah, I mean, it was very brief. I actually just, you know, second congratulations. I've walked up to the stage. Then I had to do a bunch of interviews at the word. So I don't think it's hit both of us yet. I know what's happened. And I think one of my goals always make him proud. So I hope I did that. Marvin, Bob Rock, PHNX Sports. When do you anticipate catching your first passes from Kyle Murray? I don't know. I don't know. I guess we'll see. I hope we'll see as soon as possible.

2:17:17Darius, you mentioned philanthropy. And I know there's been, it's been talked about how you took some of the NIL money to do a get back to school for the kids in Columbia. So where did that belief in doing those things come from? I say my family, my brother, my mom really instilled that into me, entered me out of young age, just give back your blessings to others. And my fifth year at Mizzou was the best year in my life. So why would I not share my blessings with others? So that's what really motivated me to do that. And now being an NFL, you know, my goals have been through events each year. Just give back. Because you know, it's life outside of football and bigger blessings out there. Marvin, you obviously played with a number of highly drafted receivers at Ohio State. What sort of feedback have you gotten about the NFL from them and about making the transition and the league itself? Yes, a long season. I think going from the 12 game record season, you had them college to, was it 17 games now? And you got three preseason. I think actually just the biggest challenge. The game stays the same. Obviously, never all skilled and very talented athletes.

2:18:19So the mental part is probably the biggest thing. The biggest change from college to pros. Marvin, what's your timeline for hiring an agent right over here on the way far right? You haven't hired an agent. Why is that? Is there a timeline to hiring one? And are you going to sign the NFL P.A. Licensing Agreement? I'll continue talking to my team. We do what's best for me. I'm moving forward. We just take it one day at a time. I just got drafted. So I'm trying to enjoy the moment and be happy while I can at the moment. Hey, Marvin. I'll say a Romero Arizona Republic. Welcome, man. Can you just kind of share a little bit about, are you touching on it briefly here, but just a little bit more about growing up with your dad and the experiences you had in Indianapolis and games and so on and so forth? Yeah, I mean, there is no better role model coach mentor that you can have as someone who's played the game. And then he's actually a father too. So he means a lot to me. He's helping get to the point I'm at right now. And just he's been very detailed in everything that I've done and growing up with playing football.

2:19:20So we're thankful for him. I'm glad that he can be here with me today. Look, we're getting here with 12 sports. This is for Daria Starris. M-I-Z. Yeah, you. Yes, sir. I'm a moderate as well. Curious, what do you think you learned the most from your time at Mizzou that has helped you be ready for this moment? I'll say the biggest thing is not how you start as how you finish. And I have to feel like me being drafted. That was the exclamation point on my career at Mizzou. But now I got started all over again and really earned respect on my teammates and coaches and then earned a role within our organization. But that's what I would say. Marvin, over here. What's it like being another buck guy out here in the desert having Paris in the front row and getting to reunite with your guy out here? And it's awesome, man. I think this is kind of like two years in the making with Paris and kind of had his conversation going back to even before he got drafted from the Carlos. And I just get a chance to play with him again. And hopefully last quarter of some touchdowns, he raises me up in his arms like he used to do in college. So I'm super excited to play with him. I mean, not only is he going to be a great teammate

2:20:21but a great friend of half as well. Or if the tapes speaks for itself, but what would you say is the most underrated part of your game? I think just my competitiveness. And me, I mean, I should. I'm not much of an emotional guy on the field, but I'm very competitive because I am very underrated part of my game. Yeah, looks like that's it. So thank you so much. Of course. Thanks for having us. Thank you. When they gave me the all clear to start that week. And then in the game, there was like a critical third down and I had to go make a play. And I did that. So from there, I think my trust started to go with the program. Why did you do that? I thought really like the longevity of my career. I thought it would be at cornerback. And I had a lot of trust in coach Wall and I had a lot of trust in like what Ohio State does with DB. So I was just I thought this would be the best fit for me. How much do you have to do in the summer? I mean, I mean, being close to home, my brother here, that's definitely a plus. I had to think about like the longevity of my career. Like me playing with studies, not necessarily

2:21:21can help me get to the NFL. So I had to think about what was going to be best for me there. I think a lot about the program that there's a lot of similarities in between both programs. One thing that I really think about or I was thinking about like before coming doing this, we used to do like tug of war there. So going to get some of the guys that swung on matchups and this game's kind of like that tug of war. This is going to be some of the metham swings and we just like when they blow the whistle out there, we got to make sure we're pulling it to our side. They asked me a couple questions, but that was more so last year. I know they have a new off the coordinator from all of us to you. So the team is a little bit different from when I was there. But yeah, there's definitely some questions being asked. Yeah, he could run the ball for sure. I think it's physicality, his athleticism, his toughness shows up on the tape. There's going to be a lot of plus one runs, which makes it hard extra having the box after defending that. But I think he really, he's a big leader on that team,

2:22:23not saying the other quarterbacks weren't, but he's really a driving force for that offense to go. He has decent size, he has really good size. He shows some Twitch on film. So I was there with him as well, so I'm excited to go with that matchup. I'm doing this when I really think about it, like a season that really comes to mind, my dad being here, my brother being here. And then this team's growing, I think it's a really faith-based team, so I just want to give a lot of credit to G-Scratch, just for me this opportunity to be on this team, be able to do this today. I think it's like a team's back to it, it's like a team's back to it, it's like a team's back to it, it's like a team's back to it, it's like a team's back to it. I don't even want to talk about this season, I'm being honest, me and Jack been friends, since we were seven years old, playing basketball, and he helped my, this competitive edge really increase. So when we were on the court, he was always talking to that guy, talking stuff,

2:23:24always getting our guys rallied up then, and then he helped me get better when I'm younger, because when you're younger, the people you surround yourself with, that really helps, just help you form who you are, and he played a really big part in that, just always pushing me to be the best self, and hopefully I do the same for him. I mean, yeah, it's more like NFL season, a little bit less, but it starts to add up on your body, so good thing about Ohio State, we have death here, so when guys needed to step up, like when I had my opportunity to see the D-Line, multiple positions, they really needed to step up, we've had the guys to do that, so they're staying healthy and really trying to take it so the whole season. That means a lot of Pyrgerton. We all played like childhood sports together, so I think it just goes like the community that I was surrounded in, then type of parents. That mindset just like really pushing their kids to be great, and I hope that continues on in Pyrgerton.

2:24:27I would have to say either JT, Sonny, I feel about every day of my boy Jack, but JT or Sonny? I mean, I feel like that's easy to say, yeah, just because he was like the number one player in the country, coming out of high school, so like the expectations have always been high, but it's hard as like an eight-year-old even envision, like him being like making that play that he did, but we always knew we were gonna play at a high level together, and we talked about that since we were really young. Originally, we talked about playing at a high-state together, and now we're here though, so my freshman year, when we both are freshman sophomore, when we were in Crude at a high-state, we mean him or visiting every other week together, so really just seeing the vision, seeing what he talked about and being a man of his word, or just going to come show what he did. You know, I'm not gonna call the question, but you're not gonna be in the game, you're not gonna be in the game? I honestly wasn't even thinking about Notre Dame, because there was so much going on in the program at the time,

2:25:28like the real focus was on being Tennessee, so to be here in this time, my girlfriend goes Notre Dame, a lot of my family, like just a lot of connections between Notre Dame and Ohio State for me, so I just know it's gonna be a good match up to everyone's excited for. I did talk to him, but those were conversations were short, they had the total can't be talking to the enemy for too long, so she went for Ohio State. We actually got a conversation about this, so she should be in Ohio State, if anyone sees it or so. Is it a little difficult? It was a little bumpy, but we got our Ohio State side for sure. You already done this though, but your parents are the first ones that you've been in. Yeah, no doubt, my mom and dad, they don't have to split, there's just anything like that Ohio State should be at this game. So you look back at the program, and it can't be that difficult. How much growth and I think, how much growth happens to you from the outside? Yeah, I'm on the outside,

2:26:28but I've always kept in touch with my players there, like some of my friends and current players there. So I want to credit a lot of that to Coach Freeman. The program, like when I was there, they were some tough losses that were taken, so they were definitely needed some change to be made, and he did that. I think this formatting with the 12-seam playoff that helped us, but it really helped them as well. Yeah, another day, it was a little bit different just because it's already rooted in their tradition. So here, guys, I really had to step up and really be kind of vocal about it, and I just think it was like the most important, because in our sport, you have to have a reference point, and if you reference points, it's just measured on your success on the field, how much NIL money you're getting, things of that nature, it's easy to go up and down. So if I had that reference point within the Lord, how's it got this team study?

2:27:28Yeah, I mean, I feel like Coach, let's say a lot of it is, because we got a Ohio State Roots, but I think it's a lot of things that are going to be a little bit more difficult to get to the State Roots. But now, honestly, Coach Freeman, when he first came, the team they really took him in when I was at Notre Dame. I remember him first coming in the locker room vividly, and everyone in the team jumped up, and there's another thing that sticks out to me, before every single practice, he'd daped up every single player in line. So he's a really player coach, and I just want to, he works real hard. I just saw the dedication he had, how much he cared about the program, the players, and I'm, yeah, a lot of their successes. Is that him? I'm not sure on that level, I'm like, how much he's matured, but I saw the bricks being laid for sure while I was there. How much of the time did you do that? Yeah, I had a long talk with Algon, while I was a defense coordinator, and he really wanted me to stay. But I kind of already had my mind made up,

2:28:28but I was ready to enter the portal, and I'm fine. I'm going to do my best to get to the State Roots. I'm going to do my best to get to the State Roots. I'm not going to mind making up, but I was ready to enter the portal, and I'm fine, and better fit for myself. Yeah, that was the conversation as well, so. Appreciate it. Thank you. Just a matter of continuing to do that in a different moment. Very good. There's not going to be anything for you. You've got a fourth to three guys. You know, you're taking four-three, everybody's choosing to confuse it. I'm a four-three god. But really, you know, you're taking a four-three, you're taking a third to stand them up. multiple defense without changing any personnel. So it's a four man brunt but we can go to a three man or four man five man six man. The guys on the field so I think that we've been multiple but we can keep saying it's a four man front but it can be a interchange before you're fine. Yeah it's a lot of some men it's how you look at it. Everyone can say it's four man front four man front not really when you can't just do the pieces. The four guys can stay in the field and you can pop JT or pack KJR. I see a note that's like a

2:29:33three four. But it's a four guys on the field playing. That's been in the game and so I think that we can't lose how you can play deepness because you can't substitute every play to get a new person. So those guys can be to play for a four man to three man or whatever happens. You have to be ready to do that. Do you think you'll have more opportunities to coach CJ this year? What would you envision for a role for them? He's working right now so CJ is working right now trying to learn how to play the position and now I want him to learn how to play position as a T-face event stand up. We get to that moment and not as a linebacker. I think that's the transition he's mentally he's got to go through. He's done an outstanding job thus far. He's bought in to what we're doing and I think that's the key when he got buy-ins like this is what I want to do and he has a really good skill set so we can use them in the model ways but we don't want to use them just third out right we want to use the first and second down. So my job is to get him ready to play the one from on the line you're supposed to be in space that's different and once we accomplish as we go then I think if you have a chance to give us some great depth and we're really doing some good

2:30:35things for us. I'm a cider bottom because he's really excited about the position change. Larry when you talk about being multiple how impactful can a guy like CJ be because of his versatility about the stand up. That's a bonus if you can do that right because it stays on the field and then you bring it out from space you can drop him from space or you can put him and I think that as we go for I think we'll try to build that we just can't build it around one guy you got to build out what it came up with he can do on the field and so like I said it's early stage so it's hard to say this is what we're gonna do because we're just putting it together and I know that CJ is very happy where he's at he's saying to have a really good time understanding what we're doing and so what the guy goes from there. What did you see last year that would you see from him last year that make you think that he could be impactful? Well we know he can rush he's got great speed off the edge you really can get off the ball that we know that now I can say for his can he play on a tight end and a six technique and standing up in a two feet plank that's the thing you have some already do once he master that they rush stuff will come easy because today is

2:31:37how I feel and that's what we try to work as we can go on the team we can walk out of spring Liam feel really good about playing a run and the rush and faster there we go bonus and that's the goal. There in camp last year you mentioned Josh McVick the guy was coming out and talking to him about where did he in season and how close do you think he is to be the guy who's going back to me. I think as we move forward I think he has some factor. I think every guy is factoring right because of death right similar to some great players and now we're gonna get these young guys really fast and so we're gonna need all hands in the game. Your room typically has guys who start to show it in your team. Yes I want to do something like a trip and start showing your two and they got the first thing to see are the interviews. Without Jason, I talked with him a lot. I just didn't seem to come together in your two. How can he kind of make up to get to where you need him to be? I need him to be for his three where he's probably more necessary to do with less. Yeah I think Jason's got to play football. He's got to play more football in life situation right so he didn't get a lot of shots playing in games

2:32:40and so this all season this is biggest offseason. You know I've said to him your minute conversation and this is a year or this is a time which for the process is now built now he's got to go and I think he's ready for that shot. So I'm looking for great things for him to go forward. He's seen to be able to get space right now. I like where he's at so but we've got a lot of days to go to him right so I'm very confident. What do you guess the same thing when it comes to will? He's injured I think especially when we're in the game. Has it really played a lot of football for you? What's it to kind of see the thing with him or is it a little different with him? A lot of different we changed the position a little bit trying to find the right fit for him. Give everyone three tech to have nose guards. I think we're going to flannel get one tech. I'm really pleased where is that right now? It's got strong ways got bigger. I'm looking forward to as we go into the to the screen football how he comes out but so far so good. I mean I think he has a chance to help us. Well maybe I'd want to play the good number snap. Yeah. You guys can get lost last year but what does he need to do to be ready to take on

2:33:41an even bigger role? Well you know he's got to be a leader in a first of all so that's a role for him. He has not been in this can be the leader moving unit. He's so far he's done a great job doing that. Now he's going to be the guy who's going to have to demonstrate a production force and move the sick force. The yard's going to force an ID for his men and I think he has a chance to do that. Now he's going to play for what he gets to play so we'll see him more and I think we'll see his talent come to front. What made you want to bring in Logan George and how do you see him fitting into this? Well you look for a fit right most important thing he's fit. He doesn't fit ID fancy and fit ice games and he's in a culture. That's all important when you bring a guy to the court he's got to be a fit and sitting talking to him talking to his family, talking to his coach which was really really rare and I raised him on him as a player. And then once we sit down and then talk I feel like he fit our room. He's got great crowd to get rush and it'll be plays hard and everything you want to see got to have he has. And so I'm looking forward to seeing where he goes from here. Is there anything you can do from the same hometown as Tommy Toggi? Yeah same high school.

