Press Conference (Justin Frye) Elite Edition September 2

0:00We're just circling back to what we had, natural maturation a little bit because he's been through a little bit of spring ball. 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 drove right in and wanted to be a sponge and wanted to learn. He's doing a good job and he's improving every day. So that's what's making the battle and the competition. All these great snaps really good for us is because they all have that mindset. So from Seth, awesome. The unit in the group, awesome because there was no combativeness to it. It was, let's get in, let's go on this compete and then let the guys win. Just learn it in the same deal. Young guys you come in, you gotta 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.

1:00And 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. So in the spring time, we have saying in our room, we're like, in the spring it's yes and it's no and I know it's KNOW. Why didn't the rep work? What happened? And how do I make sure I don't repeat the same mistake? And so whether he's coming in and watching the tape on his own and then come with questions, he's grabbing me and watching tape with me or we're coming doing stuff as a unit. He's learning so that same deal the game can slow down and he gets more comfortable there in friction. So I mean, his weights up, his strengths up, he's spending all of his season with Mick. 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 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 it, but I will say it. That might be the first time he ever heard that in his life.

2:02No. No, you know, Luke Carson, whoever maybe that jump of 18 to 19 to 20 year old kid, that plays a lot into it too. Being in a full year with Mick, I mean, all those guys, you 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 as well. We're working on every day with him. So Luke said that he would have been all guard to this point and coach Dave's mentioned several times that Josh could play guard too and you guys are trying to work through that

3:03fire. He's, I mean, Josh could play off five. 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 an experimentation, how much do you want to put them in different spots or not because you also have an eye going 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, great, able 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 work out and grade that. So as we, you know, work guys around the platoons and go just to make sure that everybody gets good, great, able reps so we can sit back by the end of spring and say, all right, this is your comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges and not, you know, apples to oranges because it's completely different that way. So that's kind of the thought behind that as you go into the spring. When you got here a couple years ago, you just met your father told you, years from now,

4:04Chip Kelly is going to be here as office reporter 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? I mean, he just added to another piece of just good people here. I mean, he's still here 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 to me when we got here. But with Coach Day, some time 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 and their help, but just overall standpoint of adding a great guy that's a great coach that's been around that's he's going to supplement the room and every time you add something new to the room, then

5:05that makes the room better, it 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 and key and everybody just learning and growing with that. What does he bring specifically just, I mean, does he from a talent standpoint? Does he see things sometimes, others don't see, I mean, does he, I mean, 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.

6:06So as he looks up and he writes when he's talking about, well, this will linebacker is going to do that. Then he might have coached that at Columbia, right? Or this is what the three techs 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, you know, the next step and not just being right now, yeah. 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, 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?

7:06That 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 and the 53 and the third, the game will love you back. You know, so I think it's the approach mentally that guys take that way. So yeah, for Tegrit, he's taken 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's showed up to do. So that's good that he said that. Orson, what's his coming up on the field been like as a century? 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, it's hard to over again. You're saying the comfort of center with who now? Seth. Okay.

8:07Yeah, I'm saying like how has his his command of the field been and hasn't 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, just 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 acclimation of football, like play one handed and have, you know, tie leak this far from your face. You better have command of something, you know. So you got to understand the communication and the technique and those things there. So yeah, I think him coming into a new place, the game's not as fast as it probably would be for a younger guy. But also there's mistakes there that he can learn from and grow from and same day, he's you know, the one thing we're not having concerns with or we're not driving right now is

9:09the guys just competing and trying to get better after a mistake or like we say, we're enhancing as they've done some stuff really well and he's he's adapted to that really well. So for the football center, this spring is the same for that and how do you assess their building by center versus guard? They both have been ripping it 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. Would you advice about Josh Sanajero? No, I have it. He obviously came after spring practice next year. How does that seem down here in the city? How has he been this spring? It kind of speak to how what the challenge must have been for him last year, not having

10:11spring practice stepping in playing that position in the experience quarterback? Yeah. Same here. 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. It's not like a broken record. I think the game's slowing down for him. Those mistakes that may have showed up or the questions that he had through the fall. And as we got going through the season, those are starting to erase a little bit, which is good. You know, his communication level is just talking more. That's probably the best thing that he's done so far. He's a highly, highly talented guy. He's 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 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. Thanks, sir.

11:12Thanks, guys. Thanks, Chef. You made my bare fans. Thanks, Chef. I understand. All right, folks, we will come back when. You know, the communication and how everything works. It really just understand the football. And what you kind of understand, like how the sense of alignment works. And you want to get the best investment, coach J, the investment, so I think that's what I'm talking about. How can that chemistry do different things in the company and the regular matter side of the game side? I think it's an even here. I think there'll be things like sometimes we won't have to communicate. So we just know, you know, like we're going to have a year of the ball together. It was great. It's like, it's a challenge. It's tight. It's like, what did you come to this spring? You know, did you pick a ball like this? I came in knowing that just about everything. I mean, like, obviously, I kind of feel like in terms of like physical attributes, I can kind of like move and strong stuff like that. But I think like there's a lot more to it that I need to work on even to come close to

12:15what I can do to me being able to help it to, like such as technique, awareness, just just everything. Definitely communication, I think that's like the biggest thing. When you're in those big games, you got to be able to, you know, call it out, like the pressure might come and stuff like that. So it's awareness and ball. I'm curious about the two-hour-out. I think the pitch for I is coming to the summer. If the start is resonating, I get full spring. Is there a level of understanding how we coaches and what he wants to do as players and how to do down better than helping you? I think folks, we have Dallard Hayden, not the 20. Yeah, who wants just 100% effort and just work hard? Like, obviously, like, there's more to it, but those are the things that he wants to do. He wants to put back quite physical. That's the sum I pick at every day. Someone out here gets the best to go for. You've got to be able to do that. Is it almost like you've thrown in the other stuff as a adjustment? I don't think that is great for Barney's games and the future. Definitely, but when I come here, I knew Coach Fry and staff, like they were going to get a lot of money. I think that's a great thing. I think that's a great thing. Definitely, but I kind of, like when I come here, I knew Coach Fry and staff, like they

13:19were going to definitely like scope me into the player. Yeah, scope me into that. Yeah, like they know that like scope, I mean, like just kind of make me into that type of player. I mean, the development factor from Coach Fry that I mean getting these, like, I didn't even, it's like magic almost. So I mean, I'm just kind of keep going with him and keep riding with him. Yeah. Having his free practice, having some or all kinds of stuff, how much better do you think? I guess we'll see. I'm going to keep picking that in. Yeah, we'll see. Once my players, coach, describe you as a speaker. First of all, you're free with that. What do you think you're doing? I 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 mind. 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 nuances or stuff?

14:19I mean, maybe like little things. I mean, little things add up to big things, right? Yeah, I mean, yeah. 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. I mean, I know the side came a few times with each other, but other than that, it was, I mean, it was a hard game. Nothing's going to be like, for sure, what's going on. You know, you can have some part time. Yeah. Did Missouri test y'all about as well as anybody? Just about, yeah. Yeah, they were pretty pretty well. What did you know coming out of there, y'all had to get fixed? To be honest, I felt like we just tried to go out there and just play hard. Like, obviously, we know number six was a really good player, so we just tried to make sure if he could either back through as much as possible, so that's really, we should try to go to. The striker game a little bit, Josh, wouldn't be well when we saw the one cop of those. Just striker dancing. Yeah, so as a left tackle, like after like, you know, more jobs, make sure nobody gets to the quarterback. And that's something I try to do, make sure nobody kind of get around me or go through the range. And just keep the quarterback in the other field, a lot more.

15:20Yeah, 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, not sure if the quarterback is going to be playing. What block did you, how was it essentially, self-counter? Yeah, so I mean, we got, I mean, we have the main deal I'm going to go through. So I was twisting and stuff like that, so in the run, those twists, too. So he was kind of like, I guess you just got a really state technically sound. That's somewhat I'm trying to do. Josh, if you're going to get Mitchell Melton much this spring and stuff, what stands out about him? Obviously, he came back from a couple of knee injuries and stuff. But what just jumped out at you about that? Yeah, you wouldn't even know he had too many injuries. I mean, he's so, like the way he rushes, it's so, like, it's his signature rush. Yeah, it's something that you can't, it's probably the hardest person I've had to block here. Yeah. If I'm being honest, like he's very twitchy, great with his hands. Amazing get off. And he has that sneaky power. If you're not really like, setting for it, he'll get you. And I want to get your take. You know, he came here from San Diego State. Your center, the guy's transferred in Seth McLaughlin, where he starts, and I will see, right

16:25or no, he's from Alabama. Is it amazing to you how college football teams are put together anymore? Yeah. I mean, because he could be a key thing. And what does that just tell you about the game these days? I mean, yeah, I mean, it can go anyway. I mean, like Seth is a great player. I mean, he tells me like, you know, stuff that they did differently, I bet. And stuff like that. And I try to take some of like, maybe some advice he has, because he's been in college football for a little longer than he saw. Yeah. Yeah, he seemed like a grown-up, didn't he? Yeah. He comes across that way then. Yeah. What's the line for the line that you're absolutely right after the World War? New pieces? And like, you can go like, what's the line for the position? Play fast, play physical. I mean, there's obviously more that we're working on. And we're learning like, each other to be honest. I guess the right side is kind of like going a little bit. I mean, not with fire, but like, you know, we have like some people that compete. I mean, we're all competing. I know I am. And stuff like that. So I just, we're just trying to play hard and play through. How true are most of the way through this real quickness? How helpful is, how, how necessary is really a spray? How do you have that?

17:26Yeah, I, it's very necessary. Especially when you kind of got a new OC and stuff like that. It's best to kind of get, you know, comfortable with the scheme now. Then maybe like post-acam, because then like in like a few weeks in here, to get we going. So. This time last year, Roy. Jim, do you know what to lead on to? I mean, Don, he's like, dude, I owe Don and I like, he's an amazing player. He gives me like, inside on just, but it's like Notre Dame. I've never been like more nervous for a game than Notre Dame. I just kind of talked to him and he said, we got it. Keep doing what you're doing. And we got to it. We got to open the game. Probably going to be a lot. Oh yeah, especially. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, like I said, that just sort of been tough in your belief this year. And with the opportunity we got, you know, you only got, you only got one more chance left to, you know, to go do something that not many people get to do in their lives.

18:26So, we're in a blessed position. Yeah, put your feet up for you. And I'll find it. Yeah, I'll put you up for that. You guys are amazing. Uh, and I just think that I was putting good positions. Just kind of let, you know, let loose. We're not there in play ball. Like I know how to. And, you know, my teammates played great too. And coaches called it the game defensively. I mean, you know, we give a 14 total points or a 17, 14. I mean, 14 gets a good offense like that. Great team. I mean, that's a good day. So, obviously we didn't get the results we wanted, which is frustrating again, but it's a whole different story. But yeah, I mean, I just think it was, it was collectively a good day on defense. And I happen to be fortunate to be in position, make some good plays. I mean, that'd be the time for, obviously, some kind of good compensation. You guys are playing rough, but nothing really has a problem. The most I've done is necessarily admit we're in that. And we're going to add all that to what's most harder. Can you feel when we're in a groove like that when you get back to the field,

19:28and I mean, you're going to get back to what's most important. 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 feel, and it'd be a certain way, you know, it's hard to get over that for a little bit. And I think you can look at all of us on the D line as a front. We all kind of had our own journey into how we're playing right now. And now it's all about building, not looking back and playing how we know how to play and being confident out there and using our abilities that God's gave us. So I think that this whole next year, you know, we're just going to see a whole different level of play from all of us. I know you're trying to beat about that, but you... Yeah. And that'd be kind of a launch for you in terms of what you're maybe capable of. You're in a future. It's going to be a future. You guys are in this, and the way you go, you're going to set up this season as a special. Yeah, you know, I've knew all along what I was capable of. And I know it's frustrating the 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.

20:28But, you know, once you just put that stuff to the side, just got there and play ball, you know how it's just... It's going to take care of itself. No, you're good. Did you play, you used the term, don't you? I don't tell what issues. It's a bit like an emphasis of not focusing on the little things kind of on you on that stuff. And you guys know you on the talent issues, and what is it for you to show? Yeah, you know, I think you said it, you know, with... There's no talent issues here on this team. I think if you look at our team across the board, probably one of the most talented teams in the country. It's not the most talented team in the country, and... So, you know, that's God given, though. And what we can work on is our discipline, our skill, our technique. I think if we become the most, you know, disciplined and sound team technique-wise, there's not going to be a team of the countries to stop us. But, you know, it's a long process to get to that point, and to get to that season. So, I just think that when Coach Day talks about that, you know, it's true. We've got the talent. Just got to go out there and work every day on the little things. What are you specifically working on this spring? You know, I'm working on a flexibility.

21:29You know, I'm working on bending the corner a little bit in hands. You know, at D-line, you can kind of improve on everything. And so, Coach Johnson's emphasis is just, you know, just taking care of the little things, hands, hips, foot placement. So, it's kind of a little bit of everything in the spring. There's a lot to be excited for, especially all the guys coming back on defense. But how excited are you to play again with JT? Oh, I'm really excited about that. You know, it was cool, really cool. I mean, him going back and forth the whole time just so I know that we're going to come back or not. And, you know, when we, you know, I kind of knew before you guys knew when he was coming back. So, you know, I was excited. I was a, you know, a hell of a player and, you know, a really good friend of mine. So, just having another year with him, and, you know, the moment we're going to enjoy it and, you know, hopefully have some fun. You know, we can have a comfortable time. Nice ball. Even going back to your recruitment, you know, the first guy to come in, and this was your class. You guys over for Barb Cusing, your house. What was it like, I guess, to see a kind of comfortable circle in a way that you could kind of almost leverage that relationship. And you could recruit guys to come back into the pool to run back on the notice.

22:31Yeah, 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 at the same thing, for those guys, how much they care about this program, and care about the team and coach day, and guys you want to do it for in the city, and, you know, the chance, we all knew that, you know, we had great opportunities going in the field. And we also had a great opportunity to put another one of those banners up here. And, you know, get some revenge on, you know, the guys up north, all that stuff. So, you know, when you put in a nutshell, you know, it was a really simple decision for a lot of us. And, you know, we thank God for being in this position. And coming back, you know, I don't think any of us have regretted it. And we're just really excited to, you know, to get back on the chase. And, you know, not miss a day. Jack, can you take a wide view of the defense with the additions made by Caleb coming in? And now you see Sonny Wu-Fusser-Ralina's Firmage.

23:32But 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 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, you know, we're just, we've got a lot of weapons to say the least. And so, you know, when you got, when you know you got those guys behind you, you know, you just make you play so much more free up front. And, you know, you depend and you can rely on those guys behind you. And I think that, you know, if we take that approach and everywhere on the field, offense too, that, you know, we're going to really fun here. Jack, thank you very much. You kind of changed the perception before you go. I mean, you guys don't pay attention, like, outside noise, but also, a lot of the same cheese scot. You actually, really? Yeah, I'd say it starts off with, like, you kind of got to, it starts off with tuning out the outside noise.

24:34And what other people have to say about it. And it's really good, but mine said, I kind of look at it as if it's like a drop in a bucket. You know, if I got a big bucket, there's no one thing I'm going to do to make this bucket full. It's a daily thing where I put one drop in it today. And you look back over a year, two years, three years, you look back and you're like, man, I've gotten a lot better. And so, like I said, I'm just very thankful for the unit. The guys that I have around me push me very hard, and I'm just thankful. You mentioned that the development is part of TITEC. What was the best challenge you've had to you to make everything into the play-flop? Yeah, I'd say, definitely the size component. You know, you got to be someone that's, you know, when the, you got to be big, you got to be strong. You got to be fast with a lot of jobs that you have to do. It's a very asking job. You need to buck the big, some of the biggest guys in the field. But also run routes off some of the smallest guys in the field. 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 pros counts? Running routes, catch balls. Oh, yeah. Show off. Yeah, no, there's a good opportunity.

25:35I think some of the big, you know, reason behind it was just giving those guys out there that were at Pro-Nabia limited numbers. So just get out there and give those guys a breather. But maybe the opportunity to get to go out there in front of scouts. I think that's a pretty good deal. And you're taking only a quarterbacks to this point. The quarterback battle is going on. What's been your take on Will, for example, get to know him. Yeah. And then, of course, David, I think the mindset of being a body around here is ironing, sharpening iron. So that's kind of like, it's not just, you know, one room. It's from top to bottom, throughout this whole team. No matter what position you are, we're here to work. And I think we're all here to make each other better. Whether it's in a quarterback room or tight-knurmed room, we're running back in room. Offense for defense, coach for his coach. It doesn't matter. We're all just iron and sharpening 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 just go to good foundation for ourselves. It's time to work on room forward. If you've seen Will, Will Howard fitting in more and more is the practice that's gone on. You know, getting to know everybody and all that kind of thing. I mean, I've always been here for a while.

26:35I'm sorry. Yeah, I think I think I think I think it's time goes no matter where you are. You start to adapt and you start to get used to what we have going on here. So it's good to have. Thanks. Yeah. You're here, man. Thank you. What's it been like? Yeah. I'd say when it comes to that, I think it's all the glory to the Lord. And I decided to give my life completely to the Lord a little over a year ago. And that kind of really changed my outlook on the way that I approach football. It's no longer something that I idolize. It's just something that I do. And I think the time of my life where I stopped, you know, compartmentalizing who God was in my life. God was something that I do on Sundays or something that I do in a Bible study. It went from what I do to who I am. And so now I embody that as who I am. And so some of the fruits of the spirit is peace, patience and kindness. And so those are kind of the things that I've started to embody on this journey.

27:36I think it's easy to kind of compartmentalize football away from faith. But ultimately it's all one. It's all one. So it's giving me a scared of patience, peace and joy with the guys around me. And so I'm just, I'm thankful. I'm thankful to be here. But just being quite honest, I just, I know for a fact I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. And I know on the outside looking in, you know, I was like, you know, where are you right now? But I wouldn't be where I'm at right now if it wasn't for my relationship with the Lord. And so I really came into my life and you know, changed around for the better. G, what did you see from Bennett Christian last year? How did you go about suspension and how did he work with you about football? Yeah, I think he did a great job. A lot of perseverance. I think that's no matter who you are, we're kind of here in news like that. And you're going to be out for a year or that's hard. No matter where you are. I'm really proud of him because he, you know, he came up and he came to show up every single day. He got better. He got better. The easy thing to do in that kind of situation is throw in the towel. Be like, man, you know, forget this or I'll get better next year.

28:36But I saw the drive at him. One thing I see on every day he showed up and he got better. I'm proud of Bennett and I'm proud of this unit. What'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 tie-down. And so, I mean, to answer that question, I think the time that I went from in the receiver unit to the tie-down unit is the moment I became a tie-down. No, Kevin Wilson was my coach. Coach Wilson was my coach. Coach Alvin was my coach and I was a receiver. It's just different. It's two different roles. I think I'd say to answer that question. The moment that I decided to come to play tie-down is the moment I became a tie-down. And so, now, over the years, I've gotten better at playing the position.

29:38But the moment that I transferred over, I've been a tie-down. And, you know, I'm excited to be a tie-down. Another position I'd rather play. Will Buck us. Thank you, Gene. We're the issue, so I am. What we're trying to attack. And so, I think, you know, that's something that over time, I can feel Lincoln getting a better and better feel for it. You know, Lincoln has definitely stepped up from a leadership perspective. And you can see the way that, you know, he attacks workouts. You know, this winner is so big for all three of them, just really just set the standard and to understand the intangibles that playing quarterback is all about. Right? Because there's so much more than just picking up a football and throwing it when it comes to this. So, I've seen that growth from Lincoln, and that's really exciting. As for Julian, you know, last year, going into the year, he was competing for a job and, you know, end up not winning the job. And, you know, he could have turned it down and been bummed out and, you know, not attacked it the way way.

30:39But I saw him continue to grow throughout the year. So, I'm torn from well. And to get to a point this year where now he can step up and be more of a vocal leader. And, you know, that's something I've seen growth of him as well. You know, he's put on some weight and he looks good and he's definitely attacked his time in the, you know, the winner. And so that's been awesome. And then Tavy, and comes in. And, you know, Tavy, Tavy, you know, really should still be in high school. Instead, he's, you know, in my office all the time, learning the offense. And when he's not with me, he's with Coach Mac, when he's not with Coach Maceray, he's over there doing academics and sassos. So, his days are pretty jam packed and it's definitely new for him. But his commitment to wanting to be great and wanting to be to the level where he can go out and compete in the spring has been really impressive. So I'm excited for all three of them. Does it feel like what August 30th? Is it just around the corner? You're just telling him saying you got to have a guy ready to go against Texas. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I don't think so. I don't think so quite yet.

31:39You know, I think we have a unique situation where we've got three really talented kids. You know, they're all young. They all have a lot of room to grow. And I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth. But most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going to a year and they end up, you know, having a guy get hurt or something happens. So as far as, you know, having one guy, I guess not to go either. We want to develop the room. We want all three of them to continue to get better, to continue to develop. And you know, big guys that we can count on throughout the season. So you guys went up board? Scholarship guy? That's still in conversation. What kind of CO goes? You know, obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have. But you know, the three that we're really confident in right now. The last year we got to Ryan Morgan's quarterbacks, two quarterbacks, you were in the quarterbacks bottom. The first feeling out here. I mean, you have someone that you haven't minded to come in to be the assistant for you. Ryan, where are you see that? Yeah, right now, Colin Kienos in helping me. So Colin was working with me at Akron.

32:40He was a student assistant and he was really, really impressive there. So he's going to come in and he's going to help out with some of the day today stuff. And then, you know, Coach Day and I have built a pretty good relationship where, you know, between my time here is the GA where, you know, I learned the game of football the way he sees it. And that was such a pivotal time in my career. You know, I was so blessed in college and then in my first couple, you know, my first job there that I got to work with Joe Morehead. And, you know, I learned so much football from that man and I credit so much of my career to him to put me in the position. But then having the opportunity to, okay, hey, maybe I'll see you through a little bit of a different lens and to learn how Coach Day sees it. I'm so big for me in my development. So that couple of years as a GA was awesome for me. And I'm so happy to be able to sit in with him and really kind of see the game, you know, in a similar fashion. And I'm always going to continue to learn from him because he's just such a special coach. But to be able to see it, you know, in a similar way and continue to bounce thoughts on them to make sure that him and I are communicating in the same way.

33:40You know, Coach Day will always be directly involved with the quarterbacks. And now Coach Hartline will as well, you know, as the offensive coordinator, I think as the guy in that chair, you have to have a relationship with the guidance in the hub. I think that's really important. So, you know, him and I have already begun conversations just about how that's going to work out and how he's going to continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's going to communicate to them. Those conversations are already beginning. So it'll be, it'll definitely be a combination of, you know, us three. Bill, you can be in being there for the championship, bro. How about that help with the development? Well, it's pretty cool. Just about every one of those games where he was at a point of game at the national championship. I know our guys were on the night and I grabbed him and say, hey, look around. You've got to take a couple minutes and take this in, right? This is what it looks like. This is what we work for. So, you know, when you get to a really hard day in the winter, right, you just remember not all I'm working to get to that point. So for him to have that experience and to be able to see that and, you know, hopefully one day when he's in that spot, he's like, oh, I've seen this before. I know what it looks like.

34:40I think it's pretty cool, I think, just to have that bank in his memory. I really have to be responsible for that. I'm always busy with the time. I'm kind of still in love with him. I think he comes off, so I'm spoken, but these without question, you know, come out of the show. And I would even say you're so spoken, I share. You know, I think that he kind of understood that, you know, Will was in charge of the offense and he knew that he was young and was still earning respect. You know, a big part about leadership is you can't just walk into a room and start leading. And you know, I think you're in that respect throughout the year. And so this year, you're definitely seeing him step up him and Lincoln both, you know, are in that phase where they've earned that respect. And so they're doing a really good job leading right now and and Tavis doing a good job on respect. So we're kind of in the middle right there between those two phases. Really, Lincoln is, I think, still less than two years, you know, just specializing in the single. He's just, we're definitely actually kind of in the end of the festival here. I guess where do you think he is harnessing all of that all of athletic ability and doing a really good job?

35:47Yeah, I mean, there's no question that Lincoln is special, obviously. And you know, guys that have that background that have been successful in multiple different sports. You know, one way or another is going to translate to the game of football. So I think that we're continuing to see that from Lincoln. You know, I think as the more that he is in position to understand and learn the game, in which we saw last year, you continue to grow. And so to take that into spring, you know, and combine that with his athletic ability, I'm excited to see, you know, I think it'll be really good competition. Can I, you know, I truly lead until he is the quarterback. Oh, absolutely. I think so. I think so. I mean, leadership comes in all different phases, you know, in all different ways. There's, you know, there's without question, I've been part of different teams and I've seen it where maybe the guy that was in the starting quarterback was, you know, the strongest leader on the team.

36:49So I definitely think that that's part of it. You know, I think once you are in the respect of your teammates and once you show that, you know, you're going to lead by example and they respect you for that. You're in position now that you can be both of them. So, you know, I definitely don't think they need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all. Even around some incredible offensive minds in college already, what are your, what are the traits you look for specifically as a quarterback being a quarterback yourself? Yeah. You know, I think it comes in a couple of different ways. You know, from a tangible perspective. I think that you've got to be extremely accurate. I think you have to be able to make great decisions with the footballing of the ball at the time. And I think that you have to be able to see it. And we saw the problem with the feet. So, you know, it's rare in college football that every protection is blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly that we drew it up on the whiteboard. So, when things break down, you know, I'll be able to fix it with our legs. And then, you know, as far as intense football, I look at, I look at, you know, guy like Will who had those intense moves about as well as I've ever seen.

37:54And that's just complete command and understanding of both the offense and the huddle to know exactly what we're trying to do on every single play. Know what we're trying to attack, understand where the issues are and where they lie and how you're going to combat those issues. To be able to understand, you know, when it's time to move on through the ballway and move on to the next play. And then also be mentally tough enough that when things don't go our way to be able to react the right way and move on to the next way. Did you do last year? What last question? You go buy the question. I'm not auditioning at all over you just focus on. Oh, no, no, I didn't do this audition at all. I did. When you're coaching and you build a relationship with these guys, you want nothing more than for them to go out and have success on the field. And I think that's so important. Like I sit in that room and you know, it's about them. It's about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and going out and execute on the field. And so, you know, last year I was just trying to find a way that I could help them do that.

38:56So, you know, to be able to work with those guys last year and to help out and, you know, have them see some success. It was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it. And so that was pretty neat. I always feel like it's one for improvement. I never feel like you just got it. That's one thing a lot of people mess up one for like, oh, they have one good year. I can't relax. That's not any. I'm a no consider doing for years and years to come. I feel like to myself for sure. What do you notice about that's important? Because you party no big. Talk receiver just like me. No, just came in and kept it set. Now I just work it. My hype to see this future here at the Ohio State probably going to be no. That's one for sure. What's it like seeing all these like the national championship banner and seeing all the new signage. You know, you played a huge role. You know, it's a blessing. No, it's not played. No. A role and no. The night he run that we had as a true freshman. But no, it's time to move on. Me and that's behind us now. And I can't wait for the season to come up. What kind of obligation do you do to a guy like me?

39:56Kind of take him on your way and show him how you work. I feel like he already got that. Just coming in. He already got that hard work at the quiet just like me as I came in. Just all about ball really. Me here early. Me spending time on coach hard line meeting and everything. He's doing it the right way. I should say and he have a bright future here. Coach hard line saying he wants you to come up with a good game. Yeah. You should have a car now. And bring it in the back of the leadership group. Yeah. How much for a challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy? Yeah, there's a challenge. No, just no stepping on my comfort zone. I mean, something everybody wants to see for me. Not just my coaches, but players on the team as well. We have a leadership meeting. There's a lot of people call me out on just saying they want me to talk more. Working on it takes time. Not really a guy that's talkative or no, but lay by the end, but one thing I'm definitely working on is trying to talk more and get more of my comfort zone and just build it. Is there's open with? Yeah, for sure. That's definitely the biggest challenge.

40:56I can say just that my comfort zone and the guys and the younger guys as well. You guys open with Texas next year. Going back to the playoff game. Do you think about that moving forward just kind of how you were taken out of that game? Yeah, I think not really think about it. That's behind me. Maybe we won the game. We ended up going to the national championship. I mean, we see it on week one. I just came with no face. A great opponent. What's your impression of Devin Sanchez so far? Yeah, big long corner of the Corrine. Physical. He got it all and I can't wait to see things he do here this year as well. What if you know his difference? Are you think different about this defense of these first three weeks of spreading the touch? Caught your eye. They just fast. Physical and willing to hit somebody I should say. Same thing. Nothing really changed for me. Guys, they'll go north door. They've been doing over the last year and a half. And in the year and a half. I should say. Coach, that makes the quarterback's live like he did for a couple of practices last week. I mean, a wide receiver.

