Press Conference (Matt Patrica) Elite Edition September 2

0:00I know that from even being an NFL, but just, well, I'm excited to be on this state. That is amazing. That would be around the, I think you're talking to Julian Edelman. That's when the only podcast we've had to refer to with recent interview, you know, we're talking about building schemes to fit the person. It doesn't seem like you're married to just one thing. If you are scheme flexible, what is the overall principle that guides you as a defensive coordinator? That's something that kind of developed, right? I think when I originally went to New England in the early 2000s, the game was different. You know, there was much more like two back sets and double tight endsets. We were fundamentally at 314, as people would say. Now our 314 changed through the years. We're always developing it, involving it. But the game changed. And one of the things that kind of happened to us at New England, luckily enough, fortunately, I'm all very lucky that things have happened for a reason. We would pick late in the draft because of our season. Our 314 scheme really expanded, you know, couple of coaches left, you know, New York

1:03and L.L. left and there's an airplane to the jets. And so they became much more difficult to find the pieces to fit the scheme. So we had to take the reverse effect. Let's just get the best players we can. Let's bring them in and let's figure out how to use it. Let's figure out how to put them in position. And then with 11 personnel and no huddles and all those things that evolved, the game changed from a really heavy kind of like called base defensive packages to multiple sub-packages. And that's something else that happened. And we just had guys that evolved the defense through the years because they were on our team. So saying all that, I guess what I tell everybody is, you know, my whole goal is to try to figure out what do you do well. How do I put you in the best position to go get on the field and do that well, that job well, the best durability. Because if you can play fast, you can play aggressive because you know, I have you in your skill set, then you're going to be disruptive as a defensive player. You're going to help us win as a defense, win as a team, and we can fit the pieces around where everybody goes in that court.

2:04So, and then go from there. So that's kind of like, you know, I'm close to all of it, right? Of course, three, four, four, three, nickel, big nickel, dimes, all those packages, four downs, from five down funds, odd space, and you know, just you kind of do it through the course of the year. So to me, it's all like, hey, that guy can do this, or that guy can do this. And then I also think it creates rules. So it's not always like the same 11 on the field. So you can have a really good skill set and you can do something in a critical situation then, you know, you got to get you in that spot and help you be in that situation when you win the game. Actually, like the reliable. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's what it's going to say. The problem is going to say it is. It is. Yeah, I actually have two of them right now. I brought them in and kind of like set them down. Everyone's like, oh my gosh, what is that? It's like, it's just just reference. Actually, look at this opportunity to come to Ohio State and become some of the talents coming back and the guys you'd be able to coach, shoot it out to you. It's like, hey, I want to go coach that guy. I would like to have an opportunity to put that guy in the rear. Yeah. I mean, it's hard not to walk into building and try to find Caleb as fast as possible. I mean, he is unbelievable, amazing player, very versatile.

3:07You know, there's a lot of like, you know, you look at a guy like that and he goes, okay, we're going to be able to do some really fun things with him and he's super smart and so such a great student of the game and his approach is amazing. Sunn styles. I mean, you know, you look at him and you know, our belt. I mean, those are guys, we always had big backers. I walked in and I was like, okay, I'm going to go, oh my, these guys are, you know, they're big. They're long. They can move. They eat up a lot of space. So now my brain just starts, got them like, oh, we can do this. We can move here. We can put them there. We can line up here and do all those things. But then you got, you got IGB outside, you know, Dramay, you got, you have so many great players to me. I know it's exciting. You have a relationship with Timmy Wolfe. Yes. But basically this whole staff is here and you're coming in just to talk about that dynamic and how much work is there. I mean, how lucky for me, right, to be able to come in a situation where these guys can really help bring me in, you know, and let me in. So obviously I lean on Tim quite a bit because of our relationship going back.

4:11Coach Johnson and I have known each other for a long time, you know, going back to when I was at Syracuse University, the head coach there was Paul Pasco. We wanted to get played at Penn State. So we always kind of had a Penn State Syracuse, you know, kind of connection and obviously just admired him for the years and always was talking to him because he's great players coming out wherever he's coached to come to our level. So you were always building those relationships. And so to be able to sit down and talk football the last year with him is amazing. The cover stuff when we put on Tim and I, it's like just like a natural conversation because again, Tim was in the NFL for a long time too. So a lot of those conversations are great, Matt and, you know, James, I worked out James, yeah, I'm proud of Chris, sure, that I'm a field and I was, you know, yelling at him. But, you know, super smart player, a guy that saw the game extremely well and was able to play fast because of it. And so all of that, those connections that's been, it's been really awesome. And I'm just, again, I just, my job's really to sit and learn and try to observe and then, okay, where can I add, where can we change, where can we adjust and, you know, and then

5:16we got to work it out of the system. Yeah, I was actually, I was actually a practice teacher. I was rolling. Yeah, is that just, you know, I'm always taking notes. I actually don't have them on, but I usually care like on a notebook. So even when our guys are working out, I'm probably walking around and just taking little notes and, you know, we're always drawing football. It's kind of just a habit at most points from being a young coach and breaking film, you know, I think I kind of told the story on Julian's podcast or the show that Coach and I did. But, you know, as a young coach, we would break down film. I would draw every play, you know, in detail, all 22 guys, footballer, depth, alignments, all of it. And it really was, you know, we hand-drawn and, you know, the good old number two is the best thing to do. Nice and sharp. We've got a nice clean point in the lines where we're smooth, but it used to take us like 12 hours to break the game, you know, you're drawing as we play. So when you're coaching all day long and then trying to break four or five games during the course of the week, if you had 10 minutes, I mean, can you where you were in the building,

6:17you had your pads where they were like, boom, let me start to draw. It kind of just went in the hat behind the ear because that was the safest place to put it. So that's kind of where that is. But I'm always trying to take notes instead. Oh, yeah, yeah, I got some good notes in this morning to share. Yeah. I'll be able to tell Bill and Chick is going back to school and he'll speak. Yeah. Did that impact you? Have you guys compared notes at all? I mean, I don't know if you do that, but in terms of why he did that, maybe that showed you it can be good. Yeah. I would say this. I start to wrap it up with these first notes. It's not an eye, obviously, very close. We talked a lot, you know, and we've spent a great, you know, two decades together, a lot of conversation too. But we were together every day this past fall. You know, we did the coach show on YouTube, which was great. That was something I wrote last spring. And I just, you know, no way for you and I to get in the room and just teach football which we'd love to do. Thank you for asking. But we did have a lot of conversation about College Football, you know, through the course of really last spring.

7:18I'm taking a look at how we really get fascinated with roster builds. So one of the things I think that was really interesting with College Football was with the portal with, you know, the two opportunities there with recruiting, how fast can you build your team, how fast can you really, you know, get the good players in the building in the NFL? It was pretty, pretty rigid, you know, you knew your points when there was free agency to the draft, to the 53 cut to the, to the trade deadline. Those were the four opportunities. Then with the contracts, you know, how many, how many really big contracts can you sign and we just, we got fascinated with the college models. We really started studying a lot of the different schools and how they were building the roster. We did have a lot of those conversations. And duties are different, but what did you learn and did you really? There is so much you do learn in that situation. I mean, obviously, you know, for myself going from being a coordinator to a head coach, it's, there's no book. It's really, you know, interior in that position. And that's why, you know, so many first time head coaches, it's not easy, you know, and a lot of times when you go back and if you get in the second opportunity, you have

8:21more success because if you do take that opportunity and the mining Detroit was great. I learned a lot, you know, great family, the poor families that owned it. So, you know, it was a great franchise. I wasn't my best version of my, of a coach, you know, that's something I certainly, I take responsibility for. And, you know, through the course of my years of coaching, you know, about all of them are going to be perfect, you know, I'm trying as much as I can, but that first year was really hard, you know, and I was trying to learn a lot and I didn't do a good job. You know, I reflected a lot too. I think one of the things that really, I kind of watched that Michael Jordan, you know, Dr. Manning Jerry, you see that? And something like triggered when I was watching, he was talking about, you know, his intensity when they lost the championship and how told everybody that was coming in the building next year, exactly how it was going to be like his focus. You know, we had lost the Super World then. We had been, you know, Super World Championship, Super World Championship. It was like every other year and we had one in 16, we went back and set it up to you, we lost. And I think that, that mindset when you lose that game, like, all you want to do is go,

9:25you just want to go back. Like it's just your level of where you're in tension, your useless at such a high level. And I do a good job of walking into a new building where they didn't lose this. You know, I mean, that was a, that wasn't, that was my fault. And I never reset myself. I don't think well enough to like, hey, I'm in some place new. Like these guys didn't have that during the last year. I got to, I got to start to teach him, coach again. I got to start to build the game and I didn't do a bit of that job. Matt, you mentioned that you have so many different packages that you've used as you moved to the college level. You feel like you have a set of classes. Matt, Larry on the 10th? Yeah. I think the beauty of football and definitely something I learned in my life was, let's take the extremely complex and let's try to boil it down to maybe three to five things, really simple. So we can really detail that out as much as possible. I think that's a really cool thing to do. I think that in general, yes, we have lots of packages, no less.

10:27But I always felt going into a game a whole, I was like, I just want to make sure they can go play fast and play aggressive. So I don't want to have too much where they can't do that. I want them to be able to go play. They play, you know, I'm not, they play the game. So let them get on the field, let them play fast, let them play aggressive. And I think that is a good balance of making sure you have enough to defend what you're going to see, but also, you know, let the players go play free enough where they can be aggressive and have the tools on the field they need for instance. Matt, thank you. And that's going to be my job to make this job easier. Darius, Darren Urban from AZCarnels.com. I know that a lot of players these days aren't sticking in one school for a long time. You did it for five years. I mean, even Marvin did it for three. Like, what, what, what behind that? And why wasn't meaningful for you to stand one school? Yes, I'm a Zura, you know, we had some tough seasons, but we were really built with a edge. Energy details, grit and emotional consistency. And I just find myself just trying to grow and get better each year. And also as a team, you know, win more games each year.

11:30And that was my, that was my home, that was my family. I was blessed to, you know, get two degrees as well off the field. And I just love Mazew. Two degrees. Wow. Marvin, Bob McManamade, Arizona Republic. Congratulations. Thank you. To both of you. You're known as all business. And I want to know how that's going to serve you well in this league from personal standpoint. Your brand, everything you do, a daily preparation. There's a lot that goes into being all business. Tell me what that is to you. Yeah, I mean, you have to just be in a pro. It's kind of raised and grew up to do. And keep the same mindset, same attitude that I've had throughout my whole career. Once I get here, continue to work hard, be consistent, disciplined, you know, and all that I do. So look forward to putting in the work. Hey, Marvin, Josh Wayne, for the ESPN. What were the best pieces of advice your dad gave you about being an NFL player? I mean, yeah, it takes a lot of work, a lot of preparation. No, from Monday to Saturday.

12:33It's all working. And then Sunday should be the easy part. I go out there, have fun, probably put the work in. So, as far as the work first, and then the one Sunday comes, is reap benefits. Hey, Darryus, Howard Balls are from Cardswire. I can't help but notice that ring on your fingers. Is that a cotton bowl ring? Yes, it is the cotton bowl ring. So you showed it to Marvin very quickly. No, I just saw it as a Marvin. He was glad he didn't play. The whole week leading up. You see how I stayed, everybody said, okay, Marvin Harrison. And then he was like, is he going to play? Is he going to play? He didn't play. So, you know, we looked out. Hey, Marvin, Paul Calvacy Cardinals broadcasting. Do you believe that receivers have to earn the trust of their quarterback? And if so, what does that usually require? Absolutely. You got to earn the trust of the quarterback. They can start every day in practice and being consistent, really. You can't just do it one day. You can't just do it for one week. It has to be done over and over and over again.

13:34I think that's how trust is earned. So, no matter where you get picked, whether you're a first receiver, it's around seven. Doesn't really matter how you go in there and trust the quarterback. Your coach is your teammates. So it all starts in practice. What's going on, guys? Good to see you again, Tyler Drake. There's no sports systems for Darryus. What's the feeling of just being able to represent your school as that first round pick? And what kind of impact can that have for those guys falling in your footsteps? Yes, awesome. I feel like I'm setting the standard going for it. But that's named Mizzou, known as D-Line Zou. So I'm just added to the family. But now, I feel like I'm setting the standard for my younger teammates. That this is attainable if you work really hard, be consistent, and really get the trust of the strength coach. I feel like every program has built out the strength coach and that develops all the habits, earning off the field. Darryus Zachars, MnaseyCarnels.com right over here. JG mentioned that he loves the violence that you play with. You mentioned the different tendencies that you picked up. The emotional consistency is the grit. How do you balance that? The violence with discipline on the field?

14:35I honestly just do preparation and practice. I'm a big guy, I'm a big believer in inside hands. So that's why I'm always working my hand placement. And then I live weight. So that's all connected. So I'm just trying to be focused on my technique as much as possible. Hey Marvin, over here David Brantley. I'm with the Associated Press. You know a lot of rookies come into the league and they get a little bit of leeway. It's like oh he's young, he needs to grow and stuff like that. But obviously you're going to be expected to be the guy here really quickly. How do you deal with that pressure? How do you go about just so much being expected of you so quickly? I mean yeah, I've high standards for myself. But I'm just going to go in there and try to work. You know the best I can. I just want to help the team win really. So I'm going to do my best. I'm going to do my best. I'm going to do my best. I'm going to do my best. This one's for both of you guys. The fans want to know who you guys are on the inside. I don't know how much you're willing to reveal to us today. A lot would be nice.

15:36Can you tell us what you like to do away from football? What pisses you off about things? And you know what makes you roll? I'm pretty simple. I like to be in my apartment, watch the movie, go out and go to a restaurant, get some food. But I would not only do too much. And then I'm pretty easy going guys. So I'm trying to do nothing bothering me too much. I say the same thing, a real chill guy. I'm just really obsessed with football. But outside of football, like I said, I got my two degrees. I got my undergrad, hospitality management, and a minor in business. I got my master's in a positive culture with emphasis, athletic leadership. So just thinking about being well rounded. And then I do philanthropy work. I start my own nonprofit foundation. Derrick Robinson helped me hands foundation. But really just football and then everything else, honestly. Congratulations guys. Welcome to the Valley and Robbie Baker with Fox 10. Derrick, this is for you. After the draft last night, you had a great response about how you're a process in preparing for a game.

16:40Just kind of wondering where your love for kind of the grind comes from. And your love for that process comes from. I would say my junior year because I play literally ball often known. But I got my junior year and I was playing high school. And my whole goal was just to earn a scholarship. But during that process, I really fell in love with the game. Filled in love with working out, relationships with teammates. And now I was kind of like my vice and I can't let it go. And just kind of finding ways to always get better, you know. Luke Linden here with 12 sports. Congrats both of you. Welcome to the Valley. This one's for you, Marvin. I'm curious your thoughts. What was that conversation like with your dad after your name was called? And you were able to be drafted by this organization. And how surreal is it for you to be following on your own father's footsteps, but in your own way? Yeah, I mean, it was very brief. I actually just, you know, second graduations, I walk up to the stage. Then I had to do a bunch of interviews at the word. So I don't think it's hit both of us yet. And what's happened. I think one of my goals always make him proud. So I hope I did that. Marvin, Bobrock, PHNX sports.

17:40When do you anticipate catching your first passes from Kyla Murray? I don't know. I don't know. I guess we'll see. I hope we can get some of this possible. Derek, you mentioned philanthropy. And I know there's been, it's been talked about how you took some of the N.I. And I.L. money to do a get back to school for the kids in Columbia. Where did that belief in doing those things come from? I say my family, my brother, my mom, really instilled that into me, into me at a young age, just give back your blessings to others. And my fifth year at Mizzou was the best year of my life. So why would I not share my blessings with others? So that's what really motivate me to do that. And now I've been in NFL. You know, my goals are to do three events each year. And just give back. Because you know, it's life outside of football and bigger blessings out there. Marvin, you obviously played with a number of highly drafted receivers at Ohio State. What sort of feedback have you gotten about the NFL from them? And you know, about making the transition and the league itself? Yes, a long season.

18:40I think going from the 12 game record season, you have in college to, was it 17 games now? And you've got three preseason. I think actually just the biggest challenge. The game stays the same. I've seen that we're all skilled and very talented athletes. So the mental part is probably the biggest thing. And the biggest change from the college to pros. Marvin, what's your timeline for hiring an agent right over here? On a way far right. You haven't hired an agent. Why is that? Is there a timeline in the hiring one? And are you going to sign the NFL P.A. licensing agreement? I'll continue to talk on my team. We do what's best for me. I'm moving forward. We just take it one day at a time. I just got drafted. So I'm trying to enjoy the moment and be happy while I can at the moment. Hey, Marvin. I'll say a little bit more about growing up with your dad. And the experiences you had in Indianapolis and games and so on and so forth. Yeah, I mean, there's no better role model. Coach, mentor that you can have as soon as you play the game.

19:42And then he's actually a father too. So he means a lot to me. He's healthy and get to the point I'm at right now. And just he's been very detailed in everything that I've done. Growing up with playing football. So we're thankful for him. I'm glad that he can be here with me today. Luke, we're going to get here with 12 sports. It's for Daria Starris. M-I-Z. Zero, you. Yes, sir. I'm a minor as well. Curious, what do you think you learned the most from your time at Mizzou that has helped you be ready for this moment? I would say the biggest thing is not how you start is how you finish. I have to feel like me being drafted. That was the exclamation point on my career at Mizzou. But now I got started all over again and really earned respect on my teammates and coaches and then earned a role within our organization. But that's what I would say. Marvin, over here. What's it like being another buck guy out here in the desert having Paris in the front row and getting to reunite with your guy out here? It's awesome, man. I think this is kind of like two years in the making with Paris and kind of had his conversation going back to even before he got drafted from the Cardinals.

20:44And I just get a chance to play with him again and hopefully my score from touchdowns he raises me up. And then his arms like he used to do in college. So I'm super excited to play with him. I mean, not only is he going to be a great teammate but a great friend of half as well. Or if the tape speaks for itself, but what would you say is the most underrated part of your game? I think just my competitiveness. I mean, I mean, I should not show it. I'm not much of an emotional guy on the field, but I'm very competitive. I think that's probably a very underrated part of my game. Yeah, it looks like that's it. So thank you so much. Of course, thank you, you have it. When they gave me the all clear to start that week. And then in the game, there was like a critical third down. I had to go make a play and I did that. So from there, I think my trust started to go with the program. I thought really like the longevity of my career. I thought it would be at cornerback. And I had a lot of trust in Coach Wall and I had a lot of trust. Like what Ohio State does with DB. So I was just I thought it should be the best for them to be.

21:46A study being I mean, being close to home, my brother here, that's definitely a plus. But I had to think about like the longevity of my career, like need playing with studies. Not necessarily can help me get to the NFL. So I had to think about what was going to be best for me there. I think a lot about the program that there's a lot of similarities in between both programs. One thing that I really think about or I was thinking about like before coming doing this, we used to do like tug of war there. So going to get some of the guys that swung on matchups and this game's kind of like that tug of war. There's going to be some of the metham swings and we just like when they blow the whistle out there, we got to make sure we're pulling it to our side. They asked me a couple questions, but that was more so last year. I know they have a new off the coordinator for OSU, so the team is a little bit different from when I was there. But yeah, there's definitely some questions being asked. Yeah, he can run the ball for sure. I think his physicality, his athleticism, his toughness shows up on the tape.

22:47There's going to be a lot of plus one runs, which makes it hard extra having the box out to defend that. But I think he really, he's a big leader on that team, not saying the other quarterbacks weren't, but he's really a driving force for that offense to go. He has decent size. He has really good size. He shows some Twitch on film. So I was there with him as well, so I'm excited to go with that matchup. I'm doing this when I really think about it, like legacy is a bit like really comes to mind. My dad being here, my brother being here. And then this team's growing, I think it's really a faith-based team, so I just want to give a lot of credit to G-Scratch. Just give me this opportunity to be on this team, be able to do this today. I don't even want to talk about this season being honest. Me and Jack have been friends since we were seven years old playing basketball. And he helped my competitive edge really increase. When we were on the court, he always took that guy talking stuff, always getting our guys rallied up then.

23:50And then he helped me get better when I'm younger, because when you're younger, the people you surround yourself with that really helps. I'm going to be a little bit more honest. I'm going to be a little bit more honest with G-Scratch. I'm going to be a little bit more honest with G-Scratch. I'm going to be a little bit more honest with G-Scratch. Being younger, the people you surround yourself with, that really helps. Just help you form who you are. And he played a really big part in that. Just always pushing me to the best self, and hopefully I did the same for him. I mean, yeah, it's more like an NFL season, little bit less, but it starts to add up on your body, So a good thing about Ohio State, we have death here, so when guys needed to step up, like when I had my opportunity to see the D-Line multiple positions, they really needed to step up. Staying healthy and really trying to take it over the whole season. It means a lot of Pyrgerton. We all played like childhood sports together. So I think it just goes like the community that I was surrounded in,

24:51and then type of parents. That mindset just like really pushing their kids to be gray and I hope that continues on a picnic. I don't have to say either JT, signing, I feel bad for you doing my boy Jack with JT or signing. I mean, I feel like that's easy to say yeah, just because he was like the number one player in the country. I went out of high school, so like the expectations have always been high. But it's hard as like an eight year old to even envision like him being like making that play that he did. But we always knew we were going to play at a high level together and we talked about that since we were really young. Originally we talked about playing at a high state together. And now we're here though. So like my freshman year when we both are freshman sophomore year when we're getting crewed at a high state, we mean him or visiting like every other week together. So really just seeing the vision, seeing what he talked about and being a man of his word, just going to come and show it, what he did.

25:57Honestly wasn't even thinking about Notre Dame because there was so much going on in the program at the time. Like the real folks just being Tennessee. So to be here in this time, my girlfriend goes to Notre Dame a lot of my family, like just a lot of connections between Notre Dame and Ohio State for me. So I just know it's going to be a good match up to everyone's excited for. I did talk to him, but those were conversations were short later. The total can't be talking to the enemy for too long. She went for Ohio State. We actually got a conversation about this. She should be in Ohio State if anyone sees her. It was a little difficult. It was a little bumpy, but we got our Ohio State side for sure. You already done this though, but your parents are the first ones that you've been doing. Yeah, no doubt. My mom and dad, they don't have to split. There's just anything like that all Ohio State should be at this game. How much growth has been out there? How much growth has been out there?

27:00Yeah, I'm on the outside, but I've always kept in touch with my players there. Like some of my friends and current players there. So I want to credit a lot of that to Coach Freeman. The program, like when I was there, they were some tough losses that were taken. So they were definitely needed some change to be made. And he did that. And I think this formatting with the 12 team playoff that helped us, but it really helped them as well. I think it helped them as well. I think it helped them as well. I think it helped them as well. Yeah, another name was a little bit different just because it's already rooted in their tradition. So here are guys that really had to step up and really kind of be vocal about it. And I just think it was like the most important, just because in our sport, like you have to have a reference point. It's just measured on your success on the field. How much NIL money you're getting, things of that nature. It's easy to go up and down. So find that reference point within the Lord. How's it got this team study?

28:01You have a few things that you can do to improve your future. And it's a little... Yeah, I mean, I feel like Coach Freeman. I say a lot of it is because he has a high state roots. But now, honestly, Coach Freeman, when he first came, the team they really took him in when I was at Notre Dame. I remember him first coming in the locker room vividly, and everyone in the team jumped up. And this is another thing that sticks out to me. Before every single practice, he'd daped up every single player in line. So he's a really player coach. And I just want to... He works real hard. I just saw the dedication he had, how much he cared about the program, the players, and being that Notre Dame man. So I have a lot of respect. And yeah, a lot of their successes. Because him. Yeah, I understand, but I'm not sure on that level. I'm like, how much he's matured, but I saw the bricks being laid for sure while I was there. How much did you do for the second round?

29:02Yeah, I had a long talk with Algon while I was a defense coordinator. And he really wanted me to stay. But I kind of already had my mind made up. I was really out of the portal and I'm finding a better fit for myself. So yeah, that was the conversation as well. Appreciate it. I just want to continue to do that in a different moment. Thank you. Thank you. Did you get a 4-3? You know, you take a 4-3. Everybody is confused. And I'm a 4-3 guy, but really, you take a 4-3. You take a 10-10, you can slide to a 3-4 just like that. And that's multiple defense. But I'll change any person now. And so it's a 4-man front. But we can go to a 3-man, a 4-man, a 5-man, a 6-man, and a heartbeat. The guy's on the field. So I think that we've been multiple, but we can keep standing on a 4-man front. But it can be a interchange before we head for that. Yeah, that's it. So I'm going to call it some defense. How you look at it, everyone can say it's 4-man front, 4-man front. Not really when you can hide in the stairs pieces. The 4 guys can stay on the field.

30:03And you can pop JT or pack KJR. And I can see another one that's on a 3-4. Guys on the field playing. That's been in the game. And then I think that we can't lose how you can play defense. Because you can't substitute every play to get a new person. So those guys can be the play for a 4-man, a 3-man, or whatever. That's what you have to be ready to do that. Do you think you'll have more opportunities to coach CJ this year? What would you envision for a role for them? He's looking right now. So CJ is looking right now and trying to learn how to play to position. And then I want him to learn how to play to position as a defense of end stand-up. We get to that moment. And not as a linebacker. I think that's the transition. He's mentally. He's got to go through. He's done an outstanding job thus far. He's bought in to what we're doing. And I think that's the key. When it got by end, it's like this is what I want to do. He has a really good skill set. So we can use him in the model ways. But we don't want to use him just third down. We want to use him first and second down. So my job is to get him ready to play to run from on the line. He's going to be in space. That's different. And once we have come to the next level, I think we can give him a chance to give him a chance to do it.

31:03And once we have come to the next level, I think we can give him a chance to give him some great depth and really do some good things for us. I'm a cider bottom because he's really excited about that he can get the position change. Larry, when you talk about being multiple, how impactful can a guy like CJP because of his versatility about the stand-up? That's a bonus if you can do that right. Because it stays on the field. And then you bring it out from space. You can drop him from space or you can pull it to him. And I think that as we go forward, I think we'll try to build that. We just can't build it around one guy. You've got to build out what a cable can do on the field. And so like I said, it's early stays. So it's hard to say, this is what we're going to do. Because we were just putting it together. And I know that CJP is very happy where he's at. He's saying to have a really good time, understand what we're doing. And so we'll look at his from there. What did you see when he last year at that? What did you see from him last year? That made you think that he could be an impactful? Well, we know he can rush. He's got great speed off the edge. He really can get off the ball on that. We know that. Now I can say it for you. Can he play on a tight end and a six technique?

32:03And then stand it up in a two feet plank? That's the thing you have some already do. Once he mastered that, they rush stuff to come easy, because today is some of the field. And that's what we try to work on as we get going. We can walk out of spring. We haven't really got a plan to run it. And rush to the classroom. And we've got a bonus. And that's the goal. There in Camp last year, you mentioned Josh Lippert. The guy who's coming out and talking to you. Where did he get in season? And I hope those students used to be the guy who was going to back to his team. I think as we move forward, I think that's the goal. I think every guy is factoring right now. Because of the death, right? So we've got some great players. And now we're going to get these young guys. We're going to fast. And so we're going to hold hands and get them. Your room typically has guys who start to show it in your team. Yes, I want to come back. You seem like a trip. And then search on your two. And they get the first thing you see here at the interview. You know, with that, Jason, I just talked to him a lot. I just didn't seem to come together in your two. I just wanted to say that. I'm going to come back. I'm going to come back. I'm going to come back. I'm going to come back. I'm going to come back. I'm going to come back. I've talked to him a lot. I just didn't seem to come together in your two. How can he kind of make up that. And get where you need him? And you just want to need him for a year three year.

33:03He's probably more necessary to Forehand or what's left. I think Jason's got to play football. He's got to play more football in life situation. Like they didn't do a lot of shots playing in games. And so this, all season, this is as big as off season. And like I said so many conversation in this is a year. This is the time. the process is now built and he's got to go and I think he's ready for it. I'm looking for great things for him to go forward. He's seen to be in a good space right now. I like where he's at. We've got a lot of days to go to him right. So I'm very confident. What do you think the same thing when it comes to will? I'm sure that the expression will be a little bit different. Has it really played a lot of football for you? What's it? Is it kind of the same thing with him or is it a little different with him? A lot different. We changed the position a little bit trying to find the right fit for him. He went over on three tech to a nose guard. I think we're going to flung a little bit on one tech. I'm really pleased where he's at right now. He's got strong ways. He's got bigger eyes. Quick. I'm looking forward to going to that screen football. How he comes out.