2:34:41Yeah does there anything like Toggi eyes that hope you learn more about Logan? Well not necessarily about learning but I know they coach really well and the men after he's the phone call and I mean he gave right years was a player just a person you know that was that was the end for me because you got to have some information and then hey coach was just good love because he's going to stop talking about it. He's a player and he's a player and he's a man of daily on the table. So when I'm growing up and talk to him I'm in the fantasy and down. I got a lot of people. It was pretty good. What do you need to see from a guy like him that know that that can train to a high up state. This is like actually quite literally the top of the sport right now. So how do you know that that's going to translate from FCS? Based on what I've seen thus far and skill set is going to translate. Okay. Because he's going to translate. Even though I made a huge mistake. No I was just saying. I just got to translate. Yeah I know what you're saying like it's a big moment now right but but he's been he's been he's done great job. That I can tell you that I'm really looking forward to. And he's been all business and that's what you want. He's a great leader in a room. He's helping in your guys but he goes on to feel he works and that's what I want.

2:35:42Yeah. There I think it's something that probably all of us yeah I've talked about at times over the years. So I'll just ask the drink. Yeah. Was there anything in Jim Gould's time here where his style of defense and your style of defense did not exactly mesh? No. No. Why do you think we think that? Because you guys think he's a 3-4. You guys look at his system at Huckle Homma and thought that way is going to bring the jack thing here. You know what I mean? That's what he thought. And so when you looked at that, you're right I was looking for a 3-4 defense. Yeah. And when you're getting remember we have all these 4-3 guys here. And so you have to change the way you recruit if you got a change to defense this game set right. And I think we tried Jack's story at that position. Right. And then as the season went on and teams were going to plan offensively, you know what I mean. It was predicated to more having four guys in the field and changing up. So in every way like like like I don't chase stories and lies out there because nobody's asking me this question here at the mercy. But Jim and I had really great conversations about Warp-Root. There was never a moment where we were going, hey I don't want the 3-4.

2:36:44There was never that. So that was the best fit for our players. How can we get them on the team? And that was always the conversation I was. And I did this day. The star was made of a ball that was constantly, they were so conflicted. Maybe because I said well I don't know what the jack, you know I don't know what the time and the Warp-Root was the jack. I knew that we felt jack sorry to see the decision between coach and I that. Like let's get jack sorry back to him as it ends. And that's where we'll let's go to another jack position, got to do it. But we never did it again. You know we never got back to the shore of defense. Is it changed what you do? I don't know, of course about it. It's a different scheme of different things we do. And you got to look by it. In big 10 offense, there's so many different ways, formations. You get that guy caught in the hall and trying to play that. So this is tough. When did the father you get that story? The story was out there. How much did the father you get the story was out there that you and those worked seeing out there? You didn't even fight. Here's what I say to you. It doesn't bother me because I know who I am as a man as a person, right?

2:37:44And so I'm never going to chase lies of people who talk about what I did. And I was amazed and I'm getting sent into the night when I used to read it. Because that's not who I am. I mean, Jim and I had a great relationship and never came down to that. I don't have the ultimate. I was never that. The story got created, which is unfair. But again, created somehow with someone on podcasts. I guess you're going to get clicked with someone. I don't know. I don't read that song. But no, it didn't bother me because I'm not chasing a lot. I know who I am as a person. I used to be very high in my character. Why not? I've been this minister on time. I don't have to go through chairs and the room and think about it. Right? Yeah, I mean, I have a opinion. I give that opinion. We agree. Walk on the room. What we're going to do. We go for it. I think you saw it this season. We played really well. As a unit, we played well as a staff. How much more? How much testimony do you need? Yeah, I start when you think about it, especially the way the defense played down the stretch, second half of the year, and the play on when you think about staff, players, talent, experience coming in. Just what's your evaluation of how do you

2:38:45high estate defense play on the way to national championships? I think the play light up. I think they're played closest to unit. I thought they had a lot of pride about what they're doing. And they were on a mission. They really were a half to two more. You knew that it was going to change. I mean, as you know, it's a proud ones of coach to see guys play the way they're playing. I mean, everything came to a time. And that's what you want. The greatest moment of all, it happened when I skunked. And I couldn't be more proud of how they played down the stretch. And every day, they came to work. Every day, they came to work. Never one moment, where they'd like to coach. No, let's go. Let's go. Let's go. I mean, you're out to beat a runes of no and practice and see the Zachos on on. Every day, those guys were preparing for every day. Right. That's why you keep doing that. That's why you... It's fun. Every like, why stop something really long? Because you know that. It's a moment. Like, I said this before, I said to the young guys, talking about the four guys I've tried. Right. We're doing this with them. They came back for a reason. And we have to give them everything we got to make sure their race was gone.

2:39:46And that was every day in my media. Like, don't forget why we're doing this. It's why we have to go hard. Because of these four guys here. They came back to do this again for us. Hopefully we win the championship. And that was my passion. I walked in every single day. I was not going to let those guys down. And that kind of permeated throughout my whole room. And that's what we approach. Every day, every season, every day, we talked about that. We're not going to leave that. We came personally. Because you felt a connection to these four guys. It gave me everything they got. And you feel like you had to give me something bad. Every day, I walked in the room. I'm not going to fill you. I'm going to give you everything I got. Everything I got. Every day. Because I want you to be so sensitive. And then last, the last game, walking up to Shio. Tears all over our eyes. You felt they were leaving like, wow, we did it. You just looked at each other and said, we did it. Because we believed in each other. So probably we followed them for the fourth or three, four, I think we were talking about. Obviously, you got a lot of guys just walk out the door. Yeah. And the primary reason for why that four, three, four, three, four, five, four, five, five, five, five, five, six, yeah. With that black's turn over.

2:40:47Such a lesson. Are you open to the idea of maybe the front change is a little bit more discerned based on where the depth might be this year, if that were the case? I'm always open and changing. Because it's all about winning. It's all about putting our kids in the best position to be in. Like, I don't know where just his concept comes that I'm holding things back. I don't have any way. You know what I mean? I just want to be a coach. Right? And whatever you tell me or coach, I'm going to coach that's the way I am. Yeah. That's something. Just unfortunate that this three, four, four, three, doesn't really matter what we plan. As long as we're successful in what we're doing. And put on players in the best position to be successful. That should be the bottom line. To where you're four, three, four, three, five, six, doesn't matter. Our players in the best position to play, and they win. That's it. That's really matter. Because you start getting caught like, we don't do this. And we don't have the personnel to do this. But we still plan it. And the stories, how you say, can't play the three, four, because they're not going to. Right? Right? Like, it can't be that. Right? And I think you're a multi-partifit. And that's what we are. We can find a way to use our players in the best position possible to be successful. I think you have to do that.

2:41:49And I think I've gone to what, six court, you've got to do this accordingly. Right? And so the change is always rewarded. So you have to adapt to the change. But I'm all in. It's going to give us an investment. So our players will play as fast as they can. Whatever you play, I'm all in. So there's no resistance from coach John. So you've got to be a four-hand front. And we're going to be able to want to be into personnel fit what we're trying to do. And so the last thing I'm going to say, it's not skiing. It's gym and it's a joke. Right? And so we can talk scheme all you want, three, four, or whatever we have. But in a day, if those guys are front and you guys are back at, or we're all on the same page, it's the most possible defense. Is that same approach? Does that same approach relate to rotation? No doubt. No. Never going to change. So you don't have a particular question for coach John? How much do you want to rotate? Personally, I have. I go into the game with the idea of Zach what I want to do. Who will rotate? Who's ready? It's not necessarily rotating. Who's ready to rotate to go into the game? Because you can't put a guy to position where he's going to fail.

2:42:49Because you didn't get him ready for the game. And I'm really big in that. They were ready to go. I'm ready to play. Let's go play. I want to get you out of the way. I want to get you out of the way. First year here. Yeah, 24-chain. 24-chain. This guy, as you did, was more special because you've gone through four years. Yeah. I mean, I got to tell you about the time. And it's, well, but I happened this year. It's really special because you've been with group of guys and we've been around. You're rockin' that. And I was something called to make go. It's a try to win that last attempt. And we get it down with the same guys on your program. To me, that's what comes to sort of. That's a great thing. Coach, think when you've kind of been waiting your turn behind Shaq and JT, that now, like, is trying to know what kind of thing that's outweighed. Yeah, I'll say it told me to feel different. It really didn't hit me until first practice of spring. But, you know, it feel well. Yeah, what is that like over the way to top, especially in this age that you could have gotten up at the left for the time of your family? Yeah. What's it like to wait your time? Is it paid off for you? Yes, it's what I'm asking. I wouldn't say have paid off.

2:43:50Yeah, I really haven't done nothing yet. But, you know, God has a path for everybody. He's paving my path right now. So I'm just letting him control, you know, and pave my path right now. When did you discover that was your path? When did it come? It's not gonna come to you, though. Yeah, this is it. Just what I should do. I'll say, I won't say after sophomore year. That's when, you know, it was a lot of ups and downs. And, you know, even this past year, it was a lot of ups and downs. But, you know, mainly from last year, it was a lot of ups. And, you know, just like letting him control everything, you know, I tend to, you know, overtake and want to control things myself. But that's not how God works. You know, God, like I said, God has a path for everybody. He's paving my path. What is the biggest thing that you see in the box? It's a chapter of the JT that showed you how to lead this. Just say, consistent. You know, everybody, it's different leaders. You know, you got the vocal leader. You got the leader that said, by example. You know, it's different personalities in the group. So I'll say, you know, just, I can't talk to Edward. I talk to, you know, Ken and Currie. I can't talk to Ken and Currie.

2:44:51I talk to Ken and Currie. You know, so it just, you know, it is, you know, they consistent, you know, stay positive and, you know, everything will, you know, take care of stuff. You made bloods last year. You know, I mean, you made your part of this thing, right? What's your sense of this defense coming back from placing eight starters? How he could for y'all to make another run? You know, everybody, you know, everybody's working. Like you said, we lost, you know, a lot of good players, man, a lot of good leaders, man. But, you know, the guys that stepped in out, we just got to step up and we just got to, you know, take on what the guys that, you know, left for us. Pretty much it. The same mindset that we had last year, you know, they said consistent. And on our toolbox and trust in Coach Jay, whatever he, you know, got for us. As a receiver, he's, he's pretty polished. You have what do you think made him like, through another wise, he's sort of the best. And you get the right run? Yeah, I don't know. I mean, probably he had good coaches and obviously he's naturally, you know, a gifted athlete.

2:45:51He played a couple different sports in high school. Has a good feel for space and super athletic. But he's, he's really impressed me with how, you know, how dedicated he is. And he's always in my office. He was trying to get better. When you have the receivers, you guys have, how do you get the guy like him involved in the passing game, as well? We saw Kate and G do it to some level, but he's a guy who caught 50-some passes. That's true. Yeah, no, I think, I think it makes it easier. Right? You know, I show these recruits all the time. It, because everyone says, oh, how is he just a receiver school? It's like, Marvin Harrison was the best receiver in the, in the country, you know, and, you know, who number two is in targets and receptions. And receiving ours was Kate. Because, you know, you can go to the other schools and they don't have the receivers we do. And you're going to get doubled every game. Like, good luck. I don't know many, you know, great plays. If you're going to get bracketed. But, no, you have the receivers at Coach Hartline, and when he's playing in here, we're going to have single coverage. And if my tight ends can't beat single coverage, and, you know, we're going to have issues about how I get another tight end he can. Like, we've got a lot of tight ends who are pretty good receivers. And excited to see him. And you mentioned the inline blocking.

2:46:52Yeah. I think if you take PFF grades, and see what you will want that, not as high as other guys, how have, who, for Max? For Max, okay. Yeah, just how, how, do you see that part of his game? Because I think that's been the knock that people have talked about. Yeah, I'm not sure. I mean, he checked that box when I watched the film. I'm not sure what the nice folks at PFF are watching. But, Will Kazmerick didn't have many offers coming out. He's the best blocking tight end in the country. So, I don't know what his grade is. Lathan talked about it. At the convoy, he said that actually the Purdue game came to you. I said, hey, this guy is a poor little guy. And what, what do you mean? Yeah, yeah, Lathan, Lathan's trying to take all the credit. Caleb Downs was also, you know, kind of sure, with me. I always have dinner with those two guys at DBs, really the safeties on Friday nights. And I always, every week, just asking about the opposing tight ends. And they were super high on max pretty weak. So, when he went to the portal, Lathan and Caleb, I said, oh, that's a guy. So, how's that? We're all watching. Obviously, you have to do your own evaluation. And, which is that? How much do you value that up?

2:47:52And do you hear that from guys who actually have to go on the field? No, hugely. Usually. And like, at this back-to-back, you're just really, because you had, I mean, I would have watched Max. Anyway, I'm not even playing too much play over here. But like, like the year before, it was Sam Williams told me about Wilkes, America. So, no, if a guy knows our culture, and says, Coach, he fits your room, like, I gotta give Sam all the credit for finding his. Is this the deepest tie-in room that you've had here? Yeah, it's gotta be. Just because, again, Dan, how many guys played in the Nadi? Then we had five, four or five tight ends. We had all six play in the playoffs. And four of those six are back. So, yeah, I mean, we've got tons of guys in that room that have started college football games. And not just against the school down the street. Like, big time moments and big time games. So, yeah, we're super deep. How valuable is that to know what you have? You know, four guys that have all played a lot of football in your tight ends. Hugely. And I think the best part, Dan, is like, now I can challenge him even more. Like, we're past the stage of, okay, here's what it's going to be like on Saturday. They've almost all the guys in that room have done it. You know, so now I can challenge him even more to go, you know,

2:48:53go be the best tight-end room in the country. We're at a higher state. Like, if you're not up to that challenge and go somewhere else. But guys like Bennett and Jolani, what do they have to do to earn even more play? Yeah, I think everyone's different, right? Bennett's different than Jolani. And they go, for those guys, and we consistently, I said it, you know, last week, like, those hards could have put the best 11 on the field. It doesn't matter if they're all running back, your receivers are tight-ends. So, like, every day I tell them, every day you're competing against the other tight-ends in the room. But we're competing against receivers and the running back, when we put two or three or four tight-ends on the field, if that package is better than none, we're going to live in that. So, every day's a challenge. Real victory. And the next question is working. How do you grow? How do you manage the challenge? Yeah, a lot. A lot. I was, obviously, all injuries are unfortunate. But he put in so much work. I was excited to see him have a full season. So, I always cut short. But, again, on the flip side, it challenged him to be more of a leader and to learn the offense, maybe, you know, taking a step back and help mentor a guy like Jolani.