41:56Gardnell, how do you think your quarterback is responding to that? Over authoring. I think they responded pretty good. I did not expect the quarterback to be like, I don't know if they're going to be good. I did not expect the quarterback to be live in a scrimmage. That surprised me for sure. Coach, they definitely surprised me with that. But I feel like they handled it very well. They took hits. Something we need. They needed. I should say, you know, tough him up. Right. Why are receivers going all the way up? They're not forwarding back. See how they handle that since. Obviously not a norm to do that. Learn anything now, but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit. It gets his no defense, I should say. But no, because they was getting hit for sure, but they was getting right back up. So command to those of them for that. Do you have any questions? Can you get? Definitely can't get better. No, I feel like I'm getting complacent. Always going for improvement. No, I'm just taking a day by day and just getting better each and every day. And I'm sure why do you prepare for this group?

42:56The expectations you're going to get on the next two seasons here. Off the season you just had. So not really focused on the expectations that I have coming up or the year after that. No, just focus on spring. Spring and you know, just going to follow count and just get ready for the season. I should say the expectations go be there. Not really know something high. No in my mind right now. I'm just no being leader and just focus on the team. How much changes is right? How much changes? How much changes? I don't really know. We haven't really spoken about that right now. I don't really know. What's that? What's that? Jeremy, a lot of guys just said that they want a lot of championships. They've got taken down. They don't want to see it. It's moving into the CS20 team. What is how important is that for you? And why do you think that's significant for this team? I mean, like I said, we came live in the past. The club, the 2020-14, they won the national championship. This year we did it. So, I mean, we just took everything down and the weight room and everything.

43:59So, we could focus on being ourselves and this our season. Great. You know, deep in. You couldn't stop. And what happened? What happened then? You know, I mean, they're a great team. We got a great ride back. Riding the liners is probably one of the toughest guys we've ever played against. And Marcus Freeman is a great job. So, hats off to them. We knew they were going to make plays. Like you said, they did go right down the field to first drive. 14 plays. And they were 18. They were 18. Whatever it was. It was a fun. Well, like I said, they're a great team. We'll coach a lot of tough guys on that team. We knew they were going to fight their ass off. And it's a heavyweight balance and national championship. That's what it's all about. And we knew we were going to take some shots and keep swinging. You can't forget the current story. In that meeting, you guys have the greatest season. To him, to stand in front of you guys. A whole team. You're vulnerable like that. And to make changes, what is it? I mean, to speak to how great a coach is. I think a lot of coaches would have had a lot of self-egos

44:59on that meeting. He didn't at all. He loves us all of us like when his sons. And if he felt that form, you know, that loss. You know, we knew that we had a rebound like we did. I mean, I can't say enough like how much he means. And it's kind of means to me. The way he goes about business. We don't go about it. Like a lot of teams do about fear, losing your job. We go about it as a family. It's about love. And we know we had to execute. And we did that tonight. How happy are you for Coach Day? You know, and how close you are, you were the first to make. And for him to build a healthy good. Yeah, I mean, it's a dream come true. Like I said, I mean, God is so great. And during that, it took us down. And it took Coach Day on. His family on the main event. And then I'll be curious that we did tonight. And I'm so happy. I mean, it means everything to us. And to see him have the success. It makes me so happy. I know, I saw the smile as a wife, I know, on her face. And stuff like that. And it's going to be an excellent set of things. I feel very comfortable. Thank you. Because I covered your training stage actually. Do you think it turned out that you were, and, folks, to be pul früh and become a team? I understand.

45:59Yeah. We managed to help them out on a journey when they made up, even though, you know, that our leader proved, and that was a positive effect for us for us that tonight in Kansas backs. Yeah. And that was one of those predictable and klar. I mean, you know, we did great in the past few years. We did so. I'm happy for a non-sales, all conversations straight after. It has been a major magazine of fact. It is a mission really good for everyone and new, but it's the Ah Mac memories coming down, James Alexander Another, John Reptyer for Super Bowl. You know, what never a burden. It's kind of a motivating factor. You know, do what we're doing right now. We just did. And we'll give a legacy. It was just left is something that, you know, you can't put in the words how much it means. So we never looked at this as a burden, but there's an opportunity in it. And we did that just tonight. Jack, you dropped your name in the microchampion. The chance in the championship. When did you send that? Well, look, we never know today I was gonna fight to the end. But it didn't just say. You know, during the season, it was during the season you felt that you had seen. I just think that before the season we knew that we were capable of a national championship, because of the guys we had and the coaching staff. We knew that we were capable of this. And through all the ups and downs, we were able to persevere and keep fighting. Keep swinging coach. They always say, you gotta fight your way out of bad times and life and as a player as a coach.

47:00As a family, really, for him, you know, he's gotta fight himself out of bad times. And he did just that, made the adjustments, made the change that had to get made. And that was championed. So like I said, God is so good. And the journey he brought us home was amazing. Jack, I believe that was the last week who said you're the butt guy, obviously grew up in Pickerington. When did you allow yourself to think about what this moment would be like and what it would mean for your legacy at Ohio State if you could get this done? When did you allow yourself to think about that? Yeah, I know. Honestly, I haven't still even thought about it. And I'm just so happy to be able to celebrate this with the school guys. It's not about me at all. It's about this team and coach Day and the city of Columbus. Has been waiting for this for a long time for 10 years. And I'm just so happy for this group of guys. And the stuff that we went through and heard and had to keep getting up and keep shouting to practice and going as hard as we can. And I approached with a positive attitude and trusting that God's plan. And here we are in national champions. And they can never even tell the way from us. So I'm just so happy that we're able to finish the job. And then we're going to have to go. Hey, Jack, now there's a piece on the stage at one point. What were your thoughts right here, Jack?

48:02Is that how I'm going to play? It looked like you kind of dropped your knees at one point. We're giving some kind of thanks or whatever. But what was going on there? Yeah, I was just thinking God. I was thinking God for all the ups and downs in my career. And everyone else's career. And then to end it this way is just so special. I mean, when you put your faith in God, you know, he says it's not going to be easy. And it hasn't been easy for any of us. And we kept trusting him and believing his plan. And here we are in national champions. I don't want to say all your guys didn't believe it, but what if you guys didn't believe it? We could get the job then at the weekend of Ember. So here we are in national champions. I feel it's great to say. Who brought the cigars? Who brought the cigars? I could care less. Because I knew this out there. As it should be, it should be. I got hurt two major injuries, 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

49:04and sitting out. It's something I can't control literally. So that's why I'm not bothered by it. Like, yeah, I am injury-poly. You can say that. 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 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 not opportunity. All the confidence in the world, you know? The way I work. I want to 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 help.

50:06You know, and I think just the work ethic, my prayer, and all that stuff, that's what help me have that confidence. What the numbers will be there in there, they might be higher after this year, you know? And it's crazy to think about it because I had 6.6 yards per carry. You know, so we'll see. You've been in Florida right behind this line. Is this the case? 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 and win some games because that's what I came through for. Justin, I'm part of the year. I wouldn't say part of the recruitment, but like whenever I decided I was going to sign, it was great to have him in the room. What's your definition of like? Yeah, we're great. We have a great relationship. That's, he's like my brother. He's coming to each other. I think it complements each other very well. You know, he can do a lot of stuff too. You know, a lot of people think he's just power power power,

51:08but I think he has some other parts to his 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. We 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's 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 passing league, but I think you got to run the ball to win a Super Bowl. You know, if you look at the teams who 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 it as a bread-roaming offense? I would describe it as, you know, a great offense. I think he gives a quarter. He's going to give the quarterback a lot of options. He's going to give the running back a lot of options. He's going to give the receiver a lot of options, you know. And I think it's going to be great.

52:09He's often going to be amazing. One thing we talk to him about is like, why are you going to build something good for us in office? Is you know, throughout your career, which everywhere you've been. And you said that one part of it is just you got to call the police. You got to call them out of the police. As we're running back, you know, how much confidence is it going to give you when you know you have a play call or if it's going to stick with it and allow you any offence upon the team to a rhythm of rope. It gives me a lot of excitement. You know, it's going to be, like I say, it's fun to play at his offense. You know, and I think he does have some good things in the past game, too. But like you said, he sticks with the run. And that's the identity. You want an offense that has an identity, right? You're going to be looking everywhere else to find your identity. You want to have it. And so I think his offense has that. And the guy he builds and puts in there, it complements that identity. So I think it's going to be great. You mentioned you're 100% now. So you mean full goal for training? That's the expectation. Look, I ain't going to answer any of the four.

53:11If it's up to me? Yes. Yeah. 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. Like, hey, look, some stuff at Bud on my pay-gray. But I don't know. Hopefully I can start. I think I'm ready to start, you know, to begin a training camp. But that's not up to me as I've learned. What? I'm so like, oh, definitely. How do your people think? 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 it. You know, because I'm a type of guy. I work really hard. So maybe sometime I'm blind to, you know, the danger of something, you know? So I appreciate it.

54:13But like I said, if it's up to me, yeah, I'm out there. But never know. Well, any frustration for you during the training and the pre-agency, you know, dealing with rehab and not having a full season of the production to go out there. Was there any part of that where you're like, you know, 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 tribulation. So, I mean, the dice that I was given, the role was, I was coming off a killee. And that was the Lord's plan. So it was beauty in that. Like, I was comfortable. I was caught like, there was multiple teams, you know? I wasn't like, I didn't have any other team.

55:13But I was comfortable in sitting back and just enjoying the process, letting myself get fully healed. So whenever that team, whoever I would, I'm 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 that. 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, all right, 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. There's 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 prove people wrong? Like you've done a couple things like a high risk, high reward, injury from, you know, like are you the type of person

56:14that really tries to prove people wrong? No. I hear it. I see it. It's pretty cool. Like you'll never see me unless I'm just like in a bad mood. You 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, hey, yeah, what happened? No, because I don't care. Like you're eventually see, like I'm a guy that's really good. So I ain't worried about that. But I'm proving myself right that I am one of the best in the league. Right? So forget all the naysayers and people that talk about me being injury prone, because whenever I have this great year, it's going to be forgotten, you know, too. Why, why get that energy? Talk of Justin and all our guys, we just, 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 dog walker, a finalist.

57:17And I'm like, I've seen him play, but I didn't know he was that tall. Like I didn't know he was like six, six. So when I first saw him, this was years ago in college. And I'm like, am this really tall? Like, he's cool though. Like I, like I never really got to, I think a lot of those would be kind of, you know, you know, nerdy dirt, but he's cool, dude, very laid back. No, we'll face to him. You know, he's making it in terms of playing with him, 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. So once we will get, you know, through the protocols and NFOPA, we'll talk about, no, the schemes and everything. Right. Hello, so welcome. When you were in Denver in the pre four, where did you find yourself most comfortable in those situations? I played a lot of different positions in Denver. I mean, early in my year, I played zero. I played three to one. I mean, I definitely more comfortable in a shaded position, mainly being a three

58:17technique and five technique. That'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 caros defense and in whole environment and Seattle? From afar, it seems like he holds in on a defense a lot. I can't really say too much about that. Yeah, I don't know. I know peak caro 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. And which is definitely good because then they, this program is one of a lot of football games. They've been super successful for many years. As long as I've been alive and as long as I've been watching football and definitely this has been a good program. And peak caro has been a hell of a coach for a long, so I can remember him back in his college days. So I'm looking forward to experiencing that.

59:18So I know you said you don't know yet what your role can be, but what kind of player are you that you don't understand? Do you have a watch on the Denver? What kind of player is he has to get? Definitely a high motor. Definitely not a one trick point 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 on the fly pressure. I'm definitely just a high motor guy. I'm not being. Maybe. Are they already under sin for me? I've been nice to meet you. That's a mature. Yeah, this is not a team that really makes big splash sign in. It's in brand new. 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. You know, I like these colors.

1:00:19What, what did you got to do in Seattle and see some season? Not much. Just kind of just drive around the city exploring, get down to the market a little bit. I want to get on the Ferris wheel. Do some more like touristy type of things, you know, I'm new to the city. And I got a lot to learn about. Larry. Yeah, there's been a lot of comparisons that you did 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. The kind of came full circle a little bit watching him on TV. And now I'm being kind of compared to him in a way. You know, I mean, I'm not touching the surface of Michael Bennett. You know, he's a hall of fame. And I'm not there yet. So, you know, I just got to keep doing my due diligence to be a better player.

1:01:21Hey, Dream on. Welcome to Seattle. I know you get to play several seasons for Vic Fangio and the three four style defense. And Seattle's playing a similar system now dating back to last year. Has the 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? 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. Just kind of like relying on each other. I know that sounds kind of cliche, but like this kind of like the realm of being in the three four defense. You got to really 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. Yeah, Dream up. You're a, you're going to have a state plan because you didn't start playing football to your junior in high school. Why did you play basketball so that next? Just what made you know, I get to play football and then with that I've heard this is there at all the kind of way from basketball? No, no, I've always loved football first.

1:02:21It was just kind of just I'm just playing it out. I love to who but you know football was definitely about calling and giving I was 265 pound. Power forward and I was like six three some change. So you know, I kind of chose the route that you got gave me. And I'm not six eight. My name is Gita. Yeah. And then I welcome to Seattle. And you've been voted. You're looking at something like that. You listen to me the job player. And can you just talk a little bit about that? I think that's the role that I think the same as you said. You know, it's kind of counted out. You and I were it more than that. Just for a standpoint, like I always get like over overshadowed over look whether it's in something, you know what I'm saying? Like I feel like I do a lot more than what can be seen by the eyes of the inexperienced, you know, scout. And I do a lot of different dynamic things that help make place for others. I'm definitely an active player. I'm always doing something whether in a run or pass game.

1:03:22So I think that goes on notice sometimes. And I'm looking forward to playing people on notice. Brady. What do you like to do outside of football? What is putting your audience? Big gamer. I'm definitely I've been getting 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 related, 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 Drey or Drey Mott? I mean, you can say Drey Mott Jones. I mean, but like just I'm like personally just call me Drey because it's easy because people like to f my name. But like a lot of that. They call me Drey Mott. I don't know why you put a Drey Mott. I tell you my name or Drey Mott. Whatever you want to say, I just go by Drey to keep it simple. Thank you. Michael Sean. Hey, Drey. What's specifically you bringing to the C-Law as a past question? Some of the new era of fast question.

1:04:22You know, someone was on the little lighter side of the average three technique and bring that explosiveness, that quickness. Someone was great with their hands. Someone was very extensual. And someone was a go-getter when it comes to the run-and-pass game. Appreciate it. Thank you. John Boyle. Yeah. Drey Jones said after the trade, or after the signing, that you actually got eight, they wanted them to trade last year. The Russell of the trade, but Denver said no. That's how you're aware of it all. Yeah, I was aware. I mean like she'll be flattered. They want to be even like that. Yeah, I am flattered. I mean, she actually just traded me 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. I think it's just not getting too high, not getting too low.

1:05:24You know, saying in a nice even medium and attacking each play at a time, no matter what the score is, and doing it to the best of your ability. What ails this offense the most? I think just saying I had the chance and getting past those third downs, converting on those third downs. I mean, that's what we got to be better at. But then the day, we got to put him in zone. We're not doing that, we're not doing our job. So, how do you guys create more explosive plays? That's an offense. Right, I think you stick with it. You know, the explosive plays are going to come, and now he's got to trust that, and they'll be there for us for sure. Coach Stins has been here for highs and lows over the many, many years. He's been with this program now. What sort of his message to your group right now, or when you're turning to him, what is he saying as far as how to get through this? Yeah, so I think it's just really just coming and attacking every day as you would, regardless.

1:06:24And staying even through hardship and attacking it the same way every day. That's really all you can do, and you just get a little better every day and see where it takes you. The way things are already we're setting up, but then also the way Jason Simmons was calling the game on Saturday. It seemed like tight ends are going to be a big part of this as you guys are trying to pull out. And what role do you think you guys are going to have in trying to get this offense? Yeah, I think the role is always to try to help the offense move the ball, and whether they were called upon to do that. In the past game or the run game, we just got to step up and do our job at a high level, and whatever you asked from us, we just got to do it at high level and let the offense go. You're some of leaders on the offense. Some of the leaders, I would say Gus is a big leader. He's been doing it for a while, and someone that everyone trusts is going to do his job at a high level. I think we have Hudson's a good leader too as well.

1:07:26Obviously he's a quarterback, so he takes on that leadership role. I think we just have a good amount of leaders throughout the offense. We were told George might be fairly close to getting back what we mean to get him back in the mix with the tight ends. Yeah, it'd be great. I mean, George is a great athlete, so having him out there can only help. We're really excited about him and what he can do on the field, so it'd be great. Can you say about likes and feelings that you guys are great at? Yeah, I mean, when you look at the schedule he asks for us and how he takes care of our body, you know, just the diligence and situational football. Coach McCarty, man, he's a great coach. You see, by the day, just us being ready in this week, we went open and excited to build on that. I feel like I always feel good, not always, but I mean, this week one, this week one, something definitely fresh.

1:08:29But you know, just got to continue to build on that and take care of my body and we want to be feeling good in December and January. That's right. I know that I was going to be in the middle of the month, or I was going to be in the middle of the month. I'm going to be kind of, you know, get back behind me. Oh, it definitely felt great. You know, it's going to touch down. I had a bunch of emotions. It kind of had to lay there and soak it all in, but you know, it's glad to be back. I'm happy to be able to guide you in front of me. It's always a mile here and it's very close to hell in front of you. How do you feel like everybody? Very timely in front. And for us, I have two working starting the day. I think those guys, you know, played their tell off. They competed. I think we had a great plan and we went out and executed it. When you were sitting on a bench in between plays, what do you think about Mike's? It was the events of the way that they put on their time. Oh, wow. I mean, I think it was late in the second quarter. And I think I had like 30 yards past 30 yards rushing. I'm like, man, these boys are out there playing. I don't buy me one against that defense offseason.

1:09:30Know how difficult it is to play them to prepare for them. But, you know, they they stepped up and answered the call. And we have the best receiver union nation. So we kind of we're kind of jack of all trades. So you've been moved around the office and passed a different things. Motion's different created ways to get open. But has that increased any ownership? Hell in here? Or is it kind of the same? Probably stay away from talking about scheme stuff. What was it that Jeremiah did that you think they would be in? Ironbucka. Just coming in every single day and competing. That's really what a challenge should do. As as buck guys, when we walk into the way we're going to coach make your supposed to be there and show up and show out every single day. And you know how to have a step back and not let it happen off day. He took he took care of all his, you know, the non-negotiables of this program. He was never late. He made his way every single day. He gave his 100% effort. Not the end of the day. He was just winning a lot of competitions and just grinding.

1:10:32So, yeah. I'm going to do what? I'm going to do what? That's great. A lot about brand new. Brandon didn't get a chance to do a lot this spring. What stood out to you? Even when he was on the field this spring, that make things like he could be a legit head back player for your team. Well, yeah. First and foremost, he got voted on by his peers to the leadership committee on our team, which is a group of about, you know, 16 to 20 of our guys who the team looks to as leaders. So obviously you can see how people think of him on this team. They think highly of him. And he comes in every day as a very fiery competitive nature. And, you know, he puts in really hard work and days in and days out. So even though he hasn't seen the field too much yet, we have no concern that when he does stuff onto the field, he's going to make a great impact. He's only been here here. Yeah. I heard last summer about him. Like, he's done as never specifies. He can be on the leadership. Maybe I have to check it for 3365 days. Yeah, just his ability to be able to, you know, talk a good game, but also back it up.

1:11:33Not in a sense of playing football, but more in a sense of we're going to be the hardest working team on the field. We're going to go in day in, day out. I'm going to beat you even when I don't feel healthy, even when I don't feel good, all that type of stuff. It's all an entirely. I'm not going to... From far away, it looks like... ...violin matches. I kind of lose a little bit like young bear. Right. You're here with Dick. Like, do you see that in him? I'm not trying to compare it to him. I don't pretend I don't think. Do you see that a little bit in the way that he can shift around? Yeah, he definitely is very fluid about the way he moves and we see it in his routes and his releases. So, you know, when all the White receivers are knowing the film room and he's getting crapped, he's doing all this body movement stuff. It's like, okay, we could see he got a little sun to him. So, it's just about bringing him along. You know, he wasn't... You know, he just got here. It's the first year here, kind of built on a long... There's steps you got to take, but he's definitely training in the right direction. And, back in a lot of teams get talent for whatever reason you guys seem to develop the receivers better than anyone.

1:12:33What goes on out there that somehow helps Ohio State keep replacing guys in the NFL? We play Denzel, Davis and Ibnelson, Germain Matthews, Jordan Hancock, Latham Ransom, Caleb Downs. That's really what it is. It's a BIA getting this better every single day. So, tremendous credit to the defense and the ability to be able to develop corners like that. It's just good on good every single day. That's the way you get better. How much do you want the coaches to get open right now? It's $10.89. I mean, we definitely have a strong second there, I would say this year. But, you know, it's just...it's not just their talent that makes them special. It's their ability to go hard every single day. They show up every single day with a competitive nature. And, you know, we're going back and forth on the field every single day. They'll be bigger and spin that each other a little bit. But, it's all love at the end of the day. We appreciate them for getting this better. Let's question the method you do a lot of things this offense have that you can all wear. Brandon seems like a guy who do so much, whether he'll move around, whether he's just beefed anything.

1:13:33You see kind of that same horse how-filled and Brandon is kind of something you do. Yeah, absolutely. Brandon, you know, he came up, played running back for a lot of his life, played a little quarterback here and there. You know, now he's received very. He can do a lot of different things. So, we just try to put him in a position where he can be the most successful in the position that makes him the most successful, or just the ball on his hand. So, we try to do that for him and a bunch of other guys in the program who thrive with that. All right, Michael. Well, I think it's good. We talk a lot. We communicate a lot. Pretty snap. I think it's good with everybody. Same with pay in there. A lot of those guys. When you look at what you learned, you have Cody last year. How much do you take that trying to use it? How much do you also have to be part of it? Oh. Man, I try to prepare liking. I like that from, you know, he prepared when he prepared, he had tension. So, that's definitely something I try to do like him, but like you said, I'm leaving. So, but when it comes to preparing and being intentional with studying and how I prepared for practice,

1:14:33I'm definitely taking that to him. Anything from the leadership scheme? No, Cody Lee. Tell you different type of person in the media. Those big things to feel? When you go to know something wrong, I don't know something. He writes. Where's that come from? Just being honest. Like, you can't be more than those guys when they ask you what happened to you and try to lie. You get the film, you get this obviously. Obviously lying here. So, it's the art of like, not it. Now, how much do you touch? What is it that you don't know something? I can't believe the last time that happened. So, that's a good thing. Those big things to feel with Cody though, from a leadership standpoint, what has he taken out the door with it, you know, in our mail? Somebody's got a feel in that slot. Yes, sir. I think he's definitely some big scene to feel. Because Cody was a great player, great leader. He's like, with the quarterback, he's a defense. He's definitely some big scene to feel.

1:15:34And like, Chris Lauren, I said though, you got to be who you are. Yeah, who that guy was, right? Yeah, he can't just be him, but definitely that's what he's been doing. When did you feel like you blossomed last year, where they could prove the count of you and stuff? I mean, you remember how it came along? I think it started in like, fall camp just flashed in there. I had to like the first day, wearing a wrong side on this hallline. I said. How about what has it been like, with the concentration? Well, it's been great. I like it. I like it's personality. I like the more feel and that's not important. Yeah, and the life backwards. What kind of difference does it have in the system? Is it going to be because it's so hard to kind of see? Oh, we just learn it right now. We just work it out. We just work it right now. We just learn it. What do you think about CJ Hicks and what he can do in this defense? I think CJ Hicks, you said what he could do in his defense? Or just what he can do in this season, you know? We can do this season. I think CJ will pop up this season for sure.

1:16:34I think this definitely going to be one of his years for sure. Got to. Do you think it's the biggest difference between French and New York and Georgia? To me, it's no difference. They both coach you and they both, like they hard on you, but they want you to be great. So I'm not taking a different turn. You're talking about how, you're looking at what you guys can do in fitting and fit. Do you think Jitter's going to want to find a plug and try to do that? Oh. No, I don't think so. What's the exact same approach you know about the sun? Either on or off the sun? Or some air or something. I think Sunny is a great leader. The fires we follow in, the sunny is a great leader. I feel like he's like a voice. You can be thinking of Sunny and just can't worry about the whole team to understand. So Sunny definitely is a great leader before anything. I'm not sure if Sunny is not a leader, not just four.

1:17:36I bet I've heard from some of the people who are the people. How does that show itself? Is he the absolute local? No. Yes, sir. What is... There's something that's unique about that. On the top of the whole field or when he's leadership? Whatever. Like I said, he's just a great leader. Like he's a vocal guy. Like you said, it shows up on the field too. It's hard to follow up to a guy who says something don't own and they're not on their stuff. So, it's not one of those guys who own his stuff. So when he leaves, everybody listen. There's obviously been long string of linebackers success in Ohio State. You've been a long string of linebackers success in the Ohio State. Now you look at Sunny taking that next step this year. How motivated are you to be part of that? You need to be one of the great linebackers to play the Ohio State. Oh, I'm ready for it. I mean, that's what I'm here for. It's telling you to alleviate any concerns that you may have about the potential of having to deal with those same problems.

1:18:39Those form of concern. Yeah, that's a great question. A lot of the information and a lot of things before during the time of those older players are a lot different than... ...the knowledge and information that we have now. And I mean, we're able to treat concussions. And also, back then, it's like if you got a concussion, they were sending you right back into the game. So, now it's a lot different. We got a protocol and it gives your brain time to heal and everything. So, I think things are setting plays now where it's a lot better than before. And that time, we're making problems later on. So, that's why I'm not really too concerned about it. Can you tell me how many recommended to you? Say it again. So, how much recommended by the trainer or the medical staff? Oh, no, I just wanted to get into a new helmet. I mean, people have a refer to it. They also, during our team meeting, has said how there's a number of helmets that are better than other helmets right now. So, I just wanted to check those out and see what they are. Is this how much of any more severe than the others you had? No, that's one of the other things. I mean, I'm not going to give a whole seminar on concussions over here.

1:19:40No, it's not necessary, more severe. Each concussion, just what I learned, each concussion is its own specific concussion. And you gotta give that time to heal and then once that's healed and ready to go, once you get back out here, you're good. So, it's not like concussions are building on top of each other. Like, you give it time to heal. But I think before, what guys were getting trouble with the long time, it goes like, they get a concussion, not fully healed, then they go right back out there and playing. So, captain, see a side or maybe part of it. Could you just reflect on how you've grown since showing up here fairly 21 to the player versus our main? Yeah, I've been here for a little while now. I've been enjoying every second of it. I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead these guys as best as I can. And I definitely feel that I've grown vocally and just trying to help build the team up and build myself up. So, I'm just trying to do anything I can to help this team. How about in a concussion situation like this? You're supposed to remind your brother, do you have to sort of involve the family's decision on how to go? Yeah, definitely. They came down with me.

1:20:40So, when I was, I had, like, when the team was here doing meetings, I was driving up to a Pittsburgh meeting with the concussion specialist and everything. And they were with me and just easing their mind. That's the biggest thing. easing their mind. They're all, they're worried and everything. But, they'll be okay. They'll be okay. We saw the play with Elijah Mueller and your head growing. Say it again. We saw the play at practice. Yeah. Did you think it'd be up for two weeks after that? I mean, I was good. It was that day that I was kind of had a headache and everything. But I was pretty much good after that. But it was just about going through the protocol. I mean, there was no rush back. We weren't playing regular season games. So, I mean, I was just really good in the time of the year. It wasn't any rush. You both were already in camp and still had a helmet to helmet. From your perspective, I have to be an expert. Are those doing what they're intended to do? You know, you gotta take, you can wear it when he got hurt. You know what I'm saying? Like, guys are still getting concussions and getting more wearing.

1:21:43Yeah, it's definitely still a physical sport. So, I mean, concussion happened regardless. I know if you were in a Guardian cap or not. I think it could be looked at too. I know and just talked about it on the Guardian cap. I don't think in the back that is as much padding as I would like. But I feel it could be looked at. But I think you get a concussion whether you're wearing a Guardian cap or not. So, I mean, stuff happens. This is a physical game. Sorry. Would you just clarify this? You said you're going to get any helmet. Also, wear the Guardian cap during the game? No, I'm not going to. You feel good about this game helmet that you've been using. Yeah. What's the name of the game and the brand of helmet? Like, any details you have? Oh, I'm not sure the brand of name yet. I'll have to get it from those guys inside. But you guys will definitely be seeing this soon though. I haven't got a gist yet. What do you feel about not playing in a preseason game? You have to say as your career is going to be good. I want to say it's not a big deal. But I don't feel any pressure any like, oh, I just needed to play in a preseason game. I feel that's a great opportunity for the younger guys to get out there and showcase what they're able to do.