34:03So far so good. I think he has a chance to help us. Well, they got a Jackson play to good number snaps. Yeah. You guys, we have last last year. What does he need to do to be ready to take on a bigger role? Well, he's got to be a leader first of all. So that's our role for him. He has not been in. He's going to be the leader moving unit. He's so far. He's done a great job doing that. Now he's going to be the guy. He's going to have to demonstrate a production for his and move the Singapore's. The Yacht's in the 4th and I think he has a chance to do that. Now he's going to play for what he gets to play. So we'll see him more. And I think we'll see his talent come from the front. What made you want to bring in Logan George and how do you see him fitting into this? Well, you look for a fit, right? What's the important thing that he's fit? Does he fit our defense? He fit our scheme to the final culture? That's all important when you bring a guy in the 4th. He's got to be a fit. And sitting and talking to him, talking to his family, talking to his coach, was really, really rare. And I raised him at him. That's a player. And then once we sit down and then talk, I feel like he fit our room. He's got great crowd to get rush. It'll be plays hard. And everything you want to see, you got to have he has.

35:06And so I'm looking forward to seeing where he goes from here. Is there anything you can do for the same hometown as Tommy Tobi? Yeah, same high school. Yeah, there's nothing like Tobi's eyes that hope to learn more about Logan. Yeah, well, not necessarily about Logan, but I know they had coached really well in the mid-April's opponent call. I mean, he gave right years and was a player. He's a person. That was, that was the end for me. Because you got to have a situation. And then he had, he had coaches just couldn't love him. Because he couldn't stop talking about it. It was a player and a person. So my brother knew and talked to him. And then they sent him down. I thought, it was, it was pretty good. What do you need to see from a guy like him, the guy with the deck in train slate, to Ohio State. This is like, actually quite literally the top of the sport right now. So how do you know that that's going to translate from FCS? Based on what I've seen thus far, the skill set is going to translate. Yeah, it's going to translate. If not, I mean, a huge mistake. No, I'm just saying. I'm just going to translate. I know what you're saying. Like, it's a big moment now, right? But, but he's been, he's been, he's done great job.

36:06That I can talk about. I'm really looking forward to. And he's been all business. And that's what you want. He's a great leader in a room. He's helping in young guys. But he goes and he works. And that's what I want. Yeah. There I think it's something that probably all of us have talked about at times over the years. So I'll just ask the drink. Yeah. Was there anything in Jim Nolz's time here where his style of defense and your style of defense did not exactly mesh? No. Yeah. Why do you think we think that? Because you guys think he's a 3-4. You guys look at his system at Huckle Homa. And thought that way is going to bring the jack thing here. And that's what he thought. And so when you looked at that, you're right. I was looking for a 3-4 defense. Yeah. And we're going to check out your memory. We have all these 4-3 guys here. And so you have to change the way you recruit. If you got to change the defense, this game's that, right? And I think we tried Jack's story at that position. And then as the season went on, and teams were playing offensively, you know, it was predicated to more having four guys in the field and changing up. So in every way, like, like, like,

37:07I don't chase stories and lies out there. Because nobody's asking me this question here, like, versus Jim and I had really great conversations about what we're doing. There was never a moment where we're going, hey, I don't want the 3-4. There was never that. Because that was the best fit for our players. And how can we get them with the team? And that was always the conversation with us. And I took this step. The story was made about how it's contemplated. There was no conflict. Maybe because I said, well, I don't know what the jack, you know, I don't know what, about that time, when I went on the war with him, with the jack. I knew that we thought jack, sorry, and to say, decision between coach and I, that, like, let's get jack, sorry, back to him as a man. And that's where we'll just go to the other jack position and got to do it. But we never did it again. We never got back to the shore of defense. Because it changed what you do. Not a question about it. It's a different scheme of different things we do. And you got to look by it. In big 10 offense, there's so many different ways, formations that you get that guy caught in the house trying to play that. So let's just stop. What did the father you get that story? Yes, yes. If the story was out there, how much did the father you get?

38:08The story was out there that you and those worked seeing out. You can fight it. Here's what I say to you. It doesn't bother me because I know who I am as a man as a person, right? And so I'm never going to chase lies of people talking about what I did. And I was amazing. I'm getting sent into the night. I wouldn't choose to read it because that's not who I am. I mean, Jim and I had a great relationship and never came down to that. I don't have the ultimate. I was never that. The story got created, which is unfair. But you got created somehow with some on podcasts. I guess trying to get clicks of some. I don't know. I don't read this song. But no, it didn't bother me because I'm not chasing a lot. I know who I am as a person. I speak very high in my character. Why not? I've been this business a long time. I don't have to go through chairs or something by point, right? Yeah, I mean, I have a pin here. I give that a pin here. We agree, walk on a room. What we're going to do is we go for it. I think you saw it this season. We played really well. As a unit, we played well as a staff. How much more? How much tests more to do your day? Yeah, I start when you think about it, especially the way the defense played down the stretch

39:09second half of the year in a playoff, when you think about staff, players, talent, experience, coming in, just what's your evaluation of how the Ohio State defense played on the way to the national championship? I think the play light up. I think they played closest to unit. I thought they had a lot of pride about what they're doing. They were on a mission. They really were astounding to me. You knew that it was going to change. I mean, I see some problems. I was a coach. You see, guys played away. They played. I mean, everything came to a tie. And that's what you want. The greatest moment of it happened when I skimmed. And I couldn't be more proud of how they played down the stretch. And every day, they came to work. Every day, they came to work. Never one moment where they coached. No, let's go. Let's go. Let's go. I mean, you have to be in the rooms and know and practice and see Zach looks on on. Every day, those guys were preparing for every day. That's why you keep doing that. That's why it's fun. It'll be like, why stop something really long? Because you know that. It's a moment. Like I said just before I said to the young guys,

40:11talking about the four guys of Schron. We're doing this with them. They came back for a reason. And we have to give them everything we got to make sure they're reached to the goal. And that was every day in my media. Don't forget why we're doing this. It's why we have to go hard. Because these four guys here, they came back to do this again for us. Hopefully we win the chance. And that was my passion. I walked in every single day. I was not going to let those guys down. And that kind of permeated throughout our whole room. And that's where we approach every game, every season, every day we talked about that. We're not going to make that. We came personally because you felt a connection to these four guys that gave you everything they got. And you felt like you had to give them something bad. So every day I walked in the room and said, I'm not going to fill you. I would give you everything I got. Everything I got, every day. Because I want you to be successful. And that last game, walking off the shield, tears all over our eyes, you felt they were leaving like, wow, we did it. You just looked at each other and said, we did it. Because we believed in each other. So probably we've fallen from the fourth or three, four, and they were talking about it.

41:11Obviously, you got a lot of guys just walk out the door. Yeah, the minimum. The primary reason for why that four, three, four, three, got kind of made sense. Yeah. That bucks turned over and talked about such a massive thing. Are you open to the idea of maybe the front's changed a little bit more in the street based on where the depth might be this year, if that were the case? I'm always open and changing. Because it's all about winning. It's all about putting our kids in the best position to be in. I don't know if we're just as kind of calm, but I'm holding things back. I don't have any way. I just want to be a coach. And whatever you tell me, a coach, I'm going to coach that's the way I am. Just unfortunate that this three, four, four, three, doesn't really matter what we play. As long as we're successful in what we're doing, and put on players in the best position to be successful, that should be the bottom line. Where you're four, three, four, three, five, six doesn't matter. Our players in the best position to play, and they win. That's it, that's really matter. Because you start getting caught up like, we don't do this, and we don't have the personnel to do this, but we still plan it. The star is way high state can't play the three, four, because it ain't our gun, right? It can't be that, right?

42:13I think you're a multi-quity fence, and that's what we are. We can find a way to use our players in the best position possible to be successful. I think you have to do that. I think I've gone to what, six court gives a court name. Right? Yeah. And so the change is always rewarded. Right? So you have to adapt to it, you use it, but I'm all in. It's going to give us an investment in our players to play as fast as they can. Whatever you play, I'm all in. So there's no resistance from coach John, so you've got to be a four-hand try. We're going to be able to want to be into personnel fit what we're trying to do. So the last thing I'm going to say, it's not skiing. It's a gym in the jokes. Right? So we can talk scheme all you want, three, four, or even more. We have the end of the day. So those guys are front and guys are back at, or we're all on the same page. It's the play that's possible to be successful. Does that same approach relate to rotation? No doubt. No. Never going to change. So you don't have a particular question for you. Last question from coach John. How much do you want to rotate? Personally, I have. I go into the game with Ideal, Zach, what I want to do.

43:14Who will rotate? Who's ready? It's not necessarily rotating. Who's ready to rotate? You go into the game. Because you can't put a guy to the position where he's going to fail. Because you didn't get him ready for the play. I'm really big in that. It's there ready to go. I'm ready to play. Let's go play. I want to get you to get your first year here. Yeah, 24-year. Yeah. These guys, you did. It's more special because you've gone through four years. Yeah. I did. I had to help you by the time. And it's, well, but I happened this year. It's really special because you've been a group of guys. We've been around. You're on that. And I was on an alternate goal. I was trying to win that national attention. And then we get it down with the same guys on your program. To me, that's what comes to talk about that. It's a great thing. Coach, when you've kind of been waiting your turn behind Shaq 2018, and now it's finally on your own, you've got that. Yeah, I said it told me to feel different. It really didn't hit me until first practice of spring. But it feel well. Yeah, what is that like over the way to town? Especially in this age, you could have gotten up with the left.

44:16You're feeling well. Yeah. What's it like to wait your time? Is it paid off or yet? I wouldn't say have paid off. Yeah, I really haven't done nothing yet. But God has a path for everybody. He's paving my path right now. So I'm just letting him control and pay my path right now. Would you discover that with your path? Would you think, come and come to you? Yeah, this is it. What I should do. I'll say, I won't say after sophomore year. That's when it was a lot of ups and downs. Even this past year, it was a lot of ups and downs. But mainly from last year, it was a lot of ups. And it's like letting him control everything. I tend to overthink and want to control things myself. But that's not how God works. God, like I said, God has a path for everybody. He's catching my path. What is the biggest thing that you see in the show? Chateen, it showed you how to lead this. Just say, consisting. It's different leaders. You've got the vocal leader. You've got the leader that said, by example. It's different personalities in the group.

45:18So I'll say, I can't talk to Edward. I can't talk to Ken and Curry. I can't talk to Ken and Curry. I talk to Ken and Curry. So it's just, they're consistent. Stay positive. And everything will take care of stuff. You made blood last year. You made your part of this day today. What's your sense of this day? It's coming back and replacing eight starters. How you could hurry off and make another run. Everybody's working. Like you said, we lost a lot of good players. A lot of good leaders. But guys that stepped in up, we just got to step up. We just got to take on what the guys left for us. Pretty much it. It was definitely a deep battle. Good. It was a good guy. It was a tough fight. It was a tough fight. You guys have a lot of success. The same mindset that we had last year. They said, consisting. And on our toolbox and trusting Coach Jay, whatever he got for us. It's a receiver. It's pretty polished. How do you have anything made in like, during a wide season?

46:20Yeah, I don't know. I mean, probably he had good coaches. And obviously, he's naturally, you know, a gifted athlete. He played a couple different sports in high school. Has a good feel for space and super athletic. But he's really impressed me with how dedicated he is. And he's always in my office. He was trying to get better. When you have a little receiver, as you guys have, how do you get the guy like him involved in the passing game? As well. We saw Kate and G do it to some level. But he's a guy who caught 50-some passes last year. Yeah, no, I think it makes it easier. I show these recruits all the time. Because everyone says, oh, how is he just a receiver school? It's like Marvin Harrison was the best receiver in the country. And you know, who number two is in targets and receptions. And receiving ours was Kate. Because you can go to the other schools. And they don't have the receivers we do. And you're going to get doubled every game. Good luck. I don't know many great plays if you're going to get bracketed. But no, you have the receivers at Coach Hartline. And if he's playing in here, we're going to have single coverage. And if my tight ends can't beat single coverage. And we're going to have issues. You'll have to get another tight any can. We've got a lot of tight ends who are pretty good receivers.

47:21And excited to see him. And you mentioned that in line blocking. Yeah. I think if you take PFF grades, you will love that. They're not as high as other guys. How have you? For Max. For Max, OK. Yeah, just how do you see that part of his game? Because I think that's been the knock that people have talked about. Yeah, I'm not sure. I mean, he checked that box from my watch to film. I'm not sure. But the nice folks at PFF are watching. But Wilkes Merrick didn't have many offers coming out. He's the best blocking tie in the country. So I don't know what his grade is. Listen, talk about it. At the convoy, he said that after the Purdue game, he came to you and said, hey, this guy is a portal. Go get him. What are you doing? Yeah, yeah. Layton, Layton is trying to take all the credit. Caleb Downs is also kind of sure for me. I always have dinner with those two guys. The DB is really the safes on Friday nights. And I always, every week, just asking about the opposing tie dance. And they were super high on max, Purdue week. And so when he went to the portal, Layton and Caleb, I was like, see, oh, that's a guy. So you always are watching. Obviously, you have to do your own evaluation.

48:22And what's your style of obviously? How much do you value that up? And do you hear that from guys who actually have to go on the trip? No, hugely. Usually. And like, at this back to back, here's really because you had, I mean, I would have watched Max. Anyway, I'm not even playin' too much play over here. But like, the year before it was the same way I was told me about World Cup's America. So no, if a guy knows our culture, and says, push, he fits your room. Like, I gotta give Sam all the credit for finding cash. Is this the deepest tie-down room that you have here? Yeah, it's gotta be. Just because, again, Dan, how many guys played in the netty? Then we had five. They were four or five tie-dances. We had all six play in the playoffs. And four or those six were back. So yeah, I mean, we've got tons of guys in that room that have started college football games. And not just against the school down the street, like, big time moments and big time games. So yeah, we're super deep. How valuable is that to know that you have four guys that have all played a lot of football in your head in here? Chewjuli. And I think the best part, Dan, is like, now I could challenge him even more. We're past the stage of, OK, here's what it's going to be like on Saturday. They've almost all the guys in that room have done it.

49:24So now I could challenge him even more to go be the best tie-down room in the country. We're at a higher state. If you're not up to that challenge, then go somewhere else. For guys like Bennett and Shalani, what did they have to do to earn even more playing tie-dances here? I think everyone's different. Bennett's different than Shalani. And for those guys, I mean, consistently, I said it last week, like, Coach Harj is going to put the best 11 on the field. It doesn't matter if they're all running back. Your receivers are tight-ends. So like, every day I tell them, every day you're competing against the other tight-ends in the room. But we're competing against receivers. And they're running back. When we put two or three or four tight-ends on the field, if that package is better than none, we're going to live in that. So every day is a challenge. Really? It's easy. You can go. How long does it take? Real injury. How does that work? How does it work? Yeah, a lot. I was obviously all injured. I'm unfortunate. But he put in so much work. I was excited to see him have a full season. So that was cut short. But again, on the flip side, it challenged him to be more of a leader. And to learn the offense, maybe taking a step back

50:26and help mentor a guy like Shalani. And I think there was a huge opportunity for a guy like Bennett and Shalani. We watched it this morning in my meeting. When we went down, we went tempo in the next play. G block, the C gap. Then we hit Quinchon. Then the next play, we were like 14% out of 13. And it was three Titans who had never done that. And we're on the road at Oregon. And we punched it in and scored. It's just just a great story to tell the guys. Like when Cade went down against Georgia, we played the game with Ms. Rossi. It's like, all the guys got to be ready. I don't know when your number's going to be called. So I know it was unfortunate, but such a good learning opportunity. What are you? Today is about Shalani needing to be more consistent. Is that some of your seeing more of a mentor? Yeah. Yeah. He's off the charge night and day, more mature, been really impressed with just his work ethic. He's in here every night getting extra work in. I'm challenged to learn every position I'm off. And don't just be a Y, be a Y, be an H. Know what the C's got. And then also be a leader. He's not a young guy anymore. So he's coaching Nathan, a block in those guys in Max.

51:26Even harder. He was yelling at Max Claire, not yelling at. He was encouraging him to finish. Like, hey, you're obviously tight end. We're going to be going harder than everyone on the field. And I was like, you're getting it. That's awesome. He's been a leader. So super impressed again. For you. I know you're one that deferred to your guys in credit gap, but you are kind of in the state. We'll flunt hard as a coach can do. You built your way up through this program now. Get the title of this offseason. What's it been like to watch your journey here and kind of see where you are now? Yeah. I appreciate that. You know, I'm not going to take the bait there. That's total rap poison. But no, I think every offseason out of Ohio State, we have such good players. And we win championships. Everyone around here is going to get opportunities to go somewhere. And that's a credit to those guys. There's also like, shows all the trust that Coach Day and Coach Hartlan have for me. And I've been, those guys have been my boss for the last nine years. Whether Coach Day or Coach Hart. So like, nothing's changed but a title. And just, you know, super blessed to be here with those two guys. And I love those guys. Keenan, you spent a lot of time starting talking about the message with your guys

52:27about being over those least talented youth or in the rankings and all that. This group is now veteran. Oh, yeah. I have one of the most productive titles in the country with joined the room. Do you have to change? I know it's still going to be hardest working. No, no. I can take that away. Is it a different message now, different mentality? It is. It is. Yeah, Austin, you hit the nail on the head. We're not changing our DNA. You cut open Ohio State title and easy to be a bad dude. It was really freaking hard. And it's just gritty. It's all good out. But I'm not saying that we're going to be over looked this year at all. It's a 180. I told the guys, we should set the tone for the offense, for the team. You know, nationally, with toughness and effort and all that, but production. And we should be a driving force. I challenge them all the time. Someone comes to practice. You want to see what the Ohio State Buck guy fight, culture is, a brother. Just go watch the Titans. Don't want that to. That's who the Buck guys are. So I challenge them. Lead from the front now. We don't need to be the least kind of the sleeper unit. No, no. Like set the tone. Did Max play the track quickly? I mean, you mentioned Will, Frank Lee,

53:28and the courage to practice. He's been here two months. Is he putting that in my face? No, he's just writing. And that's all thanks to some things today. I'm like, all right. Yeah, no, he's been a high-sleeved titan. Yeah, no, I'm super proud of him. And the whole unit. Sorry, did I miss anybody else? Good. Thank you, guys. Thanks, Jim. We're really good to go guys, for sure. I mean, Michael Talman was talking to me before the game, with a Rose Bowl and Chris Carter in after the game as well. I mean, just giving me advice. Just telling me to keep going first. You know, just keep doing what I've been doing the whole year. I mean, I'm God's bugger, I legend. So definitely look at them, guys, for sure. Make sure to spare. It means a lot. Me just to care for Miami. Just be able to play an actual championship as a freshman, a son of a dream, good as a kid. And I'm here now. And this K-rated, K-rated, K-rated, can't wait to put on the show Monday.

54:30He said he got a game. I mean, the Tissot, like he says, may crazy each and every week playing. But you know, can't let it get to my head, I should say. Me just football at the end of the day, but just happy being a sensation. Yeah. Oh, none of us think we could be covered, man, oh man. I mean, we're actually talking about this yesterday as well. But you know, I mean, that's what they do. That's what they do. Maybe we should go out there, you know, play our game and no, short of reason why not to play, man, oh man.

55:30Two. Four. Three. One. I'll go five. It's good. No problem. It's a good one. What's your mindset like, huh? My mind says, you know, just go out there Monday, just dominate the person I'm supporting me. You know, just do what I've been doing for the last two to three weeks, I should say. But you know, they play man on man. So I'm just ready for the challenge. What do you think? Talk about middleman or what you've asked about that. We had a big smile. Yeah. I mean, feels good. Just say somebody going out there and playing man on man, you guess Ohio State receivers is something crazy. But you know, we just ready for the challenge.

56:32They say they're not changing their game plan, but we got to go out there and show them the reason why not to play man on man. Well, in the recent announcement of the month 2016, somebody's talking about it right now. Sure, you're going to be the conversation. Yeah. When you go to Carson, you have a couple other guys. States and case, why you smell the cup? I mean, I don't really, if I be on a curve, I be on a curve. It's not really a big deal to me. It may definitely be a blessing for sure, just to be on a curve or a game, but you know, it's not really a dream of mine. It's a dream of mine, but I don't really think too much of it. Yeah. You're in a one-time career right now. You're in a good, man. But you talked about the audience. And you guys were talking to us. What's the deal with that? What happened to you? You had two more. What happened to you? You got to think more as a dollar. You think you're ready? I mean, no, not yet. Probably hit me after this season. Just no planning of calling football players as a freshman, planning the Rose Bowl as a freshman, planning a Cardinals not in the National Championship. I mean, it's a blessing for sure, but it hasn't hit me yet.

57:33I'm sure. Are you putting it right here? I'm sure. Why would you fan me a chance to fan me? My favorite catch, I would say we play Michigan State. The one I call the two defenders, definitely probably my favorite for sure. Or you could go the one from Iowa, I should say, and the answer, probably the two. Sure. I mean, like you said, it's pretty frustrating. Having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl, they're coming to the Cardinals, just doing different things, chasing their scheme up against 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.

58:34And then you got to the National Championship. Right here. It means a lot. We put a lot of work in this season. We have highs, we have lows. We have people cutting us out. But we hear now, we just ready to pull in the show Monday. Yeah. Yeah. First and win is National Championship, because that means a lot. I mean, you see everything that he bent on this year, people saying should be fine. There's that in the third. But I mean, you see everything that he bent through this year. I mean, I see everything I he bent through this year,

59:35see everything. People saying about him on Twitter. I wasn't here. He first got the head coach and job. But I know this year for sure, we definitely got to win this for him. 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, there, you had Stephard Dicks. It means a lot of Michael Thomas Chris Carter, just a lot of guys I played in NFL and stuff like that. But yeah, really them guys for sure. Just keep going. You got it. You next up for sure. Really, I really appreciate that. So they said. I think they have a physical defense. Like people say, they like to play man.

1:00:37They're not changing their scheme. So we're just ready for the challenge. Like you said, best defense we probably go see all year. And we just got to be ready to go out there Monday and just put on the show. I'm excited for Will. First coming here in Ohio State January our first workout we had together. Just everything that we built through the season. I'm just happy for Will for him to be in this position right now, but we got to finish the job. And that's the winning out of you Monday. It's pretty funny. Them saying that because I'm just only a freshman.

1:01:37But I mean, it's a blessing for sure. People who even say that. But I got two, three more years left of college. And I'm just focused on college right now. I'm not really worried about the NFL right now. It's very special for me. I just being a freshman, I'm playing a national stage. I appear for a national title. It was something that I dreamed of as a very young kid. I'm just happy to be here. And I just can't wait to put on some Monday for you guys. I mean, all the receipts we just sit on the bench and we just see him hit the quarterback in the ball. Come on. And we all just got up and just started jumping up and down. We all decided. Happy for jacking that moment. We just knew that that moment. Like, yeah, we go on to the ad for sure. I got a question.

1:02:37So I'm going to have to stay championship. That I could be self. Yeah. So like less than 40, but I feel like they have to be just higher school and national champions. How does that feel to have that moment that I'm going to have to get the next step? Me, it serves a lot. I mean, going from high school or when at three state championships, Salmanamadana, then coming up to Ohio State just competing for national charter right now. Me just showed that I picked two great schools. But I'm happy to be here and just came with the partner show Monday. The coolest person. I mean, you got a lot. I can't really say just a specific person. You got a lot of great guys. Reach out in the lead like, oh, there. You have guys like Stefan Deakes. A lot of other players will just get cut off my mom. But really, really them two guys will show a dollar of

1:03:39Stefan Deakes. When you're looking at their name, but something that you got on your mind is trying to attack and try to dominate it. Yeah. Yeah. 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. We're going to back over here. The vice geno had gave me. I'll just keep golfers. I know the reason why I'm here. I mean, like he said, just keep golfers and just no keep the main thing and the best corner I face this year. I mean, I face a lot of great corners. I can't really say, but yeah, I face a great daughter of great corners here, really put a name on it.

1:04:39I'm going to have a question. It looks like an event. I have a question. I don't know. Hold on. Let me give you a hand. What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation is Terce and K-Copes. I'm going to have a good time. I'm going to have a good time. Good. How are you? Yeah. I say both respect and frustration as well. But I mean, I doubt they come out there and try to be with me and they say stick it to whatever they're doing our year. And that's playing man coverage, which is ready for the challenge. I'm pretty good group.

1:05:42Christian Grey 29 is a great corner. 15, Lenard Moore. Two great guys are right there. Very physical, but you know, we all have to receive it. So we ready for the challenge. Other questions? Yeah. Other questions? Who's the first to get the first place? I'll say it just no understanding the defense, understanding the game plan, understanding what Coach Kelly is trying to get in. I mean, just coming in, I felt I progressed from my first game against Akron to now. But I got better each and every week. I mean, things slowed down a lot for me. But yeah, really just no understanding the defense and no understanding what they're trying to do to me for sure.

1:06:45Other two guys, great. Part of the best we go see all year for sure. Two physical guys. But you know, we're ready for the challenge that they're coming with. And that's the play man, no man. And you know, we ready to go on Monday. I mean, the environment is pretty crazy. Seeing all these cameras. Something I never thought I'd see it in my life. But it's a blessing for sure. There's the main disposition right now. I mean, we just had a prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer meeting. And you know, we all, they all, I mean, we all discussed the issues because they discussed these issues. And you know, which is what the work, I mean, not two and a half weeks we had off before Tennessee game. And we just came out there on Tennessee game.

1:07:46And we played with a chip on our shoulder. All throughout the playoffs. And we go continue to play with that chip on our shoulder. And that's championship on Monday. Do you know how that very impactful, he had a very impact on my career I should say, just going to his games as a very young kid, seven, eight years old, him playing Westwood, him playing for Westwood year, and they played Clemson, Orange Bull down at Miami. I mean, just going to that, that's seeing his games. It was like, yeah, definitely when the player didn't stay, and I can't wait till I get to know that moment for sure. Who are you? What's going on? What's going on? What's going on? What's going on? It's just walking around trying to get his mind right, trying to get his mind ready for the game, but you know, he just gave everybody hype in the locker room and just trying to get us ready to go to win the game.

1:08:51Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean, you go play man against Ohio State receivers. I mean, just be ready because, you know, we definitely go to court there and know, give our best. I mean, they said not to change what they do, so we just ready for the challenge. So what they're doing here, and go this time, and watch the playoffs. Is this kind of what you're doing? Do you have a vision that will, like, you've seen this kind of situation felt? Not a year later. Definitely sometime in my career in college, but not my first in college, I should say. I mean, just to be able to be in this position right now, just a blessing, just to be here for Miami to be here, and I won't take it for granted. I'm ready to go out there Monday and give him my all. Yeah.

1:09:51Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I was watching that game against Georgia. I was pretty sick myself because I was actually committed at that time. So, I mean, yeah, they left a bad test name off, but I mean, we ready to go out there Monday to redeem myself and just put a show Monday. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, me. I just laughed. But, you know, that's what they do. They're not gonna change what they do, just because we're a higher state. So, when you gotta go out there and put them, you know, put them all, why not to play,

1:10:54and no man, it gets us. So, we just gotta go out there and show them Monday. Sure. Yeah. Can you say the game? I'm sorry. My journey here at Ohio State, we're pairing a lot for the National Championship, just going through everything that I've been through. My first guy here, all the Matt Jules, all the hard workouts that we had, all the hard practices. Just preparing all of us for this moment, and I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all on Monday. Okay. Yeah. We just squeezed this. One or nine. Two hundred, me as big as groans.

1:11:59Yeah. Yeah, go. What's it in there? 120? Yeah, that's great. Yeah, it's pretty good. No problem. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

1:13:00Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

1:14:00Yeah. It went pretty good. Everybody just speaking with their thing is going right in what they think is wrong. We just a lot of the older guys, what's in their opinions on what we need to do to come together as a team. But you know, that meeting definitely helped us in a big way, because it helped us on the field as well, because we played at Great Football right now, and we just got to you that one Monday. Yeah, definitely got emotional. Can't really say what really was said, because players only and coaches only, but it was definitely some stuff said that people took. People took and went with it, and that's the reason we're playing the way we're playing right now. Yeah. Yeah.