2:49:54And I think there was a huge opportunity for a guy like Bennett and Jolani. Like, we watched it this morning in my meeting. When we went down, we went tempo in the next play, G-blocked the C-Gap, then we hit Quinchon, then the next play we were like 14, 14, 14, 11, 13. And it was three tight-ends who had never done that. And we're on the road at Oregon, and we punched it in and scored. It's just a great story to tell the guys. Like, when Kate went down against Georgia, we played the game with Ms. Rossi. It's like, all the guys got to be ready. I don't know when your numbers had to be called. So, I know it was unfortunate, but such a good learning opportunity. What are you? Today's talk about Jolani needing to be more consistent. Is that some of you have seen more of a ninja offense friend? Yeah, I mean, he's off the charge night and day, more mature, been really impressed with just his work ethic. He's in here every night getting extra work in. I'm challenged to learn every position on offense. Don't just be a Y, be a Y, be an H. Know what the C-Gap. And then also be a leader. He's not a young guy anymore. So, like, he's coaching Nathan or Blankin, those guys in Max, you know, even harder. He was yelling at Max Claire, you know,

2:50:56talking, not yelling at. And he was encouraging him to finish, like, hey, you're obviously tight-end. Like, we're going to be going harder than everyone on the field. And I was like, you get it. That's awesome. He's been a leader. It's a super impressive thing. For you, I know you're wanting to defer to your guys and credit them. But you are kind of just able to play hard with this coach. You can build your way up through this program now. Get the title of this offseason. What's it been like to watch your journey here and kind of see where you are now? Yeah, and I appreciate that. You know, I'm not going to take the bait there. That's total rap poison. But no, I think every, every offseason, out of high state, we had such good players. And we went to champion trips. Everyone around here is going to get opportunities to go somewhere. And that's a credit to those guys. It's also like, it shows all the trust that Coach Day and Coach Arlan have for me. And I've been, those guys have been my boss for the last nine years. Whether it's Coach Day or Coach Arlan. So like, nothing's changed, but a title. And just, you know, super blessed to be here with those two guys. And I love those guys. Keenan, you spent a lot of time starting talking about the message with your guys about being over lost against talented group,

2:51:56pointing the rankings and all that. This group is now veteran. Oh, yeah. One of the most productive titles in the country joined the room. Do you have to change? I know it's still going to be hardest work in here. No, I'm not. I can take that away. Is it a different message now? Different mentality? It is. It is. Yeah, Austin, you hit the nail on the head. Like, we're not changing our DNA. You cut open a high state title. And it's easy to be a bad dude. It was really freaking hard. And it's just gritty. It's all get out. But I'm not saying that we're going to be over looked this year. Yeah. At all, it's a 180. I told the guys we should set the tone for the offense for the team. You know, nationally, like with toughness and effort and all that. But production and we should be a driving force. Like, I challenge them all the time. Someone comes to practice. You want to see what the Ohio State Buck guy fight, culture is a brother. Just go watch the Titans. Don't want to like that to the Buck guys are. So I challenge them. You know, lead from the front now. We don't need to be, you know, the least kind of the sleeper. You know, no, no, like set the tone. Did Max play that quickly? I mean, you mentioned Will trying to lead and encourage through practice.

2:52:57He's been here two months now. Is he putting that in my mind? No, he's just writing. And I saw things to some things today that I'm like, all right. Yeah, no, he's been a high state titan. Yeah, now, super proud of him. In the whole unit. Sorry, that I missed anybody else. Good. Thank you guys. Thanks. Thanks. Ready, number two guys, for sure. I mean, Michael Talman was talking to me before the game. Or the Rose Bowl and Chris Carter in after the game as well. I mean, just them giving me advice. Just, you know, tell them you keep going first. And, you know, just keep doing what I've been doing the whole year. I mean, I'm God's bug out legend. So definitely look at them. God's for sure. Major respect. It means a lot. Me just to care for Miami. Just be able to play an actual championship as a freshman. Son of a dream, dove as a kid. And I'm here now and is K-rated. K- can't wait to put on a show Monday. He said he got came.

2:54:04Oh, I mean, the Tissue, you know, like he says, may crazy each and every week playing. But, you know, can't, can't let it get to my head, I should say. Me just football at the end of the day, but, you know, just, you know, happy business. Yeah. Oh, none of us think we could be covered, man, oh, man. Oh, man, we're actually talking about this yesterday as well. But, you know, I mean, that's what they do. That's what they do. I mean, we should go out there, you know, play our game and, you know, short of reason why not to play, man, oh, man. Two. Four.

2:55:08Three. One. I'll go five. It's good. No problem. It's like, what's your mind telling that? My mind says, you know, just go out there. My day just dominated the person I was confronting me. You know, just do what I've been doing for the last two to three weeks, I should say. But, you know, they play man on man, so I'm just ready for the challenge. I mean, feels good. Just say somebody going out there and playing man on man gets Ohio State receivers. It's something crazy. But, you know, we just ready for the challenge. They say they're not chasing their game plan, but we got to go out there and show them the reason why not to play man on man.

2:56:14I mean, I don't really, if I be on a curve, I be on a curve. It's not really a big deal to me. It may definitely be a best of a show just to be on a cover of a game, but, you know, it's not really a dream of mine. It's a dream of mine, but I don't really think too much of it. I mean, no, not yet. Probably hit me after this season. No, just no. Playing in the Carlos football playoffs as a freshman. Playing in the Rose Bowl as a freshman. Playing in the Cardinals, not in the National Championship. I mean, it's a blessing for sure, but they haven't hit me yet. My favorite catch, I would say we played Michigan State the one I caught up to defenders. Definitely probably my favorite for sure. Or you could go the one from Iowa, I should say, and then answer probably them too.

2:57:23I mean, like you said, it's pretty frustrating me having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl. They're coming to the Cardinals, just doing different things, chasing their scheme up for, gives me. But, I mean, like you said, whatever I could do to make the, I mean, help the team win. It's not really a big deal for me. As long as we win, that's all I really care about. And then you got to the National Championship. It means a lot. We put a lot of work in this season. We have highs, we have lows, we have people kind of out.

2:58:27But we hear now, we just ready to put on a show Monday. The first thing that we want to do is to have coach getting out. You just want to get this right. Oh yeah. First of all, the one that's not so championship because there was means a lot. You see everything that he bent on this year, people saying he should be fine. There's that in the third, but you see everything that he bent through this year. I mean, I see everything that he bent through this year. I see everything, people saying about him on Twitter. I wasn't here, he first got the head coach and job, but I know this year for sure, we definitely got to win this for him. Oh, I mean, it's a lot, a lot of people in the lead, I should say, I can't really say who, but I mean, you had guys like Odell, you had guys like Odell, you had Stefan Diggs.

2:59:31It means a lot of Michael Thomas, Chris Carter, just a lot of, you know, guys I played in NFL and stuff like that, but yeah, really them guys for sure. No, just keep going. You got it, you've next up for sure. Really, I really appreciate you. You got to stay up there, you're thinking that you have to stay up there. Oh, like physical defense, like like people say, like they like to play man, they're not changing their skin. So we're just ready for the challenge. Like you said, the best defense we probably go see all year and we just gotta be ready to go out there in the morning and just put on the show. What's your excitement? I'm excited for Will.

3:00:33First coming here in Ohio State, January, our first workout we had together. I mean, just everything that we built through this season. I mean, I'm just happy for Will for him to be in this position right now, but we got a financial job and that's the winning radio Monday. I mean, it's pretty funny. Them saying that because I'm just only a freshman, but I mean, it's a blessing for sure. People even say that, but I got two, three more years left for college. And I'm just focused on college right now. I'm not really worried about the NFL right now. I'm just happy to be here. I just can't wait to put on some Monday for you guys.

3:01:44I mean, all of the receives we just sit on the bench and we just see him hit the quarterback in the ball come out and we all just got up and just started jumping up and down. We all decided. Happy for jacking that moment and we just knew that that moment like, yeah, we're going to the United for sure. Ministers a lot. I mean, you know, going from high school or winning three state championships, Shamanah Madonna, then you know, coming to Ohio State, just competing for national charter right now. I mean, just so that I picked two great schools, but I'm happy to be here and just can't wait to put on some Monday.

3:02:48The coolest person. I mean, you got a lot. I can't really say just a specific person. He got a lot of great guys. Recharging the lead like, oh, Del, you had guys like Stefan Dex. A lot of other players will just get kind of my mom, but really, really them two guys, we sure, oh, Del, a step on this. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, like they say, they play man. So, man, I'm just ready for the challenge and just get ready to go out there Monday and just no put on the show. Thank you. We're going to back over there. The vice-geno had gave me. I said, just keep golfers.

3:03:48I know the reason why I'm here. I mean, yeah, like he said, just keep golfers and just no keep the main thing and the main thing. And the best corner I've faced is sure. I mean, I've faced a lot of great corners. I can't really say, but yeah, I've faced a great, a lot of great corners. Can't really put a name on it. My dream occasion is, uh, Teres and K-Codes. Oh, good. Are you? Uh, I say both respect and frustration as well.

3:04:50But I mean, I doubt they come out there and trip it to me and they say, stick it to what they've been doing all year. And that's playing man coverage, uh, which is ready for the challenge. Uh, pretty good group. Uh, Christian Gary 29th, a great corner. Uh, 15, uh, Leonardo Moore. Uh, two great guys are right there. Um, very physical, but, you know, we all have to receive it. So we ready for the challenge. Uh, I say just no understanding the defense, uh, understanding the game plan, understanding what Coach Kelly is trying to get done. Um, I mean, just coming in, I felt I progressed from my first game against

3:05:54Akron to now. I feel like I better each and every week. Um, me thinking slowed down a lot for me. Um, but yeah, really just no understanding. Devices and no understanding what they're trying to do to me, for sure. Uh, them two guys, great part of the best we go see all year, for sure. Two, two, uh, physical guys. Um, but, you know, we're ready. We're ready for the challenge that they're coming with. And that's the play man, no man. And, you know, we ready to go on Monday. Uh, I mean, the environment is pretty crazy. Uh, seeing all these cameras, uh, something I never thought I'd see it there in my life. But, uh, it's a blessing for sure. This is the main this position right now. I mean, we just had a prayer, prayer, uh, prayer meeting.

3:06:58And, you know, we all, they all just, we all discussed the issues because they discussed issues. And, you know, which is one of the work, uh, may not tune in half weeks. We had off before Tennessee game. And we just played came out there, um, Tennessee game. And we played with a chip on a chip on our shoulder, um, all throughout the playoffs. And we go continue to play with that chip on our shoulder in, uh, that championship on Monday. Uh, do you know how that very, uh, impactful, uh, he had a very impact on my career, I should say, uh, you know, just going to his games as a, uh, very young kid, seven, eight years old, um, him playing Westwood, him playing for West Virginia. And they played Clemson, Orange Bull, down in Miami. Um, he just go that they're seeing his games. It's like, yeah, I definitely want to play on this stage and I can, uh, wait till I get to, no, that moment for sure. There are you.

3:08:01I'm close, man. Uh, cause they really just in his own, his own love space, uh, he's just walking around, trying to get his mind right, trying to get his mind ready for the game. Uh, but you know, he, uh, he just gave everybody hype in the locker room and, you know, just trying to get us ready to go to win the game. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean, uh, go play, man, guess Ohio State receivers, I mean, just be ready, uh, cause, you know, we definitely go come out there and know, uh, give our best. Uh, I mean, they said not to change what they do. So we're just ready for the challenge. Uh, not a year later, uh, definitely sometime in my career college, uh, but not my first year in college, I should say, uh, maybe just the better the being in position right now is, you know, a blessing, uh, just a yellow keyer from Miami

3:09:05to be here and I want to take up a grand and I'm ready to go out there and thank you for Thank you for coming. Yeah, uh, I mean, y'all watching that game against Georgia. I was pretty sick myself because I was actually committed at that time. So, I mean, yeah, they left a bad taste in the mouth, but I mean, we ready to go out there Monday to redeem myself and just put a show Monday.

3:10:05I mean, I just laughed, but you know, that's what they do. They're not going to change what they do just because we're a higher state. So, you got to go out there and put it on. Put it on. Why not to play Man on Man against us. So, we just got to go out there and show them Monday. So, here you go. You said again. My journey here at a higher state, we're pairing it up from National Championship. Let me just go on through everything that I've been through. My first guy here, all the Matt Jules, all the hard workouts that we had, all the hard practices. Just preparing all of us for this moment. And I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all on Monday. Okay. Okay. Yeah. We just squeezed this.

3:11:06One or nine. Two hundred? I mean, he is big and strong. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'll go. I'll go. Let's do it now. What's the money? Yeah, that's great. Yeah. It's pretty good. No problem. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. It's pretty good. No problem.

3:12:13Yeah. The one I probably liked the most is the one against Michigan State when I caught over two defenders on their side line. Party Laughin or the one after that, I should say. Or you can go to the one against Iowa. Party them three. Probably my best ones for sure. Oh, I mean, just we'll put in the ball in my area and I just know how to make a play because the ball touched my hand. So, I mean, just when the ball is the thing, I have to make the play no matter how the ball comes at me. After a big game. I mean, we really, they really feed us Chick-fil-A or piece out of the game. They really feed us Chick-fil-A or piece after the game, so it's really either Chick-fil-A or piece. So yeah, probably Chick-fil-A for sure. Yeah. It went pretty good. Everybody just speaking with their thing is going right in what

3:13:40they think is wrong. Which is a lot of the older guys, the worst in their opinions on what we need to do to come together as a team. But you know that me and Deftly helped us in a big way because it helped us on the field as well because we played at a great football right now and we just got to cheer that on Monday. What was the other side of the game? Yeah, Deftly got emotional. Can't really say what it really was said because that's players only and coaches only. But it was Deftly some stuff said that people took and that's the reason we're playing the way we're playing right now. Yeah, make help me a lot this year. Him being our older guy in the room. Me and Carl are in the end as well. And Brendan and his entire guys in our city room as well. Me just a great guy as well. Very smart. I mean, make just being a big part of the reason that I'm having a seat that I'm having a well because he's been a big.

3:14:42You know, older guy been there, been a lot of great guys in our room. Chris Alivegaer was in Marvin Harrison Jr. Jackson, Smith and Jibba. So he's seen all the grids I've been through there. And he teaching us the right thing and the right way and the buck out way for sure. Thank you so much. Did you feel on the right? No, I was really right. I mean, I mean, I just feel like I had all the offers. I think I mean, but I had to fuck down like a room website. So it doesn't matter. You can hear it. What was it like to take that in the sense? You know, I felt really dumb. I felt like I had a hard work and I do that spring. I got a teaching and coach. You gave me not just paid off. I didn't know this right. I was playing the camera. They give me two deep as a true freshman. Now I'm late to do the knowledge and opportunities and have a bigger role this year. What do you expect going into your second?

3:15:43You know, I just work to keep. I mean, obviously, you know, whatever, what's happening to say is or whatever. You know, I'm just working just to keep, you know, work my tail logs and make a roll for my section. I can treat specifically. I got, I would say like, I got a lot more in the rest of the game. You know, I gave some weight now. I'm pushing 200 pounds now. Coach Patricia, what have you, uh, the state of Canada? How I've been lately? You know, he's a great guy. You know, I like him. You know, he's a great guy. He cares about his players. You know, obviously football wise. He's a master in the behind his, he has a lot respect. He has his football business. The rest of the games, you know, and it's time being in that hotel. So it plays a lot of fucking suit. What's your, what's your, whether it's like the starter or occasional piece of what, what's your expectations to see from this day of the plane and in the space? No, I expect you know, just to add value, you know, from a team and to make plays.