1:22:46But I still been practicing and playing and working out and getting ready for the season. So, I mean, I know the game. I'm looking forward to that first game. And I'm not really concerned about not being able to get a snap of the preseason game. I know MJ did feel it would be particularly during the joint practice against Jefferson. Yeah, MJ is the number one corner. I mean, you guys see it. He's going to be big for this year. And I think that's what's special about this team. We got three number one corners myself. MJ and Greg, I feel we all number ones. And we able to do different things out there on the field. And one guy's out. Another guy can step in and not lose track or not lose pace on what we got going on. MJ has a role as a leader in the early of the year. He's kind of taking on this role as a guy that's bringing energy and also trying to bring the ball on. Yeah, definitely. Like you said, bring it in. That's exactly bringing energy, bringing guys along. MJ is real vocal out there. And he competes as he's in competitor out there and just working hard and trying to be the best. He got the mindset of wanting to be the best and he is. So, we just go out there and compete with one another.

1:23:48We're happy to see CD Lam get his contract signed and be ready to go out there and play this game so you can face the bad. No, I'm definitely happy for him. That's life changing, contracting everything for him and his family. So, definitely happy for him. I'm looking forward to having that match up in the game. I always love going against the number one guys and best guys on that team. So, I'll be looking forward to it. It ends up, we got more to history, just concussions that we're talking about. Suffer the latest one. People who cover the team and fans are wondering how loud the discussion could you contemplate retiring? Did that ever go through your mind or do you immediately know that you're going to come back? Yeah, like I said, this is a game I love, man. I love playing this game, being with the guys out here. I really don't see myself doing too much other stuff. Unless I'm just really physically unable to play this game, I don't see myself stepping away from football no time soon. Like I said before, I can't take it easy on these receivers out here.

1:24:50So, me being out here, I got to give them a good look and just go out there and play. But I'll answer your question now. I haven't seen myself walking away though. Are you actually out of protocol now? Yes. Yeah. Hey, did you know, it's a great cold miles hard in this teal of drafts. What have you seen? Say it again. Yeah, Miles, he's been balling. He's been showing out, making plays against the Vikings. And just making plays out here. So it was big for him to make the team. I was happy for him. We all congratulate him. And he's going to be a big piece on our team coming going forward. Didn't tell him, you mentioned making the receivers better. How have you made Jamari talk about how you've helped him as a rookie? What have you seen out of him? His development? Yeah, he's been looking good since he came in. I think he's been getting better and better. He's night and day from once he came in. So where he's at now, I believe. I think that's just his competitive nature and what he's been doing out there in practice. And us going against one another out there.

1:25:50So he's been good and he's going to be a big piece as well. That's our offense. What sort of tips do you give receivers? How can you help a receiver? Yeah, I mean, it's a constant communication. If I were to win on a red, they may come and ask me what it is that you've seen on that play that you're able to get in position. And I'll tell them that. I may ask them a question. So it's just that constant communication on how we could get each other better. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Glad to be back. I just. Is it keep that in the back of your head? Are we going against Jeremiah and Cornell and Brandon and I'm like them? Yes, that's my mindset like in practice all day. I want those boys to give me everything that they have. So I put them inside of this. It's going to be easy for me and I'll be prepared. What have you seen the growth of these young foreigners?

1:26:50Obviously we saw that they're not a Jeremiah last year. They're your mates, are you? Like Calvin and some of the Aaron's and the others. 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 support, I would say. What about Calvin? He was obviously here last year. He was. Calvin has gotten a lot better. Like I would say that he's gotten a lot smarter. And then he also write G.B. Go ahead. He's got about Calvin's intelligence, you know, where he's grown. Where specifically is it? The film room? Is it picking up, you know, 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. What did everything start to click for him? So last year was it in the sauces? When did you feel really comfortable with these things? I would say in the spring I started to get a lot more comfortable in our defense.

1:27:50We saw you break up the past history with the German name. I'm sorry if you asked about this earlier. But what is like going on 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 ball-a-hoo this game is. So German, he forces 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 are. Everybody's like, I would just say, I would go just smarter. Yeah. When you look up and lay down and some decided to come back and caleb down,

1:28:50you can just transfer it in. What did you feel about that? Did it just grow stronger in that one week span, two weeks span? You're still on up saying? I feel like those guys have played at that level. The level those guys have played at? Yeah, I would say that. Like, a down is coming in. What they say, he was coming back, zel is coming back. It's just so light. What would be happy to be the native? Yeah, Drake, still? Thanks, man. Of course. I'm going to make a play. I'm going to make a play. You should get side with you and Juan on those touch hands. Say it again. It was to decide where you and Juan were on those one touch hands. It was just something different you were trying or something that made that communication a problem? All the stuff you guys, or was it something they were doing? No, it was just, I don't even know. It was just a long time. I got to go back and watch a film and just communicate. I said, it just got to be better and just can't have that out there on game day. Playing guys are on free. Is there anything unexpected that you were doing?

1:29:52You guys have seen her over a couple of times even. Can you often subsist? Is 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 we just got to be better on art and clean up our side to be better. They're great offense, great team. Once we clean our own stuff up, I think it would be good. I would keep you pushing in the second half of the outside of game and then the two in second start. Keep you going. Yeah, I love playing this game of football. I'm just coming out here with my guys every day. I enjoy coming to work with them and playing with them every day. I'm just trying to find ways to get a win each and every week. That's the main goal. Trying to find a way to get a win and just enjoying playing a game of football. You've worried all about wasting your time? No, I don't consider wasting. You're my pride. I'm trying to get the best I can for this team and the city and whatever happens happens.

1:30:53That's the biggest thing. I don't know if it's being wasted. Just to be clear, you were diagnosed with a concussion from the last game. I was in the protocol, but I feel great. I'm out the protocol. I'm good. There's nothing to do with mistakes out there today. Say it again. I'm saying that I'm not having to do it with the concussions. I just got to be better on my end and make sure we're all in the same call and we're all we're supposed to be. That's all me. What does it always mean to you to use this more so like getting a firm move out to the best of you guys? Or do you have more about the best of the second person? Yeah, I mean all that stuff plays a factor. We got to get the call from the green dot and just spread the call around and just make sure we're all on the same page and execute all the assignment. You guys are better in defense. This is a new thing. It's just out frustrating to have these communication breakdowns that ultimately end up

1:31:53causing 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 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. For a lot of the first half, it seemed like it was either a sack or they were completing a chump including the pass play. Does that add to the frustration you are getting that sack production from your front that's happening in the back end? Yeah, like I said, we got to clean it up and we all get to figure it out and playing up and be better and work together. The rushing coverage work, you feel like it's almost like a wasting performance by the pass rushers, the miles with three sacks, six sacks and the first step. Is that kind of a sourness? Yeah, it's sour coming because the main goal is to get the win. Get the win in the game but definitely he had a great personal performance but it's definitely a sour

1:32:57ness and not able to pull the win out of that thing. Since I know when we talked to you after the last concussion you had in August at a fan's. I'm worried about you just because of the number and you didn't seem to have any added concern. I guess after this week or do you still feel that way and everything like the season 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. That's the main goal. So as long as I was not a few, I asked this before. What's your mindset, obviously two and seven is not where you want to be. You have a buy me. You're coming off a loss. Where's that mindset going into this week and what's supposed to be less? Yeah, definitely still going into the buy 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. Some of it centered around your team and the areas. Do you just speak to what he means to you guys as a teammate here? As a derriest, there's an amazing teammate for our team and a captain on his team, a leader on

1:34:00his team and a playmaker out there on the field. Love happens to derriest on the field with me. That was one of my favorite additions to the team when he came on. So I say he's a great player and a great guy in the locker room and I definitely appreciate the derriest. The player he is and the guy he is. Thanks. Thanks, thank you. Thank you. And then help the team win. You feel that way? That's what happens to the league? Yeah, I definitely feel that way. We could have made some adjustments last week. I feel like I had a great game plan. They had a great front seven. They stopped the run. So that's just a bump in the road. We're going to get better. I'm glad it happened earlier in the year. And so we could bounce back from it. So it's only going to make us better. Does anyone that helped you with that mindset? Did you go to anyone for advice about? Not really. I was looking on film. I just say I want to look weak in a running game or when I come out and we run the ball. I just felt like I was kind of weak on myself. So I was trying to take it. Took a step forward. And I got to try to get stronger to be able to make those blocks first of all and do the

1:35:06dirty work. Is that something you were going to try to do regardless? I know the system prioritizes it. But if it was a different system that wasn't really caught on it. Was that something that just appeared? I got to do this better. Yeah, sure. That was one of my biggest weaknesses that I had to improve on. Like I said, I just want to look weak in a blocking game. Being able to run in bags and quarter bags and lie in my account on me. So that's something I definitely wanted to improve. I mean, you kind of, sorry, dude. You can go out of your own. So you're just talking about how, you know, when you got drafted, you were like, you know, on first round or I want the ball, things like that. And you would said last year, you know, that was kind of hard for you in that Tampa game when you didn't get the ball. But you see him kind of like at peace with where you're at now. Like is that all part of that, you know, growth mindset of it's not always going to be me, but I'm still. Yeah, it's a team sport. I kind of got caught in the kind of try catch area past last year trying to be the number one receiver.

1:36:12But like I said, it was just a growing. I was young. It just allowed me to grow with experience. And it's not always going to come my way, but as long as I'm winning, I'm doing my job. That's the only thing I can control. So just trying to control the control of both. Yeah. And then I'm going to play a little bit of everything right after. Considering the rivalry with Atlanta and how last year ended, do you feel like there's going to be any carryover from how last year ended this week? They always play as good. It's always a good game when we play against them. We know it's going to come down to the wire. Big player or great player show up in big time games. So we had to have our best player show up and play at that best. It's going to be a great game. I feel a fire. I said I just ran 10-50s. So I'm getting back in shape. I'm getting in the way where I'm going to get strong again. So yeah, I'm going to be ready. What potential do you see with this defensive line? Yeah, I mean, you definitely stacked. I see a lot of great things.

1:37:13You know, we work together. I think Sky is the number. What conversations have you had with some of the veterans like Cam, or any other people on the D-line? Yeah, just going to Cam just asked about certain things, Chansar. How he sees offences, just whole time he's been leading in Chansar formations, and how he picks up on little precion at Reese things like that. So I think Mickey said, you dove into the deep end of the pool. How I guess much important is for you to be this invested with this team, and how much are you enjoying that investment? Yeah, and that's real cool. I love it here. The only thing I had to get used to is that heat. But it's real cool. Great teammates. And everybody welcomed me with Open Arm, so it was a great experience. Chansar, I'm all going to get work. He's going to get work. He's going to get work. He answered this already. He's training camp. Day one is out. Realistic, I'm just focusing on today. Are you running it? Yep. Marshal and his other Ohio State Guard just having him back in the building. Just talking to him with that.

1:38:13Oh, yeah. Big bro. You know, it's definitely excited to play with him. We always chatted, obviously, on different things. But I'm definitely excited to play with him. That's going to be big for me. Was that one of the guys who made the decision that you kind of talked to about what this locker arm is like? Yeah. Marshal, Tyran. But yeah, I mean, there was a lot of great guys. And he looked at that on paper. I feel like definitely won more time to the defense and lead for sure. Now it's all about just putting it together. And coming together is a thing. I got to get a shake. The run was good, but I'm so disappointed that I wasn't in the shape. And I didn't finish that. Two runs. I shouldn't have finished. How can you do that during the season? In practice, I can run more gasses. I can run more sprints, and we'll be ready to go.

1:39:13What did you think on the 61 yard or when you were breaking free? You turned around and you saw them coming? Well, no. The first 40 yard. I was like, oh, yeah, bye-bye. Because I was putting it away from them. And then after that, I was like, oh, shit. I got heavy. So I was like, all right, let me just cover the ball. I got tired of it. I think you look really good. I think you're going to have a great, just a little bit. You're games of your ones. What's that feeling? I got Justin Baton. I caught him back, especially. All right, I caught him back, it's great. You can't be Superman. You know, that's what the team is for. And that's what they brought me here for. To have his back. Next week, I bet you feel better with that. We kept hearing, this is going to be a huge hit. My brother was going to run the ball. He was going to run the ball. You could just really have it more, especially in the second half. Because you could never stop in the opposite game. And I don't even know what you could work in the first half. Oh, yes. Always stick with it. Always believing. Always fighting. I knew we were going to crack something. You know, I knew we were going to crack something. I knew you were off its alarms going to fight. I want to fight with them.

1:40:13I'm going to have their backs. And you saw that. JK after everything. How did that feel? After everything? How did that feel to have their performance out there for your first team? Or a game with the chargers? Hey, let's turn around. Look, look, look. Get him, okay. Get him, okay. But just look at my fingers. I'll do it right now. I'll do it right now. You're gonna do it right now. Okay. You're saying right here. Man, it felt good though. It felt really good. But now I'm going to be ready for next week. You know, the type of guy who will have a good game. Go back to the draw board. Let's get better. I'm talking about this, you know, just recently. I'm talking about how what I want to do for the world is I want to bring that home energy, the Hebrew. Right. So last year, of course, I'm sure he's been doing for years. But the year when I spent my own. He brought a lot of energy, excitement, happiness in the room, which is his natural energy, to where I always had to focus on.

1:41:15Me, you know, I didn't have to make sure other other guys are, you know, feels the type of way when I came in here because hump brought that. I'm not a hump, not a hear. But I saw a way to give her a room. I want to be that guy who makes sure I was amptical to practice. Everybody's hype. We're taking a built team one period, you know, it's a low day. There's something, you know, it's a disadvantage. But like, I want to make it feel like home's going to be a pairs of trip. I want to bring that because that's what me and hump did to each other. We would have each other up to do something. Like, you walk, we're lit. So I want to do that. I want to bring that energy. I want to make bring more guys. You know, I want to do that from day one. You know, I kind of, I want to do that from day one. I want to talk to them. And obviously it's that time I spend the off season before OTA started. Just being in my self-justing about what the room needs. You know, because I know I knew a lot of things.

1:42:20Is that we need a guy like that is going to make sure the O-line is picked up. We're ready to go every day. Those healthy kind of little things are having a practice and people aren't saying anything. And how I may leave maybe different than somebody else may leave. You know, like, at practice, at least I could be positive, you know what I mean. So, but he, the energy yeah, would be on just the high-level V-line. So I was kind of, how I want to be, going on. Really my whole life, all I get, I felt team captain, like specifically in I felt I wasn't a captain in high school. Wasn't a captain in college. But I want to make a joke, I want to be a high school teacher. I feel like I'm not going to be a captain until I get better. But that would be awesome, you know. But, you know, that happens, I'd be great. But not either way, I want to assume a role as a captain from the perspective of the game. I mean, I mean, I can't say that, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt like how we used to in the past.

1:43:34But it didn't take just the first LTAs and took training and left and right. Once this season ended because I know what it was going to be to share it. So I took a lot of reps just to get back to feeling like myself for the LTAs. And now, over the first week, but now, like today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet. That is it, talking about the long coach, about some things I'm doing my feet to get to sell that traditional handle that I love to sit on. I thought I felt great already from my jet, I felt even better out there. I'm starting to work sides to tomorrow now, getting my feet back and how I like the right side and on the left side. So, the long side. I mean, obviously I feel like in the league, whether I left the right, you're still going against Premier Guise. Obviously, you have high expectations for the LTA. But, definitely, the level of energy and the expectation definitely take the human strength.

1:44:36Because now, I can make the blind side. That's the D tackle world. So, yeah, I would say in terms of communication as far as even outside of the facility, you just stuff like that, like really creating that, but tackle quarterback, body warmth, the field, I think, has been something that's even cool. I got the text one day, and I said, hey, thank you for your love. Yeah, I've been training both. I've been training both. I asked after the season, they're like, honestly, we'll talk to you some great season, and I just got the text, and I'm like, having what happens with the free agency. So, I was like, you know what, I had an old season right tackle. So, if I get the word, I'm going, I'm standing right tackle. I'm going to do what I did before I'm built on that. I was trying to left tackle now, as if we're going to be left tackle. And I'd rather do that than train all the right time, because I'm going to call it a good left tackle.

1:45:36I'm like, I'm going to switch my feet. You know what I mean? So, I'm like, let me just prepare an advance. I was like, yeah, let's go. I think occasionally, on third down, there would be a lot of twists, I was just not like, it's on a magic of the color. And I think that was my mindset for the first half of the season. But I didn't have to go into the game with some pros. I kind of figured, okay, this is the type of rush. This is how this guy usually rushes. If I get the vibe, this is how the end is like the rush. You know, tackles that first year guys. We got the criminal repage on. Or, you know, what it was going to be. Or, you know, what we every stuck. And honestly, just knowing that's kind of an advantage to, so you're not, you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twist on my side again. It was never air-con, but it come out the most like three plays in the world. Two minutes. I knew that. It was the one that they said about it. You know what I mean? I'm watching more everybody else, and you rarely, you know, it goes out there occasionally. I'm like, yeah, I'm sorry, he's going to take me.

1:46:37You 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 going to get the hardest look. You know, those are real, real reps, you know, the things. Really out on our way to kind of process. And I was like, hey, when I tell me, let me know about, I'm just going to train it. I was training all the way to T.A.'s. I guess if I didn't hear anything about T.A.'s, I came in like, so, you know what I mean? Because just like, I'm cool with training both continue. I wouldn't be cool with training both continually. But I feel like anybody, any position will feel like, okay, like, you want to as soon as possible give your feet kind of settled in, your hips settled in, your hands, so then certain kind of that. Would it have been harder for you to work both, or are you going to do it? No. No. But they're definitely, but in terms of the development, it was definitely a lot faster to stay on all the way inside.

1:47:42I think having that week that we had the transition with the seasons over, it kind of like was fun. You know, good trying to get up, put up my car and having a week. Things at a time right now, but when it comes back, I'm going to show them to you on the house. So I got a house not too far from, so I told them I got that house, like a yellow side. Like, DJs. You know what I mean? Well, not getting too super cold, you think about that as a body order? I think it's a challenge that I'm looking forward to attacking. You know, can't be shy about what's been done in the past, but look forward to the future and attacking that. You know, I think we got a good team. You know, we could say we're going to talk about playoffs, but to get to the playoffs, you got to dominate during the regular season. And, you know, we're not looking over that. You know, it's not playing for me or any of that. We got to play as a team, and I just look forward to putting my hand up out. From this, you know, you really stress about how you wanted to win a one-hump event.

1:48:46Yeah. After all this is settled now, what does it mean to you that you're going to have the opportunity to win? That's all I could ask for. You know, the chance to be a one-humped guy, you know, it's not set in stone. I got to play like it. That's what I've always viewed it. You know, when I first got here, you know, getting drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers, I couldn't think about playing for another team. And, you know, that's always going to go on mine. You know, I told my mom in the car when I was on my way down here to sign. You know, she just, you know, she was talking about how rare it is. You know, I think it's me and Kim Jordan left that are able to say that. I think it's really special to, you know, try to, you know, live that legacy in one place. Can you hear from any of those Steelers' mentors that you mentioned earlier? I heard from Keys. Like, Keys is my guy. You know, Keys is always the first one to text me.

1:49:46You know, I'm always the first one to text him, but I heard from a lot of guys. You know, and I always, I've always felt a love from them. Even before, like, there was an ounce. When I would see them, they were just like, hey, I'm just Keith Donor to Donor. You know, we appreciate what you're doing. And, you know, I hear that from them. I just love, like, I do whatever I could help those guys. How much do you embrace being that bridge from that arrow of Steelers' football studio? Do you get lost? The Irish guys? Do you get the medals that were in that one? You know, I think I've gotten to see the cycle and seeing, you know, I am the bridge in that, in that accord, but, I just want to conquer that mountain that, that first part got to do. And, you know, I've told them about things that have happened in the past, and talked about what we've done and what I've, I've experienced. But, you know, when I was young, it was just about being a sponge. And, you know, just learning from those guys. It wasn't me saying it, it was just me shutting up after the time.

1:50:48So, you know, I'm in a different position now, but you can't do it alone. I'm using the bridge from that process. This is a pretty rare case for you, God. The coordinator of an NFL team, the game won after the head coach, you play a caller that you've formed in the same city. Do you use that at all? Or is there, like, a troche or a settlement there where you might be thinking you're seeing something that you're actually seeing something different? I don't know what it is. I feel like my anxiety is so high every year in the first game. I think we always play somebody new that's got something new going on. I don't know why there's just me overthinking it, but I think you just got to rely on your technique. You can overthink a lot of things and it can get you in the trouble. But, relying on your technique, you know, play assignment good football, I think that allows you to play better. It allows you not think as much, because then you're not just waiting for someone to dictate terms, you're dictating the terms. That's all I'm really worried about. I understand there's nuances going on in new players, but you've got to play still a brand football.

1:51:52When you met with us the other day, did you think this would get done at that time? It moved pretty fast. It was a mixed of a lot. I didn't want to get my hopes up too much. I wanted to just stay locked in. Because you never know, it could go sideways very quick. I wanted to just see the process through. You could call it a poker face or what, but I think it wasn't time to really gauge where this thing could go. Can't what do you think might be different from where this thing is right now? I just think we've got a good balance. We talk about defences, being on a sideline, that's a good thing. I think our offense can sustain that. Defens, I think, were healthy this year and hopefully we'll stay that way. Then we have a component in the special teams. You look at Miles Killabru, you look at Boswell, and then you have a guy like Cordero Patterson.

1:52:55I think that group of guys allows us to just, it's a complete team. I know you guys might think differently, but in my eyes, I think we have a good shot to compete in every game. We had to have those a team to be able to talk to each other and communicate how everybody was feeling, what everybody thought the issues were, but at that day we were a team and everybody here stands with each other and we got to go play. Can that be a team closer in some ways, you can galvanize a brother who can even more? Definitely, just getting information out that you have to each other and being more open and honest about everything and how you feel. It's a serious way to express your feelings to somebody that you really care about and you really want the best work. Right behind the Pat Murphy 24-7 Sports. The tempo, once this big conversation, Coach Nose was talking about some of the ways you got to prepare for that, some kind of creative ways and practice coming to life, something you can't be, just to be ready for teams.

1:53:55How would you felt like that has worked and having played against this tempo before? How prepare do you guys feel? You can only be at the practice fast in terms of getting prepared for the game. Last year we did the same thing out of the day, everybody. I did run back in between drills and between practice, between plays. Pretty much we've been doing the same thing here, just trying to build up stamina and then being able to play a full game. Because they played like 80 plays a game, so just being able to do that and do it at a high level is what you really think. In that recognition, you need to know what's happening, I guess, is just as big as getting wind up. Just getting wind up calling, being able to get your cleats in their deck is going to be really big, just be able to play fast and play physical. And you have your eyes in the right place if you have to get the call in the back, this way better than looking for the call. Third row left. I hope that Gloria was killed. And there was talk that you were kind of one of the guys who took on leadership role after that mission in the game.

1:54:57And the team you guys had, is that true? And if so, what was your message to the team? I mean, I would say I was just the person that I was the whole season. I wouldn't say I did anything more than anything less than I've done all season in terms of leadership. But yeah, I mean, everybody had to step up, guys like a mega, guys like J.T. Jack, everybody had to step up in terms of trying to get the team back on track, where we were going to go. So that was really just the biggest thing for us, just to try to move our focus to where we're going to be. Right in front of them. Steve, that way I get 24-7 sports. And, kill, this season you've been recognized pretty widely for your play. Just in your mind, what you came to I State to accomplish, how did you expectations, I guess, meet up with how you feel you've played up to this point of guess? I feel like I've made the plays that came to me, and that's where the Austin & Gain Control had more opportunities as years progressed and been in spots to be around the ball.

1:55:58But the expectation was to come here and contribute to the team and try to find a way to push the team to win games and I level. And to be better than they were latching for me to play better than I was latching. So really just coming to try to grow with myself and with the team. So that was my big goal and I feel like I've done a good job and the team has done a good job progressing through the year and getting better. So yeah, that's all I can say about that. We're here in the right 10-8, let him get wrong. Yeah, I can't just stay here right now. Just feel like a different season. What does it feel like for you going into the playoffs? You know, you'll get the goal you wanted, necessarily the regular season, but here you are. Right? I mean, what is that sense that you have right now that's different from the regular season? I mean, everybody wants to say it's a new season in terms of, because if everybody's 0-0 right now, when you keep going, you lose your time.

1:56:59But generally, that's how you play every game. You know, that play every game, like it's your last game. So for me, I don't think it's really any difference if you have to go play at a high level every game that can't be based upon. Is it a playout game or anything else? You have to go play every game like it's the same thing. So I would say in terms of that, no, you just have to play the game and play the game this year. What feels different about this defense right now going into this? You'll feel even more... You'll feel even more... you know, got my title being close together. What is your sense of the furtherhood that's so to speak of the defense? I feel like we progressed throughout the season. We had to make a change after game 6, because we lost and we didn't play well that game. And I feel like we've grown from that and got into a better place. And over these past two weeks, off just realizing, okay, these are the things that we've messed up throughout the year. These are what we need to face. These are what this team is trying to exploit on us.

1:58:00So just really going back through everything, seeing what we can do better for this kind of game and for the next kind of games. Last couple of questions. Tell me, you hurt me, what the hell? How does the Tennessee's whites play with their receivers, in fact, you as a Thunder? I feel like it makes the game more of a one-game. It makes you receive it on your DV set the place that you're getting in the guys up front. And it makes it, truthfully, like those guys have to do their job when these guys have to do your job. You got to be able to stop the run, but the people they've had are going to run fit and you have to be able to stop the path with the people you have out there. So that's what they do when they do it at a really low level. So it's going to be tough to go with. That final question, Joaquin Poplin, from this dispatcher. The coach knows what time the speed of which you guys are going to have to call in place is built the tension because of the power fast. Is it going to play call in? Is it going to give you just speed which is called in?

1:59:00All right. It allows you to get your cleats in it. So earlier, just a ability to see the formation and see what keys that you have before the play and have knowledge of your job and not really thinking. Being able to play and I think during the game is a really big thing. So whenever you can get the call out faster and play a high level and play without thought, that's a really good thing for your team. Thank you very much. Thanks, Joaquin. Thanks, Joaquin. Thank you for making some plays here and there. Is there anything else you want to offer on there? Yeah. Season everybody's been there. Throughout training camp you and Aziz got very close. How good is to see him back on the field and how were you able to be there for him as he went through that three game suspension? Yeah. It's great to have him back. I'm really happy that he's back and I know he's very motivated to play. I'm excited for him. He's from a team and he's able to, in the season R way going into the playoffs.

2:00:05Yeah. He's a leader and we need him around and nothing else. Definitely going to help this team. Some of the teams have already played the playoffs. Our resting players this week. But Domingo has said that all you guys are going to play. You think it's important for you guys to get out there. Try to get back on track before the playoffs start this week. I can say that. You know, it's, you know, Domingo has a plan for us and you know, we got to trust his plan and go out there and play. So, you know, I'm excited. You know, it's all it's a blessing to be able to go and play in his league whenever it is. So, you know, we're excited to play Tennessee and you know, probably more even excited to play in the playoffs. But I do think that this can help us. You practice against him all year and you see the top corners. Domingo's in the junior, the pro bowl will come out this week and last year's alternate. We think of his chance to earn that distinction and what he's done to improve himself. Man, you know, he's probably the best athlete I've been around in my life. You know, just basketball, speed, strength, size, you know.

2:01:09And just somebody who you know, I've seen just grow, you know, as a player. But, you know, I'm just very happy for him. You know, I think, especially just having this top of the year before, I think he can really negotiate. So, I mean, I know he's about to get a bag and I'm happy for him. He deserves it. Yeah, but that's not his motivation, which is dope. He's just being a lead at football. And I think he's going to be great and his lead for a long time. What do you think you got to experience in January football last year? Playoff time? What is it about when the calendar turns in January and in the national football league? Yeah, it's a new season. You know, it's a new excitement. You know, you know, you know, you know, it's all about, you know, winning that week, you know. And when you dumb it down, it's like, I get to win four more games and, you know, that's it. You know, so of course, it's not that easy, but, you know, you have to find a way to motivate yourself. But it's motivation just, you know, being able to continue, you know, and I think it's good for us, you know, to realize, hey, man, we, I know it was going on, but I don't know exactly what it was being said.

2:02:13But, you know, we put ourselves in this position. It's not by chance, not by luck. It's not by people. Other people was about us being a good football team. And I want my team to remember that as like, you know, people don't talk. Simple in playing. And we're the ones out there playing and we got, we got into the playoffs by being a good football team and we're going to continue to be that. So, I'm excited, man. It's a new, you know, all in all. And, you know, hopefully we get healthy going into there and be able to, you know, play whoever we play here. Really tough and hopefully you to win. Your teammates have always mentioned on how competitive you are. You want to win everything. Your perfectionist needs that nature. But they both say like in games, you know how to like not get too high and not get too low. So, how do you kind of challenge that ultra competitiveness and keep it within that tube to want to compete but not get out of, you know, beside yourself? How do you kind of go about balancing that competitive drive but not allowing it to like make it play beyond, you know, out of your self?