1:15:02Make help me a lot this year. Him being our older guy in the room. Me help me and Carl Nell as well and Brendan. And there's all the guys in our city room as well. Me just a great guy as well. It's very smart. Me and make just been a big part of the reason that I'm having a seat that I'm having a well, because he's been a big, you know, older guy been there. Been a lot of great guys in that room. Like Chris Aliveve, Gary Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. He teaches us the right thing and the right way and the buck out way for sure. I take you on the platform, but it's like, you didn't necessarily belong with it. It's much like the same thing. So, it's the other options. Did you feel on the way to this? No, I feel like I was reading, you know, right? I mean, some actors got different. I mean, I just feel like I had all the offers I think I would, you know what I mean? I had fucked down like, her own work size. You know, it doesn't matter if you get hearing of all the stuff that I went. What was it like to take that in the subject? You know, I felt good.

1:16:02You know, I felt like I had all the hard work and I stood out the spring. I had a teaching echo. You gave me, you know, just paid off. I didn't know the spring. I was playing with the camera. They give the two deep breaths a true freshman out of the latent of an oddness and opportunities and have a bigger ball this year. What do you expect going into a second? You know, it's working to beat, you know what I mean? Obviously, they'll be running, you know, whatever, with how many seconds or whatever. I mean, I'm just working just to beat, you know, work my tail off, you know, make a roll for my session. I can treat physical, you know. I'll ask you. I got, I would say like, I got a lot more aggressive and I'll gain some weight now. I'm pushing 200 pounds now and I'm not against others. Coach Patricia, what have you, uh, the state of Canada? I've always been like real. You know, he's a great guy. You know, I like him, you know, he's a great guy. He cares about his players. You know, I was so football wise. He's a master in the behinders. He is a well respected, he's football business, he's a business, you know, in his time being in an NFL.

1:17:02So, I think he's a good player too. What is it? I wonder if it's like the starter or occasional piece of what you expect to see from the feeling of the plane and the experience. I expect you know, just to add value, you know, from a half of the team and to make players. You feel a lot more, I feel this year. I feel like, you know, last year it's been a while. Oh yes, for sure. I feel like, you know, I'm starting to de-use the everything here and I feel like, I'm just trying to pull off one of the last few. I feel like, you know, like I said, I'm not going to make a role as my players. What? I was going to say, you know, mindset at the beginning was spring, starting to scratch in a way. Not letting too much of the shadow of the national team to come. So, what is the team really embraced that mindset and say competitive in that mindset? You know, you know, we have one already, you know, so far so, you know, we're trying to stay determined, you know, just trying to dominate. And we're not living in passing more, it's like you're never going to happen to be the target of another one. What are the coaches that got adventure with your head? A and B are all, you have a beer, rules that are going to hold in, you have to get some reps in another position.

1:18:03Obviously, you know, right now, playing Skull and E.F. are just trying to, you know, craft myself and just, you know, make myself more versatile for the team wherever I go. If you get some more last-quiet, that's kind of limiting his reps. Obviously, he's living in like a company, so, you know, obviously, I'm in the league of this, you know. And for him, you're leaving your own line to this and all this work. You know what I mean? Skipping, skimming. Thank you. Appreciate it. I'm going to go on the recruiting board and say, you know, like, you have a lot of these conversations. Okay, what are we looking for at these positions now?

1:19:04How do you see it? Because, you know, under one coordinator, you might see a, the, my plan back would be this. And then under this coordinator, well, I think the mic back would need to be this. So you have to have those conversations at every position. And you just kind of keep going through and, but I'm just excited to learn. I think the more systems, I mean, look, play the system here in college, play the system, underneath the Spagnolo, play the system, or Tim Walden, play the system under Greg Williams, Dennis Allen, Coach of Galgold, and then Jim Null, like, every one of those, there's like different terminology for everything. So you're just, you're learning a different language, Colin, think, you know what I mean? There's his concepts. And I think he's kind of collect over time. What you think is really good stuff and how you do stuff that make you a little different. And I'm just really excited to learn from Matt and Tim, ton of success. He was seem very excited over there, talking really to me here. Yeah. coaching college, whatever. So long. What's his personality like with you guys?

1:20:05Yeah. He's been great. I mean, his energy is incredible. He's very, he is. He's authentically excited to be back in college football. You can tell there's like a yearning to get back to, like, the, why you got the coaching, right? Is the impact young people is the impact and teach the game of football. And so the few times he's been in front, you know, kind of like talking to the guys in a sense like he's excited to just teach ball. You know what I mean? And kind of ironically, like, you know, similar to a lot of other things that chips that last year, right? Yeah. Get back and you're like, man, I'm just excited to. And so he has that excitement. He's been a phenomenal job, I think, of other players. Just kind of like walking around versus like popping in, making sure that he's in front of them and they get to know him and he gets to know them. And it's a lot that you can imagine when you come in and you have all these guys, right? And trying to learn all these guys, I'm learning recruiting, trying to learn to staff, I'm learning dynamics, like it's a lot. But he's handled it really well. You know, he's an old school ball coach, so he's a grinder.

1:21:07So he's really good job. James, son, he's probably not going to need to do much this spring. How much more can you get down with the young guy? I'm not telling him that. So you've got to do a lot. But in terms of Ryan DeRity said, you know, 50%, 75% or whatever. How much more can you get down with the young guys when they're not worried too much about the senior? Yeah, I think, I mean, you're always just looking for competition, especially like in spring ball, of mess what it's all about, right? You're trying to have it so cliche, but it's true. The iron sharpener's iron mentality of you want your room to be super competitive to where, hey, the guy in front of me makes a play. My next set of four plays I go out there, I have the on point, right? And it's a constant driving of the room forward. And so, yeah, son, he gets 50 or how many reps, you know, reps off 50% rubber coach said. And that means more opportunity for somebody else to play, right? So that'd be more for our values that scheme flexibility with our value, pay pierce around, we set TJ Riley, you like all these guys stove.

1:22:11We're all going to get more reps, I think it's great. So we got to do it at this point in season. But I think, you know, yes, there's still stuff that within their level of Sunday is that he's going to be. Clon to try to get those reps because he's a true pro. And that's been the most enjoyable thing about working with him is like, you get a kid who's played safety his whole life comes to the back yard. He just wants to learn the why behind everything. And, you know, very similar to the fact of Cody, like, we have guys who are that easy to work with. You're not trying to like, not worried about texting anybody in our room about coming over and trying to learn all. You know what I mean? Like, where you at? You know, like, they're obsessed with the game of football. They're always around when they're at class. So it's like, it makes it really easy as a coach because they're passionate for the game. So strong. You mentioned in CJ in terms of the higher with the map, just what can sunny like? What do you envision more with him with all of that stuff? I think, I think we just have a lot of guys with a lot of links.

1:23:12You talk about sunny styles, long, can run, our Valeries, long, can run. It's crazy because you see sunny and you're like, okay, this guy, like, I wish I was built like that when I played. And then you see our Val stand next to sunny. You're like, you know what I mean? And then you look across the room, like, as the room warms up, you're like, holy smokes. We just have a bunch of guys and that's a lot of credit to make. Coach May does a phenomenal job. I was just talking to Burma about it, like, to see even our maybeir guys what they looked like when they showed up during the bowl of the whole natty run. And they're kind of hanging out during practice. And you see the high school bodies to see what they look like today before they go away. And like, the shoulders are all like everything is just different. And they've been indoctrinated into the brotherhood. So I think, you know, there's just a lot to work with. And so what he's really good at right is like, he's talked about it.

1:24:16One year he has junior say, oh, we'll get us Mike Vrable, you know, Roosevelt Colvin and those guys. And a couple of years later, he has Brandon Spikes. So he's like, okay, I'm just by his blitz brand in the middle all the time. And he's just a pound of beast. You know, he says he was my best nose guard from Mike Vrable, right? And then the year after that, he gets, you know, we got Jamie Collins and Dante Hightow. So now we can do a lot of stuff, right? So they're just like, hey, this is what we're doing. We got plenty of people into it. Hey, here's what we got. Let's utilize it. So that's what Sprint will be. Waldo in the lab and figure out what that means. I'm sure through Sprint Ball, there'll be like, hey, here's what we do really well as unit. It can be different, right? I mean, there's a lot of production. So unit will be different. So you kind of got to reform your own identity and you're re-hearned that civil bullet, big name and mantra. How many of you guys can look at our bell and just see if he's on a very good track. Is that it? Is it a record just what's his ceiling?

1:25:16It's how he can just start a bell. It's just a lot. And right now he's locked in. He's done a great job becoming a leader. Coming out of his shell. I think, you know, I think for Vellie, it's all about consistency and just preparation. And I'm proud of our bell, you know, he's through the season. He got way better at, you know, a lot of it's like little things. Just note taking and stuff. Like sometimes if these kids are always on their phones and stuff, not like the meeting runs right thing like that, but just naturally. So like to get out of pen and paper and like, you hear things and to me, yeah, I got it. What you do until you're dog tired and then you forget because you know what I mean, but when you really understand it, you know what I mean? Like, go play faster. He got so much better through the year. Just a lot of that's because of Cody, like becoming a pro. And then now it's like Sonny's pulling him along. He's pulling pain along the pain to pull in TJ and Riley and Eli. So I can still like, so I kind of love the competition. And we're right now in the way it's made up. Yeah, that was a great path. How many different guys do you feel like can be in that Mike's spot?

1:26:18Three yet. But that was obviously losing Cody and now having that. You know, I think that's something that's fluid as we kind of go. Because you know, week one, Sonny actually started at Mike for us. And Sonny smart enough to play them all. Our Vel is smart enough to play them all. He appears to smart enough to play them all. And it's also like, how did you like depends on what scheme you're running. Where they, how do they be utilized as well? You know what I mean? So you say my backer, you know, whether it's Tommy, I can very grow on film. I mean, I'm a little bit more of a research to different people and Cody's different than those two. So I challenge to like a lot of the guys that come in. And so you got the other both. The more you understand about the scheme in general, the faster you will play. You know what I mean? Like if I just sit here and I say, hey, I got a lot of Mike. My drop is this and that's all I need to know. Like, well, no, football happens so fast and all the shifts and motions that like. If you're out there just playing and you're waiting for a call.

1:27:20And you're just reacting like you're so worried about what's going on on your side of the ball. You don't even recognize that the offense is telling you something's what they're doing. So. If I'm out there and also I'm not getting a call, I know what the call should be. It's like, hey, are we playing? You know, let's go. Now listen, you get it. You can look. I can see, okay, here's what the tight ends doing. That's what the backs doing. Here's what plays are coming. If you just line up and play as a runner pass every time, like you know, stand a chance. You got to eliminate plays in your mind by seeing what the offense is doing. Like they tell you a story every time they line up. They just window dressing. People motion and she has to try to. Okay, are they trying to do man's own indicators and they're trying to make sure that. They're getting the same formation. They're on the same place. But they just shifted people and then they motion and they move and they don't want you to recognize. So for always worried about what work you don't mean. So the more you know, faster you can play. You're not sitting there thinking, oh, what do I have for you? You're reacting. So I know you have. So my challenge to guys like, there's always a no both. So I think a lot of just beyond. On depth, I'm sure guys get, you know, if sonny's only doing 15 to 75% of the plays and probably more guys get more will reps than they had because we need.

1:28:25More will bodies. That's technically where sonny started. But. We'll rotate them through. Let the production kind of show what it does. And sometimes, you know, you'll live with some mistakes just from. They didn't know his spot. You'll be able to judge to like who's actually. Getting in the book, you know, I mean, who's actually studying. How much of growth have you seen from sonny this time of year ago through the national championship game? And then what's next? Man, I mean, definitely. I know, I know sonny has big goals and he should. I do as well for him. And I think he's going to be able to see how far he's come. You know, the first thing kind of stands out is just like his. His footwork has gotten so much better. When you're in the boxes of linebacker, you got to be able to. Remember loop thickly, say it all the time and you gotta be slow until it's time to be fast. When you're twitching like he is. A lot of times, you know, when you're about safety or you're used to pulling a trigger and rolling like you got to. You got to learn how to shuffle and not cross over and he got so much better as a year or not.

1:29:29He's pushing whether he be able to hold up his Cali wise and he was. He was great. You know, he's the season guy. He's really good with his hands. He's a really natural ability to snag. We'll keep challenging him. I think he should be a dominant guy in coverage. He needs to be a guy that we can put on a tight end and be like, he's not going to. He didn't catch the ball. You know what I mean? Because he has that athleticism. I think we need to challenge him there. Challenge him. I think everything is just. This is not just sonny. It's everybody's urgency in zone coverage. I mean, the urgency with you have to break on the football to close that space. The not at the bulk area have so much space on you to cut making miss is critical. I think sometimes he's he can be so athletic that you know you can get away with some stuff. He knows anything that I'm saying right now. Here he knows. So the best part is a lot of times like he'll come to me before film and already said, man coach on that play. I should have you know what I mean? Like he knows. And the best part is that he's humble enough. Our whole problem is that they just want to be they want to be pushed and they want to be coached.

1:30:30And so the heck of a loss can you ask for right? Like how is that like what do you mean for me? Just just keep making sure like you're pushing it. Let me settle. Let me settle. So he's probably the best on the room with that. Do you look at sunny and our bell is kind of your top. These guys right now. Yeah, I mean, I think going into it, you know, I think it's sunny or well. Paintings right up there in that next you're accurate there. And then it's like who else is going to emerge from really the fourth. The fourth guy. You know, I think that's a healthy way to put it. Yeah, I just I think our I think our backers are so competitive. So competitive that it's. You know, I know painting Pierce is chopping at the bit. I know that he's going to push, you know, Vell and Sonny. I know that you look at Riley and TJ and Eli and Stove like those guys are going at it. These work guys, those guys are going at it and it's constant.

1:31:30You know, I mean, they're trying to fight each other everything. So because the reality of it is they're fighting for reps, right? So this game is hard. It's winter. Lose every single day. And you know, a lot of the guys are going to make our break and it starts with the mental preparation to be honest with you. And because that's where trust starts, right? If you don't know what you're doing, I can't put you out there. So who preps mentally as we get rolling and then the physical part of that blood. Let's say it says it's sunny our belly and Peyton probably have probably the top three. And then. But I can always say it's always fluid. It's always fluid. I haven't done this. I you know, it's funny. There's one coach who said that I forget what kind of felt team was. But he said that what he does is he has the depth chart. Sit in the front of the room. So if you're a starter, you're the first to grow, you know, and then your second row and things like it'll change weekly. Sometimes Luke camp, I'm like, I can't do that. I got to not sure they can handle that.

1:32:30Good. Ryan two things. One topic being available, but not necessarily playing it there. What happened with there? And then also what was the evaluation will will at halftime? Yeah, well, it's good to go. Just took a shot there as you guys saw. A tie league was available. He was going to be was available in emergency role. We felt like we needed them. We were going to put them in the game. He was cleared. But felt like one more week, almost like the dawn of the situation. One more week of rest, you know, we get him to 100%, which we felt like was the right thing to do. If we needed to, we could have put him in the game. We decided we didn't need him. Yeah, just a general overview of how you feel about this game. You know, first row game, first big 10 game, when about 38 seven. And then of course the turnovers, y'all forced and the stoppage there on a fourth down when they were deep in your territory. Just how much of those those loom huge. Oh, yeah. I mean, the turnover battle was huge in this game.

1:33:32And you know, if we don't get those turnovers, you know, maybe it's a different game for sure. But that's the game and you know, we got to make sure we win in the situations. So, you know, we'll take a look at the film and figure out where it's at. But I thought the atmosphere was excellent early on. I thought, you know, they came out and played really, really hard. I think again, Jonathan's doing a really good job of, you know, putting his culture into his thumbprint on the program here. You can see it going and a lot of respect for him and his staff. But I thought our guys responded well and had some really good poise. That was something that we talked about coming into the game is having poise in the noise. You know, getting down in there is some of those fourth down conversions are pretty clutch. You talk about that poise. We'll start off really well and maybe kind of hit a little rust by it. I had a couple of passes and I'm sure he wants back one. Obviously, that he wants back. What was your assessment of just the poise that he showed and kind of settled down on that following drive and answered back, right back? Yeah, I mean, the biggest one was the interception. You know, he knows. I mean, that was, that was not a good play and it could have cost us.

1:34:32So something to learn from. You said to move on from it and, you know, work through his progression there. But, you know, when you're going through, you know, learning a new offense and everything's going to be some of these growing opportunities and learning from those opportunities. So, but overall, I thought he was solid. He was poised. Made some big, big, big throws and then, you know, a couple of runs, a couple of tough runs in there that, you know, you can see what a difference it makes when you have somebody who can run. What has allowed Jeremiah to at least match the expectations that came in for him so far? As work ethic, he does it every day in practice. I mean, just doesn't say a word, but works is tail off. It's disciplined, this humility. He loves being a buckeye. You can tell it just with the way he works with his teammates. And he's coming out of his shell a little bit too, which is great to see. But, I mean, the talent speaks for itself. I just am impressive that discipline and the hard work and being able to step in at such a young age.

1:35:33The only way you do that is if you go in and put the work in. And he came in with that work ethic, Brian certainly taken it from there, but this is especially on man. Yeah, Ryan, we talk about Jeremiah Smith and how special he is. But Caleb Downs on defense was just, was pretty incredible. Pretty impressive. I really like to have when things are a little clunky, you've got a guy that can make NFL plays on both sides of the ball. Yeah, I thought Caleb played great tonight. I showed up in a big way on a bunch of different spots. And you can see the acceleration how fast he plays. And a part of that is that let us, but another part is just the way he prepares. I mean, he prepares as hard as anybody on our team. And, you know, he was, he was all over the place tonight and made a huge difference. And you said, and kind of turning that point where they were moving the ball some. And he got, he got us going a little bit back there and no, those are some big plays. And then I think it kind of felt like it turned the momentum for us on defense. Do you want to go back into the zone? Henry, are you out of fetch or over? Right. What does this say? I know you've already touched on a little bit.

1:36:33What does this say about Devon to be able to come in and deliver that kind of pass? That was a clutch play. It was a clutch play. He put it there and, you know, we told them, you know, if, if you have the opportunity to throw it, rip it, only throw where, you know, you know, the receiver can catch it. You know, we had a couple of different options there. If, if, if nothing was there, just throw it out of bounds and kick the field goal. And he did that and he gave him a chance. And, and so it was good. It was good to see him make that play in that big spot. Do you have anything to do with it? Ryan, two things on Trey. I know you got a little, he kind of limped up the field after he got hit there and put him well didn't know. But just kind of how's he doing? And then two, just how much growth have you seen from him specifically in the past? Yeah. Side of things. He had some great pickups, huge pickups. The one on the touchdown in Jeremiah and the touchdown to a Mecca. And there was a couple more. He did a really good job coming across. I got to watch the film, but I just like three of them in particular. I, he came across and picked up some corner fires and did a nice job. But that was big. He's, he's becoming that all purpose back that, you know, we all know he can be.

1:37:33And, you know, again, I thought they ran hard, but, yeah, I mean, you know, I think where we are right now is, is we're making progress, but we got a long way to go. You know, and, and I think that, you know, our guys have that mindset. It was good to get this win on the road, first road win, good environment. But, you know, we know that the challenges are bigger ahead. So we're going to get on this film. It's they hungry and, you know, keep the journey going. But, you know, we're going to get back to work tomorrow. And we know that we got a really good Iowa team coming in here next week. They have had a week off. Just like always, they're, they're a very, very good team. Play complimentary football. And so we know we got a big challenge ahead of us. So we got to have a great week of practice. Yeah, coach, just want to ask you the play calling, particularly there, the end around to Jeremiah, just feels like when you guys get into a bit of a spot, you guys have a wrinkle. You have something that's coming. Is this chip? Is this you collaborating? Just what would you say? That one seemed to catch them really flat footed on that play. Yeah, no, it's everybody on the staff.

1:38:34There's, there's collaboration. But chips got a great feel for it for the game and calling the plays. And, you know, there's always, you know, have some wrinkles in there. We've got a few other ones that, you know, we held off on. But I think it's a balance of making sure that you have your fastballs, where you're running downhill, and you feel really good about them, but having enough curveballs that, you know, we can create explosive plays. And that's that balance you're constantly looking for. But we always want to try to find ways to get, you know, the ball to our playmakers in space. And we're going to keep trying to do that. Responsibility, getting everybody lined up, getting the call, but knowing my assignment, I didn't know how it's going to go, but it's just like, up to you, a little bit more. So, it's going to take some getting used to, but I know, I know I'm really... How much do you think that's going to help you in the ball? What? Being a bike. I think it's going to be good, being able to, being able to roam around, and just taking charge. I'm definitely used to that comfort with that. So I feel like it's going to be good for me in the ball. Does it help you learn a defensive scheme faster to have that much responsibility? Yeah, for sure.

1:39:34Knowing what everybody's doing and everybody's responsibility is getting to know how we play better. What's the typical day like for a true freshman middle lineback in trying to learn a defensive off the practice field? Off the practice field. Just waking up and getting there early, probably watching the film. You know, we got pride views or weight. So, when I get through that, I mean, I meet in, so more, more, the game knowledge. Then we got an individual meeting, so just learning to learn to that more. And then after that, after that, we got class and stuff. So, after class, we definitely got to stay on the film some more. What film are you watching? What are you watching? Oh, practice film. Practice film. So, your film? Yeah, knowing what I did wrong, what I could improve on and learn new installs. I'll get changed physically since I'm rolling. I definitely got a little bit stronger for sure. Speed, speed, and a little bit faster. You came in at what and you are at what now as far as weight?

1:40:34I came in at 212, I'm at 212. What's the target weight? You have a certain technical you're trying to get through. Right now, 233, 233, and so on. Doesn't take Mick Lund to get to you guys where you want to be, right? What are your expectations for your freshman? Every time you get to get some talk to James Lauren, I say it's a nice thing to say about you. What are your expectations for your first two? Just getting on a field and making plays. I feel like that's a good experience for me. I just want to get out there and make plays. Describe your game. It's a long backer. I think I can do a little bit of everything I can cover, I can rest past it, I can play to run to. I think those are all my strengths. I think my screenplay is faster. I think that's a good thing. When that's usual, big Texas flavor on this team, a lot of Texas guys, it's been like here for like the last 10 years. That's got to make you feel kind of at home. Talk more about that if you would. Just Texas guys, you know football is really big in Texas.

1:41:36So with that Texas Ohio pipeline, I'm knowing I got guys from Texas. I love it. I love it. You'll stay through the free course. I'm going to go online. You open up with a long horse, start your career. Thank you Peter. A little expert in dancing. Thanks for that. What is it just inspired you to see what Cody Simon was able to do here last year? Not only as a player, but as a leader. That's definitely something I look forward to becoming and being able to do those things. That Cody did, Cody did, the way he played, all the plays he made. I feel like that's a good aim for me. What kind of example is Sunny setting for a group right now? Sunny, his position, his switch from safety to my back. I feel like the way that he played last year, being his first year of my back. I feel like if he could do it, I could do it. So you know, that's definitely good example. Do you have a lot of experience playing safety? Yes, I'm really seeing my freshman year. Thanks.

1:42:36I mean, we're all, like I said, we're all pretty much interchangeable. You know, like if I need to go to left guard center, whatever, but I need to go to center of my guard. However, you know, it's not really like a big shock or a moment. You know, we train for this. We're prepared for this. So when it happens, you know, we're able to execute. Why don't you try that, you'd be making the switch. To left guard. I think half time. Well, coming in, it's a rookie in the crowd and the noise. I know you said you guys all trained for this, but what can you tell us about how he... He's a man. You know, he's built for this moment. He's done it for his whole life. So, you know, at the end of the day, it's just a game. And we keep on... We keep trying to keep everybody calm, calm, collected. And, you know, we're five as one. We help each other out. And whenever, you know, we need to, we do it. So he was ready. He was built for it. You know, he's going to be a great player. You're obviously no stranger to Matthew's toughness. What was it like just seeing the way he let this off?

1:43:36I think I... That guy's a warrior. 36 years old. He's taken some hits and some things and some dent. So, and he's able to get back up and keep it rolling. You know, he's still got that fire to him. You know, we love having him back there. Sean has always said after a loss don't let a team beat you twice. But to have the lead late in the game, all the injuries and not win, we describe that level of frustration. I mean, it's the NFL. Comes down to seconds and inches and you've seen it all the past couple days and today. And it kind of down to the little things and you know, we'll see him again. And I apologize if you were asked this, but what was it like for you personally to walk on to the end of the game? It was kind of surreal, man. It was nice, emotional seeing everybody. I wasn't a kid when I came here, but you know, I grew into more of a man. And these people here have definitely helped lay that blueprint for me and helped me out big time. You know, I can't thank them enough for that. I know you're looking at film yet for how you feel about the D. I feel really good, you know, saying it because everything, careful all summer,

1:44:39and OCA is showing up. You know, we said our ground. We came up short a little bit, but in that end day, you know, it's a lot of effort. I see a bright future for us. Why do you think that thing on the overtime drive? I mean, you guys have been stopping them and they just seem to kind of get a role. Yeah, you know, you know, just something that we just need work on. You know, got to play around better on that and just kind of eliminate the big bass. That's all that it comes down to, but overall, I just felt like we just came up short on that. That's the offense. It's kind of struggling to find it's hurting early in the game. What did you guys feel like you had to do as a defense to keep you on edge? I feel like we just need to step up, and you know, I know they would have come through and have our back. So I just tell them the offense, you know, we got y'all back, you know, just keep doing what y'all are doing. We're going to keep on trying to hold them best we can to save them. Are you ready to pop up a bigger performance in this game? Yeah, definitely. I feel like, you know, as a whole, everybody on the offense can contribute. And, you know, we have a lot of great playmakers on our team and our coach will definitely find ways to get us all to ball and get in the best position to score.

1:45:40Step on creationate, please.com. You grew up in a CC country. Did you have any interest? Did you think you could make it to the Rose Bowl one day and want to play the Rose Bowl one day? I would say, yeah, definitely. As a competitor, that's something that you compete for, to, especially as a team player, you know, to be at the top level, to go to the playoffs and be in this position. So I wouldn't say I would have guessed I would be here in this position now, but definitely wanted to be in this spot. There have been one point at this match. We'll have the moment to the end of the game. He thinks about Jeremiah saying things. Are you in the play or are we in the game or the bubble? I mean, great play by the defense player. How much do you think about that? How do you think about that play where you can replay it? You know, that's past us now. You know, that game is past us. We're looking forward to how we can come up this week coming up and win this game. And that's all that really matters, you know, as a whole as a team. Everybody has that same mindset, that same grit and that same passion. So that's all that matters. That Murphy 24th up and forth. You guys had some pretty clear motivational factors coming out of Michigan going into Tennessee with three weeks of a lot of talk.

1:46:47How do you keep that same kind of mental edge now going into this game? Or maybe there's more people talking positively without you, things like that? Yeah, definitely. I would say everyone just keep the same mindset that we had going into where we are now. We all have a big goal in mind and we know what that goal is. So whatever it takes to stay focused, that's what we're going to do. Awesome. What's the more in the podcast which on the way that you and Trey bounced out the work will last week was that sort of the perfect design of what you guys envisioned a year ago. Or you started looking at this opportunity. Definitely. I would say, you know, our coaches do such a great job at that and just getting me him in there in different positions on the field and just trade being the type of player he is. You know, whoever is on the field, you know, we're both going to do our job. So I would forward to it. Tony German, fuck I had a try to do. You've got games to focus on. I have you thought about what's going to happen next year where you're going to be? No, as a right now, I'm just looking forward to this next game and trying to win it all. Any other quick ones, John? Kevin Noon?

1:47:49Fuck I had a look. I know it's looking back, but we didn't have a chance to ask you. Come from your mind on the first private where your first touchdown is when the exchange between you and Will, we've been in the ball on your end. What's the thought there? I actually thought he was going to pull it a ball and I kind of felt it and I just got an instinct. So I just kind of grabbed it and just took my best. Any else for Quincha? Quincha, thank you. I'm just going to be doing that. There's always people that's going to be coming in and trying to do what you did in the past. So I'm looking forward to it and like I said, I mean we're just all excited to go out there and be peeing. Okay, well it's anyway off. The fact that the way that this defense has additions on every level, we're going to talk about a change in the people's mind and the traffic there. You guys have willing to second level and then the third level, who they go on with Sean and the rest of them. How much pressure is on this defense to perform to the higher level of expectation in the last one?