3:16:44You feel a lot more, I feel this year. Last year. Oh, yes, for sure. And I feel like, you know, I'm starting to use the everything here. And I feel like I'm just trying to pull off my new last year with this, you know, like I said, I'm not going to make a worse new place. What? As we said, you know, Ryan set up a bigot of a screen about starting to scratch in a way, now, and letting too much of the shadow of the national team. How was the team really embraced that mindset and see competitive in that mindset? You know, you know, we have more ideas, you know, so far so, you know, you know, we're trying to stay determined, you know, just trying to dominate. And we're not, we're not learning the past anymore. It's like, never going to happen. We just trying to get a little. I'm not the coach, I'm not a mentor to having an A and B rule. You're having a beer rule that we're filling in. I think that gets a grip in another position. Well, obviously, you know, right now, playing in Scotland, you're pretty saying, you get to trying to, you know, crack myself and just, you know, make myself more versatile for the team. Where are I going to go? They get to get some more basketball. I know what that is kind of limiting his reps. Right, obviously, he's living in like a, like a trophy set.

3:17:45So, you know, obviously, I'm going to make this, you know, and for him, you know, Ryan, the system, all this work, skipping, skiing, right? Thank you. Appreciate it. Speak some of his language with what he's called things before. And you're trying to morph everything together, right? With things that we've done, what he knows, what we do, like it's a lot. And, but he's been incredible with, I think the staff, he's very organized, he's detailed. You'll have constant, clear communication. You know, and they're, we're going to get together at this time to be like, you're just efficient in your role. And it's been a lot like when you're come from outside and you come back into it, and you have to try to catch him up on the recruiting boards. And, you know, like, you have a lot of these conversations. Okay, what are we looking for at these positions now? How do you see it? Because you don't under one coordinator, if I see a, the, my linebacker needs to be this. And then under this coordinator, while I think the my backer needs to be this. So you have to have those conversations at every position. And you just kind of keep going through and

3:18:47and I'm just excited to learn. I think the more systems, I mean, luck, play the system here in college, play the system underneath the Magnolo, play the system, or tumble, and play the system under Greg Williams, that is talent, coach of Rallagold, and then Jim Nol, like, every one of those, there's like different terminology for everything. So you're just, you're learning a different language, call and think, you know, I mean, there's just concepts. And I think it's kind of collect over time. What you think is really good stuff, and how you do stuff that could be a little different. And I'm just really excited to learn from that. And I'm telling you success. He was seem very excited over there, talking really to me here. Yeah. Coach of college, which, whatever, so long. What's his personal, how do you like to reach you guys? Yeah. He's been great. I mean, his energy is incredible. He's very, he is. He's authentically excited to be back in college football. He could tell there's like a yearning to get back to like the while you got in the coaching, right? Is the impact young people, is the impact, and teach the game of football.

3:19:48And so the few times he's been in front, you know, kind of like talking to the guys, in a sense like, he's excited to just teach more. You know what I mean? And kind of ironically, like, you know, similar to a lot of other things that chips that last year, right? Yeah. Get back and you're like, man, I'm just excited to. And so he has that excitement. He's doing a phenomenal job, I think, of getting to know the players. Just kind of like walking around versus like popping in, making sure that he's in front of them, and they get to know him, and he gets to know them, and it's a lot. And then you can imagine when you come in, we have all these guys, right? And trying to learn all these guys, I'm learning the recruiting, trying to learn the staff, trying to learn dynamics, like it's a lot. But he's handled it really well. You know, he's an old school ball coach, so he's a grinder, so he's doing a really good job. James, I thought he's probably not going to need to do much this spring. How much more can you get down with the young guy? You're not telling him that, so you've got to do a lot. But in terms of Ryan DeRity said, you know, 50%, 75%, or whatever, how much more can you get down with the young guys, when you're not worried too much about the senior?

3:20:50Yeah, I think, I mean, you're always just looking for competition, especially like a spring ball, and that's what it's all about, right? You're trying to have, it's so cliche, but it's true, like the Iron Sharpens, Iron mentality of, you want your run to be super competitive, to where, hey, the guy in front of me makes a play, my next set of four plays, I go out there, I have the point, right? And it's a constant driving of the room forward. And so, yeah, sonny gets 50 or how many reps off? 50%? Rubbercoach said, that means more opportunity for somebody else to play, right? So that'd be more for our values, that scheme flexibility with our value, we're going to pay pierce around, we set TJ Riley, all these guys stove, we're all going to get more reps, which I think is great, so we got to do it at this point in the season. But I think, yes, there's still stuff that, within that all of a sudden, is that he's going to be clawing to try to get those reps,

3:21:51because he's a true pro, and that's been the most enjoyable thing about, I think, working with him is like, you get a kid who's played safety, his whole life comes to the back yard, and he just wants to learn the why behind everything. And, you know, very similar to the fact of Cody, like, would you have guys who are that easy to work with? You're not trying to like, not worried about texting anybody in our room, about coming over and trying to learn more. You know what I mean? Like, were you at, you know, they're obsessed with the game of football, they're always around when they're at class, so it's like, it makes it really easy as a coach, because they're passionate for the game, and so strong. You mentioned TJ, in terms of the higher-width map, just looking sunny, what do you envision more with him with all of that stuff? I think, I think we just have a lot of guys with a lot of length, we talk about sunny styles, long, conron, our velvets, long, conron. Like, it's crazy, because you see sunny, and you're like, okay, this guy, like, I wish I was built like that when I played,

3:22:52and then you see our velvets stand next to sunny, you're like, those, you know what I mean? And so like, and then you look across the room, like, as the room warms up, you're like, holy smokes, like, we just have a bunch of guys, and that's a lot of credit to make. Coach May does a phenomenal job. I was just, talking to Burma about it, like, to see even our media guys, what they looked like when they showed up, during the, like, the bowl of the hola and Maddie run, and they're kind of hanging out during practice, and we see the high school bodies, to see what they look like today, before they go away, and like, the shoulders are all, like, everything is just different. And they've been indoctrinated, the brotherhood. So I think, you know, there's just a lot to work with. And so what he's really good at, right, is like, and he's talked about it. One year, he has Juner Sayah, willing to get us Mike Vrable, you know, Roosevelt Colvin, and those guys, and then a couple of years later, he has Brandon Spikes,

3:23:52so he's like, okay, I'm just, I just, I just blitzed Brandon at the middle all the time, because he was 260 pounds and a beast. He always says he was my best nose guard from Mike Backer, right? And then the year after that, he gets, you know, we've got Jamie Collins and Dante Hightower, so now we can do a lot of stuff, right? So, it, they're not just like, hey, this is what we're doing. We got plenty of people in there. It's like, hey, here's what we got. Let's utilize it. So, that's what Sprint will be. Walled on the lab and figure out what that means. I'm sure, through Sprint Ball, there will be like, hey, here's what, we do really well as Junet, because this unit's going to be different, right? I mean, the unit, we lose a lot of production, so the unit will be different. So you kind of got to reform your own identity, and you have to re-earn that silver bullet, nickname, and mantra. How many of you guys can look at Arbel? And just, it seems like he's on a very good track. Is that it? Is it a record? Just, what's his ceiling? It's how he can do the Sprint Ball. It's just a lot, and right now he's locked in. He's done a great job becoming a leader. Coming out of his shell, I think, I think, for Velley, it's all about consistency and just preparation.

3:24:55And I'm proud of Arbel, you know, he's through the season. You got way better at, you know, a lot of it's, like, little things, just note taking stuff. Like, sometimes, these kids are always on their phones and stuff, not like, the meeting room is right thing like that, but just naturally. So like, to get out of pen and paper and like, you hear things, and to me, yeah, I got it. What you do until you're dog tired, and then you forget, you know what I mean? But when you really understand it, you know what I mean? Like, go play faster. He got so much better through the year. Just a lot of that's because of Cody, like, becoming a pro. And then now it's, like, Sun he's pulling him along. He's pulling pain along. The pain's falling to DJ and Riley and Eli, so they can still like, so I kind of, I love the competition and the way it's made up. Yeah, that was a great pathway. Not much different. How many of the guys do you feel like can be in that Mike's spot? Three years. But that was obviously losing Cody and now having that. Not completely. You know, I think that's something that's slower than we kind of go. Because, you know, week one, Sun he actually started at Mike for us.

3:25:56And Sun he's smart enough to play him all. Our bell is smart enough to play him all. Pain pierces smart enough to play him all. And it's also like, how did you, like, depends on what what scheme you're running. Where are they? How do they be utilized as well? You know what I mean? So you can say, my backer, you know, whether it's Tommy, I can very grow up there. Research two different people and Cody's different than those two. So I challenge to like, a lot of the guys that come in. It's just got the other one both. The more you understand about the scheme in general, the faster you will play. You know what I mean? If I just sit here and I say, hey, I got to learn Mike. My drop is this. And that's all I need to know. Like, well, no, the football happens so fast. And all the shifts and motions that like, if you're out there just playing and you're waiting for a call, and you're just reacting, like, you're so worried about what's going on on your side of the ball. You haven't recognized that the offense is telling you something is what they're doing. So, if I'm out there and also I'm not getting a call,

3:26:58I know what the call should be. It's like, hey, are we playing? You know, let's go. Now listen, you get it. You can look. I can see, okay, here's what the tie ends doing. That's what the back's doing. Here's what plays are coming. If you just line up the play, it's rather passive at the time. Like, you know what I'm saying? You got to eliminate plays in your mind by seeing what the offense is doing. Like, tell you a story every time they line up, they just window dressing. My people motion and say, I'm just trying to, okay, are they trying to do man's own indicators? Are they trying to make sure that they're getting the same formation. They're in the same place. But they just shift the people and then they motion. They move and they don't want you to recognize. So, for always worrying about what work you don't mean. So, the more you know, the faster you can play. You're not sitting there thinking, oh, what do I have for you? You're reacting. So, I know you have. So, my challenge to guys, there's always a no-bother. So, I think a lot of it would just be on, on depth, I'm sure guys, if Sonny's only doing 15 to 75% of the plays, then probably more guys get more will reps than they had. Because we need more will bodies. That's technically where Sonny has started. But, we'll rotate them through. Let the production kind of show what it does.

3:28:01And think sometimes, you know, you'll live with some mistakes just from being a new spot. But you'll be able to judge too, like who's actually getting in the book. You know, I mean, who's actually studying? How much of growth have you seen from Sonny this time of year ago through the National Championship game? And then, what's next? Man, I mean, definitely, I know Sonny has big goals and he should. I do as well for him. To see how far he's come, the first thing kind of stands out is just like his, his footwork has gotten so much better. You know, when you're in the boxes and linebacker, you gotta be able to remember Luke Fickley's to say it all the time. And you gotta be slow until it's time to be fast. And when you're twitchy like he is, a lot of times, you know, when you're about safety, you're used to pulling the trigger and rolling. You gotta learn how to shuffle and not cross over. He got so much better as a year went on. I think a lot of people question whether he'd be able to hold up Fisk Caldewise and, you know, he was, he was great, you know, he used to season god, he's really good with his hands.

3:29:03He's a really natural ability to snag. We'll keep challenging him. I think he should be a dominant guy in coverage. Like he needs to be a guy that we can put on a tight end and be like, he's not going to be in catching the ball. You know what I mean? Because he has that athleticism. I don't think we need a challenge in there. Challenge him. I think everything is just mistrust of Sonny. It's everybody's urgency and zone coverage. I mean, the urgency with you have to break on the football to close that space. The not-the ball carrier have so much space on you to to cut making mist. It's critical. I think sometimes he's, he can be so athletic that, you know, you can get away some stuff. And he knows it. And then I'm saying right now, here he knows. So the best part is a lot of times, like he'll come to me before film and already say, man coach on that play, I should have, you know what I mean? Like he knows. And the best part is that he's humble enough. Our whole thing is that they just want to be, they want to be pushed and they want to be coached. And so the pain and heck of a loss could be asked for, right? Like, so I always ask like, what do you need for me? Just, just keep making sure like you're pushing it.

3:30:05Don't let me settle. Don't let me settle. So he's probably the best in the room with that. Do you look at Sonny and Arvel as kind of your top groups guys right now? Yeah, I mean, I think going into it, you know, I think it's Sonny, Arvel, Peyton's right up there in that next you know, your accurate there. And then it's like, who else is going to emerge from really the fourth, the fourth guy? You know, I think it's a healthy way to put it. Yeah, I just, I think our, I think our backers are so competitive, so competitive that it's, you know, like I know Peyton Pierce is chopping at the bit and I know that he's going to push, you know, Vell and Sonny, I know that you look at Riley and TJ and Eli and Stove, like those guys are going at it. At these work guys, those guys are going at it and it's cost and competent, you know what I mean? They're trying to fight each other, everything. So, because the reality of it is they're fighting for reps, right? So this game is hard. It's winter losers every single day.

3:31:06And, you know, a lot of the guys are going to make our break and it starts with the mental preparation to be honest with you. And, um, because that's where trust starts, right? If you don't know what you're doing, I can't put you out there. So, who preps mentally as we get rolling and then the physical part of that, but let's say it says, it's Sonny, our Bella and Peyton probably have probably the top three and then, but like I always say, it's always fluid. It's always fluid. I haven't done this. I, you know, it's funny. There's one coach who said that, um, I forget what kind of felt he knew was, but he said that what he does is he has the depth chart sit in the front of the room, so like if you're a starter, you're the first to grow, you know, and then the second row and he's like, it'll change weekly. Sometimes, loop camp, I'm like, I can't do that. I got it. I'm not sure they can handle that. We're good? Brian, two things, one topic being available, but not necessarily playing it there.

3:32:07What happened with there? And then also, what was the evaluation we will at halftime? Yeah, well, it's good to go. Just took a shot there as you guys saw. A tie league was available. He was going to be, was available in emergency role. We felt like we needed him. We were going to put him in the game. He was cleared, but felt like one more week, almost like the dawn of in situation. One more week of rest, you know, we'll get him to 100%, which we felt like was the right thing to do. If we needed to, we could have put him in the game. We decided we didn't need him. Yeah, just a general overview of how you feel about this game, you know, first row game, first big 10 game, went about 38-7, and then, of course, the turnover, shall force, and the stoppage there on a fourth down when they were deep in your territory. Just how much did those loom huge, I guess? Oh, yeah. I mean, the turnover battle was huge in this game. If we don't get those turnovers, you know, maybe it's a different game for sure, but that's the game. And, you know, we've got to make sure we win in the situations. So, you know, we'll take a look at the film and figure out where it's at, but I thought the atmosphere was excellent really on.

3:33:14I thought, you know, they came out and played really, really hard. I think, again, Jonathan's doing a really good job of, you know, putting his culture into this thumbprint on the program here. You can see it going, and a lot of respect for him and his staff, but I thought our guys responded well. And had some really good poise. That was something that we talked about coming into the game, having poise in the noise, you know, getting down in there, some of those fourth down conversions are pretty clutch. Oh, I'm doing big up the lower than that. You talk about that poise. Will started off really well, and maybe kind of hit a little rust by it. Had a couple of passes, and I'm sure he went back one, obviously, that he went back. What was your assessment of just the poise that he showed and kind of settled down on that following drive? And answered that right back. Yeah, I mean, the biggest one was the interception, you know, he knows. I mean, that was not a good play, and it could have cost us. So, something to learn from. You said to move on from it and, you know, work through his progression there. But, you know, when you're going through, you know, learning a new offense and everything's going to be some of these growing opportunities and learning from those opportunities.