2:03:16Yeah, I mean, I just say just be myself, you know, I mean, I've been kind of this way in my whole life of, I mean, you have matured in a lot of ways in my life. Of on and off the field, but, yeah, I would say just failures have helped me realize, you know, what is important to me trying things that I didn't like doing things that I didn't like and then learning from it on and off the field has helped me ultimately was just that I guess that calmness that I have now. Even in chaos, I guess, but yeah, I guess it's just, you know, trial and error and that's why I don't, I try my best not to like hardness or duck things that are difficult in life because ultimately the values teach you, you know, humility they teach you. Just, you know, teach how to get up, you know, and the Bible says that the righteous man falls out several times and he gets up and, you know, just like Peter, you know, I want to get up. So that's what I plan to do and yeah, and so that's all I feel like why I'm the one just being able to learn from my field.

2:04:23So, take you off the field for a second is there a new year's resolution for CJ Stroud? I was, as probably a lot. Man, I don't know, I really, I never really believed in these resolutions. It's like I kind of started this a couple months, months ago, this journey I started to just, you know, really just locking back hand with the lower, you know, was, you know, kind of, in the, in the lukewarm season, you know, one foot in, one foot out, I mean, you know, the Lord has helped me to get out of that. And so that's really my, my 2025 goal is just be locked in with the Lord as much as possible and, you know, and fast and praying, you know, being part of getting discipled, getting part of a church here in Houston, which I've been able to do. So, yeah, just, that's my 2025 goal is just, you know, getting closer with the Lord. All right. Thank you, guys.

2:05:25I'd say, you know, stuff. How much is it grown that you could put your finger on? Yeah, I was growing immensely. I mean, Caleb, he makes a lot of checks. Latham makes a lot of checks. I listen to them. Whatever they need. If I need to cover somebody, I'll, I'll go cover anybody that they need me to do run support. I'll do run support. And it's really what Caleb does, what we do and Latham, it just goes back to Coach G's preparation and everyone's preparation to give us more flexibility. And it doesn't matter who's in those positions. And we can all play every position, whether it's covering somebody or running, running and tackling. Did you feel like that was the case before the Oregon game here? She had one up, Sammy. Is it something that's been added? It just, you know, rely on a little bit more. Go ahead. Yeah, it did. I've probably been a brassica game, Megan and more safety reps. And we had a five week to prepare. So I really learned the playbook a lot more. Even though I knew the playbook, I learned a lot more like in debt. You know, so really just after the Oregon game, it helped me a lot to go back to safety. Go go to nickel everywhere.

2:06:31You guys had a lot of issues of giving up big plays in the passing game of the first game against Oregon. What do you feel like you guys need to do better this time around to make sure that doesn't happen? Just the same same mindset. We got to challenge these receivers. You know, every dog has their day. Maybe some people didn't have their day that 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, they'll reveal it. And then they'll obviously have 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 he is for this rematch? Yeah, he's super stoked for this rematch. His preparation has been very good. He's always been preparing, you know, it didn't go the way he wanted to go that game, but he just always had his confidence. And we're going to see a big game out of him this week. And, you know, I know you guys wanted to play them in anapolis, but the fact that you get to play them at the Rose Bowl, I mean, get a second chance.

2:07:37And people have said you don't get that very often. How determined are you guys to take advantage of it? We're super, super determined. We watched film. I mean, we've lost a lot of film. The first time we played them, now we've got another six games that they played up film to watch. And it's just they've grown a lot as a team, same as us. We've grown a lot. We're not the same team. We were when we played them week one or weeks, six or whatever. But now we're out there and going to play fast, physical and everything like that. Jordan, we're going to jump to the zoom question here from Joey Kaufman. What's this about? My bad, not you, Joey. Can't we T Robinson, the athletic? Hey, Jordan, you've moved around a lot in the second day in your career and now kind of getting some many more safety reps. What is it like at this point when Walt or Coach Noles comes to you and asks you to do some else and just how much can you lean on the experiences you've had moving around when you're trying to learn something new in the middle of the season?

2:08:37It means a lot. We always talk about when this is being on selfish, whether that's making plays or not making plays or doing your job so another person can make plays. That's kind of what we pride ourselves on. And it's just fun. Me moving around different positions. I'm always up for a new challenge. And a lot of people in the country can't do that. I just hold myself to that standard where I can play any position and excel at it. Okay, and anybody else need to question? Let me know. But otherwise we're going to go to Austin more of the podcast. Jordan, when you were talking about watching film Oregon, which one do you think is more valuable to you watching that against yourself? Seven games ago, even if you've changed or the ensuing six games for Oregon, which one do you put more stock in? Kind of both. For me, I kind of watch what I did. Things I did well. Things I didn't do too well against them. And their team is that like their scheme has changed. Some players have been out those those stretch of games.

2:09:39So I really watched the past game we played and I know they're going to go back to some of the stuff that they liked, of course. And different games like Penn State, maybe Illinois, they run a lot of men. So just watching watching stuff like that every game matters. So yeah. Jordan, thank you very much. Thank you. J.J. this spring. Again, the plan for him. He played a much longer season than he played before in Texas. So what do you think looks like? Yeah, I think everyone played a lot longer than they ever have. So, you know, I think, you know, heading to this spring, it's just the tear down of the former foundation and the rebuild of the whole team. I mean, they have to have that mindset. You have to have a mind, a day one mindset in order to progress. You can't rely on previously built culture or schematic understanding. There's no assumptions. You have to rebuild from scratch. We're in the process of that. We will treat day one like day one that includes, includes Jeremiah Smith. And so great opportunity to, you know, evaluate and grow a new group of guys.

2:10:46I think in spring, I think our opinion is, you know, by fall, everything the team, the team, the team, it's what it's all about. But in order to add to a team, in order to add to a collective, you got to focus on the individual. The individual must improve so the collective can improve. And so building the base, I think, schematically and fundamentally culturally is what we're attacking as we head into spring. How much is Brandon looking forward to a different spring and different opportunity? I know it wasn't fun for him. Having to take a little bit of a backseat to a knockout. Where do you see him? The fire right now. He gets right to this one. Yeah, I think when you come out of a season, you get out of January and kind of take a breath. Then when you get back in the winter, it's the first opportunity to reestablish the new role that I want to have. I mean, across the board, there's not one guy that doesn't want to improve roles. So I think they're all attacking it that way.

2:11:48I think Brandon's one of them, but he's one of of 50. And I think that it's our job to provide opportunities to grow, to separate themselves and see peer to peer evals to allow these guys to check, you know, a chase a role. At least through through winter they've gotten that started to continue that through spring. And I think Brandon's, you know, fits in line with that. I think Brandon did a great job looking back of finding his role last year and excelling at it. We know we talk a lot about if you want to be a starter, you have to be a starter before you the starter. And if you're not, they're never going to be the starter. So I think he embodied that, you know, he gave himself an opportunity to get into spring and get into us. Excuse me in the winter, continue who he is, continue to build, you know, his base, build his leadership. And then now he's got to take that spring. So all the great things you do prior doesn't mean anything. If you don't go out there and do it in spring. So, you know, that's the harsh reality of this sport. You know, what have you done lately? And I think all these guys are chewing at the bit to get back on the field.

2:12:53So, Brian, you everybody brings their own experience. Ryan was quarterback, you were a receiver. And then to become a play caller, obviously you have an understanding of the whole offense. But what was the process like for you up protections and the run game and quarterback play and just continuing to grow with your knowledge of that part of the game as you prepared for this position? I mean, I think you're always growing. I think that you still have a specialty here. You still have an expertise in one area. It's seen you have an expertise in all of it. That's just not true. And in my opinion, I've seen multiple coordinators. And I know that as a fact. So, you know, for me, I think it's just you have an opportunity to be with the best staff in America every single day with the best coach in America. So, just stay off your phone and pay attention and take notes and actually maximize your time. It's amazing the amount of people that don't do that. So, every time in a meeting, I just try to make sure I'm getting a nugget or I'm getting information or when things are said, do I truly understand it?

2:13:59And I really, the guys will tell you, I don't care. I'll ask the question. I think I'm, I look dumb. But I don't care because I want to know the information. So, I think that approach, I think a lot of guys have that approach. That approach allows you to just build, you know, over time. And then that'll continue to build from now to game one and enough build to the season. So, the opportunity to grow is literally daily. So, I just try to make sure I'm finding those opportunities. I'm aware of those opportunities when they're writing my face. You make sure you want to do a role in the offensive meeting room. How important is that? Yeah, Coach Jordan's always been a huge part of other receiver room. I think that, yeah, he's just understanding that my pull away is real. That can happen. So, he's going to be on his toes and be ready that, you know, we're ready to not skip a beat. Right? So, information wise, communication wise, he's got to be locked in on that and just time to assume that, you know, Coach Hard's got it.

2:14:59He never really has. I expect him to continue to do that. And, you know, he's been a big part of everything we've done. Is that almost like taken from what Ryan did last year where he shipped away from play calling? And he had that somebody else and she'd think away from being a quarterbacks coach. We're like, didn't have somebody to trust. How long did it take you maybe to develop that trust and that relationship with them and to where like, you know that, hey, if I pulled away for a second, like, Devon's got this. And I don't have to worry about like, what my room is. I think it's more important that I do a great job being organized. So I'm never pulled away. I will be in that receiver room and they will be coached at the very highest level. So, I think there's ways to eliminate being pulled away by being organized on top of things, having the right work and working right help before that receiver meeting ever happened. Is that important for you? That's the question you've got to emphasize. Nothing's going to change in terms of your, I never know. There's no, nothing's going to change in my involvement in receiver. Ryan from my land to be going through a full spring, Philoxy in the first time. What do you look at everything? It's areas he can grow to play in time this year.

2:16:01Yeah, I mean, my land is, he's doing a great job. He's growing an exponential rate, getting stronger, getting bigger. He's got way added. I'll tell you, I always explain to him, you don't realize how much you've missed when you come in June versus a mid-year. It's massively different. Not saying you can't overcome it, some do. At the end of the season, some have. But I think that's probably reliant on the room. I mean, on a Chris had opportunity late, a lot of a, in the season to kind of make an impact, but it's very, very rare. And now, he's going through the winner workout, his growth, his everything he's done. He's like, hey, Coach Hart, I know what you're talking about now. And he missed that section of winner workouts. So that being said, it makes you laugh, but he's doing a great job. I expect expectations for him through spring. And I don't see that changing. The only staff, the only staff this year is younger than it's been in the past years. I think the makeup book is that you don't have somebody who's maybe used to it.

2:17:04What's the average? It's like the average, like 30s. Like 30s. Is the average age? Is that include support staff? No, it's just the primary. What's it, what's it been in the past? A couple minutes, bro. It's two more minutes. No kidding. Yeah, we don't know yet. Kevin Wilson. Dan Laning's head coach, Oregon, I was his average. I'm asking. I don't, I'm 38. Kenny Dylan, Hamill's 30s. So I don't know. I gave zero thought to that. I think that, you know, I think your ability to come with players is important. I think you probably see a little bit that happening in the NFL as well. I really've given two thoughts on this. I don't want to just ramble on that. Yeah, I just didn't know if it was the size of the main one. No, no, no, no. No thought to it. Frank, you were in proportion with Bryson. What's the next step for him? Because we've heard him talk to him about like, you know, Mr. consistency catching a lot of things. Like he's, he seems to generate a little bit of buzz, but has limited role. Like now he's got an opportunity. What's the next step for him to get that opportunity?

2:18:05Take the next step and be a, be everything he's capable of being, right? I mean, I think the guys that, you know, we're out there are, you know, very consistent in all job phases. You know, like again, I think he wants to be a full rounded receiver. And you know that I think he loves playing in the slot. The great job there. I asked him to come out to the outside a little bit. Did a good job out there. I think his natural positions is in the slot doing a great job there. But it's just another opportunity to establish himself based on his peers, right? I mean, it's kind of like the draft. I try to explain sometimes to these guys like, you come to Ohio State to compete with the best. It'd be alongside the best. It's always pure to peer evils. Like that's how it works. Like the draft embodies that. Like if it's easier to go play somewhere else, then that's fine. That's what we're kind of looking for. Per se, I'm not saying that's pricing. I'm just saying it's a very competitive room. And you chose that because of this room. Now you got to beat your peer to play more and do more and all that stuff. So, you know, I think that he's got continued to build worries at.

2:19:07And the guys that seem to be, you know, starters in our room, you know, really, I think over the last eight years have been NFL quality guys. So if you're and it become a starter to Ohio State, it's a good chance. You're probably an NFL caliber receiver. I mean, again, just go on to the numbers. So you're chasing that. Can't get discouraged. Or maybe not being, you know, not doing what you think you should have done. And that goes for everybody. It's not just Bryson, but all these guys are chasing that as I ramble about Bryson. But, you know, I think that it's not just him. It's at BI, it's car now with everybody wants, it's chasing a higher level of play. And the spring is another step forward to do that. Which is a new freshman. You've worked under multiple play calls. How much in your estimation is that a gift to be able to do it? How much of it is learned? Where do you stand on that? Oh, never gave it a lot of thought to it. I've never, I've never called a play in a game. So for me to have an opinion, I think that'd be a little brash. I would say that like anything, it's probably a skill that you can improve on.

2:20:11And do better at it, do good, do worse at. I think being surrounded with guys and seeing how they do it has been a blessing. And it's very clear. Others more than one way to do things. So being aware of that, I've noticed that. What's your impression of the three freshmen and how they maybe transition to your family? Yeah, all four freshmen. I'm very encouraged and pressed with. They carry themselves the right way like we have hoped. They worked their tails off. If all improved, I would say that. Whether I mold the right fit, they belong in the room. And now they have to just improve. Now they're competing both, you know, first individually between each other. And then, you know, as we get into spring, they'll start competing against each other. What the rest of the guys want to mean by that. But as a group, the freshmen group are very impressed and they're off to the right start. Go Charland, thank you very much. Start with Lincoln. You know, a guy that's going to his third year here. And I think really like, when you've been in an offense for two years already,

2:21:11you're going to that third year. You've got a really good feel of the scheme. You've got a better feel of college defenses. And, you know, where are our schemes are susceptible? And what were the issues lie? And what we're trying to attack. And so I think, you know, that's something that over time, I can feel Lincoln getting a better and better feel for it. You know, Lincoln has definitely stepped up from a leadership perspective. And you can see the way that, you know, he attacks workouts and all. You know, this winner is so big for all three of them. Just really just set the standard and to understand the intangibles that playing quarterback is all about. Right? Because there's so much more than just picking up a football and throwing it when it comes to this. So he's he's an outsider. So I've seen that growth from Lincoln and that's really exciting. As for Julian, you know, last year going into the year, he was competing for a job and, you know, end up not winning the job. And, you know, he could have turned it down and been bummed out and, you know, not attacked it the way way. But I saw him continue to grow throughout the year. So I'm torn from well and to get to a point this year where we're now he can step up and be more of a vocal leader.

2:22:16And that's something I've seen growth at him as well. You know, he's put on some weight and he looks good and he's definitely attacked his time in the, you know, the winner. And so that's been awesome. And then TAVY comes in and you know, TAVY, TAVY, you know, really should still be in high school. Instead, he's, you know, in my office all the time, learning the offense. And when he's not with me, he's with Coach make, and he's not with Coach make her eyes over there doing academics and so. So his days are pretty jam packed and it's definitely new for him. But his commitment to wanting to be great and wanting to be to the level where he can go out of the compete in the spring has been really impressive. So I'm excited for. Is it feel like what August 30th is it just around the corner years down when I'm saying you got to go. I'm against Texas. Yeah, yeah, I don't think so. I don't think so quite yet. You know, I think we have a unique situation where we've got three really talented kids. You know, they're all young. They all have a lot of room to grow.

2:23:16And I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth. But most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going through a year and they end up, you know, having a guy get hurt or something happens. So as far as, you know, having one guy, I guess not to go either. We want to develop the room. We want all three of them to continue to get better, to continue to develop and you know, be guys that we can count on throughout the season. So you guys went up for it? Scholarship guy? That's still in conversation. We'll kind of see how it goes. You know, obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have. But you know, the three that we're really confident in right now. Last year we got to ride in the working with the quarterbacks to work with the quarterbacks. You work with the quarterbacks, Bob. The food's filling out here. I mean, you have someone that you've had in mind to come in to meet the assistant for you. Or how do you see that? Yeah, right now Colin Kienos in helping me. So Colin was working with me at Akron. He was a student assistant and he was really, really impressive there. So he's going to come in and he's going to help out with some of the day today's stuff.

2:24:16And then you know, Coach Day and I have built a pretty good relationship where, you know, between my time here is the GA where, you know, I learned the game of football the way he's seasoned. And that was such a pivotal time in my career. You know, I was so blessed in college and then in my first couple, you know, my first job there that I got to do. And I was so blessed in there that I got to work with Joe Morehead. And, you know, I learned so much football from that man and I credit so much of my career to him to put me in the position. But then having the opportunity to, okay, hey, I'm going to see you through a little bit of a different lens and learn how Coach Day sees it. It was so big for me in my development. So that couple of years as a GA was awesome for me. And then last year to be able to sit in with him and really kind of see the game, you know, in a similar fashion. And I'm always going to continue to learn from him because he's just such a special coach. And to be able to see it, you know, in a similar way and continue to bounce thoughts on him to make sure that him and I are communicating in the same way. You know, Coach Day will always be directly involved with the quarterbacks. And now Coach Hartlein will as well, you know, as the offensive coordinator, I think as the guy in that chair, you have to have a relationship with the guidance and the help.

2:25:19I think that's really important. So, you know, him and I have already begun conversations just about how that's going to work out and how he's going to continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's going to communicate to them. And those conversations are already beginning. So it'll be, it'll definitely be a combination of, you know, us three. Bill E. Tavion being there for the championship round. How about like a help with the development? Well, it's pretty cool. Just about every one of those games where he was at a playoff game at the national championship. You know, our guys warming up and I grabbed him and say, hey, look around. You got to take a couple minutes to take the same, right? This is what it looks like. This is what this is what we work for. So, you know, when you get to a really hard day in the winter, or you just remember not a homework and to get to that point. So for him to have that experience and to be able to see that and, you know, hopefully one day when he's in that spot, he's like, oh, I've seen this before. I know what it looks like. I think it's pretty cool. I think just to have that bank in his memory. I think it comes off. I've spoken, but

2:26:22he's without question, you know, come out of a show and I would even say he's soft spoken last year. You know, I think that he kind of understood that, you know, Will was in charge of the offense and he knew that he was young and was still earning respect. You know, a big part about leadership is you can't just walk into a room and start leading. You have to earn the respect to your peers and really understood that. And, you know, I think he earned that respect throughout the year. And so this year, you're definitely seeing him step up. Him and Lincoln both, you know, are in that phase where they were in that respect. And so they're doing a really good job leading right now and in Tavians doing a good job on respect. So we're kind of in the middle right there between those two phases. Lincoln is, I think, still less than two years, just specializing. Just regretting. I guess where do you think he is harnessing all of that all on athletic ability to be really good. Yeah, I mean, there's no question that Lincoln is special. And, you know, guys that have that background that have been successful in multiple different sports.

2:27:26You know, one way or another is going to translate to the game of football. So I think that we're continuing to see that. Lincoln, you know, I think as the more that he, you know, is in position to understand and learn the game, which we saw last year. And you continue to grow. And so to take that into spring, you know, and combine that with his athletic ability, I'm excited to see, you know, I think it'll be really good competition. Can I, you can pull back truly lead until he is to quarterback. Oh, absolutely. I mean, you took one to quarterback. Oh, I think so. I think so. I mean, leadership comes in all different phases, you know, in all different ways. There's, you know, there's without question, I've been part of different teams and I've seen it where maybe the guy that wasn't starting quarterback was, you know, the strongest leader on the team. So I definitely think that that's part of it. You know, I think once you are in the respect of your teammates and once you show that, you know, you're going to lead by example and, you know, they respect you for that.

2:28:28You're in position now that you can be vocal. So, you know, I definitely don't think that you need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all. Even around some incredible offensive minds in college already. What are your, what are the traits you look for specifically as a quarterback being a quarterback yourself? Yeah. You know, I think it comes in a couple different ways. You know, from a tangible perspective. I think that you've got to be extremely accurate. I think you have to be able to make great decisions with the footballing at the ball at the time. And I think that you have to be able to do it. And we saw the problem with the feet. So, you know, it's rare in college football that every protection is blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly that we drew it up on the whiteboard. So, when things break down, you know, you're going to be able to fix it with our legs. And then, you know, as far as intensible score, I look at, I look at, you know, guy like Will, who had those intangibles about as well as I've ever seen. And that's just a complete command and understanding of both the offense and the huddle.

2:29:29To know exactly what we're trying to do on every single play. Know what we're trying to attack, understand where the issues are and where they lie. And how you're going to combat those issues. To be able to understand, you know, when it's time to move on for the ballway and move on to the next play. And then also be mentally tough enough that when things don't go our way, to be able to react the right way and move on to the next one. Did you know last year? What last question? You go fight a question. In addition, at all, over you just focused on loss. Oh, no, no, I didn't do this in addition. Oh, I did. Like, when you're coaching and you build a relationship with these guys, you want nothing more than for them to go out and have success on the field. And I think that's so, you know, so important. Like, I sit in that room and, you know, it's about them. It's about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and going out and execute on the field. And so, you know, last year, I was just trying to find a way that I could help them do that. So, you know, to be able to work with those guys last year and to help out and, you know, have them see some success.

2:30:31It was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it. And so that was pretty neat. I have to say some big seed. The field, this Cody was a great player, great leader. He's like, he's a quarterback, they're defense. He's definitely some big seed. And like, Chris, are you going to be new or not? Yeah, you can't just start being there. Definitely, that's what you're seeing. When did you feel like you blossomed last year or they could truly count on you and stuff? I mean, you remember how it came along? I think it started in like fall camp, just flashed in there. I had to like the first day, I was wearing a wrong side on this hallline. I don't know what it is, it's like a good concentration. Almost been great. I like him. I like his personality. I like him all feeling that's not some poor. Yeah, and the life record. What kind of difference does the responsibility is in this system? Or is it going to be in the same way as it kind of seems? Oh, we just, we just learned it right now. We just worked it out.

2:31:31We just worked it out. We just learned it yesterday. What do you think about CJ Hicks and what he can do in this defense? I think CJ Hicks said what he can do in his defense. Or just what he can do in this season. We can do this season. I think CJ will pop up this season for sure. I think this definitely will be one of his years for sure. Got to. What do you think is the biggest difference between Frank and me with Naphtagia and the F1? To me, it's no different. They both coach you and they both, like they hard on you, but they want you to be great. So I don't think there's no difference. Nate was talking about how, you're working out what you guys can do in fitting in season. Do you think Junior's going to be one of the kind of plug-ins that you guys can do? Oh. No, I don't think so. What's the result of the approach you know about the stuff you go on and off? Is there a layer of something you can pop up on?

2:32:31I think Sunday is a great year. I feel like he's like the voice. He can be thinking something Sunday and just can't worry about the whole team I understand. So Sunday definitely a great year to be called. I'm not sure if you're not sure. Why bad person? I'm not sure if you're a good person. How does that show itself? Obviously low point? You know, it's a big thing. What is something that you need to wrap up? On to my homie field or when it's leadership? Whatever. I mean like I said, he's just a great leader like you, you're a vocal guy. Like you said, it shows up on the field too. It's hard to follow up to a guy who says something don't own and like they're not on their stuff. So, it's not even one of those guys who he's on his stuff so when he leaves everybody listen. It's obviously been long string of linebacker success of a high-risk state. Say it again. Been a long string of linebacker success at a high-risk state. You look at like sunny taking that next step this year.

2:33:31I'm motivated where you'd be part of that. You need to be one of the great linebackers to play at a high-risk state. I'm ready for it. I mean, that's what I'm hopeful. The most at stake. But like I said, we're trying to treat it like a business trip. We're not good. This isn't a normal bull trip. We're not here to necessarily go sightseeing or check out the city or anything. We're here to win a football game. That's what we're here for. We're going to be hunkered down, doing everything we can to get this way. Well, you talk about motivation, getting over that October 12th game. I think you talk about running the league and trying to balance that. But we're not getting too high on your devotion. How does that motivation for you show up on an idea that basically is more preparation, more film? What does that look like for you? It's just really an edge in everything you do. I feel like carrying that kind of pissed off mentality. I mean, obviously not letting it affect you in a negative way. But making it remind you, hey, I'm going to go the extra inch here. I'm going to see if I can find something extra on film late at night.

2:34:35I'm going to go over this sheet again, call the plays one more time. All these little things that I just, we just can't let that what happened last night happened again. The only other sweet thing that was talking about how you play back here football. He's 10 to be playing in the Rose Bowl. He grew up in big 10th country. What does it mean to take part in this game? What does this mean? It's a game to you. You kind of grow them up. It's a ton, man. It's crazy that God has blessed me and put me in this position to be here and be the quarterback in the Rose Bowl. You know, a game that I grew up watching every single year. Some unbelievable games that I've watched in the Rose Bowl, some classics. And just to be a part of it is a blessing. And I think we're all humbled to be here and we're all understanding of how unbelievable this opportunity is and we're not taking it lightly because, you know, again, it's a business trip. And, you know, the only thing that we're looking at is, you know, we win this game, we go on a play in the Cup Bowl. So, you know, it's really exciting.

2:35:35It's, you know, crazy that we're here and that we're a part of this, but, you know, can't let it be too big. You know, gotta go out there and play football. It's a very interesting thing to see about your first game in the show. I think so. I think, you know, you go back and watch the film and, you know, I just didn't think, you know, and I'm hypocritical on myself and I think we all are here. You know, but I just look at it and I'm like, man, I don't think anyone this year beat us. You know, I think we beat ourselves over time. And, you know, you watch and, you know, we had to turn over, you know, in our own 20-yard line and they got the kick. You know, it's two possessions that just go on the first half and then, you know, obviously the way the game ended, like, you know, and we're still one going away. And that's what, what hurts and it was, you know, a hostile environment in their place. You know, I'm just, I'm just thankful that, you know, I said this, it's been this the other day, but I'm just thankful that we did through their opportunity. Do you feel like, you're looking back at two weeks ago in Tennessee, you feel like you're as accomplished as this group, and maybe what they're doing to show you.

2:36:40You know, you put it all together. Yeah. What is your sense of the team from that aspect? Does it feel a little bit different? Yeah, I think, you know, a game like that, you know, and still is confidence in the rise because it shows us we're capable of. But you can't be complacency and it can never be comfortability and has to be confidence and drive. And that's what it has to urge us to be like, man, like we can do this. We play it our best. I don't think there's anyone in the country that can hang with us, but we have to be on our game. We have to make sure that we can't let anything go. I just, you know, at the end of the day, I just want to keep the ball moving down the field, you know, getting in a rhythm, I think it's going to be big for us. And I think we did a really good job of that in Tennessee game. We were doing storm a little bit early, and there were a couple early calls that we got to fail to sound in that game.

2:37:42And kept this going, but regardless, we kept the drive going. For me, keeping us on schedule, taking care of the football, and making sure that we can burn it on third down in our situation. We do all that stuff. Obviously for me, you know, I want to leave these guys and drive and drive the machine because we got, when we're on our stuff, we're on our stop. We just got to make sure that we finish our preparation, right? These last few days and go out there and put our best reward. Thanks a lot. Thank you, guys. You come on this way. Yeah, that's a good play. Oh, yeah, it's a good play. Yeah, that's one. That would be a good thing. Now, when you got a lot of playing time, why do you keep going on? What kind of problems would you expect people to make? A good one. You know, especially sorry. My whole goal was to just get going. It was in there. It was just too good. And then when I got back, I was in the square. That's what I was thinking. I was just trying to go over.

2:38:42You walked on to the game. Did you ever envision yourself being where you are right now at this one in your career? I definitely tried to. I definitely believe it. If you speak something, I'll probably be trying to be passionate about it. It's just really helpful to kind of see the vision and stick to that. So it's a blessing to be here. You spend some of the vibes guys in the tight end room and a monitor on it. A monitor rule on past catcher opinion. Vive guys, I'd say, Ben at Christian, who just walked away. He kind of brings some good energy. Jason Middleton right there, too. He kind of oversees Max the bomb a little bit. So that's pretty fun. And then catching, we all have some pretty good opportunities for catching. Especially in practice, we've all made some good money touches. Very competitive for a fish here. Definitely competitive, but in a good way. We're all there, supportive. We all know our strength and weaknesses. And we're all going to have to practice. We're working with each other and hoping to get better.

2:39:44We all know that we're moving to other. We'll see what's going to be all season. There are a few, you know, you just dropped this from 4th round. Did you get any pressure from the doctor? I went to the other point where it's pushed. I think I made a budget for the future. I'm part of it. I need to be like, understand all of them. Did everyone really push to be more on the market? Definitely. If you're not, how can people be powerful? I'll speak to you with a time of go, a little bit like that. I have to tell you I think it's a few on that one. It's something that's taught in real life. I mean, it was before that there was one I knew. The records were just, first off, the team. Yeah. I like the way it went. It's a lot of work. Very good. I think that's what I'm trying to tell. It's tough. He's definitely a lot tougher. And I like that. He's a lot tougher.