1:48:53Right, I would say that last year was, you know, we excelled in certain things, but we were also trying to get back to where we were in the past. So we got some great additions and we're excited for that. Ultimately it's to use some of these guys to be the number one defense in the league. And that's always going to be the goal. So whatever we can do to utilize all the different talent that we have on this team to be the best and play as a team and to build the best chemistry that we got, that's what we're going to do. What's the end of it? What's the end of it? What's the end of it? What's the end of it? Yeah, we're not used to going against the normal offense I have been the past three years. So it's been a lot more moving pieces. Definitely have to use your eyes pretty well because if not, then somebody's going to be open. But I like what they're doing. I'm very excited for it. I just know it's making our defense a little bit better because we're having to do different things, not just the normal offense we've been used to.

1:49:58I was going to say just because every other team has some variations that they were in this year, does that kind of, do you think that kind of benefit you? Because you've seen that more than the rest of it. I would say so. I mean, as the league has changed over time, I think they revert to certain offenses that do well in certain systems. I would say we're taking maybe a little bit pieces from other offense that we see to do well. So I like what we're doing. I don't know as much as some of these quarterbacks that we have on the team, some of the offensive players, but I just know it's tough to go against. I'm lowest at number last year, but still one of the top teams scored in the defense. What do you guys really need to do to finish after the quarterback? Yeah, I would just say place, you know, heavy emphasis in practice. It's always going to start in practice with getting after the quarterback, not touch him in practice, but, you know, making some good moves. And I would just say rush, rush more. I mean, there's so much that goes into it and it goes with the coverage. Everybody works together. I would say that we had, we had great numbers, but we do, we are trying to get that number up, but the ultimate goal is always going to be the ball.

1:51:10Getting the ball taken away, getting off the field. We're putting our offense out there on the field and we're staying off. That means that we're doing a good job. And you're already asked about it from a competition standpoint, but from a collective standpoint, having new wins in the world and we're going to feel what kind of a tree open to do for a defense. In this guy's limit with this group, I do believe we have one of the most talented linebacker core groups in the league. So just excited what we're going to be able to do out there on the field. I think we all compliment each other super well, bigger guys that are explosive. So I'm excited for it. And also I want to take a moment and and thank and show respect for Coach Farrant's and what he's been able to do at Iowa. It's unbelievable. In some ways, it's sad that 11 years has become the exception in college football, but what he's been able to do at the University of Iowa is super impressive. And I wanted to congratulate him and all his success. So open up the questions.

1:52:13We got first row on your right side. Kenneth Berry, touchdowns and tangents. Hey, Kenneth. How's it going? Good morning. Coach, and all your years, you look back at, you know, the Vanderbilt year where you guys had a record breaking season. You look at the you made it to the Rose Bowl and with St. Quann and everything. How close do you feel like this team is and how much do you feel like they mirror the character and the identity of those teams? And this being your 11th year in the conference, how good is the field seeing the influx of African American head coaches, not only just getting jobs across the landscape, but the big 10 pretty much leading all of the conferences with the number of African American head coaches that are currently. Yeah, I'll answer the second part first, you know, I love the fact that big 10, the big 10 is one of the leaders in this space.

1:53:14I think that sends a very, very clear and loud message that people are going to be judged by their work and their production. And I think the big 10 is a great example of that. Obviously something that myself and Mike Loxley and a lot of the guys take a ton of pride and have done a ton of work on his well. And hopefully that becomes more of the trend across college football as well as the NFL just spent some time the other day with Rahim Morris, who is one of my best friends. He was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State when I was the offensive coordinator. And now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons getting a second chance, which is also not common. So I think that's that's powerful. And then, you know, about our team and maybe some of the similarities to some of the teams that we had at Vanderbilt and over our time at Penn State as well. I think it starts with the three gentlemen that we brought with us, you know, to this event.

1:54:15Guys that are experienced guys, guys that have had a ton of success on the football field, they've handled themselves the right way academically on and off the field. And have won a ton of games. You know, they're guys that embrace that were in a place like Penn State where we've been able to consistently for the most part win 10 or 11 games. But that's not the expectation at Penn State. They chose Penn State just like I chose Penn State to compete for championships. And we embrace that. But we are one of the few programs in the country. You can win 10 or 11 games and people are unhappy. So we embrace that. We're excited about those opportunities. And it starts for us at West Virginia in Morgantown, which is going to be a challenging opening game. First row here. Good morning, coach Nick Hamilton, nightcast media. Hey Nick. How you doing? Good. Once I ask you about Abdul Carter, him changing positions, linebacker to defensive. And how much do you feel like that will strengthen your defense this season?

1:55:18And also, how does that play Kate as far as throughout the locker room as far as taking that type of role being a leader in the locker room? Yeah, so I think first thing is he'll play both. We have the flexibility to play in both positions. He's one of the unique athletes. And that was playing linebacker at 250 pounds. And you never know how that transition is going to go playing in space at the linebacker position compared to moving up to the line of scrimmage and having to go against offensive tackles. He made the adjustment pretty quickly. And at the end of the day, you're talking about one of the more explosive physical athletes in all of college football. So we think he's got a chance to make a significant impact week to week. We'll decide where he's going to have the most impact for us. Whether it's on the line of scrimmage at defensive end or in the linebacker position this spring, he stayed mainly at defensive end to get comfortable with that.

1:56:22And then after that, we had a really good conversation. He's open to doing both. That'll also put us in a position where people can't gain playing and know exactly where he's going to be on the defense. So we're excited about that. But he's just he's really grown up. I'm proud of him and his development academically as a student athlete, as well as a football player. And we need him and expect for him to have a huge year for us. Got a very, very close relationship with him and his father. And I'm proud of him. I'm excited about what he's going to do this year. On your left side. James Bill Rabinoets in the Columbus dispatch. Hey, Bill, you got Julian Fleming as a transfer for Ohio State. How excited are you to have him? What kind of impact do you expect him to have for receivers unit of it? It wasn't all that exposed last year. Yeah, he's a veteran guy that's played in this conference. He knows what it's all about. Obviously, you know, we got a ton of history with him and his family. Recruited them very heavily out of high school. But he's thriving.

1:57:28He's very comfortable. He's very confident. He really came. Got on campus. Like most guys should do kept his mouth shut, worked, earned everybody's respect through that first. And I was really developing into a leader for us. His improvement from the end of spring to now. He is healthy and lean and explosive and fast right now. And just from the feedback from the players over to summer. He's really done a nice job looking all the metrics and the numbers from our strength staff is in a really good position. I think he's got a huge chip on his shoulder and excited about the opportunity at Penn State. And is really turned into one of the leaders in that wide receiver room. So we're happy to have him and expect from the do some big things for us this year. And I appreciate the question. Last year on your right side. Coach Franklin Kyle Golik, Mike Ferrell sports. Hey, Kyle. Hey, how are you? Good. Tell Mike I said, hi, we'll do. Hey, you mentioned earlier about Southern cow Oregon UCLA Washington.

1:58:39Joining the league after the 2018 Ohio State game. You had your what I refer to as the epic good to great to elite brand. So with these teams coming in, where do you feel Penn State stands in the pecking order and a follow up if you don't feel Penn State's quite at elite. Where do you what do you think the Niteny lines have to do to achieve the elite status? Yeah, I would describe it as a speech, not a rant. First of all. But no, I think, you know, again, back to the comment earlier, you're talking about a program that you can win 10 or 11 games and and people are not happy or satisfied. And that's inside the lash building. And that's outside of the lash building. We totally get that and embrace that. I think our players understand that when we recruit them, our staff understands that when we hire them. And as the head coach, I embrace all those things as well.

1:59:43I think week in and week out, the big 10 is arguably the best conference in all of college football. I've been fortunate to be a head coach in the SEC as well as the big 10. So I think I got good, I got good perspective on that. And then like you mentioned, adding the four new schools makes it even more challenging. So we'll have an opportunity to figure that out and figure that out real quick starting at West Virginia. We're fortunate to play most of those teams that we discussed. We want to play those teams that you discussed, both that have been in the conference historically as well as that have been added. For us, we got to play our best when our best is needed most in the biggest games at the biggest moments. And I think if you look at us specifically last year, did some phenomenal things. That's the step that we need to take in having a returning starting quarterback obviously helps with that. We're a quarterback driven game, whether it's in the NFL college or high school and having a returning quarterback at that position that did some phenomenal things.

2:00:52I think he was second in touchdown the interception ratio. I think he broke the national record in in completions without an interception. So did did some phenomenal things and we got to build on that. And then I think the pieces that a puzzle around him tight and running back and then receivers been the big question mark really since last year. We got a ton of confidence in that room. Those guys got a huge chip on their shoulder back to the question earlier about the addition of Julian Fleming as well as the guys in that room. They've had a great summer and we got a ton of confidence of what they're going to do this year. We're going to have to play well early on, build confidence and carry that confidence throughout the season. Coach Franklin, thank you so much for your time. Thank you, sir. Does it really wow? Like, you know, it's impressive. What do you say to make Tim? Like, I guess it's just natural. I don't know. I just like, how do you explain that? I mean, I don't know. Smarrows that he chooses to practice doing that, whether it's a home in the mirror or something. You know what I mean?

2:01:53I don't know how he visualizes, but he just gets it done. Want me to do that first drive in the second half. They drive all the way down the field. You have that past deflection and then zone. What's kind of going through your head? I know you want to limit it to three. If anything, are you limited to zero instead? Yeah, well, just just just tendencies going going throughout the week being prepared. I kind of had a good feeling. You know, being a work on the field, I kind of figured he was going to pick on me. So I was high alert all week. So do you know the last time that the Cardinals as an organization did not allow a touchdown in three straight home games? No, I didn't even know that's crazy. No, yeah, I feel like man, I just speak to the leaders that we have in our our defense room. And they really take this game serious and I really appreciate that that was 19.26. That was the last time the Cardinals didn't allow a touchdown. We got some cooking out here, man. Man, I was just playing bar, man. It's kind of crazy because games like this when you just leave the field, you're just like, wow, man, like we're just playing bars.

2:02:54So I can't even walk you through the play by a play, man. I was just, you know, locked in the other guys playing on me today. And I don't want to be the weakest league man. JT was down and me coming in, there should be no drop off and it wasn't so. Man, it was crazy, but I couldn't stop smiling in the locker room earlier when I found out. So it's just a real moment, man. And my older guys got me ready for this moment. So that's off to them. Man, I bring, I bring violence to the game and they bring it with me, man. So I told my group before we went out of the day, man, we seeing red all day today. And that's what we did, man. I had a great game today. Feel so good, man. I'm not going to like this. Man, just the preparation we put in throughout the week, the way we practice, the way we take care of our bodies, the way that we meet, the way we communicate, man. It's like, it's like there's one heartbeat out there, man. That's how it is. And that's how it should be every week. Is it preparation that pregame bill you make?

2:03:56I did have my spaghetti today too, yeah. So yeah, I did. I told you I got to have every game, man. I don't feel the same as like rabbit fuel, man. It's preparation, man. The superstitions, man, the people having for the game is just it's a mental thing at the end of the day is ball. Ball is always going to be ball. So I get the spaghetti. They haven't had a pepper flakes for the pommas, y'all. So I just had ranch today. Forgetting and ranch, man. They'd be saying it's nasty, but I think it's good. So I don't think everybody knows it, but somebody did ask, I recommend you. But you can't put too much ranch or too little ranch. You gotta have a good proportion on it. Ranch on pizza. Oh, ranch on everything. Ranch on everything. If I'm at the house, I'm putting ranch on my steak. I can't do that steak house, but if I'm at the house, I'm doing it, yeah. It's like country boy, man. You know, I've done some great things at Ole Miss, and I've learned a lot. But I think just for me in my third year, you know, you want to be somewhere in a place like Ohio State, like I said, great culture, great teammates, great coaches, best players, and the best for him, so.

2:05:06I mean, just as far as just being a pro, you want to be around coaches that put you in a position to, you know, elevate yourself as a player and show more to a game. So I think Coach Day and Coach O'Brien will do that for sure. You want to risk your weight and figure out that you can't do a pitch to your manager in the pool. Just being all around back, you know, like just doing it all, really, not just being, burning the ball inside the table, people are outside, you know, just giving me a ball in the passing game, just showcasing everything I can do as a player. What do you see in front of Coach O'Brien? You know, I've seen Coach O'Brien, you know, what he, what he coached, I played against Alabama in 2022, so I played against him and how I used Jemere Gibbs, and I've seen a lot of that being those things, and also his career when he was with the Patriots as well. So I've seen how he coached, you know, so, as he talked about his role, the role that he's doing for the soft fans of all of us. Yeah, he's came and he spoke to the team about, you know, him as a coach who he is and how he plans to involve everyone in what his role is, so it's really good.

2:06:15I think I run tough, very elusive, fast, you know, I have vision, patience, I can make people listen, I'm writing your own words. I can do this, I can run you over, I can catch up, you know, it's very different. What have you been trading on in your style for a long time? I think just with trading, we're kind of, I don't know how to explain it. I would say, you know, he's good at what he does, and I'm good at what I do. So, what's it? Yes sir, yes sir, good. What do you think is something that you know? I don't know. What makes you so hard to have? I think just my will, you know, my will to want to win the determination to get into the end zone and just help my team win. Came out of high school, you've given vision to your school, to your young line, sitting there, you know, I have to be in the middle of high school. You know, actually, you know, I did not, you know, as you go through your journey through high school and through college, you don't know where you end up as.

2:07:24I'm just blessed, very thankful for everyone that has helped me to get through this, you know, this process to be here and I'm excited. This is a positive side of the trading oil base, you know, somewhere, you have success there, but you're able to then put kind of another trap before you go. Yeah, definitely not. I feel like, you know, there's many things that are thrown out there as far as when players go into the portal and things that aren't true, but, you know, it's actually more than that. I just want to elevate their game and show you something. I imagine that people on the program and the other person, man, you're so great. Yeah. Oh, we're kind of reaction to the GBA. Yeah. It was, it was crazy, you know, a lot of, a lot of different things that were, a lot of different emotions, but it's, it's, it's a business. And so, you understand it, you know, people won't always be happy for the decisions you make when it spreads very self-worth. Like I said, I'm just excited to be here and do what I can and I'm going to all of them. I suppose you should make a lot of money on that. No, definitely not a factor for me. I think just me as a player, I just played football at the end of the day.

2:08:26I go out there and contribute to what I can, what I can do for my team and that's what I'm going to say. How much did you know about big football coming in and then send out a little study if you had to pick up? You know, I did not know that it was this big of a factor. You know, you always see it on TV when they play games on Saturdays and it's big. It's a lot of fans and like I said, everybody's passionate, but when you're hitting it, it's a whole new football game. So, really excited. Did you have to just get past that at all and decide to come to a big 10 school or, you know, go to the other part of the country like was that an adjustment? No, no, not really. I would say it was probably just only a little cold, but other than that, though, it was an awesome process. I think that wasn't a factor for me. What do you tell both of you about Wil Howard and the quarterback you just did? I think Wil Howard is a great quarterback. He's a great player. I see him as a vision. He can use his legs. He can also throw as well. He's very smart and just looking at his film and what he's done at Kansas State has been awesome.

2:09:27For you, the running backwards that you've driven, you have a quarterback who is as well transferred to you? It's very good to be in that position because not only will he open it up for you also, but he also gives the receiver the chance to be able to be used in the past. You jump from the place that I have the pretty big round for here after the agmo. Right. How much did you know about your high position right now? It was a big time. I've always heard a lot about it. But to be here and you see how big it is, they got the clock in there with the countdown. It's serious, so I'm excited to be the team up north and that's what we're working for. You're praising the film, man. Right. What are your impressions of him? Yeah, definitely a great player. Like I said, everyone who's come here, this portal class, great players from all around the different teams, and Caleb personally, you know, he's done some great things at Alabama, and we're excited to have him. When you were playing at the tournament, how did you know about the first team? When you were playing at the tournament? Right. I think when we played, we more so, we're trying, we had a different ball game plan.

2:10:27Like, we're trying to throw the ball and he's very successful there and stopping it, so. I was pretty good. Which of were some of your favorite running backs that you liked to watch? I like Alan Camera, Christian McCaffrey. I would say also, I like Jimiorghiives at Detroit as well. So just those three guys right there, I've been doing some great things at the portal level. Those are your guys that do a lot. Are you worried about how it's going to happen? That all around the Alunbor New York, I think is definitely important, especially where the game is going with running backs in today's game. I think it's overall, you have to showcase what you can do. Not just ask a running back in the back field, but also in the slot or wherever the coaches put you, be able to execute. That's definitely important as well, too. For me personally, that's important for me personally, but because important is our end. I mentioned that this concept should tell many people

2:11:28how to track the ball in the outside of the game. What do you think, Senator? Like I say, like about NIL or different things that don't pertain to everybody's situation. It doesn't pertain to every single player, but a lot of people get that speculation as far as when people want to make certain decisions here in the portal. But we know it's always a lot of fun. I was a player when you came to Mississippi in the Bay of El Miss, and I remember that decision, I was trying to see some of the things that I was going to say. Some of the things that I'm going to do, I'm going to have to have a hard time making that out of the other side as well. I remember making this decision very, very exciting to see you feel like you're back in the trail. Please comment. Yeah, you know, just do this whole process. You know, this is my first time ever going through this. Like I said, many things were sad, you know, just the rumors and all of those things, but I think just throughout this process, I've learned a lot, I'm very thankful for the support I've had for my family. Because it's throughout this process and just to end up here in Ohio State, it's been awesome. Other than the weather, the weather is just interesting.

2:12:29Is it just locking in there and seeing the people coming with the policies? I wouldn't say that. I think it's just more so, you know, just the whole thing, like, I would say just through it. The culture. That's what the more important thing that is to know you, I haven't. I recently just got here, so I haven't found too much like different places yet because I've been trying to hold man and be acclimated, but I'm for sure from a couple spots. What are your impressions of Will? I mean, I know that Stan's going to have those back pills potentially transphonic and runny back transphonic. Before the back half, I'm going to get you guys to talk to him. I mean, through this, it's not recruiting process, but transphonic process. Oh, yeah. I mean, when I got here, you know, me and Will, we've always been in contact, you know, like just checking on each other, hanging out, no matter what it is, just having that personal connection with each other, off the field, and having that relationship. So, it's a great time. Did you ever, you ever see an official trade when you were talking about thinking about coming here?

2:13:29Did you ever see an official trade about what you was going to do, or what's that bring to all of what you were doing? Like I said, like, I think with the time that I was in the portal, it was such a short amount of time in the process. So I think, you know, just trying to decide on where I wanted to go. I wasn't really focused on contacting anyone. Have you been to Ohio? Have you been to Ohio? No. Have you been to Ohio? You know where it was. Yeah. But nobody was, but I've never been. Okay. So, I'm actually going to be sure the person sent the portal, I have some set of free-new satellites. You know that? Yeah. What's that process like from life, from your point of view, where all of the things that life is, so the problems? Yeah, when everything, I agree. I think, you know, when everything's moving so fast, you have to stay poised as a player and focus on the things that matter, and that'll put you in the best position. And I think that's what it's really about for moving on our process. Who was your last trade on the entire moment?

2:14:30What's that all factor on the use of the most major issues that you've ever had? Yeah, you know, that definitely plays a factor, especially in today's game with the five-span-front backs in the NFL. So, I think that, you know, with the, like I said, the situation here just being able to come here and contribute to this team and do what I can when it all. What do you want to mention? I think it's right. If anybody can give you a reason, I can carry yourself on my mind. Right. You know, like I said, any way that I can contribute to this team and do what I can to show and execute, that's what matters. And I think that you have your gift of the title, the way that the trade gets, and there's what it carries up there too, and you like that and do you think of that part of the curve, you know, you just have probably got some ahead of you going. Yeah, and not just that team as well. It's many other teams that do the same thing, you know. And I think it just really special that what they've done together, just seeing how they play together, how far they come to see themselves, really special. And not just that, but how much I mean, I mean, period of day and times last year,

2:15:31having a quarterback that can run, or two running bags, I mean, is that how much is that expected to have a side field, but that option of hopping? It's very exciting just to know we have so many weapons, and so many different ways to win the game. So it's very exciting, and I'm looking forward to it for sure. No, really. I'm starting to think of you going to have a trip on air, so I'm thinking of you having a bad, you know, it's probably like, how do you start to rationalize that decision that you're going to have to stop that? I don't think it's something that you, more so just specifically think of, but I think it's something that's important in today's game that has to be valued as well. Did you feel like you were overused at Ole Miss? How would you describe it? I wouldn't really say overused. I don't think that's the word. I think, you know, just when you're playing, you don't focus on those different type of things, but, you know, like I said, you don't really talk about it. There was much made though about used to play to having a meeting with Coach Kidney, who looked up in the back about the direction of the offense. How much of that was true, I'm going to say it. Was it any of that true or just, you know,

2:16:32what was that all about? No, that's a proof of it. But I got to say, man, like a lot of people, they won't be happy when you make certain decisions for yourself, but just to say you didn't. Did you enter it thinking Ohio State, I just walked up here a second ago, but you probably went all over this, but when did Ohio State get on your radar? I think it's possible for me to explain. I mean, that's your opinion. Immediately when I got on the portal, you know, I think, like I said, this is the place that you want to go to, you know, a place where everyone's passionate and everyone wants to win here, you know, and this is a great culture and everyone is focused and doubted into doing something that's bigger than themselves, you know. Why wouldn't you want to go someplace like that? A lot of people are saying you and trivia and they're saying back feeling and they even have it in Dallin in there. Running back through some in the country. Do you feel that way also in life? Definitely. I feel like, you know, with everyone in our room,

2:17:32they contribute in their own way, and everyone is a great player in our room, so I definitely agree. What's your thoughts on how that is being able to do? You said I was going to be successful in everybody. Review wasn't, I just swear I like something down. It wasn't just, how it was going to be. Yeah, I think more so for me, it wasn't about, like, this is where I want to go immediately, but I think that I wanted to make my process pretty short, especially when I got in at a later time because I had to be in a road in school. So I think just more so just figuring out where I wanted to go and, you know, making that decision as soon as possible. What was it on the ground in school? Just, like I say, the meetings, what coach day, everything that I was showcased. This is just the place that you want to be. Two quickies. The name point shot. What works that come from? That was big hand for my parents. Yeah, I know what I mean. What is your background? Of course you remember that. But I really don't know. I've never asked my parents that question. Yeah. And then number two, the hairstyle.

2:18:32What's that? What's the juice? I came up with this hairstyle in March of last year. So I just decided one day. I was like, okay, I want to die half of it. I had one. So I just went with it. I got a lot of great company, so I kept it the same way. But I was getting more, but I'd take more fun or have more fun. I'll see more of that. Would you have, would you have one? Yeah. And that's an expectation. You know, especially in the last year, you think the Bible and the French had no chance to do that. They want to know that, but I think that's an example. They have no chance to do that. It is true. It's true. The next year, I think. How do you accept that and break that? You know, I embrace it well. That's what everyone here works hard for. And that is the in goal. You know, it's not to get a certain amount of wins. That's the goal. That's what everyone here wants to win. The National Championship. So I take it seriously. Everyone here is bought in. You know, whatever it takes to get that in. That's what they're much trying to do.

2:19:32You're talking about your subject of different sections. Check it out. One minute, one minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. One minute. You know, you don't focus on things. Like I said, the most important thing is playing football, especially for me, you know, the NIL. That was that wasn't like, you know, something that I was focusing on. I was just going out there playing football, and doing what I did. I was just thinking, I'm sure you could have gone for a lot of places. The guy you're running fast is here, you're in coming in and sharing the low of the training. You know, I think just more so, the situation here in like I said, just coming here. Being not only with Trayba, just great players all around, and being able to execute and contribute to this team, and do what I can to help us win that was the most important thing. Was there any thought about like, you know, taking some tread off your tires, like knowing that you have had something carried for the first two years? I think just like I said, like in today's game, that's something that is important for running back, you know, to be able to value and to think about,

2:20:38as far as the shelf life and things like that, but you know, just in my situation, come here, that was the most important thing. Thanks, Trayba. Thank you. Thanks, Trayba. The pig mentality of problem of instant gratification, you know, you can develop and grow. So, and sometimes you may be, behind a guy that's a really good player, is nothing wrong with developing and growing and playing when your time is right. And if the time is right, right now is a freshman, like what's your main, do you play early, you know? So, we try to also sell that, you know, we care about him as people and try to prepare you for life after football. So, it's bigger than just football. We're going to prepare you for life, whether it's the NFL or on with a regular career in the workforce. We want you to prepare you as a young man and we try to sell that and preach that to the parents. With the remain having that, in fact, you mentioned, rolling all these different spots. Do you anticipate, you know, there wasn't a lot of rotation among the cornerbacks last year, when everyone was healthy. Do you anticipate maybe growing him through the rest guys here with the longer season potentially?

2:21:38Yeah, we play it by ear. You know what I mean? We see how goals by time we get in the camp, but you know, obviously he's earning his stripes. So, you know what I mean? When you earn your stripes, you know, a lot of jobs to create opportunities for you. You know what I mean? We have to see how it goes with all the other stuff, you know, once we get closer to the season. And we're getting the game plan stuff, but he's doing a great job and he's taking a great step forward. Tim, when you're the way that you build the room, the way you kind of establish your room now, it seems like it's been, like, son of pieces, kind of relationships, and kind of building bonds. But I'm curious, is that something that you came in with the, like, a couple years ago, with the intention of doing it, or is that something that you're like, that's kind of been cultivated over the course of your Thomas position? You know, it's been there for a while. I've been doing that for a long time. It's all about relationship. If you develop real relationship and you're authentic in your communication, and you have honest feedback, and you have direct teaching, the guys that have value and character and appreciate that stuff, they'll embrace that. So, but they have to know you care and you have to know that it's real, and they have to know that you're really concerned about there where it being as a young man.

2:22:40And when you get close to him, it's been a lot of time with him off the field. You could coach him hard. And you can say truthful things to him, and then they'll embrace it, and you can have real conversation, because you know, the only goal is to help him get better as a young man. As you see, computers go, and then those are told that the receiver room is so far ahead of the border, it's kind of skewed at evaluations sometimes. How's that dynamic change in these two years? Is the scoop shot older and you're better at even more counting? Yeah, it's done balanced up a little bit now. That goes with great competition. We go against the best receivers in college football. So that helps escalate your growth process, because if you don't figure it out real fast, you're getting embarrassed. So that competition, but what happened with that, I guys start competing, I guys start growing, I guys got better, and now it's even up a little bit. So where you get really good work at practice today, you know what I mean? So it's competitive, it's fun. Those guys both on both sides of the ball care about each other. So it's great competition and they all are real close. So you know what I mean? Is that stuff that gets us better, that will prepare us for Saturday?

2:23:42I asked Denzel, that same idea. For like first day practice, actually the receiver's kind of got them, is that any kind of a good way to call me if you're this competitive? No, it's just, it's going to competitive, man. They got the best group in the country that you're going to get every day. So you have to bring it every day. You know what I mean? So we got a great quarterback room, we got a great receiver room. The running backs are really good. So when you out there going against them is deep. So you have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we're seeing a lot of good stuff with Stay in Coach Kelly doing over there. And so it prepares you a lot and it helps us grow. So why do you play kind of an associate for green victory? Is the one that you're recruiting, or a wide receiver room kind of a part of your green victory? These are the guys you get to play against. Yeah, all that's because you know, that's where you get better. Our shop is our. So you know, you get to see that every day at practice. That helps you grow. It's no better thing to go against every day than to see that on a daily basis. I'm also near room massage store. We're looking at to play that in this spot.

2:24:45We just moving a lot of guys around. We watch that practice. We have a lot of guys in there right now. You know, we pop out through a four different guys in there. The ring's old in there. Jameen is in there. Caleb miles. We have about four or five guys moving around right now. We just try things out in spring ball. See what a fit. You know, see what things work together. So it's going to probably some more guys in there. You know, we move it around to try to just get the right fit throughout the N and see how it goes by time we get really start the season. He can run any strong. You know, I mean, he's fast. Very serious about his business. He's big. It's 200 pounds. He can run. He's strong. He's conscientious. Now, man, he's starting to grow and he's starting to get better with it. You know, I mean, so we look for big things for him this spring. Keep competing. You know, I mean, now he's made the transition. Competing today. You know, I mean, start going in that transition is all just like I'm in germany last year. You throw him in the fire. You let him go. You compete. You go by time we get out of end of training camp. You'll be them figured out. Yeah, I want that. But now you just throw it all at him. Compete. Continuing to grow, continuing to learn. He has the skill set. He has to let.