3:34:14So, but overall, I thought he was solid. He was poised, made some big, big, big throws, and then, you know, a couple runs, a couple of tough runs in there. You know, you can see what a difference it makes when you have somebody who can run. I always do that very late. What has allowed Jeremiah to at least match the expectations that came in for him so far? As work ethic, he does it every day in practice. I mean, just doesn't say a word, but works. Just tail off. It's disciplined, this humility. He loves being a buckeye. You can tell just the way he works with his teammates. And he's coming out of his shell a little bit too, which is great to see. But, I mean, the talent speaks for itself. I just am impressive. The discipline and the hard work and being able to step in at such a young age. The only way to do that is if you go in and put the work in. And, you know, he came in with that work ethic. Brian certainly taken it from there, but this is especially not a man. Yeah, Ryan, we talk about Jeremiah Smith and how special he is. But Caleb Downs on defense was just was pretty incredible.

3:35:17Yeah, pretty impressive. What's it like to have when things are a little clunky? You've got a guy that can make NFL plays on both sides of the ball. Yeah, I thought Caleb played great tonight. I showed up in a big way on a bunch of different spots. And you can see the acceleration out fast he plays. And a part of that is his athleticism, but another part is just the way he prepares. I mean, he prepares as hard as anybody on our team. And, you know, he was, he was all over the place tonight. And he made a huge difference. And you said, and kind of turning that point where they were moving the ball some. And he got, he got us going a little bit back there. No, those are some big plays. And then I think it kind of felt like it turned the momentum for us on defense. Ryan, what does it say? I know you've already touched on a little bit. What does it say about Devon to be able to come in and deliver that kind of pass? That was a clutch play. It was a clutch play. He put it there and you know, we told them, you know, if you have the opportunity to throw it, rip it, only throw where, you know, the receiver can catch it. You know, we had a couple different options there. If, if, if nothing was there, just throw it out of bounds and kick the field goal.

3:36:18And he did that and he gave him a chance. And, and so it was good. It was good to see him make that play in that big spot. Ryan, two things on Trey. I know you got a little, he kind of limped up the field after he got hit there and put him, well, didn't know what, but just kind of how's he doing it? And then two, just how much drove you've seen from him, specifically in the past, right? Man, side of things. He had some great pickups, huge pickups. The one on the, the touchdown in Jeremiah. And the touchdown to a Mecca. And there was a couple more. He did a really good job coming across. I got to watch the film, but I just like three of them, particularly. I, he came across and picked up some corner fires and did a nice job. But that was big. He's, he's becoming that all purpose back that, you know, we all know he can be. And, you know, again, I thought they ran hard. But, um, yeah, I mean, you know, I think where we are right now is, is we're making progress, but we got a long way to go. You know, and, and I think that, you know, our guys have that mindset. It was good to get this win on the road, first road win, good environment. But, you know, we know that the challenges are bigger ahead. So we got to get on this film.

3:37:19It's the hungry and, and, you know, keep the journey going. But, um, you know, we're going to get back to work tomorrow. And, and we know that we got a really good Iowa team coming in here. Uh, next week, they have had a week off. Um, just like always, they're, they're a very, very good team. Uh, play complimentary football. And so we know we got a big challenge ahead of us. So we got to have a great week of practice. Yeah, coach, just want to ask you, uh, the play calling, uh, particularly there, uh, the end around, uh, to, uh, Jeremiah, just feels like you guys get into a, a bit of a spot. You guys have a wrinkle. You have something that's coming. Is this chip? Is this you collaborating? Just what, what do you say? That one seemed to catch them really flat footed on that plug? Yeah, no, it's everybody on the staff. There's, there's collaboration. But, but chips got a great feel for it for the game and, and calling the plays. And, um, you know, it was always, you know, have some wrinkles on there. We got a few other ones that, you know, we, we held off on. But, um, I think it's, it's a balance of making sure that you have your fastballs, where you're running downhill and you feel really good about them. But having enough curve balls that, you know, we can create explosive plays.

3:38:21And that's, that's that balance you're constantly looking for. But we always want to try to find ways to get, you know, the ball to our playmakers in space. And we're going to keep trying to do that. Responsibility, uh, getting everybody lined up, getting the call, um, but knowing my assignment, um, it's, like, I, I didn't know high school, but it's just like, up to you, a little bit more. So, again, I, it's going to take, um, some getting used to. But I know, I'm not really, I'm not, you think that's going to help you in the ball. What? Being Mike. I think it's going to be good, um, being able to, being able to roam around and, uh, just taking charge of, I'm definitely used to that and comfortable with that. So I feel like it's going to be good for me in the ball. Does it help you learn a defensive scheme faster to have that much responsibility? Yeah, for sure. I'm knowing, knowing what everybody's doing, uh, and everybody's responsibility is definitely going to help me play better. What's the typical day like for a true freshman middle linebacker trying to learn the T-pens? Off the practice field. Off the practice field, um, just waking up and getting here early, um, probably, probably watching the watching film, you know, we got, uh, practice or, or wait.

3:39:23So, so when I get through that, I think we got meetings, so more, more, uh, the game knowledge, then we got, uh, individual meetings. So, just learning, learning that more. And then after that, after that, we got class and stuff, so after class, we definitely, definitely, uh, stay on the film some more. What, what film are you watching? What do you watch? Oh, practice film, practice film. Like your film? Yeah, yeah. No, knowing what I, day wrong, what I can, um, improve on, and learn new installs. All of you changed physically since it's a role. Uh, I definitely got a little bit stronger, um, for sure, speed, speed, a little bit faster. So you came in at what, and you are at what now, as far as we, uh, I came in at two of the team. I'm at two teams. What's the target weight? You have a second, while you're trying to get through. Uh, right now, uh, two, uh, three, two, three, two, three, two, three, two, three, two, sorry. Doesn't take Mick long to get you guys where you want to be, right? Yes, sir. I'm like, uh, uh, what are your expectations for your press career? Every, every time you get to get some talk to James Lauren, I say it's a nice sense to say about you. What are your expectations for your first two? Um, just get on a few, and I'm making plays. I feel like, I feel like, that's a good, uh, good experience.

3:40:23I'm, I just want to get out there and make plays. Yeah. Describe your game. It was a lot back here. Um, I think, I think, um, I, I can do a little bit of everything. I can cover, I can rest past it. I can, uh, play to run to. Um, I think, I think those, um, I, um, I'm, I'm sorry. I have, those are all my strengths. Um, um, yeah. I think, I think my strength is a factor. I'm, I think, I think I think I should do anything to say. When that's usual, big Texas flavor on this team. A lot of Texas guys has been like here for like the last 10 years. Um, that's got to make you feel kind of at home. Yeah, talk more about that if you would. Um, just Texas guys, you know, you know, football is, football is really big in Texas. So, um, with that Texas, uh, how pipeline, um, knowing I got guys from Texas. I'm, I love, I love it. Yeah, Gary, you'll stay through the pre-pro. On the goal line. Yeah. If you open up with a long horse, start to complete your career. I'm, yeah, thank you Peter. It's a little, I expect, yes, in the Texas. I'm excited for that. What is it? Just inspired you to see what Cody Simon was able to do here last year.

3:41:26Not only as a player, but as a leader. Um, that, that, that, that's definitely something I look forward to, um, becoming and, um, being up, being up and doing those things. That, that Cody did, Cody did, um, the way he played, all the plays he made. I feel like it's a good, uh, aim for me. What kind of example is Sonny setting for a group right now? Uh, Sonny, the, um, his position, his switch from safety to lineback. I feel like, um, the way that he played last year, being his first year linebacker, I feel like, like, I feel like if he could do it, I could do it. So, you know, that's definitely getting sampled. Do you have a lot of experience playing safety? Uh, yes, I'm really sick of my freshman year. You know, thanks. I can, I can, I can. Um, I mean, we're all, like I said, we're all pretty much interchangeable, you know, like if I need to go to left guard center, whatever, both needs to go to center of the court, whoever, you know, it's, it's not really like, uh, like a big shocker moment, you know, it's, we, we train for this. We're prepared for this. So when it happens, you know, we're able to execute. I know you're stuck. You'd be making a switch to left guard. Um, I think half time.

3:42:30Well, coming in, it's a rookie in the crowd and the noise. And I know you said, you guys all trained for this, but what can you tell us about how he, yeah, I mean, he's a, he's a man, you know, he's, he's, he's, he's, he's built for this moment. He's done it for his whole life. So, you know, at the end of the day, it's just a game. We keep on, we keep trying to keep everybody calm, and collect it. And, you know, we're five is one. We help each other out. And whenever, you know, we need to, we, we do it. So he was ready. He was built for it. You know, he's going to be a great player. You're obviously no stranger to Matthew's toughness. What was it like just seeing the way he led this off? I think I, that guy's a warrior. 36 years old. He's taken some hits and some things and some dents. So when he's able to get back up and keep it rolling, you know, he's still got that fire to him. And, you know, we love having him back there. Sean has always said after a loss. Don't let a team beat you twice. To have the lead late in the game, it's all the injuries and not when you describe that level of frustration. I mean, it's the NFL. Comes down to seconds and inches and you've seen him off the past couple of days and today, you know,

3:43:32it comes down to the, the little things and, you know, we'll see him again. He didn't apologize if you were asked. But what was it like for you personally to walk on to the stadium? It is. It was kind of surreal, man. It was nice. It was a lot emotional seeing everybody. You know, I wasn't a kid when I came here, but, you know, I grew into more of a man. And these people here have definitely helped lay that blue twin for me, helped me out big time. And I can't thank them enough for that. You know, you've looked at film yet for how you feel about the D. I feel really good, you know, saying it could be because, because everything, you know, fair for all of a sudden, OTA is showing up. You know, we said I ground. We came up short. Came up short a little bit, but in that end day, you know, it's a lot of the way I'm from. I see a bright future for us. I think that's been on the overtime drive. I mean, you guys have been stopping them and then they just seem to kind of get a role. Yeah, you know, you know, just something that we just need work on, you know, got to play around better on that. And just kind of eliminate the big face. That's all that it comes down to, but, overall, I just felt like we just,

3:44:34just came up short on that. So, as the offense is kind of struggling to find its footing early in the game, what did you guys feel like you had to do as a defense team doing it? I feel like we just need to step up, man. You know, I know they would have come through and have our back. I just tell the offense, you know, we got your back, you know, just keep those guys going. We want people to try to hold in the best we can. Are you ready to pop up of bigger performance in this game? Yeah, definitely. I feel like, you know, as a whole, everybody on the offense can contribute. And, you know, we have a lot of great playmakers on our team. And our coach will definitely find ways to get us all to ball and get in the best position to score. Step on the question, explain the outcome. Now you grew up in a CC country. Did you have any interest? Did you think you could make it to the Rose Bowl one day and want to play the Rose Bowl one day? Uh, I would say, yeah, definitely. As a competitor, that's something that you compete for. To, especially as a team player, you know, to be at the top level, to go to the playoffs and be in this position. So I wouldn't say I would have guessed I would be here in this position now, but definitely I wanted to be in this spot. There have been one point to this match. I will have the moment to be in the game.

3:45:35He thinks about Jeremiah's same thing. He ended the play early in the game in the bubble. I mean, it's a great play, but he said the play. How much do you think about that? How do you, how do you think about that play? Will you replay it, come on? You know, that's past us now. You know, that game has passed us. We're looking forward to how we can come up this week coming up and win this game. And that's all that really matters, you know, as a whole, as a team. Everybody has that same mindset, that same grit and that same passion. So that's all that matters. That Murphy 24,000 for you guys had some pretty clear motivational factors coming out of Michigan, going into Tennessee with three weeks of a lot of talk. How do you keep that same kind of mental edge now, where you're in the best game, or maybe there's more people talking positively without you, things like that? Yeah, definitely. I would say everyone just keep the same mindset that we had going into where we are now. We all have a big, a big goal in mind and we know what that goal is. So whatever it takes to stay focused, that's what we're going to do. Awesome.

3:46:35We're in contact. Which on the way that you and Trey bounced out the work will last week was that sort of the perfect design of what you guys envisioned a year ago, as you started looking at the sun. Definitely. I would say, you know, our coaches do such a great job at that. And just getting me him and there in different positions on the field. And just trade being the type of player he is. You know, whoever is on the field, you know, we're both going to do our job. So I'm going forward to it. Tony Gervin, fuck I have it. You try to do, you've got games to focus on. I have you thought about what's going to happen next year, where are you going to be? No, as a right now, I'm just looking forward to this next game and trying to win it all. Any help with Quint John? Kevin News. Fuck I had a... I know it's looking back, but you didn't have a chance to ask you. What's going through your mind on the first strike? Where your first touch on is, when the exchange between you and Will, where you spend the ball on your wrist? What's the thought there? I actually thought he was going to pull the ball and I kind of felt it. And I just got an instinct. So I just kind of grabbed it and just took it my best.

3:47:38Any help for Quint John? Great, Quint John, thank you very much. I mean that there's always people that's going to be coming in and trying to do what you did in the past. So I'm looking forward to it and like I said, I mean we're just all excited to go out there and get people. Okay, well anyway, the fact that the way that this defense has additions on every level, we talk about chasing the people to line and have the draft be there. You guys have willing to second level and then the third level, who they go on with Sean and the rest of them. How much pressure is on the state defense to perform to the higher level of respect and should have been. Right, I would say that last year was, you know, we excelled in certain things, but we were also trying to get back to where we were in the past. So we got some great additions and we're excited for that. Ultimately it's to use some of these guys to be the number one defense in the league.

3:48:40And that's always going to be the goal. So whatever we can do to utilize all the different talent that we have on this team to be the best and play as a team and to build the best chemistry that we got, that's what we're going to do. What's the end of the game about this offense? You see, just early, this early in the game, what's the end of the game? Yeah, we're not used to going against the normal offense I have been the past three years. So it's been a lot more moving pieces. I definitely have to use your eyes pretty well because if not, then somebody's going to be open. But I like what they're doing. I'm very excited for it. I just know it's making our defense a little bit better because we're having to do different things, not just the normal offense we've been used to. I was going to say just because every other team has some variations that they were in the same position as that kind of deepened out kind of benefit because you've seen that more than the first. I would say so. I mean, as the league has changed over time, I think they

3:49:41revert to certain offenses that do well in certain systems. And I would say we're taking maybe a little bit pieces from other offense that we see to do well. So I like what we're doing. I mean, I don't know as much as some of these quarterbacks that we have on the team, some of the offensive players, but I just know it's tough to go against. I'm lowest at number last year, but still one of the top teams scored in the defense. What do you guys really need to do to finish after the quarterback? Yeah, I would just say place heavy emphasis in practice. It's always going to start in practice with getting after the quarterback, not touching in practice, but making some good moves. And I would just say rush more. I mean, there's so much that goes into it and goes with the coverage. Everybody works together. I would say that we had great numbers, but we do. We are trying to get that number up, but the ultimate goal is always going to be the ball. Getting the ball taken away, getting off the field, we're putting our offense out there

3:50:43on the field and we're staying off. That means that we're doing a good job. And you already asked about it for my competition standpoint. Before my collective standpoint, having you wins tomorrow, we're going to be on the field. What kind of a cheerio can that do for a defense? When the sky is a limit with this group, I do believe we have one of the most talented linebacker core groups in the league. So just excited what we're going to be able to do out there on the field. I think we all compliment each other super well. Bigger guys that are explosive. So I'm excited for it. And also, I want to take a moment and thank and show respect for Coach Farrance 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 the questions. We got first row on your right side.