2:40:45Yeah, I mean, that's what our unit is. We're trying to help us put in the first lesson. Yeah. Where did we go? Where you got that? I would say we definitely put in what he started in this way. That's where it was started. I was trying to get it. Or just, you know, the hundredth. I mean, I want to really say it's real. The toughness, that's real. And talent. It was right there. So, you know, we've done this a lot. I mean, it's a lot. I'm a tall star. I know those are. I would say our indie. I kind of build it up for us. The roughness. I mean, the toughness. I don't know what the toughness was. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. You know, full wraps. I don't know how to tell you what the fuck is going to happen. I'm just working myself out there and getting a lot of stuff.

2:41:46So, you know, I have to split. I mean, I have to split. I do have to split. There's a really fine against me. Yeah. Yeah. How much is your coming from your family? About 73 stores. You know, you've been being a football player here in Ohio State. I mean, being 20 minutes from home is pretty nice. And my dad playing here. He's a big one too. So, just being able to go back home and spend time with family is good. He's having a parents year. How often do you go back? I would say, I probably want to go to the same city somewhere around there. Not that far. There's some good people. Yeah, get a family dinner there. Yeah. You do ever go back for a high school event? Sure. Go back to being there. Yeah. For the schedule for next. Yeah. I can go back for a few days. When things ramp up in school, how do you balance that? You know, government. I, yeah, it does. Especially when the scheme starts to manifest. You really have to go to the next. You really have to go down. You can take the game.

2:42:46Now that one is over 10 minutes. What, what excites you about getting on the field in the end? You can play meaningful football. You know, you can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You can play it. You know, brothers, seeing the brothers succeed. You just know them at all the work that we put in. We put them in. We put them in here. That's awesome. You know, it's good. Are you a big guy that had an on-taking game? The environment where you can call business once you step out. You find it's real. I, I probably said it's a new business. I, I kind of just kind of looked up and I go out there and vote. I'm very proud. But there's, there's moments like when we had a big one at Notre Dame. That was awesome. There's moments like that, we just kind of have to look at it. Yeah. When you were when you had an accident, like getting a lot of attention, what kind of behavior

2:43:47for that for everything that happened for you, is there a way that you can get back in that moment? You know, placing your practice 100% here so that can be something that you can do. And then if you can definitely see me, you know, working at the game and it's just right there about practices. What's the point? We're talking about the TV, you know what's the kind of working and defense practice? How do they push you as to having an idea? You better, you're free from that. Hello, Dr. Demi. So I'd like to get my hands on them a little bit. If I can, I'm just going to break off with that. That, you know, their quickness kind of helps me get my feet in the middle. How does that help? I'm a bit of a problem with the system. I'm a product. I'm a product that helps me get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle.

2:44:47I can't get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle. I can't get my feet in the middle. How important is the relationship of the system? I'll make it a lot of things. Good. We're close to the talk a lot. How does it feel to move on and on? Thank you. First utility. A lot of playmaking. A lot of down and dirty blocks.

2:45:47I've got better blocking. Just like, just an exciting play. Does the seat paint have the kind of gear? Even in the last year as a receiver? How inspiring is that? The seat the way it tightens to be used in the top. The time is it. Or get highlight more and more. K was just one of the people that stood out this year because he put in that work for a system. And in the, in and out the wood, he's late nights early mornings. Even with me sometimes. What do you like? I just say what do you like about blocking? I just know that you can physically move him and he know, he know you come. That's all blocking is. Knowing that you can get your running back to the hands on. Just by you can somebody else. Is it a machinery that you've made the biggest strike? Of course, it was something one thing that I highlighted when I first got here knowing that. I had to go out and do really too much of it. I was more of a catcher while I was here. But when you got do what you got to do, you got to get better. What's the thing you do when you first got blocked? It's all about leverage. It's all about leverage.

2:46:47You bring it higher, you bring, you have a good leverage, you'll win the block. What's it been like having an air in here? Hey, that's my dog. It's always good again. Somebody from back home, especially what a guy you already had connection with for two or three years. And years before that, with, look, school, football before high school. How have you seen him take your Ohio State so far? He's been harassing everything. He didn't all the gyms from the other guys in the quarterback room, trying from the other guys that came back during the spring practices. Because our one might as great man. There's going to be a great guy. How cool is that when you see a guy like C.J. Stratton come back here? It was a little shocking at first because I decided to play with him. All you do is get the hair bottom. So, he's pretty cool. I talked to him a little bit. There's a bunch of guys from Georgia, our team on both sides of the ball. What do you make of that? There's a bunch of guys from Georgia. Hey, Georgia, what are the dogs at? Literally the bulldog?

2:47:47I'm not bulldog. It's really dogs. What was the combo like to make your baby go to the playboy? I mean, a game plan was to come out and win. I was a part of that beginning then. Some other guys came in who could get the job done. Just probably a little bit more better than me. Combo is a great experience. Loaded trip. It was a great partner experience for the whole team. Got to leave the witty for a minute. Got to look cool at vacation. Spring Christmas out there. I would like to have patience in the mornings. I'll take you play. You're going to be a big guy. This is your pey-lead baby. What's it like to wait kind of your turn? And at the same time trying to prove yourself? It's not really too much proof of myself. It's just me getting better on a day-to-day basis. I mean, it's not the first time I've been waiting to play a little bit. Obviously, some guys, first year at high school, we played JV. I was one of those guys playing JV.

2:48:47You get better, you have moved up. The worker show. You better hear it. One touch coming comes to me. Well, Aaron knows the grind. He knows it a little bit better than me while I was in high school. He did so many roles. But he definitely gave me gems and motivated me while I was making the process. Obviously Caleb Downs is one of those Georgia guys. What's it been like practicing at the same time? Caleb Downs, from Pennity, man. He's trying to bring it every day. I bring it every day. Ohio State, you're going to get the best of the best of every day. So I love it. Did you play with the youth playing at Taisfield? I didn't get to play again. I guess I'm about to. And high school, no. What you see of him in practice at center, when you can speak of him being the best of the best and the best of the best. You say, you know, what do they talk about for your bench? What stands out about his bench? I mean, he proved that everything he had to prove to get that title at Alabama. He showed, he can make plays.

2:49:47He showed, he's a great football player and all he did was bring his time to Ohio State. Can you see Sandy? I mean, you see Sandy, but he wants you to play him. He knows what he did for the game. I know for sure, Caleb has definitely did his homework. He's definitely watched for him and he definitely knows what he's looking for. So it makes the game very easy. Thanks a lot. Thank you for the pleasure. Thank you. I was like, you know, taking the coach points that coach Kelly and Coach Day give me. And then I also learned from all the other guys, you know, William, Devon, Ben here. They've had a lot of football and so just taking the points and then I'm trying to put it out for him. When you put him into the portal, you can still reach him. Maybe you can probably do it when you're in a much that life. I'm going to give him a much school. I mean, it was it was a little bit crazy. You know, I was I was only in for about two days because I had to make quick decisions just because of the classes starting in January. So it was definitely a definitely kind of crazy time to definitely make decisions. Julian was Nick really the primary reason why you left? I would say yes. I came with Coach Sabin. We had great relationship with the free process and I loved him,

2:50:48with Coach Sabin and I really wanted to play for him. And you know, just the new staff came and we didn't have a relationship prior to when I got there. So I just thought it was the best thing for me to do. So what was it about a high state staff that may be correlated between what you were going into with Alabama that you felt you could transition over here? I felt like there was a really good quarterback development. Coach Day, pretty good like Westboro. You know, the quarterbacks, they've had just the past five years shown the kind of great numbers. I've really done things the right way and I wanted to come this office because by hand, Coach McCurts Kelly, you know, make adjustments to Ryan. So what does that happen? It's definitely a lot of different questions. I had pretty much contact with them and they weren't really a... I didn't know that stuff. I really didn't know what things that Coach Day says. You don't like to have your hands held in that process. You played up a lot of time in football. What is it about you to drive you to want that much pressure? I would say, you know, in high school, I had a coach that, you know, he would give me a lot of responsibility. And he would know quite a lot of responsibility.

2:51:50I mean, make control on me. And so I just, you know, I want to be the best player that he can be. And take the pick of me with me like two things the right way and just do things the right way. I love Washington Hill Barrow. He makes adjustments to Ryan. He's a really good decision maker. I like just the murder. It's my charge of defense. I'm lost in one play. I'm someone who's doesn't know if I'll just, you know, be the decision maker who's right. You make things the right way. I would say I'm a little bit more clever. I'm working on the Michael Sadio. Coach Day is trying to get me to be more... I'm a vocal leader out there with the guys. I think I'm not a professional. It's going to be a week or a half. That's what I'm going to do. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. Definitely.

2:53:10Is the Lewkoare for a farggen ballpoint right from... What did you take away from that short period of time in the court? Yeah. It was really good with overtime differential race and power盯 career. And they were coaching players hard and I saw the work it takes to get to the playoffs and I'm coming here to see which of the ordisive guys put in the order there. Throughout the winner and seeing thoserecame that I'm crashing them. Throughout the winner and seeing those other guys in order again, those are just God's praises put in the order there... Throughout the winner and seeing our order... Throughout the winner. Throughout the winner and seeing our order Guys are all�er leadership and putting in the order there... incertainly how it takes. How much of our relationships we have with air. your boat freshman, what was it like before and what's your relationship? We didn't have much relationship prior, we measured it when we left them, I knew each other a little bit, and then come in here, you know, the quarterback room, everyone knows really close, so we're all pushing each other, we better, we're all taking close points from each other, trying to get better. I would say we were caught by surprise, you know, come back from the gaming, a little bit high-screws because of the German title and it's high-pot by surprise.

2:54:13How did you feel when you were playing? How did you feel when you were playing? I was just on the roof of the floor, I was just trying to go full back. There was definitely a lot of emotions, but I might be able to lean on a athlete in the regular conversation and I'm like, do you have the word but I'm not taking the whole population. I have a true question for you because you're actually a little bit low. You know, I can't really explain how to add out a beat, I'm just really trying to develop and take close to close to close today, remember it was one of my first words and then take close to close to Kelly to where I just started, won the dollar from running the offense and where they wanted it and then take close to close to close and try to put it on Monday. You look at your stuff, you look at your brain, and I think that's not right. But what about your game, do you think that's a problem? I think that I can be a really good decision-maker for the offense and some of you will be absolutely making trust.

2:55:13I think that's the key question. Is that actually a thing that you can do on Monday? I think it's kind of a lot of things. I was always around football, my boat was a quarterback at Cannes, so he used it quarterback when I was in high school and I was kind of following this group of depths. So I've always been around football and then I've just been at high level after this high school and just really just had a lot of that. Who do you want to take? One more. Who's your favorite type in? Packer. What are you saying? I've been chasing by a bull. I'm not going to be paying. I'm not going to pay for that. I just think that I'm going to pay for that. There are reps doing a good job, not just sitting there and being like, this is another one. This is another play. I see them fiercely battling from that position, so I either vote to do a great job. Is that where have you been practicing primarily at? Position or left tackle.

2:56:13Left tackle. Okay. Is that been your natural position pretty much? Yeah, I played left tackle towards end of my high school career. I played it all the way up until the spring of my junior season here. And I went to write for spring ball a little bit of camp and I went back to left. I think that I'm much more comfortable at left tackle. You went to write this past spring. The spring before the spring, so my junior year, yeah. Were you right tackle all of last season, like throughout the year? No, I played left. Okay, so you've primarily been left. Yeah, most of my time here has been left. I'm very, very much more comfortable at left tackle. I'm left handed. Like everything I do, I've been playing left tackle. Are you left-footed too? I'd say, yeah. Are you really? Yeah. You kicked it to your left foot. Yeah, I'm good. Chip made the comment about wanting 10 dies if possible. Because guys are going to need as much depth as possible, especially when it comes to the offensive line. Do you think right now your room is at that point where you can probably legitimately platoon?

2:57:15Like, not just kind of at the end of the game type thing, but really throughout the game, you get some meaningful minutes. Yeah, with all the stuff that went under in camp, like a lot of guys got a lot of reps. And I think a lot of guys were able to step up and show that like they are reliable. Like there were days that we didn't know who we had going into practice. I think that genuinely I can honestly say that we have good pieces in our room and we have more depth than I thought. We've had some time in here. You think that would be something that you guys would be able to cohesively agree on? Like, okay, let's get in there. And at the first quarter, second quarter, whatever the case is. And some people may not get kind of touchy about that. I've got to come out of the game. You guys have that kind of relationship, if you will, to be able to agree upon something like that. I feel like we have a great, our room has a great relationship. I feel like that we, you know, everyone's best friends, you know what I'm saying? Like, this is one of the closest, I mean, just the rooms I've ever been in.

2:58:15We've been together for so long and all the young guys have been coming along. So, it's been good, I'd say not. He's those bonded sounds like pretty pretty well. How do you think there's a unit handle that criticism that has been here for a couple of years for the O-Line? And then you just can't stick with that type of thing? Yeah, I mean, when you're at a place like this and everyone, everything around you, usually you're going to keep up. And what Coach Friar always tells us is that we have rooms in our room. So, like, there's no, like, it's on us. Like, you look at your brothers next to you and it's on all of us to uphold that standard and just keep kind of like fighting to be the best version that we can be of our offensive line unit and put it out there on game day. What's the biggest thing that feels different for you this year and maybe years past? I would say confidence and just comfortfulness. And then I'm in my fourth year. I'm back at my, you know, playing left to ankle, I'm having a good time. I've just been, you know, I feel like I've just been genuinely having fun with it. Not taking it seriously, but like, it's at the same time realizing that like, it's football.

2:59:15I feel like that is almost relaxed me. I've been able to play faster, I've been able to, you know, and just be more comfortable. What do you think it is that's instilled that confidence in you? Raps. For sure. Raps, just, I have not a lot of reps this can't for you. Yeah. Is this a king if you've probably had the most reps of any can't you've ever had? Oh, yeah. I mean, probably the first week of camp, I probably, I mean, I was taking like 30, 40 reps of practice. I feel like this was, you're going back to back. I mean, Austin, he's just going wins and twos and I'm saying that guys sick and we're not sorry. Yeah, I got a bunch of reps. So yeah, I don't know about it. How have you seen Austin take to playing tackle? He's doing, he's doing good. I feel like Austin, he gets, you know, he gets out there, he's tired. It's like the end of the rack we're switching off. I don't have anybody so I think sometimes it's kind of just like, oh, I'm going to go out there, but he's gotten better at it for sure. Just in general, like him playing both tackle guard, like what are the things you've seen from him going to the year two? I mean, Austin, I mean, gosh, Austin's been such a big jump this year from last year guard.

3:00:16I mean, obviously I didn't see him a whole bunch last year because I think he was probably, Maryland scouting, but this year, especially spring ball, I saw him take some strides with this camp, especially Austin's stepped up so much. I've seen so much more of Austin using what we've learned to execute in a game and improve in the practice. Now we're in Josh and we're here for four years now. I've seen him grow the most of just having reps in the system. You know, there's a lot going on in the system and so having reps, having seen live fire in front of you, and just getting that confidence, you know, oh, Ryan, you know, half of it's mentality, you ever have confidence. So just having the other half of the game, adding that to the half of the game, I think you're just going to improve further. Now I'll just say this whole line for the most part has a lot of playing experience.

3:01:18You know, a set bringing a set, he has a ton of playing experience. And then everyone else that on the line, that played last year, and now coming back how he yearned to the belt. So just the better and the mentality of like these senior at all, so now, not just seeing it, you're not guessing, you can play fast. And with the tools that we had, with like, you know, push-by teaching lesson, and just going against, I would say, one of the best of the lines in the country, you know, you have no choice but to get better. You know, as much as I hate confidence in those guys, they do do this better. And so I just rolling off the ball, playing with technique, playing with the bands, is what we learned about the pieces. I mean, he doesn't blink, you know, he's not jittered out there, he's played in the biggest games you can think of. And so, you can see his experience, his leadership as a personal position, just communicating down the line and making sure everyone's on the same page.

3:02:27Johnny, last question. What was your time for? Just that I'm weird this month then, for the whole offensive line, starting with day one, illness and everything, having meetings in here. I'm sure it wasn't what you guys expected August to look like. Yeah, you know, I just kind of just had to adapt. We've got some pretty school at home, but just, you know, trying to adapt and make sure everyone's won. And so, we had to make sure we weren't in the area to where we were just so learning how to learn it. And then just make sure those guys are taking care of it, so they come back to stronger and healthier. Okay, this has a chip on your shoulder, I know we talked about that before, just a little bit more happened last year. I mean, the lack of a better term, punching bag, you know, in terms of criticism, and you guys have taken that hard to come down the wall to show people something in the area.

3:03:28I mean, yeah. I mean, I added down, I added small numbers there, but, yeah, I mean, what's been said in our room, don't get me said out here. I mean, the narrative of you understand what some of y'all think of us. I mean, we just got executed, man. It's a y'all in the report, which I see on the field. So if we want to change that narrative, you got to go to the field. That's what we got to do. Thank you. That kind of surprised me. But I like that it was a little Christmas flare. Austin Moore, what did you guys think of the rotation on the guards? I thought all three of those guys did a really nice job, and I think it's, you know, to develop depth, lateness season, like we have is critical. I thought it looked really well. But I think when you can kind of keep some guys fresh, you know, most teams defensively, Tennessee being one, our team being one, Oregon being one, rotate defensive linemen very rarely are you rotating offensive linemen, so to have three really capable guys inside that that can spell each other.

3:04:37I know Justin and coach have talked a lot and we'll continue to play all three of those guys. And I think it makes all three of those guys better players. He says not it's not that common. We don't see it very often. Is that a difficult thing for a coach to do and it just goes against the notion that one chemistry and cohesion and all the rest of that was a difficult step for you guys to take that. No, I think it's a credit to those guys. And I think they've all earned it. So I think that's the one thing about it. It's a meritocracy here. You've met if you've met with playing time, you get playing time and all three of those guys have worked really hard at it. So, you know, we're the more depth you can have is better. And that's that's a positive, you know, as you're getting in here is we talk about it. It's a 16-17 game season to win the whole thing. And so you're going to your depth is going to be tested. Our depth obviously has been tested in the offensive lineman. It was in the game. Jimmy and it was in the south. So, but to have Luke step up the way he stepped up is a huge deal for us.

3:05:37You know, David, don't work that. A lot of the guys, every time somebody talks about consistency, people talk about his playing consistency, the talents, he's playing better, better than he's getting in the role. You get a good lot of attention. What do you see with Jolani? This is a lot of the ground up here. You kind of find the consistency of that trust until the end. I'm a big Jolani fan. I think he's a tremendous football player. He works his tail off. You can see him develop. He's certainly gotten better each week this season. And continues to develop. He's a big tall, rangel target. But he's a physical football player. You know, and when you look at him, you see his length and you see his height. And you say, well, you know, that's impressive. But then you watch his toughness. You know, I think on the one play, we'll took off for a first down and fell forward. But when he hit the ground, the ball popped out. And then Tennessee picked it up and he laid a hit on the Tennessee defender that picked the ball up. There's an innate toughness to Jolani that any football person just kind of demires from him. So, you know, combining that athleticism with that toughness, it's a pretty good package.

3:06:38Downspiris. So, yes, why? WNS coach obviously, these are kind of on chart of water. Do you guys knew going in? The death would be important. But this will be your 14th day. From a fatigue standpoint and whatever. They've never played this many games before. How are you guys handling all that? I think there's a little bit of a break. You know, there was a break between the last game of our season and then the first round of the playoffs. So then I don't know if it's 10 or 12 days between round one and round two here in the quarter finals. And then I think there's a, it's not a week to week thing. You know, some other like it is in the NFL. There's a little bit of a break in there. So, you just have to manage it the way you can manage it. So, the other teams you're playing are going through the same exact thing. So, it's not like one team's at a bigger, bigger advantage. You know, so I know Oregon had last week off, but then they did play in a championship game. You know, the week before that. So, they didn't have the week off after the end of the season. So, it's just how it is. And it is going to be a battle of attrition when you get down to the end.

3:07:38You know, I know like Georgia's lost their quarterback in their championship game. So, that's just part of what everybody has to deal with. Everybody's dealing with injuries and losing he guys that keep positions. But it's about guy stepping up and and running with it when they can. So, you know, and there's no better model than Cardinal Jones and what he did when the last time this team won a national championship is. You know, he started off the season of three, but then he was a quarterback that led them to the championship game. So, we talked to our players about that a lot. And it's when your time comes, are you ready when your time comes? And if it is, then let's go. What I get on a roll, ball, mound, is important. Do you feel the momentum coming out of that Tennessee game and you hope it continues now? You do hope it continues, and I think our players are in a good mindset right now. You know, I think we're still, I know today, I think you said Jerry a Saturday, right Jerry? It's Wednesday in our world. So, that's kind of how we approach it. So, you know, we had a good Monday and a good Tuesday. So, now it's, it's really just having a good Wednesday and concentrating it fully on what we can do today.

3:08:38To get better for this game that's coming up in a couple days. Tell me, I think some of the personnel has changed a little bit. And I think some of the players that did step up, you know, when Birch went down, have really played well. You know, Mateo's got 10 and a half sacks and it's been a really, has been a force on the edge. You know, and I think all those guys have grown as a group, just like our guys have grown as a group. So, you know, it'll be a different game than it was the last time. Just because of the maturity in both teams. And we'll have a really good game in four games that can all be played as a team at the Black Eyed. How do you see him approach to me? He's been the same. That's the one thing I love about Willis, his consistency and his approach on a daily basis is every Monday is the same, you know, the same preparation in terms of film study and what we talk about. What's Tuesday? Look like what's Wednesday? Look like what's Thursday? Look like in his growth during the week. So, I think it's that consistent approach that you really kind of admire from him.

3:09:43You know, there's nothing looking forward. Make the proper corrections on a Sunday after a game, whether it's a win or a loss. You know, and then move on to the next opponent. That's the way I think he's approached it since since the first game of the year. Even me, believe in Doc Conn. There's more on the rotation. Well, Austin, I guess his ability to be able to do that in the same game. Don and Jackson sometimes talk about different things like Frank, Frank, and so just him being able to do that in the same game. He's great on as a champion in that game. Can you evaluate his performance on both sides? Yeah, and I think you make a great point. You know, there's a big difference between playing on the right side and playing on the left side. People really, truly realize that it's a different deal. There's a big difference between being a garden, being a tackle. You know, how you see things and what you see. You know, you see different looks. You're facing different players. You know, you're using different footwork on the right side. You're the right hand down, the right foot's back on the left side, the left hand down, the left hand's back. So that sounds easy, but to drill and to be a great offensive lineman, the technique and the repetitions are huge and have to be able to do it both ways within a game itself.

3:10:51Is a credit to Austin and I think, you know, that flexibility allows us to kind of move those those three guys around because somebody has to swing if you're going to do that. So I think he's done a really good job. And I think since the beginning of the year, he's always kind of been that guy that, you know, started off a little bit early in the year on the right side. Then stepped in on the left side when Donnie was down for a while there, but then to be able to feel and go over the other side is a really big deal. There was a way you guys are running the ball, obviously, pre-lung million different injuries on the offensive line. Just having the time between the last time you guys played and you guys played on Saturday said, maybe revamp whatever you guys need to be banned to fit into what the guys are now. Could you do that during the season when you're playing week to week well also trying to mitigate all the losses you're having and you play on the offensive line? Yeah, a little bit. And I think a lot of times your game plan specific in the run game really is dictated by who your opponent is and how they play and how they deploy what type of spacing do they use upfront.

3:11:52And then what plays are better against that spacing and then breaking down the individual play of the individual guys. Where is your strength is it the inside guys is the outside guys. How do they handle certain plays so there's certain plays that are better against different teams. So there's always adjustments that go on from a week to week basis from that standpoint. Spencer Holbrook, let him grow. Chip, since Will has come back and tied in, what is he giving you guys that would you guys are missing the time or the thickness? Yeah, just having them back, we actually lost them in this game. And then to come back I think he's a big strong body. He can be a tight end and inline tight end that can block defensive ends block the C gap. It gives you that that match up in there against and we're going to need it this week because the ends we're facing are really really good. But given a guy that can play in line in line up as basically the sixth offensive lineman and can be able to compete like that. He's done a really nice job and I think it just added more depth than given us another weapon to use on the offensive side.

3:12:55Did you use the tight ends pretty well against Tennessee and I think you had a big Johnny and big catching in the state. Did you use G and story and transfer is almost pretty good against you guys. What is it about big games? You've been a play couple of times that makes you guys like to get the tight end more involved. It seems like in a big game, offense is just targeting right. Yeah, I mean the tight ends are usually deployed towards the middle of the field. It's a shorter throw for the quarterback. The tight ends are usually bigger targets. They have a bigger catch radius just because of the size of the tight ends and what they can do. Sometimes it becomes a match up game with tight ends. How do they match up against the linebackers? If they're a little bit more athletic than the linebackers then do you put a DB on them? But if you put a DB on them maybe they're bigger than a DB. That becomes kind of the game within a game when you're trying to control the middle of the field. It's like having a really good slot receiver and we do in a Mecca that can control the middle of the field. But they have a really good tight end watching them on tape that does a great job of helping control the middle of the field. He's really a safety valve for the quarterback knowing that hey I got a big guy somewhere in the middle of the field.

3:13:59It's a shorter throw. They don't have to drive the bottle to the sideline to get the ball to him. But you can take advantage of some of that spacing and use those guys. But I think it's the same thing. You know the teams that are really successful in the NFL, the Chiefs and people like that. The Niners with Kittle. You know having that that kind of security blanket in the middle of the field is a big deal for a quarterback. Folks, this press conference is being zoomed in streamed around the world. On the worldwide web we're going to go to a couple of those on zoom right now. A question from Andrea Soto from the Los Angeles Times. Andrea. Oh, she you are returning to the stadium that you've all told home for the past six years. Is that at anything that is game for you or is this kind of business as usual? Gotta get more sunscreen looking at the weather report because we haven't seen the sun a little in a while out here at Columbus. But I think more of the game itself and the rose bull itself is such an iconic place and such a special place to play. You know to be at that two o'clock kickoff on the west coast on January 1st is it's special.

3:15:04And so I'm excited to be an opportunity to coach in another rose one. I think that's going to be really special. And how would you say you've grown over the past year? Say that again. How would you say you've grown over the past year? Like as a coach and as a person. Yeah, I mean, I think anytime your product or your environment so to be able to be around this group. You know, the players and obviously this coaching staff here is. Has to make anybody better. So I think the fact that I got a chance to spend time with this group is is a truly special time. And I had a great time when I was at UCLA. I had a great staff and an unbelievable group of players there too. So I think just really fortunate with everybody that I've got a chance to be around the last seven years. Move on to Jordan Mendoza USA today. Hey coach, you at one point almost had Dylan Gabriel as a quarterback at UCLA. So clearly that you have a connection with him. What was it about him that you know wanted you to why did you to have him as a quarterback and what can you say about just the type of quarterback and person that he is?

3:16:06Yeah, I'm not surprised that the success Dylan has had, you know, you could see it. When he was at Melilani in Hawaii in high school and then watching what he did at Central Florida. Didn't surprise me to success the at Oklahoma, no other success he's at it Oregon. He's extremely accurate. I think he's really calm. There's a hoys about him that I think is, you know, kind of special for the quarterback position doesn't seem to get rattled too much. Really has a true understanding of what they want to get accomplished there. And it's also really athletic so that if you do take away some of his options from a throw standpoint. He can beat you with his leg. So I think he's the complete package and one of the top quarterbacks in the country. You got time for one more on Dylan Joe Reedy from the Associated Press. Hey, Jeff, just with working with this offense for the past year, when was the point where you felt like you were really comfortable with this group and everything was kind of operating how you wanted it?

3:17:07Yeah, and that's always a work in progress, you know, I think in some games you're like that was, you know, we were really productive and really efficient in terms of what we did in the other games. You know, you come out of the game and say, hey, we left some things out on the field or we didn't do what we thought we could do against his team. So that's part of the process, but I think we really approach it on a week to week basis. We don't kind of look at it and say, hey, I think we've arrived because I think each week is totally different. You know, there's been some games where I think we've been really, really happy with what we've done. There's been a lot of, there's been a few games where we know we got to be better. So, you know, our job is to put those guys in position to make plays and then let them go play. So we got a great group from that standpoint that that is a joy to coach because of how they approach every single day here. So, you know, we're excited about the next opportunity that we get with these guys. And then just what's it been like just, you know, being an offensive coordinator after many years of being a head coach has it been like you thought it would go? Yeah, it's been a lot more football and a lot less overall meetings, I think that a head coach has to do.