2:25:50Now you just got to put it all together and it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by time we get in the training camp. It seems like a midwinter spring and kind of click for germany last year and you start to see and perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want parents to be by the middle of spring? Does he have to be in a certain point where you wanted to start clicking? Yeah, by time you start getting about two weeks from now that last week, you know, because it takes time because there's a lot of stuff going on. But you know, by time you get into that last week of spring ball, you look to start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you know, you get another evaluation again. We'll get into training camp. See if this stuff carried on to make sure we go it for starting in September. What's your assessment of the growth that we've made now that he's kind of got his few under one defense? What do you like about him in that next one? He's very conscientious. He's smart. He can run. He's tough. He's made the adjustment because he's out of Europe on his belt. So now you can see he's not making a lot of mistakes. He competes. He's real conscientious and he has a physical presence. So the growth has been really good and we look to continue that throughout spring.

2:26:52Coach, thank you very much. I can ask one more. All the guys that came back like Denzel, the great example. That surprised you as you reflect on all these guys that came back late for the rants. And they could have turned pro. No, the culture here is real. Coach, they does a great job of building the culture. Our room is close knit. The guys on defense are real close. Those guys want to come back. They have an agenda. You know, we want to come back. They want to come back and walk away with something. So it didn't shock me. But it's a good environment for them too. You know what I mean? That's when you see those guys come back. That's a testimony to the culture that's set here. The brotherhood, the environment. And of course, they run the program for those who want to come back. Because we go at it. It's hard. It's not easy. It's not easy. But what we do. So in fact, they come back and do that as a testament to how he runs the program. Thank you. Coach, thank you very much. I think my capability, what I'm capable of and then like the personnel we have. Like I said, I'm going to try and get the best level on the field, wherever that may be.

2:27:52So you're still trying to figure it out out. Just the point that the conversation was about. It may have been hard for you to keep your weight down the stage. Do you look bigger? How much have you changed physically? Are you allowed to just like finally eat now? I mean, last year I was eating regular like I was like two thirty to two thirty five the whole year last year. I don't know if people thought I was two twenty five, but I was like two thirty five sometimes last year. Like so it's not really like anything changed. You know, obviously I'm a gradually getting some more weight. You know, I'm listening heavier weight. You know, it's different training to be a DB than training to be a linebacker. So you can gradually get a little bigger. Do you, are you embracing that different kind of training? I love it. I love to be with the linebackers. I think with the DBs, like sometimes in the way room, like I was expected to win. So like when I won, I was like, oh, sunny one. But that was something I back now. It's more of a composition. You know what I'm saying? Not any hits of the DBs. I'm two thirty going against someone who's two or five.

2:28:53You know what I'm saying? I'm expected to win. So I love the competition aspect of it. Yeah, Cody said you came in and said, well, it's already bigger than most of the linebackers. So are you playing Will and Sam? How was the position? I've been working on both, yes. Is there any, like, fundamental difference between the two in terms of the same sense? Um, in the obviously the standard more outside the box, outside the linebacker overhang. You can walk up on the edge on the tight end. Will's more inside the box. I think the biggest difference from Sam and Will, Sam, you just got to be more outside sometimes during the slot with two. But I think it's similar concept because you can do the same thing in the boundary. It's almost more like the San Francisco, the field and Will's at the boundary. So I think it's pretty similar, honestly. The only difference is that Sam, last year I never really was an interior run fitter like in the A gap, you know, going A to B or whatever that, whatever that might be. So that's a little different. But I mean, I think I got some of that experience at safety just from a few yards back.

2:29:53So like I said, the only difference really is now just adjusting to the less time. Yeah, yeah. Coach, most of you coming from where you coming from, you have a better perspective of what's going on. Because you might say, you know, I feel like I have a great understanding of the defense. Um, I think a safety I kind of already knew what the linebacks are doing. So now what I'm really starting to learn is like exactly like every little detail what the D lines doing. That's not really what I didn't know every little aspect of it. I think I'm starting to learn that now because obviously the linebacker got to be knowing that more. So I think when it's all said, no, I think I have a really, really, really good understanding of the defense and knowing exactly what everyone's doing. Do you feel like you're warm enough to afford the mix of the defense to the linebacker? He's having a sunny case. You can drop in one minute, pass rushing to your knee. Uh, yeah, actually, I think you can say it'll be an online backer in the play. You're almost in every play. Yeah. Obviously the play can run away from you. But you know, it saves you sometimes you're just back there, play never against you. You take two two back pedals and it's a tackle. So I think yeah, a linebacker, you're in the play more.

2:30:54More chance more opportunities to make tackles. Do you feel comfortable there? I mean, what does that, you know, obviously your dad will stay in that linebacker? Yeah, I feel super comfortable with it. Like I said, I think it's just going to be adjustment. You know, obviously he's different playing from a five than it was from playing from like 10 last year. So I think it's an adjustment, but I'm super comfortable with it. So I mean, you talk to your dad and give him any advice on the new position? Oh, yeah, we watch, uh, we watch table all the time. I watch practice, you know, he was a high level linebacker. And I'm just getting started with this. He gets a little little footwork and stuff like that, but it's good. I get good teaching him, you know, obviously coach Lord Knight is great player, great teacher for him, coach knows. You know, he's a super smart football mind. So I'm getting great teaching all around. The linebacker, everything happens quicker for you. How much did the experience playing some of that sandwich got faster? You're helping with this. Um, I think it helped a little bit. It's been like in terms of physical like being in the box down on the line, but I do think the run fit as a will and a Sam can be a little different.

2:31:57And like I said, like being an interior fitter, like your 30 backer on a you get pools, how you going to go spill it, so things like that. But I think I'm adjusting well. I think I'm picking up on stuff pretty fast. You know, there's still going to be a lot of stuff for work on though. Do you feel more pressure talking to the media with your brother sitting right there? Not at all. What do you think has been the biggest change from linebacker safety? Um, I think the biggest change will probably be that that's 10 to 5. Because it's a big adjustment because everything's happening faster and you got to react faster. And like I said, the waist and movements, I think footwork is huge. I think when you see the great linebackers, seems to play happens are going. They're not taking any wasted steps or not fall stepping things like that. So I think waist and waist movement and being able to see what's happening react fast. It's been the big spin fitter between being on the same team with your brother. Um, I mean, you know, you got someone out there that's it's more than a team.

2:32:57You know, we call each other brothers, but you know, bloods, bloods a little thicker. So that's always pretty cool. You know, it's always it's never one on one. Yeah, but when he tells you something, he doesn't observe that you, you know, it's coming from. Yeah, I think when you're blood like that, I think he's not scared to tell me the truth, you know, saying, you know, obviously guys here, we have tough love. But I think it's always going to be a little different when it's your brother because he going to keep it 100% blunt exactly what you need to hear. Now what you want to hear? What's your advice on playing Dickel? Oh, for him. Um, he just so I've let it he got to keep trusting his instincts. I think he's going to be great. I think what's huge for him is like I said, the athletic ability speed. You know, he blitz off the edge. He's, he's blitzing super fast. And he's just great in coverage too. So I think something really good. I think we'll do a lot of different things kind of like you to a handcock. Obviously, a little different body than a handcock, but I think he's going to be really good at once. I'm not feeling he's neat.

2:33:58He's neat. He's just telling. Thank you. Great. What have you seen for Jator? He's telling. We saw him on Saturday, running with the ones. But the two seems like he's making a little bit of his opportunity. What have you seen for him? Yeah, he's been a guy that's been on the rise, you know, to me from where he was when he started. Spring ball to where he is now. He's made more plays at practice. His eye discipline is better. His understanding of the defense is better, which allows you to be able to play free and be able to play fast. So that's what I've seen so far and I can expect that to continue. What about Jalen? We played in high seed before dressing. He's been great. He's been great. He first off, we do a thing where we track. How well you run to the ball every practice. One of the things that we grade, right? So you can talk about all the schematics that you want. Coach Knowles has all that. But if you're not running to the ball, you're not playing good defense, right? So we track that and he's one of the guys that every single practice is one of our highest grade guys running to the ball. So he's been awesome from an effort standpoint first. Attitude, he's in early. He puts the work in and he's made a bunch of plays out here. So now I'm excited about Jalen McLean for sure. You're talking about running to the ball. You mean like he's ball hockey really well in the back end or is it a nose for the football running game or both?

2:35:03Yeah, so we're really tracking effort and how hard a guy's playing from there is what we do. But I would say this too, he's been around the ball a lot, right? With his alley running and he's downing the ball and on a break through run or fitting gaps and things like that. And then he's got really good range in the post or the half too. So he's done a good job of both of those things. I guess all the above. Yeah, I do. I do. And it's been an opportunity for you have a couple of guys that are out there. So you're able to continue to grow the depth and be able to see what guys can do. And you have increased reps from that standpoint. So I do feel confident. I feel confident in the guys that, you know, how they've performed so far this spring. And then the guys that haven't been out there, I feel confident from what their abilities are, what I've seen on film and then the mental preparation from that standpoint. Now I would go back to refer to, you know, what late than was like a couple of years ago and taking that same blueprint. Yeah, he's done, I would say the mental side. I would say if you took, he has really good physical skills.

2:36:04You see him when he walks on the field. I mean, he's a, yeah, no doubt. I would say the mental side of the game, right? Really understanding what's the defense, what's my eye progression? Where do I fit into this chess piece? You know, what's my chess piece in this whole match that's happening? And yeah, I've been pleased with him and he's putting the work in to make sure he understands what's going on. I wouldn't say we're not saying it's great, right? And because his preparation is so high level, it challenges you as a coach to be an elite teacher, right? Because he's going to be on his game, it's like coaching a professional player, right? He understands the concepts in the game so well. He's put so much time into it. As a coach, you better be matching or equaling that, right? Going above and beyond that, because if not, he's going to be a step ahead of the coach, right? So that's, it's been awesome to be able to push each other to make each other better.

2:37:04He's got a great understanding and feel for the game. He's a great young man. The work ethic is really high level. So every value that you would look for, not just for a skill or entangible thing, but who he is as a person, I can't say enough about who Caleb Downs is. It's been awesome. What's the next step for me for Latham, man? We'll talk about the preparation that Caleb has. I'm just Latham coming back from your final. Yep. Coming back from injury. What do you want to see from him? Maybe it's leadership, maybe it's on the field. I don't know. What is it for you? I think leadership is definitely something, right? He's a guy that's been there, done that. Has accomplished a lot, but not the goals that he wants to yet. So I would say from a leadership standpoint, holding guys accountable, and he's done that at a really high level. And then his own preparation. I've been impressed with, you know, if you're not taking as many physical reps, what are the mental reps that you're taking? And he's done a really good job of having daily routine, putting the time in, making sure that he's caught up with me with everything. So I would say the off the field stuff is a step in the right direction. What did you take away from your experience life here as a coach for a near event?

2:38:06Since we last saw you night, you've been through multiple spring practices. What did you learn, something in your time, or when it was just for you as a coach that you brought here to bring the safety of your mission? Yeah. I think that you learn different ways to be able to do things, whether it's taking the ball away or tackling methods, or, you know, the way that it's taught from other defensive coaches. So to learn from a different tree and thought process and philosophy, you know, I try to, I pride myself on being a teacher, which means that you better always be learning, right? Or you're getting behind. So I would say, yeah, just different ways to be able to maybe do similar techniques or things that have to be done from a defensive principal standpoint. And then, you know, bringing that to the table. As you step back and you say, okay, here's how I've always done it. Or I've done it in the gym-null system right, and then you're in a different defensive system. And how does that get executed? And then you can blend some of those or pick what you like from there. So a chance to reflect that, say. Did you feel like you accomplished what you wanted to do away from the gym-null system to bring it back to the gym-null system? Yeah, I mean, I think any time that you're no matter where you're coaching, right?

2:39:09You have principles of defense and a way to be able to play defense, whether you're how you tackle or how you play the red zone or different things like that. And there's metrics to be able to track that. And some improvement was made. Not enough in my opinion. You only move there were strides from that standpoint. And then, yeah, when you come back into it, you say, okay, the system here has developed in a year that I was gone, right? And then maybe I'm able to develop a little bit as a coach too, and from a positional coach or a coordinator mindset, things like that. And then you're able to mesh ideas and come back. And you learn, hey, what's the new that's happened over a year? And then I was able to see the big 10 from the different lens as well. And you know, so I think that's valuable. Man, last question. Last question. Down a few safeties on Saturday. Just kind of, how do you feel about your depth of that position right now? Yeah, it's something that, you know, we've addressed and say, hey, here's the guys that have played. Here's the guys that haven't played. Who's taking the reps right now? And how do we grow those guys? You know, from a mass standpoint. So I think it's a work in progress every single day. So I've been pleased with the guys. I think there's been a, you know, a steadily on the rise approach from everybody in the room.

2:40:10You know, so I've been pleased with the guys and the progress that they've made. So I feel good about it. And I expect that to continue throughout spring. And then continue throughout summer and into fall camp. From that standpoint, yep. For some of those guys that maybe haven't played much here, but you're seeing they're going to move this spring. Yeah, Jayden Bonz was taking advantage of the opportunity that he's had. Jail and McClain's taking an opportunity, you know, advantage the opportunity. Inky had a really good day today. You know, it's taking advantage of the opportunity. So the guys that, you know, have taking reps, you know, I'm pleased with watching those guys, you know, continue to progress, you know. And the Caleb, I think, is, you know, learned our system and done really well and gotten better every day. All right, thank you. Thanks. Appreciate it, guys. Coach Day's offense and Chip Kelly's offense is the same offense. It's kind of neat going back to the roots and the origin. Maybe understanding a new twist or why he called it how we did. And it's been great for the Titans. I'll leave it at that, not to get too much in the scheme, but we've definitely benefited and me personally learning every day. Do you look at the, I guess, the most of it experience for you, dude?

2:41:12Is that true? Coach, you've heard other years, the emergency intensity, the technical shirt talk, you know. Yeah, I think, you know, awesome. That's a great question. I hope not, right? I think, I think the energy was still there with a guy like Kate. Now, again, it might have been, like I said earlier, also it might have been, you know, the 3000 level course with, with Kate because he's ran that play for four years before I got him. Right now, it still might be the, what do I got to do? And yeah, I mean, I hope the guys feel that the energy's picked up because the urgency has. I mean, eight number eights, not in the room anymore. Great. We're going to play somebody in a couple months, right? And there's got to be a tie-down out there. Hopefully it's two, hopefully it's three tie-downs out there. So hopefully they feel the urgency's picked up. I believe that the road is structured, but G's been in the long time. But it felt like year after year, it was fun. The better guy, the next one, the better guy, the next one, behind us. It's like, I can't really figure it right now. Is that the, you have to provide all the leadership for the guys.

2:42:12Is that after the fourth? Is that just G's job, even if it's not before? Yeah, I don't know. I'm not going to put it all on G, right? But again, the leaders drive the culture. Whether it be G or whether it be Pat, who's been here for a long time and played a lot of football, whether it be Will came in and said, no, this is what it should look like. I mean, I want those guys to take it around with it. You know, on Saturdays, I'm in the box. I'm not cutting off the C guys. It's got to come from them. Now, again, my job is a coach. I make them hear things they don't want to hear. You know, pushing to do things they don't want to do. So I'm certainly going to do that at times. And I'll keep doing it. But they've done a great job of driving the culture. Keenan, you were in the room with Kevin. Was in the offensive meeting room for so many years. Does this have a chip kind of get you guys back to where you guys were with Kevin? I know that the room has an offensive staff. You guys were kind of young last year. And now to have chip with that experience, is that kind of like what you guys have with Kevin? You know some similarities. I think the comparison is that we're talking about Kevin Wilson, and Chip Kelly, or two of the brightest, you know, minds and offensive football in the last several decades.

2:43:12So I think there's some similarities there. But yeah, I think it's a loud one coach day, maybe to delegate, you know, to Coach Kelly. And let him be the best version of himself. And Coach Kelly has been an awesome leader, right, of driving us and listening and providing input. So it's been great. I don't know if it's exactly like it was with Coach Wilson, but it feels great, however it is right now. Can it be a bigger role, it's like the Ferdinand in the cotton bowl, and that not get to come to fruition as much as the way that game played out here? You know, I don't remember exactly what, you know, the expectation was he was going to help contribute. And certainly we wanted him to contribute from the jump and keep him in there contributing. The game kind of started off, you know, not ideal. And we had Kate in there, and you know, that was his last game as a buck guy. So we felt comfortable riding out with him, but I think Jalani and everyone else is kind of focused going forward. Did you guys see the ball prep that was a step forward at all?

2:44:12Yeah, oh yeah, he definitely takes that forward for sure. If you are painting an ideal situation for the ball, what does the depth look like in terms of how many guys you'll trust? I think I got six seats in there, so six of the toughest dudes on the team. I'm not sure I'm just giving the coach speak, but I mean, however it shakes out, hopefully we could play 13% or 14% now. And I got guys out there that are going to go a recent happy, but I don't know. They're going to make that sort of out right now. I'm worried about whatever Thursday's practice, the toughest dudes on the field. Are you seeing enough of that to feel comfortable saying that that can happen by the end? Yeah, yeah, I mean, we're taking strides. We'll see about the end of spring, and then hopefully fall camp. It's a long ways away from wherever we play with one. Yeah, it's been great. It's been great. Pumper turn and kick return, and again, the coach, other positions too, right? I mean, I mean, special teams comes down to technique and effort, right? And that's the ultimate test of the brotherhood, and no one signed up to be a buck out of me on Pumper turn. They want to be first round this, first round that.

2:45:14So it's been awesome. And involved in that. What's that? Oh, yeah, we're working quite a few guys back there. We got some options. So, yeah, we fun. I mean, he had more time, right? Just because we have that whole month of kind of December for development. And, you know, the bull press a lot like Spring Ball, and that he has those three or four weeks, you know, to get the reps he wasn't getting during the year, because Katie was taking it. Yeah, I think good. I think it just shows that, you know, next man in, we trust you fully. Katie couldn't go, no one better than I, it was G, then it was Pat. Period. We call their offense. There's no modified offense or anything like that. So to put our trust in him, he went out and made a lot of plays. And both of this kids played really well. I think that helps the confidence for him and awesome.

2:46:14Really good. When you look at G now, do you, and this is me, the Seach's question maybe, you see a tight end man. You're still one I'm saying from a couple years ago. A few years ago, he was, you know, he moved over from my receiver and all this kind of stuff. What just chuffed out at you about what he brings to the tight end spot? I guess. Yeah, I know what you're asking too. I promise you, I never like, he's in the tight end room. I didn't say, oh, but he's a receiver playing tight end. He's a tight end. Yeah. He's a tight end, so he's going to be greater like a tight end, treated like it. So I never really, But like Kevin talked about when the, you know, first made the move, you want to, you want to get this guy some confidence, play and tight end, meaning, I'm not going to say he gets lesser opponents, but having some success out there, you know, like in the run game, the blocking aspect of things and stuff. And he seems to progress big time from that. I mean, do you feel that way too? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, he's gotten way better. And again, I practice, he's on the left side, he's against JTF, he's on the right side, he's against Shaq. So I mean, there's no, this is Ohio State. You're playing against the best every day. So he's definitely progressed. Do you think that collaborative effort you guys are having us,

2:47:16a couple of teams, do you think that's benefiting you guys in terms of just how you're approaching that day? Yeah, I think so. Dan as, you know, as far as ownership goes, right? Like, I mean, I'm not saying I wasn't invested last year, but shoot, I'm, I'm trying to get good, you know, I mean, that's, that's Coach Harlan and I's product out there. And if there's not tight ends all over those units and they're not going to play tight end in Ohio State, and I bet you Harlan feels the same way about the receiver. So as far as the buy-in from the staff, heck yeah. Heck yeah, for me, at least speaking for myself. When, when, when Coach Dave broke that up, what, what did you think about that change? And number two, what is he told you he wants that he wasn't getting from a special team two years ago? No, he never, he never told me anything about last year. It was all about, okay, how it going to be? This is again, Ohio State, like, whatever the janitorial staff supposed to be the best in the country, the tight end coach better be the best tight end in the country, same thing with quarterback, same thing with PumberTurn Coach. On the PumberTurn Coach, I should be the best one in the country. So I got to work with Coach Harlan and Coach Keys and everyone else learning this game and techniques. And now we got to put on the field. But do you fund yourself studying punt returns or like NFL teams and things like that?

2:48:17I mean, how are you doing your prep work? Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, Coach Harlan, Coach Keys, thanks Gunner and I, I mean, we lot ourselves in a room for a week there and I don't think I did any offense. So, oh yeah. You already have pretty good knowledge of the turn game or do you have to start from scratch? No, yeah, there's no starting from scratch, Dan. I mean, it's all ball. And that's the coolest thing about special teams is if you're not special teams, it's going to make you better, Ty Dan. It's going to make you a better DB, you're running back and it's like the technique and everything like that. I think I had pretty fair foundation and then maybe some tweaks and, you know, kind of, we have to decide what our identity is going this season. Yeah, I think I think he proved it on special teams because he played on special teams before he played offense. And then just reps at practice again against blocking the best linebackers in the country. It doesn't matter if you're a fine star or if you're a walk on, but to that point,

2:49:18I think sometimes there's a mentality of, oh, but he's just a walk on. That does not exist with Pat. It's went out the window to start a, once you start a plan. Is that how you approach here, dude? How about you guys? How about you guys? Almost 1130. How many stars? Oh yeah. Is that help you? Oh yeah, they know. I think everyone in my room knows and, you know, guys I talked to on the recruiting trail. Kade went down and knew his G and then Pat was right in. I didn't have that in I. I'm going to put the toughest dude out there who goes to the hardest. I don't care if you're from Ohio, your dad's a buck guy, if you're a walk on or a five star. Whatever you'd help us with, you know. We can marry in the past. Not here yet. Yeah. You still work with them for a while? How does that kind of work right now? Yeah, we can. I mean, with Max and Toe, it's FaceTime's and it's encouraging them to get here and watch practice so that when they get here right after graduation, we can hit the ground running. But yeah, it's much prep work as we could do on the front end with, you know, setting them tip sheets and that's what I think. We're technology nowadays. I mean, COVID, we had to do it. So yeah, we could get to work right now.

2:50:19Two more questions, folks. With the special teams question, the collaboration that you guys have, it's three people in one room. Like, how does that work semantically where you guys are all putting your heads together to get one idea? Just how does that play out in the room together? Yeah, I mean, luckily, I mean, it's Coach Hart and I. I mean, that guy, we worked, we see each other every day for the last eight years and luckily, I worked four years with them. So that's so organic. Hart and I just kind of bounce each other, thoughts off each other. We can read each other's minds by now. I think that's how close we are. So this really organic in there and then Coach Keys does a great job of kind of setting the direction, giving us some expertise and we just kind of have a flow off each other. I've actually seen the guys react to that. So you're coaching, that's much of a team's. Yeah, I think they like it because like the accountability, again, if my tight ends aren't on return to take a drink or they're not playing tight end, and they know that. So I think across the board, it gives us a platform to coach other positions. She didn't, in a time when the print transport is so big and the guy like G probably could have left multiple times so you wanted to. What does that do for the room? To have a guy who's a leader, have just so step-ass and like, I'm going to stay here and make an impact, that's what he goes with.

2:51:24Yeah, I think it speaks volumes. You hit the nail on the head, not just for G, but for the brotherhood. I know it sounds cliche and people read it on Twitter and kind of roll the rise of brotherhood. It's, what did think the entire defense came back for the brotherhood? We got two goals here. We haven't done them since she's been here. He hasn't hit his two goals, so he stayed for the brotherhood. So I think it speaks volumes for G as a leader in the room. But also, I mean, you look around a roster, how many guys could have either left for other opportunities in the portal or in the NFL? So I think it speaks volumes to the brotherhood. Is it different at tight end with the transfer portal maybe because for some positions it's such a development position at tight end where you have to develop run blocking and you have to learn the passing game. Like, is it different trying to keep kids around maybe in the portal or at a tight end? Yeah, maybe it is. And I haven't really thought about that because it's still so new. I think you got to be so honest in recruiting. If you think I'm going to walk into a living room and say, come be my starting tight end, I should be crazy. You're crazy. Now, come prepared and get to work before you get here. And, you know, I'm going to give you the opportunity to.

2:52:24Again, I'll do a question earlier. I don't care if he's a senior or a true freshman. If you could play, you could play period. I can't wait. Give me a true freshman. You could play tight end. It's a Ohio State. You got to block Jack and JT. And then your dog tired next play, you're getting covered by Downs and Lathen and all those guys. Are you kidding me? Is this NFL? No, it's a Ohio State. Right? So, yeah, I think it's a little bit different, but you got to be honest on the front end. Keena, thank you very much. Also, thanks, guys. Thanks, coach. Thank you. Just, you know, circling back to what we had, natural maturation a little bit because he's been through a little bit of spring boys. He's been through a little bit of camps. So, you're still learning to terminology. You're learning a new skill set. But he just dove right in and wanted to be a sponge and wanted to learn. He's doing a good job and he's improving every day. You know, so that's what's making the battle and the competition. All these great snaps really, you know, good for us is because they all have that mindset. So, from Seth, awesome. The unit in the group, awesome because there was no combattentance to it. It was, let's get in, let's go on this compete and then let the guys win.