3:51:50Kenneth Berry, touchdowns and tangents. Hey Kenneth. How's it going? Good morning. Coach, in all your years, you look about at the Vanderbilt year where you guys had a wreck of breaking season. You look at the, you made it to the roles bowl and would say, 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? And this being your 11th year in the conference, how good does 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. You know, 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.

3:52:52And 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 have done 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's one of my best friends. He was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State when I was the offense coordinator. He's now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, getting a second chance, which is also not common. So I think that's powerful. And then, you know, 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, you know, 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.

3:53:53You know, there are guys that embrace that were in a place like Penn State, where we've been able to consistently, for the most part, win 10 through 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. So 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, NICAS Media. Hey, Nick. How you doing? Good. Once I ask you about Abdul Carter, him changing positions from linebacker to defensive. And how much do you feel like that will strengthen your defense? This season and also, how does that play Kate as far as throughout the locker room, as far as taking that type of role, being a leader in the locker room?

3:54:53Yeah, 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, he made the adjustment pretty quickly. Then 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 to 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

3:55:58going 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. And I'm proud of him. I'm excited about what he's going to do this year. On your left side. James Bill Rabino, it'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 the pressure. 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. He's very comfortable. He's very confident.

3:56:59He really came, got on campus. Like 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. And just from the feedback from the players over to summer, is 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 is 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. Tell Mike I said hi. We'll do.

3:57:59Hey, you mentioned earlier about Southern Cal, Oregon, UCLA, Washington, joining the league. After the 2018 Ohio State game, you had what I referred to as the epic good-to-great-to-e-leap rant. So with these teams coming in, where do you feel Penn State stands in the pecking order and a follow-up if you don't feel Penn State's quite additively? Where do you think the NITNI 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, you know, 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. And that's inside the lash building and that's outside the lash building. We totally get that and embrace that.

3:58:59I 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 10, so I think I got good, I got good perspective on that. And then like you mentioned, adding the four new schools makes it even more challenging. So 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,

4:00:02that's the step that we need to take in having a returning start in 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 some phenomenal things and we got to build on that. And then I think the pieces that are to 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.

4:01:03Thank you, sir. That was a really wow. Like, you know, it's impressive. 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 a 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 in the end zone. Yeah. What's kind of going through your head? I know you want to limit it to three. If anything, are you limit it to zero instead? Yeah, well, just just just tendencies going 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 touch found 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, our defense room and they really take this game series.

4:02:03And I really appreciate that. That was 1926. That was the last time that the Cardinals had allowed. Yeah, used to it, man. We got some cooking out here, man. 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, like, we're just playing bars. So I can't even walk you through the play-by-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. And it wasn't so. Man, it was 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 hats off to them. 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 lie, it feels amazing.

4:03:05What do you want me to do? What does it say about you, man? 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 like there's one heartbeat out there, man. And that's how it should be every week. Is it preparation that pre-game meal you make? 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. It's preparation, man. The superstitions, man, people have it for the game. It's just, it's a mental thing. At the end of the day it's ball. Ball's always going to be ball, so. So real quick, can you just take us through what is it against the pre-game meal? 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. Spaghetti and ranch, that's the thing. Forgetting and ranch, man. They'd be saying it's nasty, but I think it's good. Yeah. You mentioned teammates to try that? So I don't think everybody knows it, but if somebody did ask, I'd recommend you. But you can't put too much ranch or too little ranch. You've got to have a good proportion on it. So ranch on pizza. Oh, ranch on everything. Ranch on everything.

4:04:06If I'm at the house, I'm putting ranch on my steak. So I can't do that steak house, but if the house I'm doing it, yeah. Yeah. It's like catching boar in me. You know, I've done some great things at Ole Miss, and I've learned a lot. But I think just for me and my third year, you know, you want to be somewhere in a place like Ohio State, like I said, great culture, great teammates, great coaches, best players, and the best for him, so you want to do it. Did you do the NFL draft at all rate on somebody? Yeah. You don't have to go to the drafts all day. I mean, just as far as just being a player, you want to be around coaches 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. Just being all around back, you know, like just doing it all really, you know, not just being, bringing the ball inside between the tackles or an outside, you know, just giving me a ball in the passing game, just showcasing everything I can do

4:05:08to play. 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 Jiméry Gibbs, and I've seen a lot of that being both things, and also his career with the Patriots as well. So seeing how he's coaching, you know, so what do you think? Has he talked about like his role, the role that he sees you in for the soft-man's role? Yeah, 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 in what his role is, so it's really good. I 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, you know, it's very different. So you look pretty straight beyond your style, you know, I think just with straight beyond, we're kind of, I don't know how to explain it.

4:06:08I would say, you know, he's good at what he does, and I'm good at what I do. So, you want to say that? Yes, sir, yes, sir. Which is kind of the thing, you know, 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 begin the end zone and just help my team win. Came out of high school, you have envisioned your full-over-to-use online sitting there at high school. You know, you know, actually, you know, I did not, you know, as you go through your journey through high school and through college, you don't know where you end up as. So 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. This is a positive side of the training, oil range, and 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 I'm going to throw

4:07:11out 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 celebrate their game and show just me that. Yeah. Oh, kind of reaction. Did you get it? Yeah. It was, it was crazy, you know, a lot of, a lot of different things that were, a lot of different emotions, but it's, it's, it's, it's a business. And so, you understand it, you know, people won't always be happy for the decisions you make when it's best for yourself, but like I said, you're just excited to be here and do what I can and I wouldn't know. You 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, what I can do for my team and that's what I think. 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 or Saturdays and it's big.

4:08:13It'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, really excited. Did you have to just skip pass that at all and decide to come to a big 10th school or you know, with the Northern part of the country, like was that an adjustment? No, no, not really. I would say it was probably just only a little cold, but, but other than that, though, it was an awesome process. I think that wasn't a factor for me. We take you as a little Howard and kind of quarterback you could use. I think Real Howard is a great quarterback, you know. He's a great player. I see him as vision. He can use his legs. He can also throw as well. He's very smart and just looking at his film and what he's doing at Kansas State, as well, also. For you to run it backwards, that's you've been doing at the quarterback who is a good transfer. 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. And he's working there. You jump in the place that has a pretty good ground for him. And then off to the egg mold. Right, I'm going to go to the place where there's some other drivers.

4:09:14How much did you know about your high-fifth? I'm going to find a better match. 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're pretty good, man. All right. What are you doing in the back of the game? Yeah, definitely a great player. And like I said, everyone that was coming here, this portal class great players from all around the different teams. And Caleb personally, you know, he's done some great things at Alabama. And we're excited to have him. When you're in the play-time, how much do you want to go to the point? When you're in the front of the game? Right. I think when we played him, we more so. We had a different fall 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 like to watch? Right. Particularly bad. I like having a Camaro, Christian McCaffrey. I would say also, I'd like Jumir Gives at Detroit as well. So just those three guys right there,

4:10:14I've been doing some great things. With a level. Those are your guys who do a high. You've already had a high top. That all around the game, how important is that as part of your doing career? 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. Do you think coaches put you if they have the execute? What's the other way? That's definitely important as well, too. For me personally, that's important for me personally, but because important is our end. So I can 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 to see if they're in the quarter, but it's always hard to find that. I was a player, and you've been a student, you've been a player in this.

4:11:17And you've made that decision, I'm starting to see some of you think you're going to be good. Some of you have been a player, some of you have been a player, and I haven't had any of you in that. I was just a little bit over-staffed, I don't know how many of you have been a decision, but you've been a player, and you've been a player. At least for me. Yeah, you know, just do this whole process. You know, this is my first time ever going through this, and I can say many things were saying, you know, 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. Other than the weather, I think it's the greatest adjustment to being in that room. Is it just walking in the room, seeing the people coming in with the coffee? I wouldn't say that. I think it's just more so, you know, just the whole thing, like, I would say just do it in the real culture. That's what's important. More than food that is your best you've ever had. I haven't. I recently just got here, so I haven't found too much like different places yet,

4:12:20because I've been trying to hold man and be acclimated, but I'm for sure if I'm in some couple spots. What are your impressions of Will? I mean, I know that Stan's you're going to have a backfield with potentially transvestists running back here. It's a quarterback. I'm going to put you guys to talk to him. I mean, through this, we've created a lot of recruiting process, the transfer process. Yeah, I mean, when I got here, you know, me and Will, we've always been in contact. You know, I've just taken 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. Would you remember, if you were with Trey, when you were talking about thinking about coming in, if you're having communication with Trey, I thought what you would say was that that brings all of us together. 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. And you've been to Ohio at the report? No. There have been so many. I think you know where it was. Yeah.

4:13:20What about you? But nobody was, but I've never been so. Okay. Can you please go to the first send the portal and set the free list? Yeah. Here's the free list. What's that process like from my person and from your point of view, where I'll add that and put that light in that. So the portal. 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 that'll put you in the best position. And I think that's what it's really about for me in my process. Who would cheer you up? Who would cheer you up? I'd say I'm tired of nowhere. What's that all factor on the East side and the way it goes with the main issue that you've been doing? Very bad. Yeah. That definitely plays a factor, especially in today's game with the five-span of run backs and the end of the day. So I think that, you know, with the, like I said, the situation here just may be able to come here and contribute to this team and do what I can when it all. What do I mention? I think it's right. I think the game for you and the characters.

4:14:22And what I did to you, you know, like I said, any way that I could contribute to the team and do what I can to show and execute, that's what matters. I'm actually here to give you a little start in the way that's written. There's a little carries up there too. Right. Give us a link. Do you like that? And do you think it's that part of the curve, you know, you said probably that's where you had to go and you can't come here? 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 and see themselves, really so should you see. And not just that, but how much carry today and times last year, having a quarterback that can run or the two running bags, and then is that how much does that accept you to have a side field, with that option on the bottom end? 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 are we really going to get started thinking about the trend of the tie-ins? And so I think that's it. So it's probably like, how do you, how do you start to rationalize that decision

4:15:22that you're going to be in the stuff that's... 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 old men's time? I would get described. 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 you suppose having a meeting with Coach Kipney, who was something about the direction of the offense. How much of that was true, I'm not gonna say it. Was that any of that true? Or just, you know, what was that all about? No, just rumors. But I got to say, man, a lot, 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, in-rate thinking, oh, how steady, I just walked up here a second ago, you probably went all over this, but, when did Ohio State get on your radar?

4:16:23This, impossible, really, small. Just a nutshell, maybe. Immediately when I got in the portal, you know, what, what, what? I think, like I say, 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's focused and proud in and to do something that's bigger than themselves, you know. Why wouldn't you want to go someplace like this? Well, people are saying you attribute on it, and the same backfield and even having Dallin in there, this might be the best running back through some in the country. Is there too some? Do you feel that way also a lot? Definitely. I feel like, you know, with everyone in our room, they contribute in their own way, everyone is a great player in our room, so I definitely agree. What's your thoughts on how that is being able to move into the new and set off so that we can just hear them play and review what they, I guess, where I like, I'm setting down, it wasn't just, how long will it be? 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

4:17:24because 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 so it's possible. What was it on the code that you had to say? Just, like I say, the meetings, what coach day, everything that I was showcased. This is just the place that you want to be. Two quickies, the name point shot, what was that come from? That was, that came from my parents. I know, but I mean, what was your background? I mean, I'm a coach, I mean, from that. I'm a coach. But I really don't know, I've never asked my parents that question, actually. Yeah, and then, number two, the hairstyle, what's that? What's the juice? I came up with this hairstyle in March of last year, so I just decided one day, I was like, okay, I want to dye my hair blonde, so I just went with it. I got a lot of great company, so I kept it the same way. Blondes have more fun or have more run. I'll say more run.

4:18:41You know, I embrace it well, you know, that's what everyone here works hard for. And that is the, the in goal, you know, is not to get a certain amount of wins. That's the goal. That's what everyone here for. To win the National Championship, so I take it seriously. Everyone here is bought in, you know, whatever it takes to get that in. That's what everyone's trying to do. What's your subject for the first time? I'm just going to give you a second. One minute, one minute. One minute. One minute. I have a player, like, only you know what you're in here, and I have a friend who grinds. How do you kind of put all that all of the time in the game? 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 like, you know, something that I was focusing on. You know, just going out there playing football, and doing what I think. I'm just saying you, I'm sure you could have gone for a lot of places. You could be a guy running back to Europe, you're coming in and sharing the load of training. You know, I think just more so, the situation here, like I'm saying, just coming here,

4:19:41being not only with trade, 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 most important. 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? I think just, like I said, how I can today is game, that's something that is important for Renna back, you know, to be able to value and to think about, as far as the shelf life and things like that, but, you know, just my situation coming here, that was the most important. Which one, thank you. Thank you. Thanks for your time. The peak 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, is nothing wrong with developing and growing and playing when your time is right. And if the time is right, right now is a freshman, like what's 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. Going to prepare you for life,

4:20:41whether it's the NFL or on with a regular career. And 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 remaining having that impact, you mentioned, rolling all these different spots. Do you anticipate, you know, there wasn't a lot of rotation among the cornerbacks last year, when everyone was healthy? Do you anticipate maybe rolling him through to rest guys here with the longer season, potentially? Yeah, we play it by here. You know, I mean, we see how it goes by the time we get in the camp, but you know, obviously he's earning his stripes. So, you know what I mean, when you earn your stripes, you know, a lot of jobs to create an opportunity for you. You know what I mean? We have to see how it goes with all that 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. Do you know, is there something that you're like, that's kind of been cultivated over the course of your Thomas position?

4:21:43Coach, here, right? 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 value and character and they appreciate that stuff, they're embrace that. So, 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 there where being as a young man, and when you get close to him and spend a lot of time with him off the field, you could coach him hard. You can say truthful things to him and then embrace it and you can have real conversation because you know, the only goal is to help him get better as a young man. Yeah, it's done bounding stuff a little bit now. That goes with great competition. We go against the best receivers and call it football. So, that helps escalate your growth process

4:22:43because if you don't figure it out real fast, you're getting embarrassed. So, that competition, but what happened with that, I guys start competing. I guys start growing. I guys got better and now is even up a little bit. So, where you get really good work at practice today, you know what I mean? So, as competitive, it's fun. Those guys both on both sides of all care about each other. So, it's great competition and they all are real close. So, you know what I mean? Is that stuff that gets us better that will prepare us for Saturday. I know, it's just 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 is deep. So, you have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we see a lot of good stuff with Dave and Coach Kelly doing over there. So, it prepares you a lot and it helps us grow.