3:18:12But I think any head coach would share with you that part of it. You know, sometimes I think as a head coach, you wear a lot of different hats, you know, obviously as a coordinator and just coaching the quarterbacks, it's a little bit different. So, it's been fun. It's been a really enjoyed being back in the meeting room with players on a day to day basis as a head coach. You bounce around to different meeting rooms, but you know, as the coordinator, you're with the quarterbacks all the time. So I really enjoyed that aspect of it. Time for a few more questions here. Tom Moore, what kind of other show you've seen teams kind of bracket Jeremiah at times as a playholder. How does that make people think things up in different other areas of the field? Is that like an underappreciated part of this game? Have you been in fact people? It's not that at all. Yeah, he obviously has an impact every time he's on the field. But I think it's really the quarterback being able to discern that. Are they bracketing him on this play and not bracketing him on that play and understanding? Do we go to option two or option three? If maybe JJ was option one and they are double in him, then we got then hopefully that means someone else, you know, is going to be open.

3:19:16So it really will be able to process that post-nap from how teams are deploying him. But I think and I think was done a nice job of that. Having a quarterback like well, I'm going up against a quarterback like Dylan. This is obviously two real veteran quarterbacks. You've had young quarterbacks somewhat recently as well. Where does that show off the most? Is that during the week that you can just kind of sit through stuff because it's the AAC scene? Or does that show up more on game day? Where do you see the biggest impact from having a veteran quarterback? I think in both. And I think a lot of times with Will specifically this year, like he sits in on our game plan meetings with us and talk to him about, hey, we kind of like this in this situation. What do you feel like? He'll give, you know, he doesn't always agree. So I kind of like this. So you know, bounce ideas off of him because he's played a lot of football and has a lot of experience. So, you know, that's enjoyable when you have an older quarterback. Sometimes when you have a younger guy, they don't have the wealth of experience to be able to share with, you know, I kind of like this because they haven't done it. They just lack the experience. I don't like the talent. They just like the experience. So having a veteran quarterback like that, that's played a lot of snaps.

3:20:19And there's things that will say, hey, we're looking to do this. So I did that. You know, that was a two-point play for us a couple years ago. So I kind of like that, that operation. So, you know, having that experience, I think, is huge when it comes to quarterback spot. And I'm sure Dan will tell you the same thing about having Dylan over there. You know, I think he's got 60-some-odd start. So, you know, that experience can't, can't hurt you. So, a little bit of it, it's on this back. So, if you coached for a long time, you've seen great players pushing NFL. Have you ever seen anyone who's good as young as Jeremiah? As young? No. No, not that maturity level that approach those physical skills as a young player, as a freshman. I've not seen anybody like Jeremiah now. And, you guys wrote in the last game, you're not definitely going to do it throughout the playoff. What makes you so confident and feel for that? You know, I think the one thing about Jeremiah is just his consistency to practice itself.

3:21:19He practices every day. He's very rarely, as he missed anything. You know, I think his durability over the course of time. You know, we played 14 games now or 13 games now. And he's been there every day. You know, some other guys have had an ankle, had a knee, had something that would keep him out, not for the entire game, or but during the course of a week, maybe a miss a Tuesday, miss a Wednesday. You know, the one thing about JJ is he's out there every day. And I think he's, he really enjoys practicing. He really enjoys playing. I think the kid loves football, which is awesome to see. So, you know, I think he's built for it. You know, you look at him physically. I think he's, he can handle the workload. You said you were going to watch Jeremiah, he's ankle got twisted. He didn't miss any practice after that. You know, I think, you know, everybody was concerned after that. But when we, because we're off, we run around on Sundays, but we're off on Mondays. When we got back to Tuesday, he was back out there running around. Now, what are those things out with Bill Landis? Kings of the North. Chip, I think the fantasy game was the most, maybe you guys have moved Jeremiah around.

3:22:21It was the highest percentage of snaps on the week from the season. I know a lot of you guys do as opposed to the specific, but how much of moving him around was, you know, dictated by just how teams have defended him. And what is it for you, I guess, when you can not always have the misses. I think we did it early. We did a little bit against Nebraska, had him inside and did some different things. He caught a post-strike down the middle against Nebraska in some of those situations. So, again, most of its game points specific in terms of how our defenses that we're facing, trying to defend us in what puts us in a situation to make plays. So, that'll really depend on who you're playing and how they, how they kind of approach it. More than, hey, this week, let's just try this. We're not, there's not anything we're just trying. It's all based upon our evaluation of however many games they played and how they deploy their defense and their spacing to how we're going to deploy our offense and try to space them out. And it's, you know, Jeremiah is a physical presence and I know he's really well-rounded

3:23:21with some of the one-handed catches he's made. But when you guys have gotten in the ball kind of in space, his ability after the catcher stands out at the point where he needs perhaps underrated. How would you, I don't think anything about Jay Jay's underrated. He wasn't the first player you were in. He wasn't? No. Did he have that? Yeah. He didn't win. He didn't win it? No, he won it. Got all the time in the sound of that. I see. Oh, the linebacker? Yeah. He's a good par. But. I didn't have a vote. Yeah. Kids are good par. I'm sorry. Like, Dix is the football player. J.J. after the catcher. Like, is that, I guess maybe the bud brother asks, is that something you want to try to unlock a little bit more that you go forward here in the post? Is it just, you know, letting him use his feet to, or what do we, yeah. I mean, J.J. You know, he, I think he ran a reverse against Michigan State for a touchdown. You know, he caught a short pass against West from Michigan and it just ran away from everybody.

3:24:23You know, I think obviously he's not just throwing the ball up and having to go get it. He can do a lot of different things. And that's what makes him a complete football player. So, you know, he can, he can take short passes and turn them into runs after catches and can make some damage that way. But he can also beat you over the top. I think the one thing that maybe underrated is I think he's a really good blocker. You know, I think he's, he's done a really good job on perimeter runs in terms of being able to lock up the B's and get his hands on. Because he is such a big guy. But he takes a lot of pride in that too. That's the one thing that's always so good about J.J. Is that there's nothing that he's not willing to do to help us win. So if it may be a key block in a certain situation or it may be catching a short pass and running with it or maybe, you know, catching the ball over the top. Those highlight touches that he's made. It's, it's that he's the complete package. So, you know, we're fortunate to have him. Coach, thank you very much. All right. Thanks, Coach. I'm going to try to make a good one. You know, I can't really make a good one. I can't really make a good one. They just thought I could, they just thought I could be at edge.

3:25:23It's because how quick I was and they thought I was going to gain a lot of weight. I was already 235 last year. So they thought I at least knew like 250. But it's time to stay with you for a few. Do you have like a, you're playing lineback now. Obviously, you just have to be your preferred spot. Like what do you like about linebackers? Just persons like, if you had stuck with like maybe you'd be on the edge or an end. I like a lot of back and more because I feel like I'm more free. Not to make a bunch of play linebackers. Did you ask to go back to linebacker? Did they just put you back to linebacker? They put me back there. I took a one last year, not being out there colliding with hurt. I really see feel that some deep I see on that. It wasn't really difficult. I knew I wasn't seeing a field. It was because what I was doing, I wasn't really into the playbook. I was just, I was really all over the place. So the one who was in the field, I was really in the field. So the one who I knew the final was, that's what I changed. How much did that drive you into this year then? I completely changed from last year.

3:26:25This year I'm in the playbook, I'm watching film, I'm on my coach. What does that look like day to day when you're in the playbook studying? Coach Day mentioned that was an uptick and a preparation going to be joined. What just take me through it a day, what do you do? I just go over the mistakes I made yesterday. I just can't make the same mistakes. We don't all make mistakes, but we can make the same mistakes. I just go over the mistakes. Obviously watch film and everything, talk to Nova Stem. You have the mindset, you seem to have, what you play, the mindset of a linebacker. You're still what I'm saying. You feel more like a linebacker in your heart than anything else. Yes sir. Why is that? How do you feel that? Like I say, I feel like that linebacker, I feel like I have. I have to be around every player, like make every play. That's why I'm always running to the ball. You never know what happens. The pop out, you get a pick from that. So you just run to the ball, being around the ball. Do you have to coach you about that or is it like that?

3:27:26That's just something I'll always be. Just ran to the ball, saw it on the side. If you have a little max on top, some guys have a premonition. What's coming before it gets to you. What actually happens? You feel like you have that kind of sense of action. Kind of having a feel for what's coming before they run the blind. Yes sir, that's just kind of what you're watching film. On the plays I was chasing the ball. I pretty much knew it was coming. The mistakes I made that week is what I cleaned up on it when I watched it. That first week when Cody wasn't out there. What was that like for you and what did you learn from yourself? Getting so many reps on foot. It was exciting because I knew I was going to play a lot. I got like 35 plays. That game I knew I was going to play a lot. Honestly I learned that like, that's like a five. A pair of four I have to do it. When you add Cody back to his lineback around, I mean you Cody C.J. Sonny, the four of you very first to talk about it to do a lot. What is it like being with that group and how much is that?

3:28:27Do you have help each other? I learned a lot from those guys, especially Cody played a mic official. I was just looking for him and learning from him. When he walked through, I was just learning a lot from Cody. I was the president of the team. May it play or make an impact? It's your being from Ohio for the season area. You got to make a play that I have a big impact on. It means a lot to me, especially when I come from, it's a lot of guys that come from camp and where I came from. That did the same thing. So just the fact that I can live up and be a nation, it means a lot to me. Of course some people you leaned on had a grown up that maybe have had experience. It was like this. I remember. I remember. I remember. Can't remember. I've been playing football since I was five. My mom put me into it, so I said my mom. You didn't work at all at the will during camp at all. He never got any work over there. So a lot of times Sunday we'll talk about how interchangeable the two positions are.

3:29:29I learned about it, but I didn't get too much work out. Arve, with the preparation stuff you're talking about, what flip that switch? Was it a conversation with Coach Lornais? Was it something you just saw? Was it a conversation with the team? What got you in the film or more? I say Coach Lornais made me really realize that I could really do it and actually play. He always say like, if I just put the time in, I could do it. He always say something to me. So I say, I really say Coach Lornais is just me realizing too like, damn, I really can't do it. So it's like a confidence. So for things like you weren't sure if you were a tough person to cut it right back. Not a lack of confidence, but a lack of like seriousness. I said, I was like last year, I was here. You weren't really involved. Did you not know how good you were? You don't feel it. No, I don't know how good I was. What the hell is that?

3:30:30You're talking like a guy who didn't understand how good they actually were. I told somebody, he showed you, like, yo, this is what you're going to do. No, I'm not. Were you all struck by the process and everything? Or being here? Or was it just showing up and going to the motions? You saying, yeah? Were you all struck by everything? Is that why you weren't taking a series? We're just trying to process more than you. I mean, I started off at Laundry and then I moved to Ed. I was still like, you know, I was here. Yeah. What was it? When you got her live stress vessel team, what injury was that? And how did that change things for you? I had a good cousin, it was a kickoff. I had a good cousin. I was off like five games. It didn't really change much. Was that a hard thing to go through? Yeah, it's not. I never met Andrew like that for that long. So he was hard. Cool. Last question. Did you just do the marketing that you said yesterday about 50? No, what did you say? I said, if any of the blood types want to keep that here, basically you have a whole bit. You can have that happen.

3:31:30Okay. You asked me what I'm thinking about that? Yeah. I'm thinking about the great thing. Oh. I'm not known. Thank you, Arvo. If you end up in Marshall, I'll stand up for it. I tried to play her and I had coached the nose was best for her. I thought I was good to go and a lot of people told me I wasn't. I was like, what do you mean I'm fine? And then coach said, you know, talking off the cliff a little bit. But it's just trying to protect me for myself. You know, I have a blessed with opportunity to play a lot of ball this year. And so you're just like, look man, let's calm down for these weeks and we'll get you back after the buy. But I wasn't the most happy camper in the world for a good minute there. It is what it is we're playing football again. And how special was it for you, Pat? It was amazing. As a senior, I know I only have a limited amount of opportunities left to play in the overshoot.

3:32:30So just running out of the tunnel, you know, I've never, never said I'd take the game for granted, but knowing that I like the number of times I have to do that's way to lean down, kind of way to weight on me those first few games. And so just playing the game to the highest levels as fast as I can and just, you know, taking it all in in the moment. I've been more objective than the one we were going to go with some more injuries that way in your mind. I'm not feeling like what's in it all is in the end. I'm just trying to keep it going. Maybe it's it. I mean, when it happened, I've been lying about it that I wouldn't take the route to heat it up, these races. But like, I was like, oh my gosh, like what happened? And it was kind of a moment of like, okay, like how long is it going to take? And then everyone's like, as I am trying to do, like, we don't know, like, everyone's body heals differently. And so just trying to, you know, put good things in my body.

3:33:30So I heal as fast as I can and trying to get, like, I put rest doing everything to train, I've done it to do everything, Coach Ryan, Coach Day told me to do to try to heal as fast as I can and you're about on the field. And I'm going to have to do that for the moment of uncertainty. You definitely know that if everyone's feeling differently, the time you're having a little bit of a little more time on the field, you're going to be in the end of the course of the time. And I'm going to have to do something good for you, feeling that. But if the decision comes back, it is going to be a little bit of a problem in the first few days and then we have to be with that for the next one or what's going to be up. Yeah, I know there are definitely moments of frustration. I'm not going to lie about that. But our training staff of, you know, Stu, Solo, Sean, Tyler, and Carl, you always keep one there. They told me to trust the plan. They said that they've seen this type of thing happen numerous times and they know that it's going to take a lot. But you're going to be going down the top of the field. And so it's, you know, think of it now. It's kind of funny. But in the moment, I was like, don't tell me that. But it's, you know, it is what it is.

3:34:31Yeah, no choice. What do you think of? Awesome. I think it played great. You know, it's a competitive excellence that we talk about here, you know, making plenty of numbers called and also some of those called and he did a fantastic job. You know, it's always great seeing young guys as sound old saying that. But Austin is going out there and doing his thing. You know, we all know we could do it. There was not a doubt in my mind. He was going to go out there and show us the other. But it was great seeing 67. You know, you got your way to being here, you know, leading up to those games. I don't know if it mean, you know, give him tips. What do you want college? Yeah, I know. I would, you know, make my voice known here and there, but he's already on his stuff. You know, I do like little new on things. I like him. Like, like, if he does this, he might do this because, you know, for my mistakes, I was like, he can do this so you don't make the same mistake I do. But Austin's a fantastic athlete, you know, just trying his not. And so he did fantastic doing what he does. Well, to keep it you, he does much down between, you know,

3:35:32when he was ever in your little malony and coming back because time heals all. I mean, it was it was that thinking without hard to grasp it, sitting out with the maybe tough and the long run the right thing. Yeah, those those difficult concepts from the grass from all boys and the stubborn kid. You know, my mom, but, you know, patients, patients hasn't always been my thing. So when it happened, I'll be back until he's been two weeks can. I was like, it's the hurts. But it was just, you know, trusting the process, knowing that the, our, our training staff knows what they're doing and they knew they're going to be back on the field. And so, and I don't know, mom, the field just keep on going. Yeah, a lot of them. They just feel 100% less. We have a hundred feet of a lot of them. Feel great. Yeah. God, what do you guys have a lot of experience on this line when you add a guy like set, with that level of experience? How much does that help in that center position? When he has so much, he has a big, big, big talk. Yeah, you know, I'm very, very upset. You know, I'm upset is, I would say that the tip of the spear of our offense, I would say,

3:36:35they'll be like, if teams play us, they're not going to come out of exactly what we think they're going to do. Because that's just, you know, game plan. But set, set communicates throughout the entire, almost down to the snap count of what we have to do, to make sure all guys on the same page. There'll be times where, well, it was in this cadence and he like yelled at me like, hey, we're going over here. And so I know that just follow what he said and then we're going to make a good play out of it. What do you make of rotation and take a, and off to your experience in guard? What are the pros and cons? Maybe you broke the national division? Well, it's a great coach for our question. We don't get it. I just want to let guard. I know that, I know that both guys are very talented. And I know that when they're in the game, they're trying to prove themselves. And so just having to compare the guys and guys getting after it. And as long as we move the ball and get to the end of it, I mean, I don't think anyone cares if they do, doesn't it? All right. Not in the back. Thanks, y'all.

3:37:35Thanks. Thanks, y'all. Good luck. Coming back. We didn't really know how much I could handle. I mean, how many plays I could handle at a certain amount of time. So it was just like kind of trialled by air. I was seeing what I could do in the short amount of time that I had it. But I definitely think there was more trust to be had on the coach's side with me. So I think that definitely came into this fall camp, you know, doing all the plays and doing a lot of repetitions those plays and getting, you know, really home dinner on my play with the king. Talk about the only healthy now. Maybe you don't have to have any of those kind of sessions. Do that. Still ongoing with the training staff that's nearby. I am a trainer room as much as I can. I've been in there. I can leave a facility with like five different body parts. I start, but yeah, I think the biggest thing is just saying consistent. That's probably my biggest challenge going into this fall camp was at half moments like that. Where you said I'm flashing, but it's like where I stay consistent in every single play and doing my job every single place.

3:38:38I think it's going to continue to work on. It's just the depth of defense. If you're technically a backup, maybe you're a backup, you got a jack and get the sword of jacks lawyer and JT just the depth of defense that's really good. Yeah, I personally think we're one of the best team or best groups in the country. So I think it's great to have so many guys because you know, it's going to be a very long season. And we're going to leave a lot of rotation. So I guess even when Jack and Jayce come out of the game, I stand there so I have to be upheld. So that's really what me, Jayden and I, Jayce are finally doing every day. What's up, Edward? It's going great. I'd say he's very, I feel like he's found himself in a humble kind of space. You know what I'm saying? Where he's kind of took a step back and just like put his head down and worked. I think that's the same for yourself for a lot of the freshmen here. That's really cool to see him motivating. See from the day I like that. We think this defense will be known for not to over in November. When you think that will be, people will be saying that. Thanks coach.

3:39:38I know what you mean. It's just kind of hard to frame because I'm not there yet, you know. But I just hope that we're known for doing our job and playing at a violently high level each and every staff. And doing as hard as we can each and every staff. And if that's what we are, then I think we can hang our hat on that for sure. How much more do you think everything is made by Bay? Oh gosh, man. Who you tell me now? It's definitely like those injuries like I said, it's probably one of the more humble experiences of my life. And it kept me grounded. You know, I really realize like this is not something that is going to be here forever. And I'm not going to be playing the sport forever. So I just really got to be blessed and thankful that I'm even in this position right now coming back from those injuries. And saw the opportunity to play at a high level, which I am. So I think I've definitely found myself really trying to stay in the present as much as I can because it's not always guaranteed. But I'm going to be able to do what I can do. By Lincoln. It's up for ready. Yeah. It was definitely hard.

3:40:39I definitely had a lead on some of my loved ones, my family members, my parents, just to like really understand that this is what I wanted to do. And of course it is now. But yeah, it took a second to really just like how to understand what it really took to get my body right. How to recover, how to, you know, rest right. Do everything I can to that I can stay healthy for long season. I'm going to get a little bit of a little bit of weight. Mike, you want to get tightly caught in the middle? Like, I was just curious. You guys have a big picture of me, Jeff, on this roster. You got here? Yeah. Everyone did? Yeah. What is that that still means to you? And then going forward like how do you instill this is how you want to be changing? Because you watched everybody get already done before. Yeah, I think it turns into motivation if anything. Knowing that a lot of the guys are things before us, guys at that point, they succeeded and stayed there. And I love what excellence has to be like solidified in each rep that we do. And I think that the leaders of this team have really tried to hone on that. Every rep with every practice we're trying to like understand why we're doing it and what we're doing to force.

3:41:42I think keeping that on the forefront of our minds and every day and every practice is the things part. Getting back there. I mean, yeah, we understand what's happened these past couple of years and all the things that we haven't done. So I think this year is definitely like kind of a redemption in that right? Understanding that, you know, we've fallen short and we haven't met our expectations. And, you know, it takes a lot to get there and we understand that. And it takes more than what we've done. So I think finally, you know, taking that next step and doing everything we've done intentionally will be the biggest thing for us to talk to. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you. And now we're just hoping to put all of our best games and having it in one. And, you know, just all of us can decide on a comeback. You know, that's just another year of memories, but another year to grind and get better by the other side.

3:42:45Would you be asked to be here in your core? No, no, but, you know, God has his own way of doing things. And this was his plan for all of us to come back and, you know, we just have to continue to trust in his works, but as well as do our works that we need to do it each and every day. Did you get to go into your career practice? How different is Josh? I mean, last year, he's more poised. You know, we, there's a lot of great reps, great won't be ones. And, you know, he tests me athletically. I test him athletically, but, you know, both him and both Josh's actually, they do a great job. They do a great job of just having us stay on our toes. And, you know, there's, I mean, we're going to say the best tackles nation that's going to win. That's the best deans, the best de line. So, you know, we're just, it's just good on good every day. What makes him a difficult guy to match? He has great feet, very athletic. You know, he's just a, he's a freak. He moves well at his size and, you know, it tests all of us to, you know, stay on edge.

3:43:47Do you allow me to try to do a tie-up for the fight? You know, he's only has his, has moments. But, he's a great kid, man. You know, he's getting better each and every day. Young guy, but, you know, he's a high-simmer. Can I get your thoughts on Tyler Conte, his new secret TNT handshake? Come on. No, I haven't seen it, but I can't talk. I'm not part of it. I always have what is. But, you know, that's, I just, I guess that's how the cookie crumbles, you know. You like the TNT moniker? You like that? You guys are explosively excited? Yeah. Again, I feel like I could be a part of that. I have a T. But it's probably not in the, you know, my first name, but I do have a T. So, I guess I'm just the cousin of the whole thing. Yeah. Right now they just have me on the side. So, I'm just on the side right now. I think that's high. But I think right now, we're working on all the little things, you know, get off,

3:44:51violent hands, and just stay, you know, taking a making our toolbox. So, you know, of course, that's in mind. But we understand that, you know, that goal would not be reached unless we, don't continue to do the things that we do now and just work on our craft. What has Cody signed and done to earn respect to this team? Man, you know, Cody, you know, once he came back, he just took on leadership role, took on the vocal role. You know, it wasn't, it wasn't easy at first. He just continued to talk, you know, just get that confidence going. And, you know, he just, he grew and his growth as a leader. You know, I've seen it from, we first started off season to now and, you know, he's a great leader. Great guy, you know, playing, playing behind me and just leading the pack. And, you know, I'm blessed to have I as a my guy back. What is front four going to be known for? Do you think, when it turns October, November, what are y'all going to step in my

3:45:51pay stands for the Birdview on Colorado? Is there a reputation do you feel? I think for us, the front four, the B1, the R2X, which won't be known as, you know, the guys that play relentless, you know, like, like, Coach, this has had on fire. You know, never, never seen us, you know, for sideline to sideline. As big as we are, you know, maybe 300 or maybe, you know, 260 to 250, but, you know, no matter what, we're going to be flying, we're playing on our, you know, our heads off and just, you know, making sure that relentless effort is a, it's helped us stand. It was a commentator around the country stuff. They talk about how, you know, having a Penn State game every week. You know, he knows about that. What is your goal in that regard this year? My goal, yeah, I think you just hit on it, consistency. You know, my goal for me is, you know, as much as it would be great to have a Penn State game every day, every week, you know, as hard, so, you know, for me, as you can't go chasing, I got let it come to me, got to stay, you know, in my

3:46:54warehouse, not, you know, going outside of it, you know, doing things out of, you know, out the blue, that hurts me more. So right now it's just, you know, eyes, hands, feet, playing fast, playing physical, and just continue to just, you know, be the player I am, and just bring that every week. Did you see how excited I am? Yeah, yeah, that's one thing we've been preaching across the room is a lot of us just being us, as well as, you know, playing together, and just playing fast as we can. JT, how excited are you with that Jack? Has been able to cap him in one day by his leadership? Man, you know, I've been roommates with him. Jack has, you know, just big praise for him, you know, just seeing him grow, being with him. Jack has been a tremendous leader, ending out the, the, the D-Live Room, you know, for him to be the name captain, you know, for us to have R2S to be named captain, I mean, that just speaks volume, you know, he's gonna, he's gonna continue to lead, continue to push us, I continue to push him, and we just continue to just have a heart-hat days,

3:47:57and you know, keep our head down and continue to work. Have you ever been here, you're just a little bit late for you to get out of here? Oh, okay, yeah. I remember, we were just playing in the, in the Rose Bowl, you know, a couple of weeks back, but now it's a senior year, you know, we get ready for this last season. I mean, time flies, that's one thing though, all the guys that came before me told me is just, you know, count your days, make every day count, because, you know, when that day comes, you're gonna look back and then, I mean, you know, it's already my, my senior year, and I do that every day, you just wake up, but, you know, that just made me understand that how blessed I am to play this game, you know, the position I'm in, I'm just able to, you know, not only, you know, affect the, affect others around me, but, you know, bring, bring a positive message to whoever, whoever's coming after me, you know, just let them know what the standard is, let them know, you know, what, on how state, especially, what course you're in, thank you, thank you. Thank you, thank you.

3:48:58Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for taking the opportunity to, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We're done here, yeah. Do I finish all of your catch? Thank you. Did you realize how much you were in the grass? No, I didn't realize how much you were in the grass, because usually, I practice catcher contact without the, no, and the game, when I turn around, I, I didn't think I had that much green grass. Why do you see interesting hospital missions? Oh, we, watching it, we trying to see like, they said, your fence of coordinator over there, he like runs a similar, oh, see how it's defensive, like, level three, level one, so, like, the high safety. When you see like, that, you know, taking the roof and floor, I don't know if it's possible, is that kind of catch your guy's attention? Oh, yeah, we know they, uh, can you play ball? It's a big team, uh, they play the big team team, uh, so I know we, we know they're going to come over and play ball with us.

3:49:58I know what you like about it, but you get us out of there and what do you think about it? Um, I feel like I could, uh, I could have blocked better. I left a couple of blocks out there on the fence and stuff like that. I, uh, love one catch out there on the floor and stuff like that. And, uh, I always feel like I could play better than what I did. Do you think you all have a, uh, or a blocker at this point? Well, I, I think I'm pretty good. I just got to be more consistent with what I do. How do you feel like the real deal? Well, they're good. He didn't, uh, let the pressure get to him. Uh, he just, uh, uh, stirred the will. I want you to see your chemistry world, uh, what is it? Uh, basically, it's going a lot and stuff like that. I don't try to bother him. I try to let him get through all his reason stuff like that. And I just tell him whenever it goes, but down, you need somebody up there for you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Brandon. Are the goals, right? Yeah. Are they missing the first series in the NFL? Yeah, uh, uh, I have the first, uh, the first boss, um, like, uh, could you have the thing going to come back right back to you and stuff like that?

3:50:59That's what you did. And how did you say I'm going to go to wall? Well that's the game. I know you're going to post a frame of the see what he did as a corporate turnaround game. How the comics does that inside here? That excites me a lot especially I'm out there blocking for so I'm gonna be my all for my dog It's like that hopefully you take one to the house this year Not gonna be too long It's gonna turn real soon All right, good. Thank you Be a little more confident as once you see once you see basically about everything you're gonna see in a game You just you want to get more comfortable and you just it just feel more at ease and just feel more Just like football, you know, what do you see your roll out spin this deep? I think just it's a god I can play anywhere in the back end Just a guy that can feel me helping especially change whenever they wherever they need me at this year Just go out there and just give it all Yeah, I've been in the nickel a lot of the spring I've been going back and forth So it's been a new transition for me, but it's really not that new. I played a nickel in high school

3:52:00I really didn't play that much last year because I was trying to just get back And you get into the groove of a college football, but I'm back to it now I think it's just the two-way gun that you get you are being in the slot You can go inside outside and if you press the catch technique compared to back pedal in and You got the sideline silence and that's a defender it can help you certain times Obviously I think it's just I think it's about just me pushing them and then pushing me last year It was about me just learning and it was just helping me as the older vets and now we all back again So it's just like this is more like I think it's give me a chance to learn more and just watch the bed Like they've been about to be a four-year starter as big, you know So just watching everything he do how he prepares for practice how he prepares every day is it's gonna help me in a run run His patience Patience been your long suits since you've been alive or you had to learn a little bit about patience in the last couple of years

3:53:02I think you're just like to what you just talked about there. Patience is watching others do it. Yeah, patience is like It's a thing that's very hard Especially when come out of high school you learn a higher recruited players And you don't you come here and as you probably don't play as much as you thought you would or play as much as You want to you know And it just I think patience is something that you just got to just hold on to and just grab it And just don't let it go who came me just like it's easy for a guy like me to Give man and run away and go somewhere else and you feel me do whatever I want to do I think patience is key and I think these last couple of years that my patience is definitely gotten better And it's just it's helped me just be a better player a better man who's in green dead in you. I mean coach Because well over here was just talking a minute ago You know, it's gonna be a competitive thing here if you come to a high state, you know in y'all's room and and you found it It is but as he talked to you about that as it's gone along to I mean about about the patience aspect a Little bit but you really just really just know You would know if not like what's going to go on?