2:53:25Just learning the same deal. All the young guys you've come in, you got to learn how to play in friction. So, having, you know, three tech, having a 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 know, you can't make moves or shift guys if they're not mentally there. And so, for him, he's got a pretty good football FQ. So, he's continuing to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's going to be a good player. He's in a good football FQ. So, he's continuing, he's growing every day. He's working and he's getting beat every day too, and he's learning from those. You know, still in the springtime, you know, we have saying in our room, we're like in the spring, it's yes, and it's no. And the no is K&OW. 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 coming with questions, he's grabbing me and watching tape with me or we're coming doing stuff as a unit. He's learning so that same deal the game can slow down and he gets more comfortable there in friction So I mean he's his weights up his strengths up. He's spent an off season with Mick

2:54:25You know, there's a lot of development that still has to be had Obviously not a finished product, but being able mentally for a guy to handle that you know helps a lot Luke a leaner guy. Did you tell him that? He paid you to say that? That might be the first time you ever heard that in his life. No No You know like Luke Carson Whoever maybe that that jump of 18 to 19 and 19 to 20 year old kid that plays a lot into it to 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

2:55:26A 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 middle part on top of another year natural maturity of getting bigger and stronger That's always gonna help you're not gonna guys here. They're not gonna regress It's gonna keep adding progress and how fast can we get that going is what we're working on every day with him He's I mean Josh could play all five I mean he snapped the ball in high school You know Josh had a great offseason But for you when you're going to spring and it's fact finding and experimentation how much do you want? Just put them in different spots or not Because you also have an eye on August to try and settle on five Manoration what's the balance of that for you? You have to get a really good Gradable set so that everybody has numbers of you know, just like we said before how many times have we done? A run blocking or pass blocking in this situation so that that all evens out so that's it's not experimentation

2:56:31It's just making sure that you get a good book of work to look at and grade that So as we you know work guys around the platoons and go just to make sure that everybody gets good gradable reps So we can sit back by the end of spring and say all right This is your comparing apples to apples and oranges oranges and not you know apples oranges because it's completely different that way So that's kind of the thought behind that as you as you go into the spring Left But then I said you know it's college football so who knows right? What's up in like Showing and what's up in like yeah, I mean He just added to another piece of just good people here I mean you still you're coming to work here with guys every day You know what the kids we talk about a thumb but then for us as coaches as staff so adding just another good dude That's in the room Obviously as he says something and you know, he might speak in old terms or terms that we had You know, maybe be a little bit of a rosetta's done like no, no, this is this is like yeah

2:57:33That's right because that's that happens to all coaches that happened to me when we got here first I was at what coach day sometime with Ryan's like you know What do we call this because he was in a system like that before he saw this is this now So I think just the you know Translation of the rosetta stone there help but just overall standpoint of adding a great guy That's a great coach. It's been around that's he's gonna supplement the room and every time you add something new to the room Then that makes the room better makes you individually better. Oh look how he does that Maybe I could do that. Maybe I can bring that to my meeting room. Maybe I can bring that to Communication to the staff or to the kids or whatever it is because he's He's done it for a long time and he's done a high level for a long time So it's good to add that guy to us and then continue as us to rest the staff for me and Brian and key and and everybody just learning and growing with that John Ford aspect

2:58:33Well, I mean, but you're saying so what does he see? It's good to have fresh eyes come in that maybe you know You get in a routine and you get in a rhythm and all of a sudden Football you know, he's one of those guys. I think goes into categories forgotten a lot of football and some people have learned in their life But no his he I believe he coached every position on the field both sides of ball through his whole career So as he looks up and he writes when he's talking about well this will linebacker is gonna do that Then he might have coached at at Columbia right or this is what the three-text gonna 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 Step up and step in point was nobody cares. Nobody cares

2:59:41Yeah, it was competing his butt off. I mean he's kind of living that way You know, that's why we have that the the the red line over there when you cross the line You know, of course they talks about that here like that It's it's the game doesn't care you're off the field you got to come out and step out and do your job It doesn't care about anything off the field right that can sound really negative and harsh But then it also if you just spin your tone like Isn't it beautiful that the game doesn't care? It doesn't care your skin color your socioeconomic background where you've come from if you just want to do it the right way in The 53 and a third the game will love you back You know, so I think it's the approach mentally the guys take that way So yeah for Tegrida he's he's taking that approach like he he wants to come in and be a guy So he's fighting and clawing and scratching every day. So when he makes a mistake He's trying to correct it when he does it well. He's trying to enhance it And that's what competitive people do and that's what he showed up to do so I that's good that he said that or says what's his Come on on the field been like as a center and it's that difficult when you're coming into a new offensive line to have that

3:00:44Where's there's something made about this inner position if you've been experienced at it like he has where you kind of out that I guess Command on field over with any offensive line So I should say it over it's not over again. You're saying the comfort of center with who now? I'm safe. Yeah, I'm saying like how has 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 Onfield command, you know at that center Yeah, I mean it's a dog command is just great communication getting everybody on 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 that Accommodation of football like play one handed and have you know tie leak this far from your face You better have command of something, you know, so you got to understand the Communication and the technique and those things there

3:01:46So 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 in the same day He's you know the the one thing we're not Having concerns with or we're not driving right now as the guys just competing and Trying to get better after a mistake or like we said we're enhancing as they've done some stuff really well And he's he's adapted to that really well They both have been ripping its center. Yeah For the competition aspect could they roll out and play guard yet 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 they've been really working at center position right now both of them

3:02:49No, I have it Obviously came after spring practice here How's he been this spring? It kind of speak to how what the challenge must have been for him last year I'm not having spring practice stepping in playing that position Yeah, same deal. He's been here not even a four-year yet. So Coming in the summer do what he did coming in through the fall And then now I mean the same with him sound like a broken record I think the game's slowing down for him those mistakes that may have showed up or the questions that he had through the fall And as we got going through the season those are starting to erase a little bit which is good You know his communication level is just talking more that's probably the best thing that he's done so far He's a highly highly talented guy. We're just developing that skills and discipline and and Does it go into communication? So as he communicates and talks That's probably the biggest thing I've seen from him which I think you know volume and communication equals confidence And so he's playing much more confident right now

3:03:51Has talent you also have a few plays a game or you know The penalty or whatever do you see them reduce those? A bunch yes coach. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thanks guys. Thank you. Thank you Yes All right folks, we will come back when Like how do you guys rely on the word? I think it's an even here like there'll be things like Sometimes you won't have to communicate The ball together You

3:04:52I came in knowing that just about everything. I mean like obviously I kind of I kind of feel like in terms of like physical attributes I can kind of like move and strong and stuff like that But I think like there's a lot more to it that I needed to work on even become close to what I can To me being able to help it to like such as technique Awareness just just everything Definitely communication. I think that's like the big thing The game you gotta be able to you know calling out like a pressure might come and stuff like that So it's a winnestable I Understanding how Just 100% after it Work hard like there's more to it, but those are things that you want to play fast That's a semi- I pick at every day coming out here

3:06:03I Definitely but I kind of like when I come in here I knew coach fry and then staff like they were gonna they're gonna Definitely like scope me into the player like Yeah, scope me into that yeah, like they know that like scope. I mean like oh scope. Yeah Like just kind of make me into that type of player. I mean the development factor from coach fry I mean getting these like I didn't even it's like magic almost So I mean, I'm just kind of keep keep going with him and keep riding with it This I guess we'll see I'm gonna keep picking that in I guess yeah, I would say sure, but I mean I can't really take credit for something like that You know the boy like that is you know the man above kind of put that in my dream, so How much is running game changing or nuance whatever you want to call it with chip Kelly in charge

3:07:06What if you noticed this little bit little little nuances or stuff? I mean maybe like little things. I mean the little things add up the big things, right? I mean, yeah, I mean yeah, well, where do you think you guys were lacking at some point last year in certain some of those matchups? I Mean it was a whole new line, so I mean yeah, I know the side came a few other but other than that it was I mean those are hard game nothing's gonna be like for sure what's going on You know you can have some hard time. Yeah, did Missouri test y'all about as well as anybody just about yeah What what did you know coming out of there y'all had to get fixed? To be honest, I felt like We just try to go out there and just play hard like Obviously, we know number six. It was a really good player. So we just try to make sure keeping either back to as much possible So that's really try to go to Yeah, so as a left tackle like after like the number one job Make sure nobody gets to the quarterback and that's something that I try to do make sure nobody

3:08:08Kind of get around me or go through the range and just keep the quarterback clean out here's a lot more Yeah, they'll be a well on the player and you know more people around and stuff like that But like that's one of the biggest things for that One block you know you uh, I was essentially self-cattered. Yeah, so I mean we got I mean Yeah, the main deal I'm gonna go through always twisting and stuff like that so in the run those twist So you just kind of like I guess you just got a Really state technically sound that's somewhat I'm trying to do Josh if you gonna get some Mitch Mitchell melt much this spring and stuff what what stands out about him Obviously he came back from a couple of neat the injuries and stuff and but what's just jumped out at you about it? Yeah, you wouldn't even know he had to need to say I mean he's so like the way he rushes. It's it's so like it's his signature rush. Yeah, it's something that you can't You it's probably the heart. I'm probably like the hardest person. I've got to block your yeah if I'm being honest like he's very twitchy great with his hands Amazing get off and he has that sneaky power that if you're not really like setting for it

3:09:08And I want to get your take, you know you came here from Sydney, you stay your center The guys transfer to Seth McLaughlin Whether he starts or not we'll see right or no he's from Alabama. He's an amazing you how College football teams are put together anymore I mean Cuz he could be a key thing and what does that just tell you about the game these days? I mean yeah, I mean it can go anywhere. I mean like Seth is a great player I mean he tells me like you know Stuff that they did differently about and stuff like that and I try to take some of like maybe some advice he has If you can't talk about play a little longer than me, so yeah, he seemed like a grown-up. Don't you? Yeah, he comes across that way then 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 you know the right side is like kind of like going a little bit. I mean not with fire But like you know, we have like some people that compete. I mean we're all competing. I know I am and stuff like that so I just We're just trying to play hard

3:10:18Uh, yeah, I it's very necessary especially when you kind of got a new OC and stuff like that. You get 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 Uh, I mean Don he's like I do that. I owe Don a lot like he's an amazing player. He gives me like inside of him 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 He said we got it keep doing what you do and we got to Oh, yeah, especially So um like I said, that's sort of been tough for me to leave this year and with the opportunity we got you know You only got one more chance left to you know to go do something that not many people get to do you know in their lives So we're in a blessed position

3:11:20You And I just think that uh 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 uh, you know my teammates played great too and coaches called it the game defensively. I mean You know, did we give a 14 total points or a 17 14? I mean Fortunately, it's 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 Yeah, I mean, I just think it was it was collectively a good day on defense and you know happen to be fortunate the being position makes me good place Yeah, you know, I think I felt like I was in a group probably the whole second half of the season

3:12:24I felt like myself again and I was just out there playing a heavy phone with my teammates and uh, you know, I think that You know when you come here and you expect to hit the field it to be a certain way You know, it's hard to get over that for a little bit And I think you can look at kind of this all of us on the D line as a front We all kind of had our own journey into how we how we're playing right now and now it's all about building and I looking back and Playing how we know how to play and being confident out there and and using our ability to God's give us so I think that this whole next year You know, you're just gonna see a whole different level of play from all of us 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 else capable of but you know, once you just put that that stuff to the side just got there and play ball You know how it's just gonna take care of itself

3:13:27No, you're good You Yeah, you know, I think you said it, you know, we there's no talent issues here on this team Now I think if you look at our team across the board probably one of those talented in the country If not the most talented team of the country and So you know, that's God given though and Well, we can work on as a discipline our skill or technique I think if we become the most you know discipline and and sound team technique wise there's not gonna be a team of countries So But it's you know, it's a long process to get to that point and to get to that season So I just think that when coach day talks about that, you know, it's true Where you got the talent? Just got to go out there and work every day on little things I know I'm working on a flexibility you know, I'm working on bending the corner a little bit and Hands is at the line you can kind of improve on everything and so

3:14:28Coach Johnson's is in our emphasis is just you know, just taking care of the little things hands hips Foot placement. So it's kind of a little bit 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? All really excited about that, you know, it was cool really cool I mean him going back and forth the whole time just talking about we're gonna come back or not Uh, and you know when we you know, I kind of knew I knew before you guys knew when he was coming back So you know, I was excited. I was a you know, hell of a player and you know, really good friend of mine So just having another year with him and you know, I'm gonna enjoy it and you know, hopefully have some fun You know, we can have a comfortable place nice wall First guy to come in 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 then you could come guys to come back into the pool to run back on the runners Yeah, you know, it's unique. You know, I think it's a really unique position um That great group of guys coming back man. I mean, you know, it's just so exciting and I just wanted to you know

3:15:34for me, you know And at the same thing same thing for those guys how much they care about this program and care about the team and and coach day and And guys you want to do it for in the city and uh, you know, the chance we we all knew that you know, we had great Opportunities go in the fell and but we also have a great opportunity to put another one of those banners up here so and you know get some revenge on you know the guys up north all that stuff. So um, you know, when you put in a nutshell, you know, it was a really simple decision for a lot of us um, and you know, we thank God for being in this position and coming back, you know, I don't think any of us regretted it And we're just really excited to you know, just get back on the chase and and uh, you know Not miss a day Jack you take a wide view of the defense with the additions made but Caleb coming in and now you see Sunny move closer to line of scrimmage But you just you have an opportunity like looking at what's out there. How does it change The capability with your defense That's why I think how can it change the way maybe you deploy that you couldn't do a year ago

3:16:35Yeah, I mean you look at our you look at the defense one of the fairly like damn we're big, you know corner We're big lineback we're big d line. We're big safe. We're big Fast, you know, we're just it's you know, we're just got a lot a lot of weapons to say the least and so You know, when you got when you know you got those guys behind you uh, you know, you just make you play so much more free up front and and you know You're dependent you can rely on those guys behind you and I think that you know if we take that approach and And everywhere on the field offense too that you know, we're really fun here What is the key sky Yeah, I'd say It starts off with like you kind of got to it starts off with two of the outside noise And what other people have to say about it and it's really your mindset. I kind of look at it as it's like a drop in a bucket You know if I got a big bucket Um, there's no one thing I'm gonna do to make these bucket full

3:17:36It's a daily thing where I put one drop in in a day and you look back over a year two years three years Look back and they're like man, I've gotten a lot better. So like I said, I'm just very thankful for the The guys that I have around me push me very hard Yeah, I'd say You know, you can't you got to be someone that's you know, when the You got to be big you got the strong you got to be fast with a lot of jobs and you have to do Um, it's a very asking job You need to book the big some of the biggest guys in the field But also run routes off some of the smallest guys in the field and so I think just thankful just to be out here and do exactly that What was it like to get that shot the other day for them the pros counts You know just run routes catch balls. Oh, yeah show off. Yeah, no, there's a good opportunity I think some of the big you know region behind it was just kind of giving those guys out there that we're at Pro-Day we have 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

3:18:36I think that's a pretty good deal and you take only a quarterbacks to this point the quarterback battle is going on What what what's been your take on will for example get to know him Yeah, and of course David I think the mindset that we have body around here is ironing shoppering iron So that's kind of like it's not just you know one room. It's from top to bottom. It's our 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 in a room or running back room Offense first defense coach for his coach. It doesn't matter. We're all just you know iron and shopper and iron especially this time the year in spring ball We're not doing too much game planning for next week Which we're really just spending this time to get better and uh build just build a good foundation for ourselves It's time to work on room forward if you see will will how we're fitting in more and more is the practice of going on You know getting to know everybody and all like I mean I mean we've been spinner for a while Yeah, I think I think I think I think I think it's times goes no matter where you are you start to adapt and you start to get used to the What we got going on here, so it's good to have

3:19:47What'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 Um, 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 wasn't there something that I do on Sundays or something that I do in a Bible study It was something it went from what I do to who I am and so now I embody that as who I am And so some of the fruits of the spirit is peace, patience and kindness And so those are kind of the things that I've started to embody on this on this journey I 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 spirit of patience Peace and enjoy with the guys around me, and so I'm just I'm thankful I'm thankful to be here But 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

3:20:49You know, I was like, you know, well, where are you right now? But I wouldn't be where I'm at, you know, right now if it wasn't for my you know relationship with the Lord I truly came into my life and you know, changed around for the better G. What did you see from Bennett Christian last year? How did you know that suspension? Yeah, I already worked with him Yeah, I think he did a great job a lot of perseverance I think that's no matter who you are, we're kind of hearing news like that that you're going to be out for a year That's hard No matter where you are I'm really proud of him because he 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 He's a throwing the towel Be like man, you know, you know forget this or I'll get better next year, but I saw the drive-out and one thing I see now every day you showed up he got better And I'm proud of Bennett and I'm proud of this unit I mean yeah, I mean I don't know I don't really know how to answer that question because if you go from one unit to another unit

3:21:52The moment you train units you're no longer in the unit you are initially in so you're now a tight end And so I mean chance of that question I think the time that I went from in the receivary to the tight end unit is the moment I became a tight end No, no, no, no Okay, Kevin Wilson the coach Wilson was my coach Coach Alon was my coach and I was a receiver It's just different, it's two different roles I think I'd say to answer that question The moment that I decided to come to play tight end is the moment I couldn't tighten And so now over the years I've gotten better at playing in the position But um The moment that I transferred over I've been a tight end And you know I'm excited to be a tight end Another position I'd rather play Little buck us Thank you, Gene Yep What were the issues? 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

3:22:54From 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 succeed it on Saturdays So I've seen that growth from Lincoln and that's that's really exciting Um as for Julian You know last year going into the year He he was competing for a job and you know end up didn't not winning the job and you know he could have turned it down and been bummed out and you know Um Not attacked it the way why but I saw him continue to grow throughout the year Um, so I'm don't learn from well and and to get to a point this year where we're 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 It's time in the you know the winner and so that's been awesome and then tape and comes in and you know Taviin Taviens, you know really should still be in high school um instead he's

3:23:56You know in my office all the time uh learned in the offense and when he's not with me He's with coach make and he's not with coach maker. I he's over there doing academics and sassos So um 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 It's been really impressive. Um, so I'm excited for all three of them Yeah, I don't think so um, I don't think so quite yet, you know it I think we have a unique situation where we've got three really talented kids You know, they're all young They all have a lot of room to grow and I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth But Most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going through a year and they've ended up You know having a guy get hurt or something happens So as far as you know having one guy like that's not to go either we want to develop the room We want all three of them you know to continue to get better to continue to develop and you know

3:24:58Be guys that we can count on you know throughout the season You guys went up for it Scholarship guy. Oh, that's still in conversation. What kind of see how it goes? You know obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have But you know the three that we're really confident right now We got to ride in order to support the backs to work in the front backs you work in the front backs Who's filling out your room? I mean, you have someone that you have in mind to come in and be the assistant for you Where 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 he's gonna come in he's gonna help out with some of the day-to-day stuff And then you know coach day and I I've built a pretty good relationship where you know between my time here is the G.A 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

3:25:59I 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 have any opportunity to okay him and then we'll see you through a little bit of a different life And to learn how coach day season Um, please so big for me in my development So that couple of years as a G.A. was awesome for me And then last year to be able to sit in with them and really kind of see the game, you know in a similar fashion And I'm always gonna continue to learn from them because he's just such a special coach To be able to see it, you know in a similar way and and continue to bounce thoughts on them 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 I think that's really important. So, you know him and I have already begun conversations just about You know how that's gonna work out how you know He's gonna continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's gonna communicate to them Those conversations are already Beginning so it'll be it'll definitely be a combination of you know us three Billy Kavian being there for the championship

3:27:01Bron how about like a help with this 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, you know our guys were them and I grabbed him I say look around you got to take a couple minutes and take the sand 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 Right you just remember not a homework and get to that point So for him to have that experience and to be able to see that and you know Hopefully one day when he's in that spot. He's like oh, I've seen this before. I know it looks like I think it's pretty cool. I think just to have that bank in his memory Yeah, you know, I think he comes off so I'm spoken but He's without question, you know come out of the show and I would even say you saw spoken last year You know, I think that he kind of understood that you know will was in charge of the offense and and he knew that he was young It 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

3:28:03Julie understood that And you know, I think he earned that respect about the year and so this year you're definitely seeing him step up Him and Lincoln both You know are in that phase where they burn that respect and so they're doing a really good job leading right now and and Tavians doing a good job on respect So we're kind of in the middle right there between the two phases Really What's Lincoln is I think still less than two years and just specializing Dispensal It's really I guess where do you think he is harnessing all of that all on flotic ability to being really good Yeah, I mean There's no question I Lincoln's special athlete And you know guys that have that background that have been successful at 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 You know is in position to understand and learn the game and which we saw all last year

3:29:05You 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 The leadership comes in all different phases, you know in all different ways and 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 gonna lead by example and you know, they respect you for that You're in position now that you can be both of them So, you know, I definitely don't think that you need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all Believe in the rounds of 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

3:30:12You know from a tangible perspective I think that you've got to be extremely accurate I think you have to be able to make great decisions with the footballer at the ball at one time Um, and I think that you have to be able to do it. We saw a problem with the feet So you know, it's rare in college football that every protection's blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly That would you're up on the whiteboard. So when things break down I'll be able to fix it with our legs Um, and then you know, as far as intensible school I look at I look at, you know, guy like Will who had those intangibles about as well as I've ever seen I mean, 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 gonna combat those issues Um, to be able to understand, you know, when it's time to move on for the ballway and move on in the next play And then also be mentally tough enough that when things don't go our way Uh, to be able to react the right way and move on to the next way

3:31:14Did you go last year? What last question? You go fight a question Oh no, no, I didn't do this in addition. Oh, I did You know, like when you're coaching And you build a relationship with these guys you want nothing more than for them to go on Success on the field and and I think that's so you know, so important like I sit in that room and you know It's about them is about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and 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 Um, 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 We I was it was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it And so that was that was pretty neat I always feel like it's one for improvement. Never feel like you um just Got it. That's one thing a lot of people mess up one feel like already have one good year. Okay, I mean That's not any me. I'm a no continue to do it for years and years to come. I feel like To myself for sure

3:32:17Well, cuz you party no big tall receiver just like me um, no, just came in campus at now. Just working Um, I have to see this future here at the Ohio State probably gonna be no next one for sure What's it like you know, it's like the national championship banner and seeing all the new signage. You know, you played a huge role Uh I mean, it's no sub blessing notice I played no Oral and no the nighty run that we had as a true freshman um, but no, it's time to move on I mean, that's behind us now and I can't wait for this season to come up I feel like he already got that just coming in he already got that hard work at it um Quiet just like me as I came in just all about bar really me here early um Me spend the time coach hardline meeting and everything he doing it the right way. I should say and he have a bright future Challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy. Yeah, there's a challenge. Uh, no, just no

3:33:20Stepping on my comfort zone um I mean something everybody want to see for me not just my coaches, but players on the team as well We have a leadership meeting as a lot a lot of people call me out on just saying they want me to talk more Um working on it takes time Not really the guy that's talk talkative or no, but lay by the zippy, but one thing that's I'm definitely working on It's trying to know talk more and get more of my comfort zone and just be able to Yeah, for sure. That's definitely the biggest challenge You know like I said just step my my comfort zone and the lead in the guys and the other guys as well You guys open with Texas next year I going back to the playoff game. Do you think about that moving forward? Just kind of how you were taken out of that game? Oh, yeah, I think not really think about it. I mean that's behind me Um, maybe one of the game we ended up going to national championship and I mean we see it on week one. I just know can't wait to know face a great opponent What's your impression of different sentias so far? Yeah big long corner of the Quran Um, physical um, he got it all and I can't wait to see things he do here this year

3:34:23As well, what do you know? It's different. Is there anything different about this defense of the you know these first three weeks of spring that's a Culture ride. Oh, they just fast Physical and willing to hit somebody I should say saying they got the real change for me Guys still go no door. They've been doing over the last year and nine and so I should in the year have was actually Costa it makes the quarterbacks live like he did for a couple of practices last week I mean why have your senior? Carnell right? How do you think your quarterback you're responding to that? Over offering uh, I think they were spending pretty good. Uh, I did not expect the quarterbacks to be live Um, they're in a scrimmage um, that's a prize for sure. I call it Dave definitely surprised me with that Um, but I feel like they handled it very well. They took hits um, something we need they needed I should say you know tough him up and go go Are they handled that since obviously not a norm to do that? Uh Learning anything now, but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit It gets his no

3:35:23Defense I should say um, but no guys they was they was getting hit for sure, but they was getting right back up so Command Who knows if I'm for that? Oh, definitely can't get better. No, no, it's a lie. I'm getting complacent Um Always want to prove that No, I'm just taking a day by day and no just getting better each and every day And I'm I why do you prepare for the spring day In the expectations you're gonna get on the next two seasons here off the season you just had? Uh, not really focused on the espensation that I have coming up or the year after that um, no just focus on spring Spring and you know, just going to the fall camp and no just get ready for the season. I should say the espations go be there And I really know something high No In my mind right now, I'm just no Being leader and no just focus on the team I really know we haven't really spoken about that right now

3:36:26I really know Jeremiah a lot of guys just said that they want a lot of championships about taking down They don't want to see it is moving into this year to me team. Where what is how important is that for you? And why do you think that's significant for the state moving forward? I mean like I said we came live in the past um the club in the 2014 they won the national championship Um This year we did it so mean we just Take everything down in the weight room and everything so no we could focus on being ourselves and no This our season Uh, you know, I mean they're a great team. We got a great running back. Riley Leonard is probably one of us The toughest guys we've ever played against and more extreme in his snap is a great job So um hats off to them and you know, we knew they're gonna make plays like you said they did go right down the field to first drive 14 plays and They do think you know whatever it was Well, I mean like I said they're a great team. Well coach a lot of tough guys on that team We knew they're gonna fight their ass off and uh, it's a heavyweight balance and national championship

3:37:30That's what it's all about and we knew we're gonna have to take some shots and uh, you know, keep swinging That meeting you guys have To him stand in front of you guys A whole team Have you vulnerable like that and to make changes? What is it? I mean it just speaks to how great a coach is I think a lot of coaches would have you know had a lot of selfie girls doing that meeting in Um, he didn't at all. I mean he loves us, you know, all of us like for his sons and we felt that form you know that loss You know, we knew that we had had to rebound like you did Um, I can't say enough like how much he means He's saying it means to me The way he goes about business and we don't we don't go about it like a lot of teams do about fear losing your job We go about as a family as about love and we know we had to execute and we did that tonight How happy are you for a coach day? You know, and how close you are you was first given to frame new bill to help you guys good Yeah, I mean, it's a dream come true like I said, I mean God is so great. But during the took us out And uh, it took coach day on this family on I mean

3:38:30And then I'll be curious that we did a night See you have the success And uh to come out tonight when this game for them it's awesome You know, we knew what the expectations were going to the season you know, we knew that we're at Ohio State and The top of hand every year as a campaign for national champion and not doing your job. So 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 were legacy. We just left is it's something that you know, you can't put in the words how much it means So we never looked at this as an a burden but there's an opportunity and we did that just tonight Yeah, you dropped your name in the back for the chance of the championship When did you sense that well look we never know today was gonna fight to the end

3:39:32You know during the season it was during the season you felt that you think before the season We knew that we were capable of national championship Just because of the guys we had and the coaching staff we knew that we were capable of this And uh through all the ups and downs we were able to persevere and and keep fighting keep swinging coach They always says you got to fight your way out of bat times and in life and and as a player as a coach As a family really for him You know, he's got to fight himself out of bat times And he did just uh made the adjustments Made the change that had to get made and that were champion So like I said, God is so good and the journey brought us on was amazing Jackson believe that was really last week who said your debug guy obviously grew up in Pickerington When did you allow yourself to think about what this moment will be like and what it would mean For your legacy, you know, Ohio State that you can get this done When did you allow yourself to think about that? Yeah, I know I mean honestly, I haven't still even thought about it And I'm just so happy to be able to celebrate this in the squad guys It's not about me at all. It's about this team and coach day and City of Columbus has been waiting for this for a long time for 10 years And uh now just I'm just so happy for this group of guys and the stuff that we went through and heard

3:40:34And we keep getting up and keep shadow of the practice and going as hard as we can I approach one of the positive attitude and trusting a God's plan and You know, here we have an national chance. You can never take that away from us So just so happy that way we'll finish the job and You check now that is on the stage at one point What were your thoughts right there Jack? It looked like you kind of dropped your knees at one point and uh 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 And my career and everyone else's career and then to end it this way is just so special. I mean Yeah, would you put your faith in God? You know, he says it's not gonna be easy You know, it hasn't been easy for any of us And uh, you know, we kept trusting him and believing his plan and here we are national champions I don't want to say all you guys didn't believe it I don't know what you guys are doing. They were gonna get the job and after that we can November so Here we are national champs. I feel just great to say Who brought those regards Who brought the

3:41:35I could care less because I do I do I know they sound there um Because as as it should be it should be I got hurt two major injuries back or not back to back years, but you know So I haven't been on the field as much as I should That's true that is true, but it's not like I'm having these little little Dinky injuries and sitting out It's something I can't control literally. So that's why I'm not bothered by it like yeah I am injury poem you can say that you know, but I do think that the chargers are getting The guy that's gonna be healthy from now on you know guy will it and it's gonna be great And I do think that it's gonna be it's gonna be a great However many years here You've been on the field you've been highly productive Yeah, five point eight 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 All the confidence in the world, you know the way I work I wouldn't say just from the numbers

3:42:36But just the way I work my work ethic, you know, and I'm 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 is over with is I don't think I'll be you know, I think it'll be a great year or whatever Couple years however many years he grants me great health, you know, and I think Just the work ethic my prayer and all that stuff That's what help me have that confidence with the numbers will be there and they they might be higher after this year You know, Zen and it's crazy to think about because I had six point yards or six yards per carry You know, so we'll see For the behind this line. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, I play with Bradley I play with him, you know, I know the Slater and all the I know all the guys, you know, and I'm I'm excited I think it's like I said earlier. It's a talented group You know, we just got put together win some games because that's why I came before

3:43:38I wouldn't I wouldn't say you're part of the recruitment but like whenever I decide I was going to sign it was great to have him in the room Yeah, we're great. We're we have a great relationship. That's he's like my brother I think it accomplished it complimented each other very well You know, um he can do a lot of stuff too. You know, I got a lot of people think he's just power power power But I think he has some other parts of his game too, which it it'll be great because I feel like I could do everything and when ones get tired we can roll it in we keep rolling when some games Look what will be that partnership that back there? I know That's a hard question. Um, how do I think I think it'll look beautiful You know, um a lot of people call this a passive league, but I think you got to run the ball to win the Super Bowl You know if you look at the 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

3:44:40I Would I would describe it as you know a great offense Um, I think he he gives a quarter. He's gonna give the quarterback Lot of options. He's gonna give the running back a lot of options He's gonna give the receiver a lot of options, you know, and I think it'll be I think it's gonna be great He's often it's gonna be amazing And you said that one part of it is just you gotta call the place you gotta call run the place as we're running back You know how much confidence I much to say is it give you you know you play caller that's gonna stick with it and allow you Any options on it gives me a lot of excitement, you know, um, it's gonna be like I say it's fun to play it as offense You know, um, and I think he does have some good things in a pass game too, but like you said he sticks with the run And that's that's the identity you you want to offense that has an identity right you don't want to be looking

3:45:43Everywhere else to find your your identity you want you want to have it And so I think his offense has that and the guy he builds and puts in there it it compliments that identity So I think it's gonna be great You put your 100% now so you mean full go for training Well, I ain't gonna answer any of the four if it's up to me. Yes Look because I had this problem like three two years three years ago. I'm thinking I'm full go I think I'm ready to go anything next year. You know, I'm on pup like Hey, look some stuff above my prey pay Gray so But I don't know. Hopefully I can start. I think I'm ready to start, you know The beginning training camp, but that's not up to me as I've learned I wouldn't say that I think I've been I've been in some great organizations And I think this this organization is a great organization and the training staff is great And so they just want what's best for for me, you know

3:46:46And they're they're taking care of me which that's what you want in the organization And so that's where that comes from which I appreciate it like I really appreciate that You know because I'm a type of guy like I work really hard. So Maybe sometime I'm blind to you know the danger of something, you know So I appreciate it, but like I said if it's up to me, yeah, I'm out there, but never know Well any frustration for you during the heading into pre-agency You know deal with with rehab and not you know I have a full season of eight for the production to go out there was there any part of that where you're like I wish I had hit the public market with a different situation, you know Nah, 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 giving to roll was I was coming off a or Achilles

3:47:52And um that was that was the Lord's plan. So it was beauty in that like I was comfortable I was caught like there was multiple teams, you know, I wasn't it wasn't like I didn't have any other team But I was comfortable in sitting back and just enjoying the process Letting myself get fully healed So whenever that team whoever I would sign with who now is the Chargers is gonna 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 of low risk because you It's a business right so I got hurt last year. So not as much money. He's be throwing that But I think everyone around the league knows that whenever I am on the field the numbers don't wise And so they know that and a lot of teams will like are here you can we give you this but We want you to be healthy. So When I'm healthy, it's gonna be great. This is the chance that I've been giving here

3:48:52I'm so grateful and I know that's gonna 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 run a couple things like the High risk high reward injury from you know like are you the type of person that that really tries to The people wrong no I 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 y'all like if I have a great game or a great year like I have this wonderful year I ain't gonna go back and you're like, yeah, yeah, what happened? No because I don't care like You're eventually see like I'm like I'm a guy that's really good. So I ain't worry about that, but I'm proving myself right that I am one of the best in the league Right, so forget all the naysayers And people will talk about being injury prone because whenever I have this great year. It's gonna be forgotten You know, too Well, why give that energy

3:49:58I was you know, we just with him, you know, he's he's a great guy. I mean he was in my class I remember seeing him on we were at an award show I was because I was a dog walker or a finalist and I'm like I've seen him play But I didn't know he was that tall like I know he's like six. I was at first. I'm this was years ago in college I'm like, yeah, this is really tall like It's cool though like I like I never really got to I think a lot of those would be kind of you know No nerdy dirt ways. He's cool dude very late, but No, we'll face to him You know, it's just playing the Um, I don't know that yet. I kind of just mentioned previously. I don't know my role. I don't know the engine out yet once we'll get no Through the protocols and NFOPA we'll talk about no the schemes and everything Right So welcome when you were in Denver in the three four where did you find yourself most comfortable most effective in my role?