4:23:56Yeah, because you know, that's where you get better. Iron Shop is iron. 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. We just move a lot of guys around. If you watch our practice, we have a lot of guys in there right now. You know, we pop out there are four different guys in there. Obviously, Lorenzo's in there, Jameen is in there. Caleb Miles, we have 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 going to probably be some more guys in there. You know, we move it around and try to just get the right fit throughout the N and C. How it goes by time we get ready to start the season. What's in and out about Calvin since he's in the hard. He can run any strong. You know what I mean? He's fast. 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 to spring. Keep competing. You know what I mean now? He's made the transition.

4:24:58Competing the day. You know what I mean? He's starting going in. That transition is all just like I'm in your main last year. You throw him in the fire. You let him go. You compete. You go by time we get out of the end of training camp. You have to be them figured out. Yeah, I want to. But now you just throw it all at him. Compete. Continuing to grow. Continuing to learn. He has the skill set. He has to length. Now you just got to put it all together. And it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by time we get in the training camp. It seems like a bit of a way to spring and kind of click for your main last year. And you start to see and perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want here? And 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. There's a lot of stuff going on. But you know, by the time you get into that last week of spring ball, you'll look to start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you know, you get another evaluation again. We'll 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 that he's made now that he's kind of got his feet under one defense? What do you like about him and that nickel spot?

4:26:00He'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, thank you very much. Right. I can ask one more. All the guys that came back like Denzel, the great example. We've had some fries you as you reflect on all these guys that came back late. The Rams, and 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. You know, we want to come back. They want to come back and walk away with something. So it didn't shock me. But it's a good environment for them too. You know what I mean? That's when you see those guys come back. That's the testimony to the culture that's set here. The brotherhood, the environment. And of course, they run the program for those do's to want to come back. Because we go at it. It's hard. It's not easy.

4:27:00It's not easy. But what we do. So in fact, they come back and do that. It's a testament to how he runs the program. Thank you. Coach Wong, 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 kind of conversation that's about 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? What's the big deal? 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. Like, so it's not really like anything changed. You know, 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're going to gradually get a little bigger. So, do you, are you embracing that different kind of training?

4:28:00Do you like to do it? Yeah, I love it. I love to be with the linebackers. I think with the DBs, like sometimes in the way, especially in the way room, like I was expected to win. So like when I won, I was like, oh, it's anyone. But that was the linebacker now. It's like it's more of a composition. You know what I'm saying? Not like, not any hits of the DBs. I'm 2.30 going against someone who's 2.05. Right. I mean, I'm saying I'm expecting to win. So I love the competition aspect of it. Yeah, Cody said you came in and said, well, it's already bigger than most of the linebackers. So, are you playing Will and Sam like, how was the position? I've been working on both, yes. Is there any, like, fundamental difference between the two in terms of both? So, Sam's in the middle. Um, I mean, obviously, Sam, more outside of the back, outside of 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 San Francisco field in the Wilson boundary.

4:29:02So I think it's pretty similar, honestly. Only the 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, whatever that might be. So that's a little different. But I mean, I think I got some of that experience at safety just from a few words back. So like I said, the only difference really is now just adjusting to the less time. Yeah, Coach, you know, Sam, you've come in from where you're coming from. You have a better perspective of what's going on. Because you played safe. Yeah, yeah. I feel like I have a great understanding of the defense. I think that safety, I kind of already knew what the linebacks were doing. So now what I'm really starting to learn is like, exactly like every little detail of what the D line's doing. That's not really what I didn't know every little aspect of it. I think I'm starting to learn that now, but obviously, the lineback, you've got to be knowing that more. So I think when it's all said, no, I think we have a really, really good understanding of the defense and knowing exactly what everyone's doing. Do you feel like you're warm enough there more in the mix of the defense too? That lineback here sounds stunning because you can be dropping one minute pass-reson

4:30:03that you or me can make some of that anyway. But yeah, actually, I think you can say it like being a linebacker in the play, you're almost in every play. Obviously, the play can run away from you, but you know, the safety sometimes you're just back there, playing every guest. You take two back pedals and it's a tackle. So I think yeah, a linebacker, you're in the play more, more chance, more opportunities to make tackles. Do you feel comfortable there? I mean, what does that, you know, obviously your dad will stand out like right here? Yeah, I feel super comfortable with it. Like I said, I think it's just going to be adjustment. You know, obviously it's different playing from a five than it was from playing from like 10 last year. So I think it's an adjustment, but I'm super comfortable with it. So any of you top here, dad, have you given you any advice on the new position? Oh, yeah, we watch, we watch tape all the time, watch practice. You know, he was a high level linebacker and I'm just getting started with this. He gets a little little footwork and stuff like that, but it's good. I get good teaching him, you know, obviously coach Loranitis, great player, great teacher for him, coach Moles. You know, he's a super smart football mind. So I'm getting great teaching all around. You know, my back, everything happens quicker for you.

4:31:05How much did the experience playing some of 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 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, when A you get pools, like 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, this is still going to be a lot of stuff to work on though. Yeah, like 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 my back or safety? I think the biggest change will probably be that that's 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 you see the great linebackers.

4:32:06Seems to play habits are going. They're not taking any wasted steps or not fall stepping things like that. So I think wasting, wasting movement and being able to see what's happening and reacting fast. It's been the big spend fitter between being on the same team with your brother. I mean, you know, you got someone out there that's it's more than a team. You know, 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 what you know, it's coming from. Yeah, I think when you're blood like that, I think he's not scared to tell me the truth, you know, son. You know, 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% blunt exactly what you need to hear. Now what you want to hear. What's your advice on playing Dickel? Oh, for him. I mean, he just so I've let it, he just keep trusting his instincts. I think he's going to be great. I think what's huge for him is like I said, the athletic ability speed.

4:33:07You know, he bliss off the edge. He's, he's, he's blissing super fast. And he's just great in covers too. So I think it's going to be really good. I think we're going 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 and once it's up on that field. He's, he's, he's, he's, it's time. Thank you. Great. What have you seen for Jayden in his time? We saw him on Saturday running with the ones with the two. Seems like he's making a little bit of his opportunity with the two. 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. 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?

4:34:09So we track that and he's one of the guys that every single practice is one of our highest grade guys. Run into 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 Jayden McLean for sure. You're talking about running to the ball. Do you mean like he's ball-hawking 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, 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. Yeah, I do. I do. And it's been an opportunity for you have a couple guys that are 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. I feel confident in the guys that, how they've performed so far this spring.

4:35:12And 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 Layton 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 he understands what's going on. I wouldn't say weird, 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? Because he's going to be on his game.

4:36:12He'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 seeing that, 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 me for waiting then? We'll talk about the preparation that Caleb has. I'm just waiting 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. He 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. And then his own preparation. I've been impressed with, you know, if you're not taking as many physical reps,

4:37:15what 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 last year as a coach for New York? Since we last saw G95 through multiple spring practices, what did you learn something in your time or when it was just for you as a coach that you brought here to bring the safety of your mission? 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 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? 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, and 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,

4:38:17and 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 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 of my opinion. You know, you move there were strides 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, 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. You know, so I think that's valuable. Man, it's a lot of fun. 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,

4:39:20hey, 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, we're from Mass-Damn Point. 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 of year but you're seeing they're going to move this spring. Yeah, Jayden Bonz was taking advantage of the opportunity that he's had, gentlemen, the claims taking an opportunity, you know, I've managed the opportunity. Inky had a really good day today. You know, it's taking advantage of the opportunity. So the guys that, you know, have 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, Matt, thank you. Thanks. Appreciate it, guys. Coach Day's offense, and Chip Kelly's offense is the same offense.

4:40:21It's kind of neat going back to the roots and the origin. Maybe understanding a new twist or why he called it how he 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. 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. Again, it might have been, like I said earlier, also it might have been, you know, the 3,000 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? And yeah, Matt, I mean, I hope the guys feel that the energy's picked up because the urgency has, I mean, 8-8-8 is 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 down there. Hopefully it's two, hopefully three tie-downs out there. So hopefully they feel the urgency's picked up.

4:41:26But it felt like year after year, it was a lot of fun. The better guy, the next one, the better guy, the next one. Fine, that's something like, it's just like an average figure right now. Does that mean you have to provide full leadership for the guys? You know what I mean? Does that have a good work with you? Does that just, like, a cheese job? You better just have it on the floor. Yeah, I don't know. I'm not going to put it all on you, right? But again, the leaders drive the culture. Now whether it be G or whether it be Pat, and who's been here for a long time and played a lot of football, 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 in the box. I'm not cutting off the C guys. It's got to come from them. Now, again, my job is coaches to make them here. 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. I'll keep doing it. But they've done a great job of driving the culture. Keenan, you were in the room with Rick Kevin. Was in the offensive meeting room for so many years. This haven't chip kind of gets 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. Now to have chip with that experience,

4:42:27is 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 should 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. Keenan, was there initially a bigger role, expected for Jolani in the cotton bowl, and did that not get to come to fruition as much as the way that game played out? You know, I don't remember exactly what, you know, the expectation was he was going to help contribute. And certainly we wanted him to contribute from the jumping. Keep them 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.

4:43:27So we felt comfortable riding out with him. But I think Jolani and everyone else is kind of focused going forward. Especially if you guys seem to like during the bull prep that was a step forward at all. Yeah, oh 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'll 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, but I mean, however it shakes out. Hopefully we could play 13% or 14% now. And I got guys out there that are going to go a recent havoc. But I don't know. They're going to make that sort of out. Right now I'm worried about whatever Thursday's practice. I mean, the toughest dudes on the field. Are you seeing enough of that to feel comfortable saying that that can happen by the way? 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. I'm keen to know what's happened. The action has been great. It's been great. Pumper turn and kick return.

4:44:27And 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 being a Pumper turn. They'd 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 yeah, we fun. I mean, he had more time, right? Just because we have that whole month of kind of December for development. And the bull preps a lot like spring ball. And that he has those three or four weeks to get the reps he wasn't getting during the year. Because Katie was taking it. I think good. I think it just shows that, you know, next man in, we trust you fully.

4:45:27Kate couldn't go. No one bad at the night. It 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 gets played really well. I think that helps the confidence for him and awesome. Really good. Katie, when you look at G now, do you, and this may be a prestigious question, maybe, you see a tight end now. You're still one I'm saying from a couple years ago. And years ago, he was, you know, he moved over from wide receiver and all this kind of stuff. What just chuffed out at you about what he brings with the tight end spot? Yeah, I know what you're asking too. 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. Yeah. He's a tight end. So he's going to be greater like a tight end. Treat it like it. So I never really, but like Kevin talked about when the, you know, first made the move, you want to, you want to get this guy some confidence, playing tight end, meaning I'm not going to say he 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?

4:46:28Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. He's going way better. And again, that practices on the, he's on the left side. He's against JT if 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 he's definitely progressed. Do you think that elaborate effort you guys are having us, Michael, do you think that's benefiting you guys in terms of just how you're coaching on the table? Yeah, I think so. Dan as, you know, as far as ownership goes, right? Like, I mean, I'm not saying I wasn't invested last year, but shoot, I'm a partner during the kicker journey. I mean, that's 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, when, when Coach stayed broke that up, what did you think about that change? And number two, what is 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 supposed to be the best in the country. The tight end coach better be the best tight end in the country.

4:47:29Same thing with quarterback, same thing with Pumberturn Coach. On the Pumberturn 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, huh, return, like NFL teams and things like that. I mean, how are you doing your prep work? Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Coach Hart, Coach Keys, thanks Gunner and I, I mean, we locked ourselves in a room for a week there and I don't think I did any offense. So, oh yeah. You already have pretty good knowledge of just the turn game or good moves if you have to, like, start to scratch that. No, yeah, there was 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 tight end. 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 this season. What do you mean?

4:48:31Yeah, I think I think he proved it on special teams because he played on special teams before we played offense. And then 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 oh, but 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 approach it here? It's how guys are here's a guy. Almost 11.30. It's what you just have in your stars. It's a nice look. Oh yeah. Is that helping? 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 knew his G and then Pat was right in. I didn't have that in I. I'm going to put the toughest dude out there who goes to hardest. Right? I don't care if you're from Ohio, your dad's a buck guy, if you're a walk-on or a five star. Whatever should help us win, you know? We can marry in fans. Yeah. You still work with them? Well, far, how does that kind of work right now? Yeah, we can. I mean, with Max and Toe, it's FaceTime's and it's encouraging them to get here

4:49:32and 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, setting them tip sheets and that's what it thing. We're technology nowadays. I mean, COVID, we had to do it. So yeah, we can get to work right now. Two more questions, folks. The special teams question. The collaboration that you guys have and 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? Just 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 every, we're seeing each other every day for the last eight years. Luckily, I worked four years with him. 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 Kees 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. Okay. Obviously, the guys react to that. So you're coaching. That's what the teams say. Yeah, I think they like it. Because like the accountability, again, if my tight ends aren't on point return to kicker journey, they're not playing tight end.

4:50:33And they know that. So I think across the board, it gives us a platform to coach other positions. She didn't in a time when the print transport is so big. And the guy like jeep probably could have left multiple times. She wanted to. What does that do for the room? To have a guy who's a leader have just so set fast. I'm like, I'm going to stay here. I want to stay here and make an impact. That's the go. Yeah, I think it speaks volumes. You hit the nail on the head, not just for jeep, but for the brotherhood. And I know it sounds cliche. And people read it on Twitter and kind of roll their eyes at brotherhood. Why did they think the entire defense came back for the brotherhood? We've 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 jeeps 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. Is 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 area at tight end? Yeah, maybe it is. And I haven't really thought about that

4:51:33because it's still so new. I think you've got to be so honest in recruiting. Right? If you think I'm going to walk into a living room and say, come be my starting tight end, 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'll take a question earlier. I don't care if it's a senior or a true freshman. If you could play, you could play period. I can't wait. Give me a true freshman. You could play tight end. So high estate. You got to block Jack and JT. And then your dog tire next play. You're getting covered by Downs and Lathen and all those guys. You kidding me? Is this NFL? No, it's a high estate. 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. Also, thanks, guys. Thanks, Coach. Thank you. They're just circling back to what we had. Natural maturation a little bit because he's been through a little bit of spring. He's 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.

4:52:35So 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. It was, let's get in, let's go on this compete and then let the guys win. Justin, what about Luke said the skillset made you guys with a good record? Just learning the same deal. A young guy is you're coming. 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. And he's learning from those, you know, from the spring time. You know, we have a saying in our room, we're like, in the spring, it's Justin, 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?

4:53:35And 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, he's, his weights up, his strengths up. He's spending off 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. Luke, a leaner guy? Did you tell him that? He paid you to say that? He did not pay me to say that, but I will say that. That might be the first time he ever heard that in his life. No. No. No. You know, like Luke Carson, whoever maybe that that jump of 18 to 19 to 19 to 20 year old kid, that plays a lot into it too.