3:54:06I think a lot of it comes with like just know yourself and know which which ability is and know where you really are I think some people get to hit or so for no think their head of where they are really are and just it's just a look in the mirror You can and how tough is it when you get your shot tonight? But just press the gas in the floor, you know And you just got to go in here, you know do your job. I feel like that's the only thing It's a be on your mind once you get that chance going there and do your job because the worst thing that can happen This something you know just go out there and you deal a job you feel me That's all I got What's for St. Compton? free Athlete big strong fast like a lot of the same things you see in Marvel, but not not the same kind of younger right now, but yeah The same defensive staff, you know mostly but BJ back It's nice, so you know the second year in the season is always better than the first So I think we've been embracing it and just like I said a trinimated corrections from last year and just be better

3:55:09Show them talking about there's some kind of like mental awareness that goes to that income passes and knowing when you're not going to get to the quarterback How do you just talk about that as a defensive line as a Russian group in terms of How to work on that? Yeah, we do some of the drills in practice We haven't kind of restarted them yet, but those some things you drill in practice Obviously, you know, if it's a quick game you're not gonna get there. So you know just get your hands up Think it's just more of a field thing Zach in particular seems really good at that Yeah, it's something that he does well in the area. No, yeah, Zach is definitely good at that And you know, I think that's something the interior is very good as a whole just Even hands up Bear what's the bigger impression of Jonah Ellis now with a few months working with him? You know Jonah got a lot of natural skill. I think his upside is very high But I mean like any work, you know, there's a learning curve from playing coming from college and NFL So I think he's just continue to develop and continue to get better. I mean, I'm happy what I've seen But I mean, obviously I know he has high expectations for himself and not only him, but I hold units So I'm just like I said excited seeing keep growing was the most challenging aspect of that learning curve for you

3:56:12For you to come in later or really I guess you're too I think the biggest thing was switching from inside to outside I mean inside you five yards off the ball kind of versus edge you right there with somebody in your face So just kind of learning how to just that change up and I think just learning how to you know get off the ball You know inside you have time to read outside. You don't have that much time to be kind of very decisive So just getting reps of that, you know, that was the biggest thing to have me And I think that it'd be something to have wellness to just getting reps some more reps to get the better you get Darren can you talk to your relationship with Jonathan Cooper and how you guys Have your camaraderie kind of wants your relationship up front? Oh, yeah, that's my dog. I mean, I play with him four years in a high-off state So I think just you know being in a place like a high-off state together and going through that hard train in and then making it out on the other side You know, I think we just able to hold each other to that standard and I Afraid to hurt one another fill in if we don't hold live up to that standard And he know how to push my buttons. I know to push this buttons So, you know, I'm grateful to have him as a teammate in this area. You get to play somebody from your college

3:57:17Experiencing you to do this time here especially like with the defensive bands just in terms of how you want to rush up each other All that I think is just the time you learn the rest as a deal You know, this is a perfect time for us just to learn how to rest together You know, we meet together, you know, you ask the guy who's to your side, you know, what you're thinking on this play and film So you just kind of get a feel for it when that scenario pops up on the practice field or in the game And just creating that dialogue is I think it's the biggest day and the asking questions. So There you've got a back to screen drive on Sunday. Can you tell us a little more about it? Uh, yeah Don't hurry to give me if I can't say too much because I've been focused on training camp So my public is in a agents kind of been doing a lot of the labor in my mom But uh, yeah, we just uh, we're gonna have a big event out here Sunday. I believe up there in the parking lot Uh, gonna have a corner ice machines some jump houses Uh, we're gonna be donating backpacks. I think over 150 backpacks for the kids for the upcoming school year with supplies And a bunch of different things But uh, just trying to get the kids excited for going back to school and obviously helping out families

3:58:19Uh, my not unfortunate enough to buy their kids the supplies and e for school So just trying to do what I can to have my community here in Denver Um That's the blessing about being at a school like a high state everyone around you scout team Those that are on your team and against you are the best players in the country Um, and that's that's the that's the blessing offered is if you can perform here and practice You'll be able to perform in a game no matter who it is Uh, physically Um, obviously the big issue for me was speed Operation time. So I did a phenomenal job at the expectations of getting that mower Um, and a big thing for us is not getting blocked. We haven't been blocked in four years five years Um, so for me to come in and change what I was doing and speed it up

3:59:20Um, does a real sort of personal Um conflict whereas I want to be the best partner I could possibly be Um, but that was conflicting with the speeds they wanted and then I just sort of had to change my mindset and think about truly what I wanted to be if I wanted to be I was school like a high state which had high expectations Um, or go somewhere else but with that I just had to make I'd be committed to it. So Um, just had to work with coach keys John felman our long staff. I I live with them now Um, but we work every night to make sure that what we're doing is game like Um, and making sure that the speeds that we go out in practice are faster than what it is again. So Um, it's it's been a blessing to work with him. Uh, it's been a blessing to work with a guy from Mora Evans as well as Colin Johnson Uh, more long staffers and then obviously be able to see what Joe has been able to do Um, in the national championship had a phenomenal kick Um, which was under extreme pressure and extreme extreme speed. So Um, to be able to look at what he did it it was it was awesome

4:00:21So yeah, you mentioned you know the physical obviously adjustment but you would work with Darren Bennett You've been over here a few times but this was your first time living here What was the emotional and kind of adjustment like just being a college student just moving to a different country And also trying to manage being called to move Yeah, no, it was definitely a national tile Um, it's a bit without your family It's definitely hard time zone differences don't also help the situation Um, at that time there was 16 hours so I'd wake up and now it'd be going to sleep or vice versa. So No, it was definitely emotional and the actual stress of trying to keep up with what they wanted also was mental I'm glad some toll Fortunately, I had a lovely lady called Nicole Kraft who was uh, it was one of my teachers and She got me in contact with some pretty cool people so Well, we're put some sports psychologists and all that sort of stuff to work on that metaside Which is far more important for me than the actual physical side because I knew I could physically do it But it was a matter of Getting a mental headspace to perform at the highest level possible

4:01:24This is what it is in college football Just physically by the game about the acting Something and say what what is change definitely compared to this time of year You can put it in there that's yeah Well definitely the speed um, and then the kid try to build the consistency of the speed Um, there's this expectations of what they want here and then you've got to meet those expectations and try some passes so Um, again working with John and working at night We had to make sure that everything I was doing was trying to be as efficient and as effective as possible Um, with that being said, I'm still trying to improve them. I'm still trying to um The as a as effective um in my contact with the football Under the pre under the spades that they want Um, which again, it's a blessing because if you can perform here you can perform anywhere Is there any franchise in Alstray and Roots football where everything rivals this in terms of pressure Exposure what did you want in college in terms of exposure

4:02:25Not at all. This is this is the biggest that I've ever seen and been a part of Um in terms of pressure. I was fortunate enough to play high-level football Australian Roots football Um, and the pressure is the exact same you've you've got people relying on you've got coaches wanting you to perform There's jobs at stake. There's there's money at stake There's all that sort of pressure and then obviously the own personal goals Which is again the biggest one possible like I grew up in a household where my brother played from professional sport and The expectation was for me to sort of follow any path and try surpass him And that was that that was the expectations. I had on myself and again. I wasn't able to do that. So um Again the opportunity to come here and perform I had to sort of take a step back and understand that it all takes time and um The only thing that's really going to get me to where I want to be is just hard work and um having good coaches around me And that's sort of what I got and um again, it's it's so much more learning that's got to happen

4:03:26But with that being said, it's it's a blessing to be here and it's a great opportunity. So Yeah, I'm blessed to be here No, thank you What have you noticed in his leadership style in the way cherries himself any difference at all? Um, I think he's definitely getting a little more vocal within the building and um uh Yeah, I mean, I don't think he's ever going to change. I don't think he's somebody that's going to change even when it gets paid next year um So he's he's a man of faith and uh kind of reminds me of Scotty Shepler but Just super humble and Really good kid And yeah, he's definitely Famous You know Shepler I don't just from watching You've been you saw Armsted get released obviously meant so much to defend line into the team

4:04:29Let me call and John were pretty open that they were willing to talk about trading divo or are you a draft? Does that just another what's that feel like in the locker when those sort of jolt happen I didn't even know that happened um And I wasn't here, but you're talking about this offside? Yeah, we're still all in a warm air Oh, at least so that's certainly one thing Yeah, um, it's a tough business for sure. Uh, you have to have thick skin and um I haven't gone through that, but uh, I think You just have to understand that it is a business and the team's going to try and get as good as it possibly can with or without you And you have to look up for yourself That's why you go through holdouts and do certain things that seem selfish in the moment, but um It is what it is and when everything settled we're gonna Come together as a team and try and go get one And what's the overall feeling around the group right now like how much does it feel like the excitement of the ramp up to the season even

4:05:34What's early? Uh, it feels good. It's been a couple days for me. So um I like all the new guys. I'm getting to know everybody But I think the past is in the past and we're ready to go You talk to be eight up and you talk to be eight all about handling the business part of this He's going through somewhere Um, we chat a little bit, but um, not too much about the details. They just told him He just head up and um Trying to stay positive through it all What were you in the first impression when you heard about your schedule would be in that era in auditors this first time It'll be fun um Yeah, it's gonna be You No, I don't think that's one of the reasons but um

4:06:39I just talked to Kyle and he kind of asked me He kind of stated how he felt about Um, why it would be good for me to be here and asked if I agreed and I 100% did agree so um, it's not like I'm missing too much. I think I'm out here. It's a little less workload than I'm doing back home So it's kind of a good active recovery thing for me and I'm getting football stuff football work in specifically so that's good. I'm not It's not compromising my training at all and get to meet all the guys Oh, no, he's he's there. He's got a new regime over there I actually thought I was coming next week until recently so I was gonna have one more week at home, but We're both Anything you could share about

4:07:49Yeah, just the things I already stated just getting around the guys and um Just getting the football stuff Home in a little bit before camp steps You know, we've been afraid to speak out on player safety issues things like that What comes to play service and things like if they 18 game schedule has been kind of disgusted in here recently What is your kind of take on that possibility I know how many games you could be adding Um Yeah, I don't know why I want more needs to be added, but uh Yeah So if I say you'd be against it. Yeah, I mean it's I think 164444 where the good Yeah, but then we got a short enough season program a little bit

4:08:54Okay I Yeah, it's how jolani's different right now is is all the non glamour stuff It's just the daily habits and stuff that you guys might consider boring But just just what are your habits for a day-to-day standpoint? How do you attack the off-season? Like him in the weight room with coach Mick this off-season is like nothing. I've seen yet Um, so I'm super encouraged and I cannot wait to watch it translate to football Going back to max. Yep, which one? Last week of the combine latin rants and said that you may have given you the idea to look it Yeah, I don't want to give late too much credit, but no, no there was no lies told there So every Friday night Lathan Caleb Downs and I sit next to each other for dinner just a tradition we had last year and Every week I asked him about the opponent and kind of their game plan I asked him about the tight ends that they're gonna see and when it was Purdue week

4:09:54They were both going on and on about this kid So when it was you know when he entered the portal lay was like that that that's guy was telling you about So then we watched this film and then you know Convertations kind of started to organically and then the rest of history, but yeah, I'll give latin So you said which one I'll ask about max the long yeah, what's his development been like here now? Year after you arrived almost yeah, I'll be right. Yeah, sure really good really good This is a huge spring for max and and we have high expectations I mean he had and awesome workout this morning that he won a one-on-one competition in front of the team and We'd been feeling him more. He's a tough kid and super excited to coach in the spring No What Yeah, I'm super impressed by his maturity I mean, I and I think it's credit to goes back to his high school coaches coach beller and those those guys at Washington and his his parents

4:10:57I mean he had a brother who played college football so he kind of gets a little a little bit But he's been so locked in this winter I like it has not been too big for him at all you know coming from a place like open middle of Dorma and Oklahoma to Columbus Ohio competing against these guys Maybe there's an adjustment, but he has not blinked And I'm super encouraged by how he's attacked the winner I'm sorry Yeah, no, I would just say that they've matched perfectly and I think max come in here and nobody leaving speaks to the room and the culture that's in the room it speaks to max one because I told him I said listen Kaz is coming back, but he's coming back. Lonnie's coming back like I it's not like the cupboards bear at all And he was he understood that and he still wants to be a block. I which says a lot about max Claire But then like today in today's day and age you bring in anybody from the portal You got to think somebody's walking right out the door let alone one of the better guys returning at that position

4:12:03No one batted an eye and I told him on the front end and I'm not surprised at all like the brotherhood in that unit is so freaking strong And I told him the expectations to be the best unit in the country I don't I don't waver from that. It's a Ohio State It's not just to be you wide-resue to you like it needs to be tight-end you and they know that expectation So I'm gonna sign the best in the country portal guys recruit guys and everyone's on the same page there So we're well aligned That's part of the conversation that we weren't looking for someone to replace anybody in this room But the best tight-end in the country Yeah, I don't know if it was that easy like I could not say no I mean you still everyone else in the country wanted them as well But the conversation I went to will and I went to I went to Bennett and I said listen I have not talked to him yet with the permission I will and if he's a culture fit that was my only promise if he's if he doesn't fit you guys I'm not gonna bring him in but I think he has a skill set that might be complimentary to you guys You know and I think it might make the room better and they were like coach. Let's go get them How much does the health of everybody played last year as a show they could play?

4:13:05They got they know they'll play Yeah, you hit the nail on the head like we're gonna play the best 11 like Think about two years ago and I took it like it was the case to overshow and then you go last year We had six guys playing the playoffs. We have 13 personnel at Ohio State We got 14 personnel at Ohio State like that people probably would not believe that two years ago So our guys know like the proofs in the pudding now if you're one of the best 11 you're gonna play and listen If you're maybe you're not one of the best 11 but you're the top 20 we're gonna have a package You know what I mean so to your point like they saw it last year now we got it we got to expand on that now 16 person I don't know if I have no body Obviously Max does what he does in the past Maybe to show you He can do those things because we haven't seen him do it Sure, I mean, I think I think he was the first tight end this four last year right? Yeah, I was an eight of your touchdown So I mean he he showed us that but no if you want to play tight end here

4:14:07You got to be receiving threat and you got to be dominant in the blocking area Going off for your same before how would you define the culture that I guess you feel these tight lines are Well, you know each each year's different right that's okay kind of had his own little thing going last year We pro tried it ourselves like we we needed to be the baddest dudes on the field because I told them in the first meeting last year I was like we are the least talented unit on the team Not not just to insult them, but like We're not full of all these you know high profile names We needed to be the bad boys and we needed to kind of embrace that blue collar image So that was last year's and I think we did it just turn on the film from the playoffs This year who knows what it's gonna be I've seen what it was this this past winter And it was a bunch of dudes that you know where are super hungry to be you know the hardest working unit on the team But times you get a tell I'm excited to see kind of and it's on them to set the culture Is there a point like in the season or in like camp that you realize like what that culture is gonna be like Yeah, I think I think when you come out of spring you have an idea of sort of the direction We're heading in and then throughout the summer and then maybe fall camp

4:15:08You know like last year fall camp You know we all kind of looked around the room and the leaders were like you know If we block our tails off like we got a shot and then obviously we got to do we got to do our job in the past game We got to do the dirty jobs and they embrace that Up until the last game of the season this year's gonna be different like we've already talked about it You know, it's not set in stone, but like the challenge just winter in this spring is that the tight ends need to set the tone Like you look around the team like we've got so many veteran guys who have played We've got to set the tone like it should come through the tight end room the energy the effort the toughness of physicality the production Should come through the tight end room and that's what those guys are saying so I'm I bought into what there's you know kind of pushing for Yeah, I mean we've got a lot, but I mean Ben has certainly been vocal I mean now is from the first day of winter training He's been here for several years and you know, he he's definitely been probably probably the most vocal of the tight ends right now We're kind of leader Yeah, yeah

4:16:09I'll jump on this he has a leader given like he had this fake way problem Like what do you see for your message? Yeah, I think to your point you just made it great when I think Showed me a great tight end. I bet you I'm gonna show you guy who has some scars Like I don't know it kind of make believe for like a tight end to come into college and it all clicks right away Ben has had ups and downs and I think guys relate to that like this. It's just gonna be freaking hard man So especially those young guys with new guys coming in then it's kind of you know that veteran figure He he's been through hell and back and then we lean down on down the stretch and he's out here dominating dudes and playoffs So I mean, he's a lead first guy, but he's been super vocal and I've challenged him to take these new guys in the maxes and the rates and you know show him the way Yeah, and I don't want to compliment too much because he's one of my best friends, but uh Billy right off the bat his knowledge. He's one of the smartest football minds I've ever been around Like you got coach day and you got a couple of and then like bill is up like right up there. Billy and I were roommates

4:17:14During COVID sent my wife back to Cleveland We don't want to get anyone sick and Billy and I room together and like when that season got taken from us for a little bit It was like football clinic Every single day 24 hours a day and I was learning a whole lot more from him than he was for me So I mean one is football mind, but also how he relates to these guys obviously he's young and he played the position His ability to teach he's off the charts. I was home run higher and super excited to work on Yeah, I think so I mean I absolutely love our offence of staff in the sense of yeah, we're you full right Like we can relate to the guys and we got full of energy you come to our practices You guys see like the starts with coach heart. He's out there running around like mad man and we all got to follow suit um, but also the continuity Like I've been here going on damn near a decade and my two bosses have been Ryan damn Brian Hartline for 10 years So like we know each other every day for whatever eight years so that continuity even you mentioned Billy Fessler he was gone and came back so yeah, we're young, but we've been together show me another staff that's been together for

4:18:19Eight years that knows each other that well and that's you know been this productive. I don't think there is one How much does it help you you have experience? You know being in all these different positions so that you now take on that Yeah, I think a lot right? I think uh, I'm gonna try I mean my job again is to make sure that coach Hartline's a best version of himself and make sure he's organized and has everything he needs But to your point like they've been in the running game. I've been in the past game You know, so to be the guy to help maybe Tyler Bowen out a little bit. Hey, here's what what we call that in the past or you know Bridge the gap between running past That's what I tight end does and that's what hopefully I could do for the offence of staff With Max Claire's skill set I'm gonna phrase this wrong You guys have great slot receivers. So high estate. You always do a back that was a stud Could it tighten like that help fill in some of maybe what you lose with them after that physicality in the slot position He's a tight end, but you can pass catch up. Yeah, I think I you know I think we got several guys in the room that if we're in 12 personnel they could go line up in the slot

4:19:21And they could line in line. I think that alone the ability to do both is a is a is a mismatch for a defense Right, we we tried out two or three different tight ends like how do you get to treat that? And we're gonna pack the box and run it But if we could also spread it out and attack you through the air. I think that could be a mismatch just like you said With way Way Ryan and Ryan you know what I Call it here do you think they they Like 12 personnel. What does a tight ends push have to do to show like hey? We can do this whenever you want to do it I promise you we have two guys who are ready to do like what's that yeah sure sure Yeah, and just like you said challenge That's exactly what it is because really I tell my guys like they don't have pride like the best guys are gonna play It's not like Brian Harlan coaches receiver. So they're gonna live in 10 personnel. That's not gonna happen if I just know the guy like he's my brother like if the four best are runny backs We're gonna run the win T or something. Yeah, like He's a competitor and he's gonna put the best 11 on the field to win and if that's you know two tight ends

4:20:23Hopefully two tight ends three tight ends. We're gonna play with all of that And that's why you come to Ohio State. We don't shy away from that at all Um both of those guys coach Harton coach day, you know have NFL experience both of them have used 12 personnel in the past and We're really looking forward to expand that role But that's really on the tight ends, you know, they got to use this spring opportunity to prove they're one of the best 11 Top 20 whatever that is You know anything else guys Kind of like maintained it and got my way up Yeah, I feel like a chef he's definitely made a big impact on how I play the game now I feel like I look at the I look at like first and second down different because I feel like he's gave me a lot of Information how he sees the defenses like how they move and stuff like that So like Seth has become like a really good factor in my game and high and fruit For a guy like that to come in from Alabama Maybe it's like that Gracious of you guys to fit in like that

4:21:25What do you What inside you get it? Like what it needs to be Yeah, you I feel like you know Seth when Seth came in I knew Seth was a really good player at Bama He's playing those big games. So, you know just learning and everything he's done and how he like takes the next step Like how he gives his features is something I took took note Josh you guys obviously now quite a turning you please bear them into your line You are so you take a loss then how do you see just the chemistry of you guys The last couple years yeah, I feel like everything and just like binding together I play we're all just playing really good next to each other and everything's been going really well Do you feel just you know physically stronger when you're messing with the big interior? Yeah, yeah, definitely. I feel like it's a really big Thing I really it's something I've noticed over the years is that's I've improved on is definitely my strength and coach Makes definitely got us going so I feel like just over like these past summer just getting strong as I can and then like you just see it over and over and over

4:22:30He's like can stay in those reps those those big time reps. You can just like staying You know Yeah, I feel like Seth you know what what he's done how he controls the offense he makes the ID gets everything go on make sure It's often said like it's something I took no You know it was felt surreal. I mean something I like you dream well as a kid You know as a kid you grow from Ohio you always dream about playing for Ohio State You know, it's just great that I'm able to be here and Playing in a national championship Oh, yeah, I feel like definitely my mentality still is something wrestling's definitely developed my mentality and my Now I feel like I go out there. I'm trying like basically Just choice on every time anyone I go against I feel like I'm trying to show him Oh, yeah coach bill on coach bill on his death a great person

4:23:31He definitely gets his going is a really good officer like Good Uh, feeling is great. We's going one more week with our guys. That's really about it We've been through so much together That's what we're doing so hard. That's what we're playing very excited Yeah, confidence due to roof right now, but we definitely still play with a chip on our shoulder like nobody believes in us But uh, the confidence we're coming from is Tail every one in front of us. That's what we're telling What jumps out on the local Texas big of a challenge is and I Is a panel of Tennessee and order

4:24:32I'm definitely feel like their office coordinator very good water bags very good. The seniors are very good So top down. It's great organization Is there is there a feeling on the field next man? They can make that point to try and watch you get it Just having fun out there. We got great ball players out there So anybody can make a play at any second to change the game And we split out there and confidence because we don't do nice others can make make like anytime Jordan a lot of the focus with sack numbers I get so organ especially a lot of those sacks for coverage sacks Is that a point of pride for you guys in secondary? Like forcing a point of equal Oh, yeah, for sure is definitely uh, we we hopper something to say covers and rest working together It's kind of sound might we use, but we don't take that lightly We feel like if we hold up part our own back in and the right block our defense of his and deep as a tackle soul Yeah, also vice versa makes us easy makes it easy for us because we know the pressure is getting on to equipment

4:25:36Jim Knowles was talking about how a lot of the importance of making quarterbacks hold the ball is disguising it to the post-staff they know what like It's coming. How have you guys felt that part of your game as a secondary expand over? Yeah It's definitely a lot just because me having more More reps at safety and stuff like that it makes it easier for the defense to make me disguise maybe early in season I couldn't really disguise that I really didn't kind of know too much but now it's easy because I feel like it's a natural position for me to disguise and change different looks for the player How do you feel you and can't look play off each other with easing the middle of the field and those packages that you're back This is easy. I kind of just play off in whatever he does I'm not just trying to make him right through and my person Where was it hard to figure that out like you can think uncomfortable and that's bothers that just like Not football like you but it's a game over. I feel like it's just natural. It just comes easy Is this something that I play since the low-kid just playing safety and a pointer is so go out there and play football

4:26:41It's also all the same This is kind of Jordan you mentioned that chip on your shoulder mentality like why do you guys still have that mentality where does it come from? It's just the workouts the workouts so far that we know that nobody's worth harder than us and we can go out there and play with confidence and chip on our shoulder and Yeah, that's really it for is that like something come from coach day or like it was driving that message I think for me it goes make like that's our strength coach The coach is very hard. He trained is very hard So we go out there. We know somebody can't we've worked harder to Sick gets at this point. So that's why Absolutely embrace all of you know, we're built for these moments around here That's why we've wear the block of that's where we come to Ohio State to play in games like this We're definitely up to the challenge

4:27:43Man, so I'm just ready for the challenge Yeah, I mean Feels good just to say somebody going out there and play man on man. Guess Ohio State receivers is something crazy But you know, we just ready for the challenge. They say they're not changing their gameplay, but we gotta go out there Show them the reason why not to play man on man I Mean I don't really my if I be on the cover I be on the cover me. It's not really a big deal to me May definitely be a blessing for sure just to be on the cover of a game, but you know, it's not really a It's a dream of Mars, but I don't really think too much of it

4:28:44I mean no, not yet. Probably hit me after this easy. No, just no planning Call us football players as a freshman planning the Rose Bowl as a freshman Playing a cotton bow and not in the national championship. I mean it's a blessing for sure, but I haven't hit me yet My favorite catch I would say We play Michigan State on the one I call the two defenders definitely probably my favorite for sure or you go The one from Iowa as you say and the answer I Don't I mean like you said it's pretty frustrated me having again that I had in the Rose Bowl in the Rose Bowl

4:29:48And they're coming to the cotton boat. No, just them 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 God has to national championship 14 It means a lot we put a lot of work in this this season We have highs we have lows. We have people kind of out But we hear now we just ready to put on a show Monday Yeah

4:30:49Uh first the one is national championship because there were means a lot Um, you see everything that he bet to this year people uh, saying should be fine and there's done a third, but Uh, you see everything that he's been through this year. I mean, I see everything I've been through this year on see everything people saying my him on Twitter Um, 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 Uh, I mean, it's a lot a lot of people in the league. I should say I can't really say Who but I mean you had guys like oh, they're you had guys like uh Oh, they're you have stepfather digs miss a lot of uh, my good Tom is Chris Carter Just a lot of you know guys that play in NFL and stuff like that, but yeah, really them guys for sure Uh, no, just keep going um, you got it you next up for sure. Uh, really, yeah, really that

4:31:55You Oh, like a physical defense uh, like like you said like people say like they like to play man. They're not changing their scheme So we're just ready for the challenge. Uh, like you said probably the best defense we probably go see all year And we just gotta be ready to go out there Monday and just put on the show Oh I'm excited for will uh him uh first coming here in Ohio State January our first workout we had together uh, mean, just everything that we did through this season um Mean, I'm just happy for will for him to be in this musician right now, but we got to finish the job and that's the uh win and now the omundit I mean, it's pretty funny um, them saying that because I'm I'm just only a freshman, but um, it's a blessing for sure people to even say that but

4:33:09I 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 Uh, it's very special for me. Uh, just being a freshman and playing a national stage up here for national titles Something that I dreamed of as a very young kid Um, I'm just happy to be here and I just can't wait to pull the show Monday for you guys Uh, mean all of a series we'll just sit on the bench and we just see him hit the quarterback the bar come on And we all just got up and just started no jumping up and down. We all decided Uh, happy for jacking that moment and we just knew that that moment like, yeah, this we're going to the daddy for sure

4:34:11Yeah You Me, it shows a lot um, means you know going from high school or winning three-state championships Shamanama Donna then you know coming to Ohio State Just competing for national title right now. Me just showed that I've picked two great schools Um, but I'm happy to be here and let's get with the punishment day You The coolest person um, I mean you got a lot. I can't really say just a specific person You got a lot of great guys recharging the lead like um, oh, Dale you have guys like step on digs Um, a lot of other players will just take kind of my mind, but really really them two guys for sure. Oh, Dale, a step on this

4:35:14Yeah Yeah, um, I mean like they say they play man. So I mean, 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 The vice-geno had gave me um, I said just keep golfers um You I know the reason why I'm here and Me, y'all like you said just keep golfers and just no keep the main thing the main thing and the best corner I faced this year um I mean, I faced a lot of great corners. I can't really say but yeah, I'll face a great dollar great corners. He really put a name on it Oh

4:36:21My dream vacation is uh teres and cake goes Good are you That's like I say both respect and frustration as well But I mean, I thought they come out there and trip into me and they say stick it to what they've been doing our year and that's playing man coverage Which is ready for the challenge I Pretty good group Christian Gary 29th a great corner 15 uh, Leonardo more or two great guys or am I there? Very physical, but you know we all have to receive us so we ready for the challenge

4:37:31You Oh, I say just no Understanding the defense understanding the defense uh, understanding the game plan understand what coach Kelly is trying to get done Um, I mean just coming in I felt I progress from our first game gets accrued to now For I got better each and every week um me being slowed down a lot for me um, but yeah, it really just no understanding Devices and no understanding what they're trying to do to me for sure Oh them two guys great part of the best we go see all year for sure um two fit two physical guys But you know, we're ready we're ready for the challenge that they're coming with and that's the play man And you know, we ready to go on Monday

4:38:35Yeah, I mean the environment is pretty crazy seeing all these cameras Something I never thought I'd see it there in my life, but uh, it's a blessing for sure. There's the maintenance position right now Um, and we just had a prayer live prayer uh, live meeting and you know, we all they all just I mean we all discussed the issues because they discusses issues And you know, which is what the work Me not two and a half weeks we had off before Tennessee game and we just played came out there Um Tennessee game and we play 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 a nice championship on Monday Oh Uh, do you know how to very um powerful uh, he had a very impact on my career I should say uh, you know, just going to his games as a very young kid seven eight years old

4:39:39Um him playing Westman him playing for West Virginia and they played Clemson orange boat down in Miami Um me just go like they're seeing his games. It's like yeah, I definitely wouldn't play on the stage and I can't uh wait till I get to know that moment for sure Yeah Oh Because 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 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 You uh You're gonna play man against Ohio State receivers. I mean just be ready uh, cuz you know, we definitely go come out there and know Uh, give our best and I mean they said not to change what they do so we're just ready for the challenge