3:50:58Um, I played a lot of different positions in Denver I mean earlier my year I played zero I played three two one. I mean, I definitely more comfortable in a shaded position mainly being a three technique and five technique That's why I find myself to be more comfortable whether I'm standing up or I'm not or there's runner or pass Those seem to be my best my best fits Uh from afar it seems like you uh, he holds in on defense a lot I can't really say too much about that. Yeah, I don't I know Pete Carole very little So uh, I'm just trying to figure out more and I'll give you a better answer later Uh, you know hard knows hard hat type of team um definitely on the little more laksight as opposed to being no stuck up or Military style and um, 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

3:51:59And definitely this has been a good program and Pete Carole has been a hell of a coach for a long-dark remember and he and back in his college days So I'm looking forward to experiencing that South wild Yeah, I know you said you don't know yet, you know what your role can be but what what kind of player are you that you don't For fans who haven't watched the Denver what kind of players you have to get? Oh, definitely a high motor um, definitely not a one trick point type of player I like to attack No, whether it's first or first to before now. I like to attack. I'm always trying to apply pressure Um, I'm definitely just a high motor guy my opinion Maybe Oh, they're already under sin for me. I've been nice to meet you. That's a good Yeah, this is not a team that really makes big splash sign in this in pregnancy Did you think going into it that Seattle would be in play? Uh, no not at all You just it's kind of like being a cure at the candy store here now 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

3:53:05And I mean, I'm loving see out so far, you know, I like these colors What do you got to do in Seattle and see some season? Um, 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 I'm new to the city and I got a lot to learn about city Larry I know Michael Burr than it like that. I don't know nothing about it But um, besides his style of play But I'm honored to be considered and the same conversation to him in a style of play You know, he's a Hall of Fame type of deep lime and that I've known about since I was a kid I mean last time he played here. I was in high school So you know, it's cool to It kind of came full circle a little bit watching him on TV and now I'm being kind of compared to him in a way You know, you I mean, I'm not touching the surface of Michael Bennett, you know, he's a Hall of Famer I'm not there yet. So you know I just gotta keep doing my due diligence and to be a better player

3:54:12Hey dream out welcome to Seattle. I know you get to play several seasons for Vic Fangio and Three four style defense and Seattle's playing a similar system now dating back to last year. I did a defensive line And what do you think is most important to be successful in that system? Maybe fundamentals or just playing style to be successful? Um, just from what I learned being gap sound and uh being patient It's 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 the realm of being in the three four defense You got to really really rely on the the guys behind you and the guys on side of you to really make their To do their job to make your job easier Um Um, yeah, dream up You're uh, you're going to have a state class because you didn't start playing football to your junior high school You know, why did you play basketball so then next Just uh, what made you know, I guess you said you go to play football and then with that I've heard you said you're going to get away from basketball? No, no, I'll always love football first

3:55:14It was just kind of just time to just playing it out You know, I let a hoop but you know football was definitely about calling them given I was 265 pound Power forward and I was like six degrees of change. So you know, I kind of chose the route that you got gave me And now I'm not six eight Um Just for a standpoint like I always get like over over shadowed over look whether it's uh And something you know, I'm saying like I feel like I do a lot more than what can be uh, sitting by the the eyes of the inexperienced no scout And I do a lot of different dynamic things that help make place for others, you know I'm there. I'm definitely an active player. I'm always doing something whether in the run-up pass game

3:56:14So you know, I think that goes on others sometimes and um, I'm looking forward to playing people on notice Brady What do you like to do outside of football? Big gamer um, 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 later, I don't 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 gray or dream? I mean, you can say you can say drake my gems to me, but like just I'm like personally just call me Jerry because it's easy because people like to f my name But like a lot they call me drake my tail. I don't allow you put a drake my tail my name or drake my tea Whatever you want to say I was gonna go buy a drake to keep it simple God thank you Hey drake, what's specifically you bringing to the sea box as a past question? Uh, some the new era of the past question, you know someone who's on a little the little lighter side of the average three technique and

3:57:19Bring that explosiveness that quickness Someone was great with their hands. Someone was a very extensual and someone was a go-getter when it comes to the run-and-passing Appreciate you. Thank you. Child Boyle Yet Jerry Jones said that after the trade did or after the signing that you actually got eight they wanted and trade last year The Russell of the trade that Denver said no, it was that time you were aware of it all and yeah, I was aware I mean like shit Yeah, I am flattered, but uh, I mean shit actually just traded me from the jump, but uh It was it was cool to I guess it kind of came full circle for Seattle a little bit. I was including to 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 um, you know, staying in that

3:58:20nice even medium and uh tacking each play at a time No matter what the score is and doing doing it to the best of your ability What what ails this offense the most? I think just Saying ahead of the chains and getting getting past those third downs converting on the third downs I mean, that's what we got to be better at and um, but then the day we got to put him in zone For not doing that. We're not doing our job. So I think guys create more explosive plays as an offense Right, I think uh, you stick with it um 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 uh highs and lows over the many many years He's been with this program now. What sort of his message to your route right now or when you're turning to him Well, what is he saying as far as how to get through this? Yeah, so I think it's just really just Coming in attacking every day as you would um, regardless and uh, you know, staying staying even even through hardship and

3:59:22Attacking it attacking it the same way every day. Um, that's really all you can do and Uh, you just get a little better every day and see where it takes you based on the way things are already we're setting up, but then also wait um Jason Simmons was calling the game on Saturday. It seemed like tight ends are gonna be a big Part of this as you guys are trying to pull out and what world do you think you guys are gonna have in trying to get this offense? Yeah, I think we I think the role is always try to Help the offense move the ball and um, well, 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 uh, whatever you ask from us We just got to do it at high level and let the offense go You're some of leaders on y'all face some of the leaders. I would say Gus is a big leader I mean he's been doing it for a while and I and it's someone that everyone trust Is gonna do his job at a high level and um, I think we have Uh, Hudson's a good leader too as well Obviously, it's a quarterback. So it takes on that leadership role and um, I think

4:00:24We just have a good amount of leaders uh You know 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 Titans Yeah, it'd be great. I mean George is a great athlete. So having him out there can only help Um, you know, we're really excited about him and what you can do on the field. So it'd be great Thanks for the opportunity to get you guys ready Um, yeah, I mean just we look at the schedule he asked for us and how it takes care of our body um, you know just the diligence and and uh, situation of football Cosmic Cardi man, he's he's a great coach See by the day just us being being ready uh, and as we went over there and uh, just excited to build on that Um I always feel good not always but I mean it's week one uh It's this week one um, something definitely fresh but uh, you know just gotta you know continue to you know build on that and uh take care of my body and uh

4:01:28We want to be feeling good and December in January Oh Oh, it definitely felt great you know, it's going that touchdown uh Had a bunch of emotions kind of had to lay there and and soak it all in but uh, you know, it's glad to be back Very time in front and uh, first I have two working starting the day. I think those guys you know play their tail off They they competed um, I think we had a great plan and we went out and executed it Oh wow, I mean, I think it was late in the second quarter and I think I have like 20 30 yards past 30 yards rushing. I'm like many boys are out there playing um, but I mean Went against that defense all offseason Know how difficult it is to play them hop to prepare for them um

4:02:28But you know they they stepped up and answered a call And we had the best receiver unit in the nation. So um, we kind of we're kind of jack of all trades So you've been moved around the office and past of different things motion Different rated ways to get open but has that increased any knowledge of telling us here or is it kind of the same Uh probably stay away from talking about scheme stuff So yeah, what was it that Jeremiah did that you think The Um, just coming in every single day and competing that's really what we're challenged to do Um, as as buck guys when we when we walk into the way we're gonna coach make your supposed to be there and show out and show out every single day And you're not allowed to have a step back and not let it happen off day. He took he took care of all his You know the non-negotiables of this program. He was never late. He made his weight every single day He gave his 100% effort and at the end of the day He was just winning a lot of competitions and just grinding so yeah So you mentioned a lot about

4:03:30Granted get a chance to do a lot this spring. What stood out to you Even when he wasn't on the field this spring that That makes things like he can be a legit and back by a career. Well, yeah first and foremost He got 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 of our guys who the team looks to as leaders So obviously you can see how people think of him on this team I think highly of him and he comes in every day as a very fiery competitive nature Um, and you know he puts in really hard work in days in and days out So even though he hasn't seen the field too much yet We have no we have no Concerned that when he does stuff onto the field. He's gonna make a great impact. He's only been here here Yeah, I got last summer Like Darn has never speculated guys need to be on leadership maybe I have to check it for 365 days like that Yeah, just as ability to be able to you know talk a good game, but also back it up Not in the sense of playing football more in the sense of we're gonna be the hardest working team on the field We're gonna go in day in day out. I'm gonna. I'm gonna beat you even when I don't feel healthy

4:04:34Even when I don't feel good all that type of stuff. It's it's all in tally Far away it looks like Violin Right Do you see that in him? Yeah, yeah 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 in his You know his routes and his releases so you know when when all the white receivers are knowing the film room and you know 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 First year here kind of built on the long there's steps you got to take but he's definitely training in the right direction And a lot of teams get talent for whatever reason you guys seem to develop the receivers better than anyone What what goes on out there that somehow helps the highest a team placing guys We play Denzel Davis and Ibnelson Jermaine Matthews Jordan Hancock lay the ransom Caleb Downs. That's really what it is

4:05:37It's it's a BIA getting this better every single day So tremendous credit to the defense and the the ability to be able to develop corners like that It's just good on good every single day. That's that's the way you get better. So I mean, we definitely have a strong second there. I would say this year But you know, it's just it's just it's not just their talent that makes them special It's their 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 It's all love at the end of the day. We appreciate them for getting this better Yeah, absolutely Brandon, you know, he came up played running back for a lot of his life Played a little quarterback here in there. You know now he's received very he can do a lot of different things

4:06:39So we just try to put him in a position where he can be the most successful And the position that makes him the most successful is just the ball in his hand So we try to do that for him And a bunch of other guys in the program who thrive with that Well, I think it's good. We talk a lot. We communicate a lot pretty snap. I think it's good with everybody saying we're paying there How much do you also have to be Man, I try to prepare liking I like that from you know he prepared when he prepared he intentional So that's definitely something I try to do like him better like you said I'm leaving So but when it comes up preparing and being intentional with studying and how I prepared practice Definitely No, I totally

4:07:43All right, just being honest like you can't be more those guys like actually what happened You try to lie and you get a film room. It's obviously obviously lying here Much I can't live the last time that happened so that's a good Those big shoes fill the county down from a leadership standpoint What is he taking out the door with it? Yes, sir. I think I think it's definitely some big sheet of film. It's cutty with a great player Great leader And like So Think it started in like fall camp just flashed in there after like the first days

4:08:51Oh, it's been great. I like him. I like this personality. I like them all feel nice. That's important Oh We just we just learned it right now. We just working out We think about Or just what are you gonna do this season you can do this season? I think she's a gonna pop up this season for sure Got To me is no different they both 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 Please

4:10:02No Think sunny a great leader first before anything sunny a great leader Feel like he like the voice you can be thinking something sunny. You just Worry about for the whole team to understand so sunny definitely a great leader before anything Obviously Want to talk about all the field or what is leadership? Man like I said, he's just just a great leader like you you're a vocal guy And like you say it shows up on the field too He's To follow up to a guy who says something don't own and like they not own their stuff So sunny one of those guys who he's only stuff so we leave everybody listening There's obviously been long string of linebackers success of a higher state. Say it again

4:11:05Been a long string of linebackers success. I don't hire state now you look at you know guy like sunny taking that next up this year I'm motivated. Are you kind of be part of that linear to be one of the great linebackers? I'm ready for it. I mean That's what I'm hopeful telling you To alleviate any concerns that you may have About the potential of having to deal with those same problems Right Yeah, that's a great question. I mean a lot of the information and a lot of things before Like during the time of those older players are a lot different than of the knowledge and information that we have now and I mean We're able to treat concussions and also back then is like if you got a concussion They were sending you right back into the game So now it's a lot different. We got a protocol and it gives your brain time to heal and everything So I think things are setting plays now where it's a lot better than before and that time with we're making problems later on So that's why I'm not really too concerned about it. Then you recommended to you say again

4:12:07So I mean people have a refer to they also Although our team meeting has said how There's a number of helmets are better than other helmets right now So I just wanted to check those out and see what they are No, that's one of the other things I mean I'm not gonna give a whole seminar on concussions over here, but No, it's not necessarily more severe each concussion like just what I learned each concussion is his own specific concussion and Yeah, give that time to heal and then once that's healed and ready 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 like before with guys were getting trouble with the long time it goes like they get a concussion Not fully healed and then I go right back out there and playing Denzel of captain see a side or maybe part of it. Can you just reflect on how you've grown some showing up here early 21? There's a person Yeah, I've been here for a little while now. I've been enjoying every second of it

4:13:07Um, I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead lead these guys as best as I can and um I definitely feel that I've grown vocal Lee and uh just Um, just trying to help build the team up and build myself up. So um, just trying to do anything. I can't help this thing You're supposed to remind your brother. Do you have to sort of involve the family? Yeah Yeah, definitely they all they came down with me. So when I was I had um Like when the team was here doing meetings I was driving up to a Pittsburgh meeting with the concussion specialists and everything and uh they were with me and uh Just easing their mind that that's the biggest thing. He's in their mind. Uh, they're all they're worried and everything But uh, they'll be okay. They'll be good. We saw the play Say it again, we saw the play practice. Yeah Did you think you'd be out for two weeks after that? Oh, I mean, I was good pretty 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 and I mean there was no rush back

4:14:07We weren't playing uh regular season game. So I mean, I was just really getting the time to heal. It wasn't any rush You both is where already you have and still had uh, right, you know, a helmet to helmet Uh, just from your perspective But are those doing what um, they're intended to do That you know, you gotta take When he got right, you know, I'm saying like guys are still Right getting concussions and getting wearing yeah, it's definitely still a physical sport So I mean, could coaching her happen regardless. I know if you were in a guardian cap or not Um, I think it could be looked at too. I know and just talked about on the guardian cap I don't think in the back that is as much padding is is I would like but um, 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, just to clarify this you said you're gonna get any helmet Also wear the guardian cap during the game. No, I'm not good. No Yeah

4:15:09Yeah Brando helmet like any details you have. Oh, I'm not sure the brand of name yet I have to get it from those guys inside but um, you guys would definitely be seeing as soon though and I haven't got a just yet How do you feel about not playing in a pretty good game? Hmm, you have to say your career where it's gonna be good Oh, 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 pretty season game I feel that's a great opportunity for the younger guys to get out there and showcase what they're able to do Well, 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 um Yeah, I'm not really concerned about not being able to get a snap of the preseason. Yeah MJ did film and be particularly during the joint practice is Against Jefferson. Mm-hmm. Yeah, MJ is the number one corner. I mean you you guys see it He's gonna be big for us this year and um, I think that's what's special about this team We got three number one corners myself MJ and Greg I thought we all number ones and um, we able to do different things out there On the field and uh, there one guy's out another guy can step in and not lose track or not lose pace on what we got going on

4:16:25Yeah, definitely like you said bring it in that's exactly bring in energy bringing guys along Uh, MJ's real vocal out there and uh, 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 uh, he is So we just go out there and compete with one another We're happy to see uh, CD lamb get his contract signed and he ready to go out there play this game So you can face the back. Mm-hmm. No, I'm definitely happy for him That's like changing uh, contract and everything for him and his family So uh, definitely happy for him and looking forward to going to having that match up in the game Always love going against the number one guys and best guys on that team. So I'll be looking forward to it It turns out we got more to history Because concussions that we're talking about I think when Suffer the latest one People who cover the team and then fans are wondering how loud a discussion You know, could you contemplate retiring? That ever go through your mind or do you immediately know that you're gonna come back? Yeah, like I said this is a game I love man. I love playing this game

4:17:27Being with the guys out here. I really don't see myself doing too much other stuff So unless I'm just really physically unable to play this game Um, I don't see myself stepping away from football no time soon So and uh, like I said before I can't take it easy on these receivers out here So uh me being out here. I got to give them a good look and um just go out there and play but I Answer your question now. I haven't seen myself walking away though. Are you actually out of protocol now? Yes. Yeah It's a great cold miles hard in the steel drafts. What are you seeing? Say it again. It's a great cold miles hard in the steel draft You see from the other camp and what kind of excites you by him? Yeah, Miles He's been balling. Uh, he's been showing out making plays against the Vikings and uh, just making plays out here So it was big for him to make the team. I was happy for him. We all congratulated him and uh, he's gonna be a big piece on our team though Like coming going forward Didn't some Open to the rookie you mentioned making the receivers better. Where do you see how have you made jimari talked about how you you've helped him You know as a rookie what what have you seen out of him in his development? Yeah, he's been looking good

4:18:30Since he came in I think he's been getting better and better Uh, he's night and day from once he came in so where he's at now I believe you know I think that's just uh his competitive nature and what he's been doing out there in practice and us going against one another out there So uh, he's been good and he's gonna be a big piece as well. Uh, it's our offense So to tip to the last one. So to tip do you give receivers? How can you help the receivers? Yeah, I mean, it's a constant communication like if I were to win on a red they may come and ask me Uh, 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 You should thank you guys You If you keep that in the back of your head and we want to get Jeremiah and Carnell and Brandon and Yes, those are my minds to let in practice the whole day I want those boys to get me and everything that they have so I go

4:19:34And then Saturdays it's gonna be easy for me and I'll be prepared What have you seen the grocery store? Obviously we saw that it's not a Jeremiah last year They're your mates are but Calvin and some of the errands and the others how do you see them? And Scott has gotten completely better from his brain Like completely better I'm just getting used to the speed of college Shippon I would say What about Calvin? He was obviously here last year. He was I'm Kevin has gotten a lot better like I would say that he's gotten a lot smarter Go ahead and talk about Calvin's intelligence you know where he's grown Where specifically is it the film room is it kind of picking up you know the playbook Where have you seen that? I would say Calvin has gotten smarter just like His game knowledge like expecting like different kind of routes and stuff like that When did everything start to click for him? So last year was it in sauce?

4:20:35When did you feel I would say in the spring I started to get a lot more comfortable in our decent We say you break up the past yesterday with the share of my name I'm sorry for your ask but it's earlier but what is like going up against him do you It seems like you joy it yeah I love it he's He's tough. I like going against him a lot. He's really good What have you improved in your game just from that for example those those 101 matchups This preseason or whatever you know how a ballie who this game is so Jeremiah He forces me to play the back of if you don't play the ball against him here go get it. Yeah. Yeah And you and you Dave send it How would you describe this defense now compared to this time a year ago from this standpoint of a confidence factor You don't mean that you guys feel on the field. What how would you describe it? Oh, it's different about it I guess I'm saying everybody's a lot more smarter this area Everybody's right I would just say I would go just just just just smarter yeah

4:21:37You know when you when you look up and layton ransom decided to come back And Caleb down transfer it in What did you feel about that they did just grow stronger in that one week span two weeks man? You're still on up saying I feel those guys have played at that So level those guys have played that yeah, I would say that like The down's coming in What they say he was coming back zel's say he was coming back. It's just so like Thanks, man I able to make a play So say again it was to decide where you and one were on those one Was something different you were trying or something that made that communication a problem all the second time guys or was it something they were doing or No, it was it was just it was just I don't even know it was just one of the time I got go back wash and film and I'm just communicating I said just got to be better and just can't can't had out there on game day

4:22:38Playing guys run for you so Is there anything unexpected? Yeah, it wasn't really no surprises there. They're a good team Um a lot of a lot of stuff that hurt us was self-inflicted I feel like and we just got to be better on art and and and then clean up clean up our side And um to be better so but like I said they're great offense great team But um once we clean our own stuff up I think we'll be good I will keep you pushing and then the second half of the Outside of game and then two seven two and seven start I mean, I mean, I love playing this game of football So just coming out here with my guys every day I'm really coming to work with them and playing with them every day and Just trying to find ways to get a win each and every week So that's the main goal trying to find a way to get a win and Just enjoying playing a game of football Now I don't consider wasting a year of my prime

4:23:39I'm trying to get the best I can for this team and the city and um And whatever happens happens that's the that's the biggest thing But I don't know if it's been wasted just to be clear what you were diagnosed I was in the protocol, but I feel great and I'm out the protocol But um, yeah, I'm good. Please take me there that nothing to do with mistakes out there today say to get a cushion I don't have anything to do with the concussions I just got to be better on my end and and uh make sure we all in the same call and We're all we're supposed to be so that's on me Then so what does always communication is use it more so like uh Getting it from What do you guys are doing more about the message the second Oh, yeah, I mean all that stuff plays effective We got uh get the call from the green dot and uh just spread the call around and just make sure we all on the same page and Execute all the assignment. You guys are better in defense

4:24:41To have these Communication breakdowns Yeah, it is frustrating uh because we better than that I mean this is probably one of the first times that we even have blown cover just really all year and um But we know we could get a fix and we know we could be a better defense and better team out there And uh we definitely go work to get a fix though you guys always talk about rushing coverage Mm-hmm for a lot of the first half it seemed like it was either a sack Or they were completing a chunk including the past play Is that end of the frustration you are getting that sack production from your your front? That you know that's happening in the back. Yeah, like I said we got to clean it up and uh We go we all get to figure it out and um They end up and be better and work together the rushing curve you work because you feel like it's almost like a wasting performance by The past rushers files with three sacks six sacks and the first end is that is that kind of Yeah, it's our coming because the main goal is to get the win get the win in the game

4:25:43But um definitely he had a great uh personal personal performance But um yeah, it's definitely a sour feeling when um not able to pull the win out Didn't Zellina when we talked to you? Last concussion you had in August and I'm worried about you just because of the number and you didn't seem to have any added concern So I guess after this week or do you still feel that way and and everything like the Yeah, you're helmet and your future and all that yeah, I feel great. I feel great Glad to be a part of this team and uh just don't what I can to hope is good to win. I'm just a main goal If you ask this Yeah, definitely still going into the by-week get some rest and get away for a little bit But um just to come back uh refocus and try to help flip this season around and get a win Come next game then so there's been a lot of there's been a lot of uh You know stuff at the trade-doblin coming up on Tuesday So that senator on your team made into the areas. Mm-hmm. You just speak to what he means to you guys as a teammate here

4:26:47man's adarius is an amazing team mate uh far team and um Captain on his team a leader on his team and a playmaker out there on the field Love happens to deris on the field with me. I 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 a locker room and uh Definitely appreciates the various the player he is the guy he is Thanks, thank you. Thank you. Thank you And then help the team man. You feel that way? That's what happens to the league. Yeah, I definitely feel that way Um, we could have made some adjustments last week Philly out of great game plan they had a great uh Front seven that stopped to run so uh That's just a bump in the road we're gonna get better. I'm glad I happened early in the year and so we could bounce back from So it's only gonna make us better. It's anyone that helped you with that mindset Did you go to anyone for advice about uh, not really is just How I was looking on film. I just say want to look weak in a running game

4:27:47Or when I come out and we run the ball just felt like I was kind of weak on myself. So uh, just trying to take it took a step forward and and uh Like I said, I try to try to get stronger to be able to make those blocks first of all and Do the dirty work. Is that something you were trying to do regardless? Like I know the system trial or tises it but like if it was a different system That wasn't like really calm like was that something just period of like I gotta do this better. Yeah, sure I was one of my biggest weaknesses That I had to improve on so Like I said, I just want to live a week in a blocking game Being able to Had to run in bags and quarter bags and a lineman count on me. So that's something I definitely wanted to improve I mean you kind of sorry 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 I'm 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

4:28:47At peace with where you're at now like is that all part of that, you know growth mindset of it's not always gonna be me But I'm still yeah I said it's a team sport. I kind of got caught in the kind of Trying to catch a area pass last year Trying to be the number one receiver, but like I said, it was just a growing. I was young Just allowed me to grow with experience and it's not always gonna 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 their controllables and Lay everything right up from there Considering the rivalry with Atlanta and how last year ended do you feel like there's gonna be any carryover from how last year ended They always play as good. It's always a good game. We played against them. We know it's gonna come down to the wire A big player or great player show up in big time games So we got to have our best player show up and play at that best It's gonna be a great game. Oh, yeah, now I feel fire shit. I just ran 1050s

4:29:48So I'm getting back in shape So getting in the way where anybody gets strong again. So yeah, I'm be ready What potential do you see with this defensive line? Yeah, I mean, no, you definitely stacked Um, I see a lot of great things, uh, you know, we work together Um, thanks guys. I'm gonna More conversations over here with some of the veterans like cam or any other people on the D line. Yeah, just uh Going to cam just um, I asked about certain things terms with How he sees offences Just whole time he's been the lead in terms of formations and how he picks up on little um Precision at breeze things like that. Jason thing Mickey said, you know, you dove into the deep end of the cool I guess much important to be this invested with his team and how much are you enjoying that investment? Yeah, now that's real cool I love it here Um, only thing I had to get used to is that he um, but uh, it's real cool um great teammates Um, and everybody welcome you open arms. So it's a great experience