4:54:37Being in a full year with Mick. I mean, all those guys, you come in and mid, you're like your Devo 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? Is what we're working on every day with him? 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. All right, he's, I mean, Josh could play off five. I mean, he snapped the ball in high school. Josh had a great off season. But for you, when you're going to your spring and it's fact finding and experimentation, how much do you want to put them in different spots or not?

4:55:38Because you also have an eye on August to try and settle on five minute rotation. What's the balance of that for you? You have to get a really good, gradable set 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 look at and grade that. So as we, you know, work guys around the platoons and go, just to make sure that everybody gets good, gradable reps. So we can sit back by the end of spring and say, all right, this is your compared apples, apples and oranges oranges and not, you know, apples and oranges because it's completely different that way. So that's kind of the thought behind that as you're going through spring. When you got here a couple years ago, because I was told you, years from now, Chip Kelly is going to be here as office employee of what the juice is. Not laughed. You know, but then I said, you know, it's college football, so who knows, right? What's up in like, I'm sure you're enjoying it. What's up in like, yeah, I mean, he just added to another piece of just good people here.

4:56:40I mean, you still, you're coming to work here with the guys every day, you know, with the kids we talk about a ton, but then for us as coaches and 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 store like, no, no, this is this. He's like, yeah, that's right because that happens to all coaches that happen. And me when we got here first, I was at what coach day sometime with Ryan's like, you know, what do we call this because he was in a system like that before. And he's, oh, this is this now. So I think just the, you know, translation of a rosetta store in their help, but just overall standpoint of adding a great guy that's a great coach that's been around. 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 can bring that to my meeting room. Maybe I can bring that to communication to the staff or to the kids or whatever it is because he's, he's done it for a long time and he's done 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

4:57:42and Key and everybody just learning and growing with that. What does he bring to me, kind of 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, you know, what does he kind of bring from the chalkboard aspect of that? Well, I mean, what you're saying. So what does he see? It's good to have fresh eyes come in that maybe, you know, 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, his, 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? Or this is what the three texts going to read on a down block of a tackle 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,

4:58:43you know, the next step and not just being ready to know, yeah. The time to step up and step is the point was nobody cares, nobody cares what struggles you have or whatever you got to go out there and feel like you can get the job done. If you know she think 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. You know, that's why we have the red line over there. When you cross the line, you know, coach, they talk about that here like that 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, right? That can sound really negative and harsh. But then it also, if you just spin your tone, like, isn't it beautiful that the game doesn't care? It doesn't care 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 a third, the game will love you back. You know, and so I think it's the

4:59:44approach mentally that guys take that way. So yeah, for Tegrit, he's, he's taking that approach. Like 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 showed up to do. So I, and that's good that he said that. What's his comment on the field been like as a center? And 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 I should say it over and start over again. You're saying the comfort of center with who now? Seth. Okay. Yeah, I'm saying like how is his command of the field been? And has it been difficult, I guess, to adjust for him if he's to have a certain level of on field command, you know, 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,

5:00:46just like we talked, you know, 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, that kind of conversation 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, and 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 the same day, he's, you know, the one thing we're not having concerns with, or we're not driving right now is the guys just competing and trying to get better after a mistake, or like we say, a tag we're enhancing, as they've done some stuff really well, and he's adapted to that really well. The spring is the same for that. And how do you assess their knowing by center version of guard? Could they do both?

5:01:50They both have been rumping at 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 send 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. No, I have it. He obviously came after spring practice next year. How has he been this spring? You kind of speak to how what the challenge must have been for him last year, or not having spring practice stepping in playing that position. Yeah. Same. He's been here not even a four 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,

5:02:52those 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 obviously has talent. He also would have a few plays of game work, you know, the penalty or whatever. Have you seen him reduce those? A bunch. Yes. Coach, thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Thanks, guys. Thank you. Thank you. All right, folks, we will come back when. You know, the communication and how everything works. It really just understanding football. What you kind of understand, like how the central line will work. You're going to get the best and best in the first day of the international soul. I think that's where I come from. How can that chemistry be different from the new colonies?

5:03:55I think it's an even here, like, there'll be things like sometimes we won't even have to communicate. We just know, you know, like, we're going to have a year of ball together and it was great. I came in knowing that just about everything. I mean, like, obviously, I kind of, I kind of feel like in terms of like physical attributes, I can kind of like move and I'm strong and stuff like that, but I think like there's a lot more to it that I needed to work on even to come close to what I can do to me being able to help the team, like, such as technique, awareness, just just everything. Definitely communication, I think that's like the big thing. Like, when you're in those big games, you got to be able to, you know, call it out, like, like a pressure might come and stuff like that. So it's a way to support.

5:05:06Folks, we have Dalin, Hayden, not the 20. Yeah, he wants just 100% after it and just work hard. Like, obviously, like, there's more to it, but those are the things that he wants to do and want to put back. Like, basically, that's a sign I pick at every day coming out here just the best to go for. Definitely, but I kind of like when I come in here, I knew Coach Fry and staff like they were going to, they're going to definitely like scope me into the player. Like, that I was, yeah, scope me into that. Yeah, like they know that like scope. Yeah, like just kind of make me into that type of player. I mean, the development factor from Coach Fry and getting these like, I didn't even, it's like magic almost. So I mean, I'm just kind of keep, keep going with him and keep riding with him. I guess we'll see. I'm gonna keep picking at it and we'll see what we'll be.

5:06:14I guess, yeah, I would say sure, but I mean, I can't really take credit for something like that. You know, the man above kind of put that in my dream. So how much is running game changing? New odds, whatever you want to call it with Chip Kelly in charge. What if you noticed his little bit, little new aunt's or stuff? I mean, maybe like little things. I mean, little things add up to big things, right? I mean, yeah, 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, like, I don't know if the side camera shoot each other, but other than that, it was, I mean, those are hard game. Nothing's going to be like, for sure. What's going on? You know, you can have some part time. Yeah. Did Missouri test y'all about as well as anybody? Just about, yeah. Yeah, they were pretty pretty good. 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. Like,

5:07:16obviously, we know number six was a really good player, so we just try to make sure keeping either back good as much possible. So that's really, we can try to go to. Describe your game a little bit Josh, wouldn't you do well when you still have a couple of those just, just describe your dancing. Yeah, so as a left tackle, like after like the number one job is make sure nobody gets to the quarterback. And that's something that I try to do. Make sure you know what they kind of get around me or go through them or anything. Just keep the quarterback in the other areas a lot more. Yeah, they'll be well on the player. You know, more people in the run and stuff like that. But like that's probably one of the biggest things. Make sure it's for that. Yeah, so I mean, we got, I mean, you have the main deal I mean, go through. I was twisting and stuff like that. So in the run, no twist, too. So you just kind of like, I guess you just got to really stay technically sound. That's something I'm trying to do. Josh, if you're going to get Mitchell Melmuch this spring instead of what it stands out about him, obviously he came back from a couple of knee, knee injuries and stuff. But what's just jumped out at you back there? Yeah, you wouldn't even know he had the two knee surgeries. 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,

5:08:22it's probably the hardest, it's probably like the hardest person I've got 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. Like if you're not really like setting for it, he'll get you. So, and everyone gets your take, you know, he came here from San Diego State, your center, the guy's transferred in Seth McLaughlin, whether he starts or not, we'll see right or no, he's from Alabama. He's an amazing 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 anywhere. I mean, like Seth is a great player. I mean, he tells me like, you know, stuff that they did differently about him and stuff like that. And I try to take some of, like, maybe some advice he has because he's been getting college football for a little longer than he so. Yeah, he seems like a grown up, doesn't he? Yeah, he comes across that way then. Play fast, play physical. I mean, there's obviously more that we're working on. We're learning like

5:09:23each other to be honest. I guess the right side is like 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, um, we're just trying to play hard. Yeah, I, it's very necessary, especially when you kind of got a new OC and stuff like that. You can get this best to kind of get, you know, comfortable with the steam now. Then maybe like post-acampus in like a few weeks and yet we go and stuff. I mean, Don, he's like, dude, I owe Don and a lot of like, he's an amazing player. He gives me like insight on just what it's like Notre Dame. I've never been like more nervous for a game. We've noted him. I just kind of talked to him. He said, we got it. Keep doing what you do and you got to, you got to, you got to, you know, probably a lot. Oh, yeah, especially.

5:10:33So, um, like I said, you know, just sort of been tough on your leave this year and with opportunity we got, you know, you only got, we only got one more chance left to, you know, to go do something that not many people get to do in their lives. So we're in a blessed position. I just think that I was putting good positions. Just kind of let, you know, let loose. We're not there in a 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, 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 and make some good plays. I mean, that'd be the time for,

5:11:33obviously, some of you in your conversation. You guys have played well, but nothing really happened. The most I thought was necessarily, you know, mirroring that, but you kind of had all that and what's harder to you feel when we're in a groove like that when you get back to the field. Yeah, I think I felt like I was in a groove 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 get the feeling 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 this all of us on the D line as a front. We all kind of had our own journey into how we how we're playing right now. And now it's all about building. I've been 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, you're just going to see a whole different level of play from all of us. I know you're trying to be kind of the one. Yeah, you know, I've knew all along what I was capable of. And I know it's frustrating.

5:12:42The first 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 that stuff to the side, just got there and play ball. You know how it's just going to take care of itself. You know, you're good. Yeah, you know, I think you said it. You know, there's no talent issues here on this team. I think if you look at our team across the board, probably one of those talent 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 in the country to stop us. So, 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.

5:13:42What are you specifically working on this spring? I'm working on a flexibility. You know, I'm working on bending the corner a little bit and hands. You know, at the line, you can kind of improve on everything. And so, Coach Johnson, our 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 all the guys coming back on defense. But how excited are you to play again with JT? I'm really excited about that. You know, it was cool, really cool. I mean, him going back and forth the whole time to side, whether we're going to come back or not. And, you know, when we, you know, I kind of knew, I knew before you guys knew when he was coming back. So, you know, I was excited. I was a, you know, hell of a player and, you know, a really good friend of mine. So, there's happened another year with him. And, you know, I'm going to enjoy it. And, you know, hopefully have some fun. You know, we can have a comfortable support of that. It's nice. Well, even going back to your recruitment, you know, the first guy to come in, and this was a great class. You had guys over the bar, using your house. What was it like, I guess, to see a kind of comfortable circle in a way that you could kind of

5:14:43almost leverage that relationship and you could come back into the pool and run back on the road. Yeah, you know, it's unique. You know, I think it's a really unique position. That 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 the same thing, same thing for those guys, how much they care about this program and care about the team and coach day and, 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. So, 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 any of us regret it. And we're just really excited to, you know, get back on the chase and, and, you know, not miss a day. Jack, we take a wide view of the defense with the additions made

5:15:47of Caleb coming in. And now you see Sonny Wu, closer to line of scrimmage. But you just, you have an opportunity to like, look at what's out there. How 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 our, you look at the defense one of the three 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, it's, you know, we're just, we've got a lot of, 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 sure you play so much more free up front. And, you know, you, you're dependent. You can rely on those guys behind you. And I think that, you know, if we take that approach and, and everywhere on the field, offense too, that, you know, we're going to really fun here. I think that's a good way to change the perception before you do. You guys don't pay attention to like outside noise, but also, a lot of the things you just got are actually really good. Pretty good. A lot of the things. Yeah, that's a, it starts off with like you kind of got to,

5:16:49it starts off with tuning out the outside noise. And what other people have to say about it. And it's really good. My mindset, 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 these bucket full. It's, it's a daily thing where I put one drop 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, the guys that I have around me push me very hard. And I'm just thankful. You mentioned that the development kind of, this part of TEDx, what was your book challenge before you, to, you know, the thing is to play it for the audience. Yeah, I'd say, um, definitely the size component, you know, you can't, you got to be someone that's, you know, when you have to be big, you have to strong, you have to be fast. There's a lot of jobs that you don't do. Um, it's a very asking job. You need to, um, bought the big, some of the biggest guys in the field, but also run routes off some of the smallest guys in the field. And so I think just thankful just to be out here and do exactly that. What was it like to get that shot the other day for the, uh, pro scouts? Yeah, just run routes, catch falls.

5:17:50Oh, yeah, show off. Yeah, no, there's a good opportunity. Um, I think some of the big, you know, region behind it, we're just kind of giving those guys out there that were at pro day, we have limited numbers. So just get out there and give those guys a breather, but any opportunity to get to go out there in front of scouts, um, 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, what, what's been your take on Will, for example, get to know him. Yeah, and, uh, and of course, David, I think the line said that we have body around here is, um, ironing, shoppering iron. So that's kind of like, it's not just, you know, one room. It's from top to bottom, it's whole team. Um, 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 in a room or running back room, offense versus defense coach for his coach, it doesn't matter. We're all just, you know, iron and shopper and iron, especially this time of year in spring ball. We're not doing too much game planning for next week, which we're really just spending this time to get better and, uh, just build a good foundation for ourselves. It's something to work on, moving forward. If you've seen Will, Will how it fitting in more and more is the practice of going on, you know, getting to know everybody and all like, I mean, I know we've been,

5:18:51been here for a while. Yeah, I think, yeah, I think I think I was time, I think it's times goes no matter where you are. You start to adapt and start to get used to the, um, what we have going on here. And so it's good to have. Yeah. What's it been like? Yeah. Yeah. I'd say, um, 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. Um, it's no longer something that I, I don't realize 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 wasn't there something that I do on Sundays or something that I do in the Bible study, it was something, 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, um, peace, patience and kindness. And so those are kind of the things that I've started to embody on this, uh, on this journey.

5:19:54I think it's easy to kind of compartmentalize football away from, uh, faith, but ultimately it's all one, it's all one. So it's giving me a spirit of, uh, patience, um, peace and, uh, and joy with the guys around me. And so I'm just, I'm thankful, I'm thankful to be here. Um, but I, uh, being quite honest, I just, I know for a fact, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. I know I'm outside looking in. You know, I was like, you know, well, where are you right now? But I wouldn't be where I'm at, you know, right now if it wasn't for my, you know, relationship with the Lord, um, until it 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 know that suspension and how do you work through that? Yeah, I think he did a great job. A lot of perseverance. Um, 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. Um, no matter where you are, um, I'm really proud of him because he, you know, he came up and he came to show up every single day and he got better. He got better. The easy thing to do in that kind of situation is throwing the towel, be like, man, you know, you know, forget this or I'll get better next year.

5:20:54But, uh, I saw the drive-out and one thing I see now, every day he showed up, he got better and I'm proud of Bennett and I'm proud of this unit. That's the thing. That's the question. 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, um, I mean, to answer that question, I think the time that I went from in the receiver unit to the tight end unit is the moment I became a tight end. No, no, no. Okay, Kevin Wilson, the coach Wilson was my coach. Coach Alon was my coach and I was a receiver. It's just different. I mean, it's two different roles. I think I'd say to answer that question, the moment that I decided to come to play tight ends, the moment I couldn't tighten. And so, now over the years, I've gotten better at playing the position,

5:21:56but the moment that I transferred over, I've been a tight end and I'm starting to be a tight end. Another position I'd rather play. Go back us. Thank you, Jake. Yep.