4:40:50You know Uh, not a year later uh definitely sometime my career college uh, but not my first in college I should say Uh, may just be able to be in this position right now. It's no blessing Or just a yoke here from Miami to be here and no I won't take it for granted. I'm ready to go out there. I'm gonna thank you for my role Yeah Yeah, uh, I mean, I was watching that game against was it Georgia? I believe yeah, I was in a game I was pretty sick myself because I was actually committed at that time um, so I mean yeah, they left a bad testimony mouth But I mean we ready to go out there Monday to redeem myself and you know just report for the show Monday

4:42:10Oh, I mean me I just laugh um But you know that's what they do they're not gonna change what they do uh, just because we're high estate So I'm just gonna go out there and put it on put it on uh, why not to play uh, man, no man, it gets us so we just gotta go out there and show them my day He said again, I'm sorry Uh My journey here at Ohio State repair me a lot for natural shape of shit me just going through everything that I've been through My first guy here all the uh, Matt jurals all the hard workouts that we had all the hard practices Um, just preparing all of us for this moment, and no, I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all on Monday Okay, okay We just squeezed this One or nine

4:43:20200 me is big and strong You know what's the wedding yeah, that's where yeah, it's pretty good no problem Oh Oh And why not part of like the most is the one against Michigan State when I caught over two defenders on their side line

4:44:22Party like one or the one after that I should say or you go the one against Iowa probably 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 for Um, even though somebody was gathering my face matches No, I still had to make a play because the ball touched my hand, so man Just in the ball and the other thing I have to make the play no matter how the ball comes at me Oh After a big game um, I mean we really they really feed us chick-fil-a or piece after the game So it's really either chick-fil-a or or piece so yeah, I'm probably chick-fil-a for sure

4:45:28Yeah Uh it went and went pretty good everybody just uh Uh Speaking with their thing is uh going right in what they think is wrong Um, which is a lot of the older guys watching their opinions on what we need to do to uh come to get as a team Um, but you know that meeting definitely uh helped us in a in a big way because it helped us on the field as well Because we played a great football right now and we just like to do that one Monday Yeah, definitely got emotional uh can't really say uh what really was said because that's not prayer Players only and coaches only but it was definitely some stuff said that um people took uh People took and uh like what it and that's the reason we planned the way we planned right now You know

4:46:28Make help me a lot this year um him being our older guy in the room um me help me and carton El as well and Brendan and it's in all the guys in our city room as well Me just a great guy as well. It's very smart Me make just been a big part of the reason that I'm having to see that I'm having to look because he's been a big you know Older guy been there been a lot of great guys in that room like Chris a lot of way Garrett Wilson Marvin Harrison Jr. Jackson sleeping jibble so he seen all the grids I've been through there Me teaching us the right thing and the right way and the buck out way for sure We had it you know in our in our hands and we had the opportunity to win multiple times and For us not to you know get it done as sucks then honestly I'm going to you look into this Into this loss and the frustration and try to move forward because you've got to buy week And then try to turn the season around. What's that balance? Yeah. Yeah, I mean it's tough But you know we got to move forward. You know, I mean that's all we can do um For you know, what is our problem? Which you know, I don't think it's hard to see and Which is you know just executing you know and hone down on our assignments and um, you know just get the job done and

4:47:36So out of it, you know, we got to buy a week, you know rest up and get ready for San Francisco Yeah, a couple of tough plays The red zone the fourth quarter that in the beginning receptions But you're able to mount the drive down the regulation. What is your confidence? You know that you would bounce back and be able to reach you the way that you did that final drive Yeah total confidence. I mean he's done it, you know again again again Honestly, and uh, you know every time we we go we take the field you know again the huddle um You know, I know we're going to give our best effort You know, I know if we give them time we run the right routes We know we're supposed to do he's gonna put the ball where it's supposed to be and you know, that's all we can you know do and uh But yeah, we have total confidence when we go out there. We just gotta stop beating ourselves. Honestly Man, I hate losing, you know, I'm saying whatever I rather win, you know 100% um You know

4:48:36My confidence level, you know, it's always been the same. You know, I've known that you know, I could Break out and have an amazing game, you know, whenever but um, it's the ones that count You kind of walk us through the last touch down there at the time the game for you. I'm taking the big hit and everything Yeah, um, you know corner out do you know through a perfect ball had to put it really back shoulder for me, you know to make a play on it Um, and you know just made a play on it You know that is come so what do you have to catch you thinking about To remain ahead of the second of all this uh, yes, sir um, you know You know, I make sure you know, I see my surroundings, you know, you know some guys trying to take your head off So you know, yeah, I do but I think I think the day when I see the ball is about the ball and and catching it You know, that's my job and you know, I take I consider all those things, but you know getting the job done is first The port and five they set that up what did you guys see on that play? Port and five some man coverage, you know, and say and beat each a man catchable

4:49:42Pretty website, but no, it doesn't matter. You can hear enough on the start You know, you know, I felt good you know, I'm it's like in all the hard work and I On throughout the spring on the T-Sync Echo G gave me notice paid off Like in the two deep as a true freshman outlay thing of an honest opportunity To have a bigger ball this year. What do you expect go to your second? You know, it's working to keep you know, I mean I see you know Whatever with having these things or whatever. I mean, I'm just working just to keep you know work my tail off You know make a roll for my second. I can trace physical Um, I got I would say like I got a lot more aggressive and I'll get you know, I gave some weight now Um, push them to us 200 pounds now And um Which version of what of you You know, he's a great guy, you know, I like him. No, no size coach No, he cares about his players, you know, obviously football wise

4:50:45He's a master behind us. He is well respected in his football business You know, and it's time being in that family so I think he's gonna fuck you soon Was there I wonder if it's like the starter or occasional piece of what What's right to see from I expect you know just to add value you know, from a half of the team into the players You feel a lot more up for this year Oh, yes for sure, I feel like non-star Deem to everything here and I feel like I'm just trying to pull off my new last year No, I'm like the same, I think I will just make a wish What? I was gonna say you know, line set up at the beginning was spring Starting to scratch you away You know, you know, you have one idea so far so You know, we're trying to stay determined And I know just trying to dominate and we're not living in the past anymore. It's like everything happened We're just trying to get a little

4:51:45All the coaches are going to have an A and B roll, they're going to have an A roll that's going to roll in Get some reps in another position Obviously, no right now playing Stony and Frisay, you just trying to know No craft myself and just you know, I mean myself more versatile for the team wherever I go Limiting his reps, right obviously Like I said, so you know, obviously, the league of us, you know, and for him you think we're you know, line to this all this work Skipping skimbat Thank you So it's everything has it been Oh, it's definitely chance because obviously we're at the best We're at a really good college. So it's definitely been a pop in there as hard as I thought it'd be For I would say that and then for you to I think coach going is a really good asset to see he's really good coach really good person

4:52:47And then obviously get coach dickie coach Johnson coach fields. We're all good at this I mean, it's we're a lot more split up because we got more coaches to do more drills and stuff So it's a lot it's more efficient stuff Right garden You just got a little bit more about what is it's over the Being obviously need to be versatile because Last year people went down and like you got to be ready with your numbers called obviously because We had Seth go down get Jimmy go down and like you always you gotta be ready a hundred percent of time otherwise You just gotta be ready Oh, I would say like half the line is doing that Maybe come from Michigan

4:53:48Like that's not too common or no higher state player to come from there. What does that experience like? I would say it's not I wouldn't say it's that crazy because I grew up a Michigan state fan But obviously I couldn't have more question So never got I never got really like looked at by the Michigan state coaching staff and then obviously that I they didn't have like a great Obviously, that's how you got fired so obviously and then they'll have state call me so I'm like you can't pass it up So obviously not here. What is your goal for this season in terms of your development and where do you want to be by time fall camp ends and the season starts My goal is to get better every day and Just be what I need to be to go when games. We've been primarily working this spring Opposition right garden left garden Oh I got here because I came I was a summer and roley So I came in at like 295 and now I just like consistently for 15 Not I imagine I try to be away for 15. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you play both guard spots. I think you're saying right?

4:54:52That seems like everybody would talk at this play multiple spots As you were saying you need to be you guys learn last year you have to be versatile. Yeah, yeah, we're more about that if you would Uh Obviously because it's not good when you're all American center goes down last year But obviously Carson was really good asset. So he started the year before so he's really good It's not like we had a big drop-off so we always got to be ready when you ever come If you uh, obviously the losing coach probably the guy you've got a little relationship with Getting your gear on campus, but then someone coach bell and come there and they obviously the coach shouting I mean I know you knew from Purdue a little bit at least Well, what's it like to hear that he's coming to be like oh this is familiar near that kind of already It's good seeing familiar faces and yeah, obviously I like both of them So it's I mean, it's not really drop off. It's right. So it's good Put it on us put it on put it on my plate So that's the mindset, you know, leave us out there, but at the end day, I trust our coaches and uh, you know, our analytics people

4:55:57To you know, make the right decisions. So Yeah, you know, and shout out to Anders you bought out today Let us see if he'd great dude and just the same go out there and make that 57 and 58 yarders. That was awesome There There's aren't easy situations at the end of the game, but it feels like you guys are good in those situations a lot like 45-ish seconds ago and no timeouts How is it feel like the age of beauty you a little bit that you guys keep ending up in that spot I Now that I look back on it we have been in in a while. It's tough man, you know, it's obviously not how you the situation you want to be in I feel like we haven't done a great job of you know making it happen in that in that scenario and and And at the end day, it's a combination of the whole game We got to take it take our advantage or take advantage of the opportunities that come up early We got to start the game faster. We got to play good in the first half and all of a sudden you might not be in that scenario

4:57:12Yeah, I don't know we just got to make sure that we're You know, holding on into the bar and both sides got to approach it that way and all of a sudden you'll Play better complementing football naturally just because you're holding up your side of the you know doing your job Just put your mindset Three and eight after the buy-week six games. Well, just kind of what's your mindset? You know finish strong just finish strong See what that see what that put us You know, it's been tough man. I ain't gonna fake it's been tough and At the end of the day man, I just Gotta keep going out there and make sure I'm winning my rep, you know at the end of the day. So I gotta do a better job in that and and You know see where that puts us Yeah, you know the end of the day You know offensive guard in the score and put it away and defense has to get a stop so You know, it's things on both sides

4:58:13Both feel like you could have done more very frustrating because we definitely Should have had a win tonight. So yeah It seems like it's always been a theme as far as starting slow for you guys I mean you have one first down and waiting the first half obviously you have to touch down and that's right but I'm just waiting is to get off to such a slow start again. I mean regardless of us, you know starting slow You know still put up a decent amount of points. I take the first drive, you know We are a third and one and I mix to play up and kind of run into the right guard. So You know that was our that was kind of a drive killer right there on the third and one third and two whatever but You know You know offense came alive try to give defense some more help but They got out to a decent lead and we kind of try to help recover and you know the end of the day You know offense has to do our part in the first half So you know, we don't even have given the chance to you know come back in a second half

4:59:15What did they reply was there something you thought opened it was in your first TV? Uh Now like when they were shooting ourselves in the foot we just You know kind of say all right, let's go come on like we we already dug ourselves a hole Was dig ourselves out of it Situation at the end of the game no timeouts but like 45 seconds Three or four or five times so far. They should because if you like deja vu almost like you just keep running up in the situation I'm going to go and we gotta get it done Not really deja vu is just Just a freshman you can't get the job done, you know if we The the losses went the other way, you know, we would have Obviously we have probably four or five more wins, but um You know I don't really know to tell you all you know there's no more time for making excuses. You've got a win football games at the end of the day Um, not really um, you know me and have a great relationship great chemistry on the field so

5:00:19Not really uh impressed or surprised or anything like that. It's just First right because you make uh make the big plays, but you don't win so it don't matter Uh, we're expecting for you guys during the buy, you know, you have six weeks left six games left after back How do you guys get prepared for that stretch room? Um talk take rest of criticism practice Um, get some rest and revamp and try to get this good thing going The fans obviously we're not happy with the start. Can you You guys are kind of It is what it is they're gonna feel how they're gonna feel like I said at the end of the day There's no point making excuses. You got to win football games in the moment as you're trying to get it fixed Yeah, I think knows did a good job just helping us allow us the one. It's time to go it's time to go I mean he allows the deepest advantage to be able to go go out through the quarterback when he have a chance in certain plays We get to do that and then allowing certain guys in certain blitzes to really mess up the whether quarterback is thinking So allows us to have more pressure and be able to allow us to do more moves at the time because it makes it offensive

5:01:21Confused and what we're doing so about allowing putting blitzes in there really makes us up the patch for us and allow us to get sad Ten to many, under mid roll. Yeah, with that said like for example, that's 39 against uh against E.M. Allieva. I said it right. I think uh, but uh, but he was quite elusive and stuff was that a good I don't know prep for this week. I mean because Dylan gave us a little bit different scrambler, but he still gets the job done Oh, yeah, that was definitely uh, good to have because like I said, I mean all the quarterbacks are very mobile and being Be able to have more experience versus mobile quarterbacks helps us obviously You know just helping us home and learn from our will we have had them going through the hole and had them scrambles What we can learn from those scrambles and we go from that game in the past game we played against the organ just learning Learning the quarterbacks tendencies and when they like to run away to like to run and everybody helps us out Really closing the court going to cage and facing pocketball Is there a fine line between being aggressive? But also being wary this guy can slip or you know slip away your cell when I'm saying timing. Yeah, you can't just go Right at me go ahead. I'm sorry. Yeah, he's definitely a

5:02:21A quarterback and then guess I guess I'd pocket so I mean being he's definitely a threat He's a main guy in offense. He runs the show So I mean be able to stop him and contain him really slows the offense down So be able to cage the pocket and be able to slow him down and make him make more decisions on the run and moving around Maybe helps us Go ahead and one more him. I'm sorry. Well, no, I didn't want to ask about their center their center What I impress were you with him last time you guys played he seemed to have a pretty good game You know, and he's kind of a kind of You know actually kind of a tough guy to move out of there and stuff it looks like I mean What's your impression of him? He's definitely one of the better centers in the conference I mean he's a really good guy. I mean be it or be it in there be it the size and be able to move the way you can It's really hard to get around him at times He's definitely having the game plan and working against and working to tend to see that he hasn't been a work against that It really helps that helps me You hit the road middle Steven Leonard college football Yeah, I kind of piggybacking on that how much of it was there offensive line being a strike that are team versus

5:03:22Dylan Gabriel being able to escape and and the lack of pressures that we had on our defense Oh, yeah, I mean when you got a good offense along I mean it makes it even better for a quarterback, you know Be under the rollout to know that your alarm is gonna help you protect you when you're in the pocket So I mean it makes it easier for throws and it makes it harder for us Honestly for having a good offense line So I mean like I said before just being able to attack the offensive line attack their weaknesses and be able to go after To make it harder for the quarterback needs harder for them a world For the right Andrew deal like believe in dog problem. What's the challenge similar to terms question and You know we play a team like this that runs the level of RPOs that they do How do you stay true and be aggressive and force the issue where you know Oh, yeah, like I said just put pressure on them. I mean we just be able to get it get back there I mean we got a lot of different plays that can help us get back their passer in playing and playing to their tendencies You know a lot of times they have the RPO the RPO helps them out. It means you get the ball out fast I mean I mean things like Jackson and JT be able to get their hands up knock the ball down crazy stream I'm out of pressure for the quarterback when you got hands in your face all times

5:04:25And Final questions. Bill Rubino wins Columbus this batch. We've asked about Dylan Gabriel and receivers They're not one dimensional. They were a good one back in Jordan James What makes him special and what's the challenge for you guys? I think he's definitely one of the better running backs on the conference of well I mean just how hard he runs is it's hard to bring him down at time So I mean as a front pro we probably stopping around that's the first thing we're gonna do as we go on the game I mean past rushing is good and all but we can't stop the run They're gonna run the ball there and throw all the time so All the time we have to figure out how we're gonna stop them I'm gonna run the ball and then we're gonna take them down So I mean it's our job as a front-port to go on there and stop the run We're gonna make them one dimensional as we go out there So I mean if you get out there every time every mindset we go out there means we're gonna get We're not gonna allow them to get in the yards allowing to get going We're gonna stop and we're gonna make them throw the ball Well JT was up your ass table about how to compare contrast him and Jack as First-allies with what's your take on that? How different are they as just first-allies? Um, I definitely think Jack is more outgoing

5:05:26I mean the guy he needs like the the light that shines around me and everybody Goes around him and everybody loves him He's a outgoing guy there come come to you shake your hand anytime of day and then JT's more of the glue guy I mean a lot of guys gravitate to him I mean he just has a bright smile on him all the time He's just a great guy that people like to be around and they're too good people so it's hard to tell And that tie I do that one more question for you Tony Irvin like that up You guys obviously a face tough, well you did it last week. What's the key for you as a defensive one in facing tempo? Oh, yeah, I mean we've been going through all week in the past two weeks is just getting set I mean that's the first thing you do if you're not set and mean it makes it harder to do your job So let's be able to get on the ball get set before they're lined up and set the ball is one of more important things So when we're set we're able to do our jobs at efficiency. They they can before they can do theirs I Can be difficult times can you know you gotta look to the signline first you gotta get the call I mean call has to be set down first So can't be difficult times, but that's a definitely what we've been working on the past three weeks to just get the call Get the call early get set so we can go and be play faster

5:06:30You've changed the play to one side of the field and now it's lined up They're gonna be ended to the other side so like you've got it you're just running the signline sidelight just to get Yeah, I mean I have been a lot a last game, you know, it's hard. It's definitely tough I mean that's what we work on and practice just We move as fast as we can we simulate in these things so we can get into the game It's a lot easier. So we moving around side to side running around doing extra conditioning just for moments like this Hi, thank you very much. All right. Thank you This is sometimes I just try to keep going Thank you Yeah

5:07:38Yeah I mean I think Money instead of Term royalty I guess but I love everything about our state That's one thing about our team And I feel so many good Yeah, I mean I always treated as if I was I'm trusting I'm still trying to put it over

5:08:46And I mean we're a good team I know Yeah, I mean Please

5:09:50I It's pretty you started to get a five year period but I mean in terms of guy who you want to join

5:11:08Thank you for all those visiting jokes today. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. What's your message to our contract with Marshall? I tell you about that. I guess it's all about what you're talking about. For some I met him and he just found a real good idea. What do you think he can bring to the contract? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't think anybody outside of the room is the strength of your commitment like you're locked in the last eight.

5:12:22You send it over and over but you're making visits around the country. You see other schools. It's almost a totally different mindset. What's that code for you? How do you approach these other visits and how do you communicate with Ohio State about them? What's been the message you're talking about? I don't think it's a different house. I'm always locked in and I'm still on the door and I'm not sitting in the room. This is only one time. I'm sitting in the hallway. The other school is outside of the room. It's really hard to find any place. It's Ohio State. What does it mean you want to take comes with this? That put them in a hole. Me on the sign. Let's go. It was fun out there. See how the office is coming together and boys different up front. I had to off to the old line, had to off to the AK, had to off to the receiver room. You got your first sack as a saint but you were able to get sacks on the D line.

5:13:25You said if you continue to pressure, the sacks will come. Is this kind of what you guys were looking for? Definitely. We worked hard as a team. We worked with them sacks today. We just tried to... The motto was just keep rushing. Back to back dominating wins. I know it's early in the season. Was that see anything about this team? I'll be going to do it from now on. Just keep our heads down. Go back on film. Make up and check out for them on the board. We just keep our head down and keep moving. I know this is good but how much fun have the last two weeks been for you? It was real fun. When you got to off things like we do and they can put points on the board and it allows us to open our rush up and go. In our airs back it's not much more than that. You guys get off the field and immediately the office goes back with a 50-yard touchdown and proceed. You guys think I mean trying to catch your breath? I'm like, yeah, I'm like, oh my goodness. I said we on them like that. Just excited put an off things man excited for this team and just for us to come.

5:14:28In this room in year two it's kind of like this expectation that I'm ready to kind of pop off. Do you feel like you're one that trajectory and what you burned from your freshman year that's been put you in this position? Yeah, I feel like I'm on a project... I feel like it's my time now. If not now then when I feel like I'm ready to embrace that bigger role as we go on. Making plays, go out there hopefully have a thousand yards when they all make plays for the team when needed and be that go to guy. Is that a target that you have in your hands? Oh yeah definitely. How many guys could have a thousand yards? All three of us before we have a thousand yards, we got two great round of minutes they can have a thousand yards. So we got to come together as an office to execute. Ryan Hurts, Ryan said you might have to talk this to him. What does that mean to you obviously has something to do with catching the track? I catch everything and balls throw them all the way out and make a play. That's what that, that's what he means by that. What's been important for you all for the belt? I'm just concentrating, you can't get into your head about it. Catching comes from like the mindset game when you start dropping the ball you can get into your head and stuff like that.

5:15:30So you got to be a confident by keep catching the ball. He's way more relaxed this time around. He's going to have to make his mistakes that he learned from it. Next play and then bounce back he's trying to ask what he saw there how we can be better in this and that. You guys are on your speed? Yeah. What do you think he is? His speed. I think he probably had like 222. It's a big bowling ball. I tell you that. It's a big corner. But you want to be the tackle back then. It's going to be hard. He was moving down the KC. I've seen a couple of his highlights and he's moving. So he lost a little weight here and got faster. So I can't wait to see him roll. How much is it that you guys are going to miss those B and Bs every day? And I'm sure that's exactly what that is. Yeah. That defense. What is that? What makes it better all over the field?

5:16:30Whether it's inside or outside. We got a great second there. We got Jordan, IGB, so. German, so they're getting us better each and every day. We got the best DBs in the country. So I think there's going to be a game where we face better DBs than what we got here. Who's your favorite corner to do against? It depends on what type of day you have and stuff like that. So if you knew you'd hit a boundary, you're going to get hands on one from IGB. So you got to be ready and then they're zone. He's going to break. So you got to get in and out of your break with him real fast. You talked more trash than zone. No, one. You're going to feel one out there. You're going to hear him. You're going to feel them. So he's going to play. You're going to feel them. For sure. You were Brandon. Brandon talked some more trash. But when he gave me started, I could be a hothead. He just got to give me started. That's it. What do you think of the mile in this first game? He's going to be good. He got the wiggle. He can do it all. Once he just got here. So it's just a lot being thrown at him and stuff like that. So when he relax, get the ropes up.

5:17:31He's going to be really good. When you get here as a freshman, I ask hard on the same thing. What's the easiest thing to pick up on right away? And what's maybe the most difficult thing for you guys now? The easiest thing is to pick up on your hothead by anus up like that. And the hardest thing is not getting in your head. Because we got great receivers all around. So you have a bad day. Another guy having a great day. You just can't get down there yourself and lose confidence. You know, my house is a team. You were freshman last year. You were the first to turn a lot of hands. What stands out for those people about? Oh, JJ's a dude. So he goes out. He goes about his business like a dude. He makes the play. Don't get too happy. He messes up. He don't get too mad about it. He's just going on like next play mentality. I don't know how hard it talks about. He's going around the entire field slot. I want it. What do you like about your own life? I like you can't really game plan for somebody like that. Because you go on the slot. You can expect him a thing. But he's outside. You got to expect another thing. Coach, I was just talking to us about his leadership role behind the scenes. How have you seen that?

5:18:32You started specifically about showing Jeremiah kind of the way. But for you or for any of the guys, how has he been a leader in that role? Well, JJ. Coach, Coach, Coach has been going. He's been here longer than most of us. So we're really unprepared to coach us like that. So whenever we need help, we ask Coach. He's a funny player. I think you probably want the funniest in the ring. So when you look at him, you always can get a laugh. And he always going to pick us up whenever we're down. Who are your favorite receivers to watch? From Molly Jackson. I like G5. I like my league name. Racist baller right now. I like the Vontale, Justin, and Marr. And for people who are, I mean, you're talking like a guy who's ready to like pop off a little bit here. What are people going to see from Cardinal Tade? They go to the new play ball and talk about trash with it. I have a couple questions. Which Chicago thing? Oh, yeah, definitely. Which of those are thoughts? Yeah, it's Chicago. I got a home claim for it. I just went to school down there. What's your best advice to your mind at this point? Cardinal?

5:19:32I'll tell him play ball. Keep your head up. Keep your head up. I turn up and play ball. You're going higher up. And you go higher down. But it's life. Of course, you know, don't want the peel. That's just want to get back to the fun. Good again. I feel like I'm getting better. So, you know, it helps. You mentioned that last game. You little banged up with that. Maybe it kept you from making some plays here or there. Is there anything else you want to offer up on there? Yeah. Seizing everybody's been to it. Throughout training camp you and Aziz got very close. How good is to see him back on the field? And how were you able to be there for him as he went through, you know, that three games to smash? Yeah, you know, it's great to have him back. You know, I'm really, you know, happy that he's back. And, you know, I know he's very motivated to play. You know, I'm excited for him, you know, his former team, you know, and he's able to, you know, in the season RWA going into the playoffs. So, yeah, you know, he's a leader and we need him around.

5:20:32And I think that's definitely going to help this team. You know, some of the teams have already played off first. Our resting players this week. But to me, because they said that all you guys are going to play, you think it's important for you guys to get out there, try to get back on track before the playoffs start this week. You know, I can say that, you know, it's, you know, Dima Carr is a player first, and you know, we got to trust his playing and go out there and, you know, in play. So, you know, I'm excited, you know, it's all, it's a blessing, you know, to be able to go and play in this league whenever it is. So, you know, we're excited to play Tennessee, you know, probably more even excited to play in the playoffs. But I do, you know, think that this is going to help us. You practiced against him all year, and you see the top corners. Derek's in the junior, the pro bowl will come out this week. And last year's alternate, we think of his chance to earn that distinction and what he's done to improve himself. Hey, you know, he's probably the best athlete I've been around in my life, you know, just bossing those speed, strength, size, you know,

5:21:34and just somebody who, you know, if I've seen him just grow, you know, as a player, but, you know, I'm just very happy for him, you know, I think, especially just having a stop of year before, I think he can renegotiate. So, I mean, I know he's about to get a bag, and I'm happy for him, he deserves it. So, yeah, but that's not his motivation, which is dope. He's just being a league at football, and I think he's going to be great in his league for a long time. What you got to experience January football last year, playoff time, what is it about when the calendar turns in January or in the national football league? Yeah, it's a new season, you know, it's a new assignment, you know, you know, and it's all about, you know, winning that week, you know, and it's, when you dumb it down, it's like, all right, you get to win four more games, and, you know, that's it, you know, so, of course, it's not that easy, but, you know, you have to find a way to motivate yourself, but it's motivation just, you know, being able to continue, you know, and I think it's good for us, you know,

5:22:35to realize, like, man, we, I know it's going on, but I don't know exactly what's being said, but, you know, we put ourselves in this position, and it's not by chance, not by luck, it's not by people, other people is by us being a good football team, and I want my team to remember that, it's like, you know, people are going to talk, simple in playing, and we're the ones out there playing, and we got, we got into the playoffs by being a good football team, and we're going to continue to be that, so, you know, I'm excited, man, it's a new, you all know, and, you know, hopefully we get healthy going into there, and be able to, you know, play whoever we play here, really tough, and hopefully you get a win. Your teammates have always mentioned, like, how competitive you are, going to win everything, your perfectionist, makes that nature. But they both say, like, in-game, you know, how to, like, not get too high, not get too low, so how do you kind of challenge that ultra-competitiveness, and keep it within that tube to want to compete, but not get out of, you know, beside yourself, how do you kind of go about balancing that competitive

5:23:36drive, but not allow it into, like, maybe play beyond, you know, out of your self? Yeah, I mean, I just say just be myself, you know, I mean, I've been kind of this way in my whole life, I mean, you have matured in a lot of ways in my life, both on and off the field, but, yeah, I would say, just failures have helped me realize, you know, what is important to me, trying things that I didn't like, doing things that I didn't like, and then learning from it, on and off the field has helped me ultimately with just that, I guess, that calmness that I have now, even in chaos, I guess, but, yeah, I guess it's just, you know, trying on air, and that's why I don't, I try my best not to, like, hardness or duck things that are difficult in life, because ultimately the values teach you, you know, humility they teach you, just, you know, they teach you how to get up, you know, I would say as a righteous man, as far as I said at times,

5:24:36and he gets up, you know, just like Peter, and I want to get up. So that's what I plan to do, and, yeah, and so that's all, I feel like why, I'm the way I'm just being able to learn from my failures. Take your up to field for a second, is there a new year's resolution for a CJ Stroud? I was, as probably a lot. Man, I don't know, I've never really believed in these resolutions. It's like, I kind of started this a couple months ago. This journey, I started to just, you know, really just locking back in with the Lord, you know, was, you know, kind of, in the lukewarm season, you know, one foot in, one foot out, and, you know, the Lord has helped me to get out of that. And so that's really my, my 2025 goal is just be like.