4:30:51He's gonna get worked with this already is a training camp day one is that a realistic I'm just focusing on the day Are you running this? Yep Martian is another Ohio State guy just having him back in the building just talking to him Oh, yeah, uh, big bro, um, you know, it's uh Definitely excited to play with him. We always Chatted obviously on different things, but um, I'm definitely excited to the play with him. That's you know, that's that'd be big for me Was that one of the guys who's making a decision that you you kind of talked to about what this locker room is like? Yeah, um, Martian, uh, Tyran Um, but yeah, I mean there was um, we got a lot of great guys and it's the um If you look at that, you know, on paper You know, I feel like definitely one more talented defensively for sure Uh, now it's all about just putting together and um, you know, coming together as a team I Got to get a shake and that's how I'm the good run was good, but I'm so disappointed that I wasn't in shape and I didn't finish that

4:31:56Two runs I should have finished How can you do that during the season? Uh, in practice I can run more gassars run more sprints and we'll be ready to go What did you think on the 61 yard or when you were Breaking free you turned around and you saw them coming? Well, no The first 40 are like oh, yeah, bye-bye Because I was putting away from him and then After that was like oh She like I heavy, so I was like all right. Let me just cover the ball I got time I got justice back. I quarterback is special Right? I quarterback is great He can't be Superman, you know, that's what the team is for and that's what that's what they brought me here for To have his back Next week I bet you feel better We kept hearing this is gonna be Jim. I was gonna run the ball I was gonna run the ball and it's really had a war especially in the second half because you Never stopped in the office of gaming on you know, it wasn't working the first time. Oh, yes

4:32:56Always to put it always believe in always fight. I know we're gonna crack some you know hard I knew we're gonna crack some lines. I need you offensive lines. I'm gonna fight I want to fight with them. I'm gonna have their backs and you saw that JK after everything how how did that fiat after everything how did that feel to have their performance out there for your first team or game with the Chargers Look look look turn around look Hmm man it felt good though. It felt really good But now I'm gonna get 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 Bring that energy So last year

4:33:56He So I don't have to make sure other other guys are you know feels the type of way when they came in here because hump Rock that you know the hunts not here But I saw when you did for the room. I want to be that guy to make sure it's Everybody's I'm taking a field team one period. You know, it's a low day Something you know, it's a different but like I want to make it feel like Yeah, I want to bring that because that's what me and hump did to each other. We would hide each other So I want to do that. I want to bring that energy on make bring more guys You know, I wanted to do that from day one, you know, I kind of I wanted to do that from day one I'm talking to him and obviously it's that time I spend the off season before OTA started

4:35:01Um just being in my self-just thinking about what the room needs You know because I know I Renewal as one of leaders You know my offense is that we need a guy like that is gonna make sure the O line is picked up We're ready to go every day. I was a helicopter. Little things don't happen to practice people aren't Saying anything and how I believe maybe different than somebody else maybe you know like the At practice at least like the positive You know, I mean so but He the energy yeah, we're beyond just though hyper the beyond So I was kind of Go on My whole life I felt Team captain like specifically and I felt I wasn't captain in high school Wasn't a captain in college But I'll make a joke because high school. So I feel like I'm not gonna be captain like he's better felt Um, but that would be awesome, you know, but you know that happens. I'd be great, but not either way

4:36:06I want to assume a role as a captain from Respect to the guys on to the video words and get back in that way. Yeah, I mean, I can't say that um I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt like how You used to pass, but it didn't take just the first LTAs it took Train and left and right once this season because I know what it was going to be So a lot of Gramps Just to give back to feeling like myself for day one And then now 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 can do my feet to get to that but to sell that traditional angle that I love to sit on Don't even I thought I felt thought I felt great already from okay I felt even better. Sorry, the more excited tomorrow now get on my feedback and how I like the right side and on the left side

4:37:09So I'm excited. I mean, obviously I feel like In the league whether I left the right here still going as premier guys Obviously the epicitations for the left and right tackle, but um, they definitely like the A level of energy and like the expectation definitely take the human Because now connect the blind side that's the as detackable, you know, so So yeah, I would say in terms of communications far as this even outside of facility Just stuff like that like really creating that but tackle core back Bond even more off the field I think has been something that's Even the cool I got a text one day Yeah, I've been training both I've been training both you know, I I asked after the season there like honestly You know, we'll talk you some great season. I just got a text I have this with the free agency Then so I was like, you know what I had a whole season right tackle

4:38:13So if I get the word I'm going I'm standing right tackle I did before I build on that bus. I was trying to left tackle now As if we're going to be left tackle And I'd rather do that than train on right time with the color You know what I mean so I'm like, let me just prepare an advance. I'll see how it's got, you know I think occasionally on third down there be a lot of twists I was just not like it's automatic And I think that was my mindset for like the first half of the season Like I didn't have to go into the game with some pros like oh gosh, they did that. I kind of figured like okay This is this is the type of rush man again. This is how this guy usually rushes If I get the vibe this type of the ends like the rush you know Tackles that first year guys. We got the criminal patch on Already know what it was gonna be already know will be every stunt and honestly just knowing that's kind of an advantage To so you're not you're not you're not oh the brother twist my psyche

4:39:14It was never air goblet You know what I mean, so I'm watching more everybody else and you rarely really you know it goes out there occasional third down He's gonna pick me You know what I mean so Fact it's kind of it's also kind of an angel, but that's also exciting like okay, I'm gonna get the You know So the real real reps you know 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 gonna train it. I was training all left To TAs I guess if I didn't hear anything about TAs I came in like So you know what I mean Cuz just like I'm cool with training both continue. I wouldn't cool training both continually But I feel like anybody any position will feel like okay like You want to as soon as possible

4:40:23No They're definitely but in terms of the development Um, it's definitely a lot faster Stay on one side, but I think having that the weeks that we had to transition with seasons over I'm like, it was fun You know We'll try to get up put up Things at a time right now, but when it comes back I'm gonna show them the one house. I've got a house not too far from So I told them I got that house like I got a yellow side So I think it's a challenge that I'm looking forward to attacking um, you know Can't be shy about what's been done in the past, but Look forward to the future and then attacking that um, you know, I think we got a good team You know, we could say we're gonna talk about playoffs, but to get to the playoffs you got to dominate during the regular season

4:41:24And 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 you know, I just look forward to put my hand up on Mm-hmm. Yeah That's all I could ask for um, you know, the chance to be a one-helma guy Um, you know, it's not just it's not set in stone. I got to play like it But that's the way I've always viewed it, you know, when I first got here um, you know Getting drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers. I couldn't think about playing for another team Um, and you know, that's always gonna go in mind Um, you know, I told my mom in the car when I was on my way down here to sign You know, she just you know, she was talking about how rare it is You know, I think it's me and Cam Jordan left that are able to say that, but you know, I think it's um It's really special to you know, try to you know, live that legacy in one place

4:42:32I heard from keys like keys is my guy um, you know Keys is always the first one to text me, you know, I'm always the first one to text them, but I heard from a lot of guys You know, and I always I've always fucked a lot from them even before like there was announced Um, when I would see them, they were just like him. So let's keep going what you're doing, you know, we appreciate what you're doing and Um, you know, I hear that from them. I that's just love like I do whatever I could help those guys You know, I think I've gotten to see the cycle and seeing um, you know, I am the bridge in it in that in that accord, but Man, I just I want to conquer that mountain that that first part got to do Um, and you know, I've told them about things that have happened in the past Uh, and talked about what we've done and What I've like I've experienced um, but you know when I was young it was just about being a sponge and you know, just learning from those guys

4:43:38Um, it wasn't me saying it was just me shutting up after the time. So um, you know, I'm in a different position now, but Um, you can't do it alone I don't know what it is. I feel like my anxiety is so 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 it was just me overthinking it, but um, I think you just got to rely on your technique You can overthink a lot of things and it can get you in the treble Uh, but rely on your technique um, you know play assignment good football. I think that allows you to play better Um, it allows you not think as much Uh, because then you're not just waiting for someone to dictate terms. You're dictating the terms So that's all I'm really worried about, you know, I understand there's new

4:44:39New wances going on and new players, but um, got got to play still a brand football and when you met with us the other When you met with us the other day today, did you think this would get better? Um, man, it moved uh pretty fast. It was it it was a mixed of a lot um, you know, I didn't want to get my hopes up too much I wanted to just uh stay locked in um because you never know it could go sideways very quick. So um, you know I wanted to just you know see the process through and um, you know, you could call it a poker face or what but you know I think it wasn't time to really gauge where this thing could go I just think um, we've got a good balance um, and you know we talk about defences being on a sideline That's a good thing um, and I think our offense can sustain that Defunds I think uh, we're healthy this year and hopefully we stay that way Um, and then we have a component in the special teams um, you know, you look at miles kill a brew

4:45:43You look at broad, Boswell um, and then you have a guy like Cordero Patterson I think that that group of guys allows us to just uh, it's a complete team You know, I know You guys might think differently, but in my mind, I think we have a good shot, uh, you know, competing every game Um, and yeah, 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 worked But at that day we're a team and everybody here stands with each other and We gotta go play Definitely just getting information out um, that you have to each other And being more open and honest about everything and how you feel Is a serious way to express your feelings to somebody that you really care about you really want the best work We're right behind the path perfect 24-7 sports The tempo, like I said, is a big conversation Coach Knowles was talking about some of the ways you've had to prepare for that Some of the time for being in ways and practice coming to that

4:46:45Some of the champions that just will be ready for teams How have you felt like that has worked and then having played against this tempo before How prepared are you guys here? Uh, I mean It's you can only be at the practice fast in terms of getting prepared for the game Latchery the same thing out the downright everybody But we're running back and forth between drills and between practice between plays Pretty much we've been doing the same thing here and just trying to build up stamina and 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 gonna be a really big thing In that recognition, you need to know quickly what's happening I guess it's just as big as getting wind off right Just getting a recall of that being able to get your cleats in the dirt And it'll be really big just to 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 Way better than looking to the call late Third row left, they hope that choreographs Kaila, and there was talk that you were kind of one of the guys who took on leadership role

4:47:48After that mission you named out of the team You guys had is that true and if so like 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 guy like a mega guy's like JT jack Everybody had to step up in terms of trying to get the team back on track where we want to go So that was really just the biggest thing for us Just to try to move our focus to what we're gonna be Right in front of them Steve L.A. get 24-7's course Kaila, this season you've been recognized pretty widely You know for your play just in your mind What you came to I state to accomplish Haven't had a jerk's expectations. I guess beat up with how you feel you can play that to this point I guess I feel like I've made the plays that came to me And that's where the awkward control Um Had more opportunities as years progressed and been in spots to be around the ball

4:48:50um, but the expectation was to come here and contribute to the team and try to help 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 to the right for 10-8, not in the world Yeah, I can't stand here right now because it's still like like a different season What does it feel like for you going into playoffs? You know, you don't get to go you want it necessarily the regular season but here you are Right, I mean what what is that sense that you have right now? That's different Like the regular season I mean everybody wants to say it's a new season in terms of because if everybody's more 0-0 right now If you when you keep going, if you lose you're done

4:49:51So I mean, but generally like that's how you play every game You know they play every game like it's your last game So for me, I don't think it's really any difference. You have to go play at high level every game That can't be based upon Is it a player game? So 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 so y'all feel even more But you know, not by tied I mean close together what would it is that I mean what was your sense of The brotherhood so to speak of the defense I feel like we progressed throughout the season We'd have make a change after game six because we lost and we didn't play well like him 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

4:50:53So just really going back through everything seeing what can do better for this coming game and for the next coming years Last couple questions Perfect I feel like it makes the game more I make sure we're serious when we're in dvs at the place that we're getting in the guys up front um, and it makes it Truthfully like those guys have to do their job and these guys have to do your job You got to be able to stop the run But the people they have in the run fit and you have to be able to stop the path with the beauty out there Um, so that's that's what they do when they do it are really low So it's gonna be tough to go

4:51:53It allows you to get your cleats in it I said earlier just a ability to see the formation 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 games are really big thing So whenever you can get the caller faster and play at a high level and play without That's a really good thing Thank you Season everybody's been to Throughout throughout training camp you and aziz got very close I could as 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 Um, 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 and um, you know, I'm excited for him, you know, it's for my team, you know and Um, he's able to you know in the season our way going into the playoffs. So um, yeah, you know, he's a leader and we need him around and nothing that's definitely gonna help this team

4:53:08You guys are gonna 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 Uh, you know, uh, I can say that you know is You know You know, we got to trust his plan and go out there and you know in play so you know, I'm excited, you know, it's all it It's a 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 So um, but I do you know think that this can help us You practice against him all year and you see the top corners There'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 or he's done to prove himself. Hey, you know, he's probably the best athlete I've been around in my life, you know, just Bosque those speed strength size, you know, um and Just somebody who you know, um, it's 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 a top of year before I think is

4:54:12You can really go. So Mommy, not and all 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 is just being elite at football and I think he's gonna be great in his league for a long time Yeah, it's a new season, you know, so new excitement, you know, you know, you know, oh no And it's all about, you know, winning that week, you know, and it's And when you dump 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 um, I think it's good for us You know, to realize that man, we I know it's going with I don't know exactly what's being said But you know, we put ourselves in this position. It's not by chance. It's 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 is like, you know

4:55:19People gonna talk Simple in playing and uh, we're the ones out there playing and we we got we got into the playoffs by being a good football team And we're gonna continue to be that so 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 don't win Your teammates have always mentioned on how competitive you are going when everything your perfection is Because that nature but they both say like in games You know how to like not get too high and not get too close. So how do you kind of challenge channel 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 Play beyond you know out of here yourself Yeah, I mean, I just say just be myself, you know, I mean, I've been kind of this way my whole life of I mean, yeah, I matured in a lot of ways in my life above on and off the field but um

4:56:21Yeah, I would say um just failures have helped me Realize, you know, what what is important to me Trying things that I didn't like doing things that I didn't like and then murder from it on and off the field Is helping me ultimately with just um that I guess that calmness that I have now um Even in chaos, I guess but yeah, I guess it's just you know try on 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 They teach you 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 now. I want to get up. Um, so that's what I plan to do and um 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 you up to feel for a second is there a new year's resolution for CJ Stroud? Um, I was as probably a uh a lot

4:57:25um Man, I don't know. I really I've never really believed in these resolutions. It's like I kind of started this a couple Journey months a couple months ago this journey. I started to just you know really just locking back in with the Lord, you know um, you know kind of um in the lukewarm season, you know, I want for them one for doubt um, 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 locked in with the Lord as much as possible and you know and fast hand praying You know, um being part of getting discipled Getting part of a uh church here in Houston and uh, which I've been able to do so um, yeah, just that's my 2025 goal is just you know Getting closer with the Lord. All right. Thank you guys I'd say the role of stuff. How much is it grown? Uh, that you can put your finger on? Yeah, I was growing immensely. I mean uh Caleb he makes a lot of checks late. Then makes a lot of checks

4:58:27I listen to them. Uh, whatever they need if I need to cover somebody out I'll go cover anybody if they need me to uh do run support I'll do run support and it's really uh what Caleb does what we do and lathe and It just goes back to the coach g's preparation And everyone's preparation to give us more flexibility and 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 Yeah, did you feel like that was the case before the Oregon game? You're sure I'm not saying it isn't Something's been added. Uh, it just you know rely on a little bit more go ahead. Yeah, it did Probably the Nebraska game Me getting more safety reps and we had a five week to prepare so I really learned to play but a lot more Even though I knew the playbook. I learned a lot more it amounted like in debt You know, so uh really just after the Oregon game it helped me a lot to go back to safety go go to nickel and everywhere Uh Do you guys had a lot of issues of giving up big plays in a passing game of the first game against Oregon?

4:59:30What do you feel like you guys need to do better this time around just to make sure that doesn't happen? Uh, just the same same mindset. We got to challenge these receivers um, you know Every dog has her day Maybe some people didn't have their day that that game but um We'll look out there and hopefully change the narrative and we still play with the same confidence same technique and Yeah Denzel obviously had a tough game and that one what have you seen from him and how he's responded? Do you get a sense of from him? How up he is for this rematch? Oh, yeah, he's super stoked for this rematch um 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 had his confidence and we're gonna see a big game out of him this week and You know, I know you guys wanted to play them in anapolis Um, but the fact that you get to play them at the Rose Bowl I mean get a second chance and people have said you don't get that very often

5:00:32How determined are you guys to take advantage of it? We're super super determined. We watch 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 later whatever But now we're out there and going to play thighs physical and everything like that All right, Jordan. We're gonna jump to the to assume a question here from Joey Kaufman. What's this back? Oh my bad not you doing camera T Robinson the athletic Hey, Jordan um you've moved around a lot in the second day I knew in your career and and now kind of getting some many more safety reps What is it like at this point when when walk or coach knows comes to you and ask you do some else and it is 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 season Means a lot we always talk about when this is even being on selfish

5:01:34Whether 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 Uh, 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 everybody else needs a question let me know but otherwise we can go to Austin more of the podcast Jordan when you were talking about watching film or again Which one do you think is more valuable to you watching that against yourself? You know seven games ago even if you've changed or the ensuing six games for war again, 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 saying that life their scheme has changed some players have been out those those stretch of games So I really watched the past game we played and I know they're gonna go back to some of the stuff that they liked of course and

5:02:38Different games like Penn State maybe Illinois. They run a lot of men. So just watching watching stuff like that every game matters. So yeah Thank you Yeah, I think everyone played a lot longer than they ever have um, so you know, I think You know heading to the spring. It's just the tear down of The former foundation and the rebuild of the whole new team I mean you have to have that mindset you have to have a mind a day one mindset in order to progress You can't rely on previously built No culture or schematic understanding. There's no assumptions. You get the rebuild from scratch We're in the process of that we will treat day one like day one That include and includes Jeremiah Smith and so great opportunity to you know evaluate and grow a new group of guys. I think in spring

5:03:40I 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 to 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 in spring How much is Brandon looking forward to a different spring a 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? 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 right 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

5:04:41I 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 A role At least through through winter they've gotten that started to continue that through spring um 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 Into 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 that's the harsh reality of the sport. You know what have you done lately?

5:05:41And I think all these guys are are chewing at the bit to get back on the field Brian you Everybody brings their own experience right Ryan was quarter back. 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. Yeah, I mean, I think you're always growing. I think that You know You still have a specialty or you still have an expertise in one area It's seen you have an expertise in all of it. That's just not true Uh, and in my opinion, I've seen multiple coordinators and I know that as a fact. So you know for me uh, 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 She 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

5:06:44So every time in a meeting I just try to make sure I'm I'm getting a nugget or I'm getting Information or when things are said do I truly understand it and I really mean guys will tell you I don't care I'll ask the question and I think I'm I look dumb, but I don't care because I want to know the information. So I think that um Approach, I think a lot of guys have that approach that approach allows you to just build you know over time and then um, that'll continue to build from Now to game one and enough build through the season. So The opportunity to grow is literally daily. So I just try to make sure I'm fine with those opportunities I'm aware of those opportunities when they're writing my face Yeah, uh, the coach Jordan's always been a huge part of uh, other receiver room Uh, I think that yeah, he's just Understanding that we know my pull away is real that can happen So he's gonna be on his toes and being ready that you know, we're ready to not skip a beat, right? So information wise communication wise

5:07:47Um, he's gotta be locked in on that and just time to assume that you know, coach hard's got it He never really has I expect him to continue to do that and uh, 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 portbacks coach. We're like didn't have somebody to trust the hell on there Taking 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 them to got this and I don't 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 um, I think there's ways to Eliminate being pulled away by being organized on top of things and having the right work and working right help Um before that receiver meeting ever happened Is that important for you? That's the way you cut an emphasize Nothing is going to change in terms of your There's no nothing's going to change in my involvement in receiver Ryan from my land to be going through a full spring

5:08:48Philoxy in the first time. What do you look at everything? It's areas he can throw to push for playing time this year. Yeah, I mean my land is uh He's doing a great job. He's growing that exponential rate. He's getting stronger He's getting bigger. He's got way added You know, and I'll tell you like you know I always explain to him like you don't realize how much you've missed when you even you come in June versus a mid-year Like it's massively different not saying you can't overcome it some do at the end of the season, you know some have Um, but you know, I think that's probably reliant on the room You know, and a chris had opportunity late a lave you know in the season to kind of make an impact But it's very very rare so um and now you know, he's going through the winter workout His growth his everything he's done Um, he's like hey coach hard, you know, I know what you're talking about now and when you miss that That section of winter workout. So uh, that being said it makes you laugh, but he's doing a great job I expect I expect expectations for him through uh through spring and uh, I don't see that changing

5:09:56What's the average like the average like Is the average age? Including support staff What's it what's it been in the past? No kidding Yeah, I don't know Dan Laning's a head coach in Oregon. I was there's I was his average I'm asking I don't I'm 38 So I don't know I gave zero thought to that. Yeah, I think that uh, you know, I think your ability to cut with players is important I think you probably see a little bit that happening in the NFL as well Um, I really've given zero thought to that. I don't want to just ramble on that. Yeah, I just didn't know if it was I don't know No thought to it What's the next step for him because we've heard of mechatalks and like in mr. consistency catching a lot of things like He's he seems to generate a little bit of buzz, but has limited role like now he's got an opportunity What's the next step for him to get that out of here?

5:10:57Take the next step and uh and be a uh Be everything he's capable of being right. I mean, I think the guys that um, you know, we're out there are No, very consistent in all job faces, you know like again, I think he wants to be a full rounded receiver You know that um, I think he loves playing in the slot. The great job there I asked him to come out to the outside a little bit did a good job out there I think his natural positions and is in the slot doing a great job there But she's another opportunity to establish himself based on his peers, right? I mean, it's kind of like the draft and trying to explain sometimes these guys like You come to Ohio State to compete with the best. It'd be alongside the best It's always pure to peer evals like that's how it works like the draft embodies that like if if it's easier to go play somewhere else Then that's fine. 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 Play more and do more and all that stuff so um, you know, I think that

5:11:58He's got continue to build worries at and uh the guys have seen there being you know starters in our room You know really I think over the last eight years have been NFL quality guys So if you're and it become a start of the Ohio State it's a good chance You're probably an NFL caliber receiver. I mean again, just go off the numbers. So um you're chasing that Can't get discouraged or maybe not being you know not doing what you think you should have done And that goes for everybody. It's not just Bryson But all these guys are chasing that as I ramble about Bryson, but um, you know, I think that it's not just him Is that bi it's car now with everybody wants it's chasing a higher level of play and uh this spring is another step forward to do that You know How much in your estimation is that a gift? We have 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

5:12:59I would say that um like anything. It's probably a skill that you can improve on and they do better at and do good and do worse at I think being surrounded with guys and seeing how they do it has been a blessing and it's a very clear Other's more than one way to do things. So um being Being aware of that um, I noticed that what's your impression of the Refreshment and how they maybe transition to yeah all four freshmen. I'm like very Uh Encouraged impressed with they carry themselves the right way like we have hoped Uh, they worked their tails off if all improved. Uh, I would say that uh Um, they're the right mode with the right fit. They belong in the room and uh now they hesitate to 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 uh, what the rest of the guys want to mean by that so but as a group the freshman group Very impressed and they're off to the right start Great coach our land. Thank you very much. I start with Lincoln, you know a guy that's Going to his third year here

5:13:59And I think really like want when you've been in an offense for for two years already you're going to that third year You've got a really good feel of the scheme. You've got a better feel of college defenses and you know Where our schemes are susceptible and what where the issues lie and what we're trying to attack 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 winter is so big for all three of them just Really just set the standard and into understanding the intangibles that playing quarterback is all about right Because there's so much more than just pick out the football and throw it when it comes to this So he's not saddered. So I've seen that growth from Lincoln and that's that's really exciting As for Julian, you know last year going into the year He he was competing for a job and you know end up didn't not win in the job And you know he could have turned it down and been bummed out and you know Not attacked it the right way, but I saw him continue to go throughout the year

5:15:02So 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 And you know 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 So that's been awesome and then Tavy and comes in and you know Tavy and Tavy is you know really should still be in high school Instead he's you know in my office all the time Learning the offense and when he's not with me he's with coach make and he's not with coach makeer 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 of the compete in the spring It's been really impressive. So I'm excited for 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

5:16:05You know they're all young They all have a lot of room to grow and I think they all understand that and are eager to attack that growth But Most college football teams or a lot of college football teams going through a year and they end up You know having a guy get hurt or something happens So as far as you know having one guy like that's 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 You know throughout the season Scholarship guy. Oh, that's still in conversation. We'll kind of see how it goes You know obviously three is a little bit less than we typically have But you know the three that we're really confident right now Who's filling out your room? I mean, you have someone that you've had in mind to come in to be 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

5:17:05So he's he's gonna come in he's gonna help out with some of the day-to-day stuff And then you know coach day and I have built a pretty good relationship where you know between my time Here's 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, I may never see it through a little bit of a different lens and knowing how coach day sees 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 gonna continue to learn from him because he's just such a special coach To be able to see it, you know in a similar way and and continue to bounce thoughts on them 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

5:18:06You know as the offensive coordinator, I think as the guy in that chair you have to have a relationship with the guys in the hotel I think that's really important. So you know him and I have already begun conversations just about You know how that's gonna work out how you know He's gonna continue to see the game the same way that the quarterback does and how he's gonna communicate to them Those conversations are already Beginning so it'll be it'll definitely be a combination of you know us three Billy Kavian being there for the championship run how that like a help with development Well, it's pretty cool just about every one of those games Where he was at a playoff game at the national championship, you know our guys warming up and I grabbed him I say look around You got to take a couple minutes to take the sim 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 Right you just remember not a homework 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 it. It looks like I think it's pretty cool. I think just to have that bank in his memory

5:19:11Yeah, you know, I think he comes off so I've spoken but He's without question, you know come out of the show and I would even say you saw spoken last year You know, I think that he kind of understood that you know will was in charge of the offense and and he knew that he was young It's 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 Julie 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 and Tavians doing a good job on respect so we're kind of in the middle right there between the last two phases Really What's Lincoln is I think still less than two years and just specializing Where do you think he is harnessing all of that all on flotic ability to make a really good Yeah, I mean So there's no question how Lincoln's special I think

5:20:13And you know guys that have that background that have been successful at 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 You know is in position to understand and learn the game and which we saw all last year You continue to grow and so to take that into spring, you know and combine that with his athletic ability I'm excited to see you know, I think it'll be really good competition But today I truly lead until he is to quarterback Oh absolutely Oh, I think so I think so I mean Leadership comes in all different phases, you know in all different ways and There's you know There's without question I've been part of different teams and I've seen it where maybe they got it wasn't starting quarterback Which you know the strongest leader on the team So I definitely think that that's part of it, you know, I think

5:21:13Once you are in the respect of your teammates and once you show that, you know, you're gonna lead by example and you know, they respect you for that You're in position now that you can be both of them So you know, I definitely don't think that you need to be a starter named a quarterback to be a leader at all Lincoln are on 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 Um, and I think that you have to be able to do it We solve a problem with the feet So, you know, it's rare in college football that every protection's blocked up perfectly or everything goes exactly that we drew it up on the whiteboard So when things break down, you know, we'll be able to fix it with our likes Um, and then you know, as far as intensible school I look at I look at you know, Gaelic Will who had those intangibles about as well as I've ever seen

5:22:17And that's just a complete command and understanding of both the offense and the huddle To know exactly what we're trying to do on every single play Know what we're trying to attack understand where the issues are and where they lie and how you're gonna combat those issues To be able to understand You know, when it's time to move on for the ballway and move on in 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 Oh, no, I didn't do this in addition. Oh, I did You know, when you're coaching and you build a relationship with these guys you want nothing more than for them to go on Have success on the field and and I think that's so you know, so important like I sit in that room and you know It's about them is about them going out and reaching their potential and maximizing their talents and 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

5:23:18So you know to be able to work with those guys last year and to help out and you know have them see some success We I was it was special for me, but it was special for me because I know how bad they wanted it And so that was that was pretty neat Some big scene to feel this Cody was a great player great leader He's like with the quarterback their defense. So it's definitely some big scene And like close to our mindset though you got to be who you are not Yeah, yeah, right? It's out of being but definitely that's for season When did you feel like you lost last year True the count on you You remember how you came along I think it started in like fall camp just flashed in there after like the first games We're in a wrong side. I'm just how long Almost been great. I like him. I like his personality. I like a more feel and that's not so poor