Press Conferences (Jake Cook) Elite Edition September 2

0:00You gotta get what's next, right? Yeah, you gotta climb up the depth of your side. You got to see the good under Justin Trionone, the Taliban. What is that relationship that like with Tahrir? It's been really good. I love Coach Bowen. The guys who came in with him too, Coach Dickey, Coach Johnson, Coach Fields. They're all great guys. Definitely great O'Line coaches. You get feedback from all of them and they're all in the same page every day. So it's really good having them. I'm really happy moments here. It's exciting for sure. What do you think of these last couple of weeks of spring ball and what do you think your biggest growth has been? I'd say my biggest growth has definitely been probably a strength factor. I'd say that definitely. From the winter, definitely a strength. Getting working into spring ball for just being more focused kind of like to be more calm. Kind of, that makes sense. Not freaking out before the play. What am I doing? Just playing football. That's not my piece.

1:01How was practice different before off at the line coaches? Do you feel like it has changed the way that you're getting reps? On a reps, etc. No, I mean, after every play, you're getting feedback from everyone. So it's great because you'll have Coach Bowen and Coach Johnson still coaching the ones or the three of the twos. And then when you're running off the field, you got Coach Dickey or someone else coaching you up, telling you what to do. So I mean, I think it's really awesome that we are capable to have four coaches in the room with us. So that's definitely very great. Have you been strictly at center? Are you playing some guard? I'm playing left guard right now. Do you feel like there's a shift to center potentially down the road? I know. I don't know. I don't know yet. I mean, just left guard. That's what I've been taking reps there right now. That's just a lot of work. As a freshman off-and-supplyment with this Asia, this is pretty important. Because the development is a part of that position. How do you, as a guy who was playing at high school, how do you develop that patient's knowing?

2:02It might be a year or two since you're out of use. I take it as like, you know, you just got to keep just stacking days. You can't get down on yourself if you're not playing. You just got to keep developing. And like the guys we have in our room are awesome. Like all the uppercise, like Lou, Josh, Austin, Austin, Carson, Taggart, all those guys, like they're great dudes. So it's really awesome being able to learn from them. Like watch them, give them some reps of them every day, see what they're doing. And then just take that back and just use what they use. So I mean, it's definitely just like keep stacking days, just keep working. Don't really pay attention about that. Just work. It's really important. The interior of the offensive line, I just had a lot of guys play a lot of football. There's a lot of important football. Who have you kind of leaned on? I think you're perfectly fine. So to try and learn various things, how learn to all things. Definitely, I'd say Luke Montgomery, that's a guy who like I just, every practice, I'm just, when I'm not even watching him take his reps, like, see what he's doing.

3:03When he has like a 2-I or a 3-1 in front of him, what footwork he takes, where he puts his hands instead. So I definitely say Luke is a guy that I never watch, clothes just trying to see what he does. Is that one of the biggest transitions to make even the jump from high school to college on the offensive line, just to leave the small things? Yeah, the steps and the hand placement. Yeah, that's definitely a huge thing when I first got here was like, there's different footwork, probably, pretty much every block you gotta take. So that's like I think it's the most detailed position on the field. It's like, you just need, everything needs to kind of be perfect in the block. I don't know how you're taking steps and placement of it. How do you feel about it? Oh, it's good. Yeah, I'd say it's good. I mentioned that the bar is got a position you see yourself sticking with or is that just kind of where it's going to start? I mean, I could see my stuff sticking out of guard. But I mean, I could play pretty much anywhere, obviously, in the interior.

4:04But yeah, but right now it's just been less guard. So I'm scared. You've been at that spot. Jake, you had the opportunity to watch those ball games first and kind of get that experience on what it's like to be part of a championship roster. What was kind of the biggest thing you took away from that whole experience? Yeah, I would say definitely like watching all those ball games and the national team Egypt just watching the Cowder Guys carry themselves like how they like the preparation it took to get ready for that. Just how they go about their days, like what they're doing when they're out here practicing, how they practice. So just it was pretty much just like kind of just feeding off the moment with their doing kind of, I kind of got a glance to see like what it takes to kind of get to a stage like that and just kind of act and stuff. Jake, thank you very much. I don't know. What can you, you know, face up here, convey a little bit because that drop you'll head before it happens. Literally split right down, right down with air hockey you guys were involved in stuff.

5:06I think we've got one or why can't you be that every possession? I know it's not that simple. But hang on that a little bit. I mean, from this important success in a game where the office was a little bit lacking. I mean, yeah, you can't do this. You're still, I mean, to Bui, I think it's going into a game like this. Yeah, I mean, you know, we're not, we're not too really focused on anything that happened in last week's game. Obviously, we've recognized the problems and we've identified the issues and we have done our best to try and solve them throughout these last couple practice weeks. We have full trust in the coaches to put together a plan to put us in the position to be successful. But there's also a million of our job as players to put on the field. So we're working through all those kings and getting out all the impurities from last week. We're solely focused on being tested this week. How much of a bonus is it having another home game? You know, that could have been your last home game. So just, what's going through your mind in that regard? Yeah, it's a show. No, you're good. It's amazing. It's such a blessing just to be able to play in front of Black Eye Nation in the shoe.

6:09It's an experience that I was going to miss. Had that been my last game in the shoe, but God has given us another opportunity to go out there and play in front of amazing home fans, play on the field with my brothers. That played so many times in knowing that this is for sure the last one. It's definitely a special feeling. So just trying to soak it all in, but also have the intense mindset to go out there and execute. Third row left, Dan. Open left, four. Is it effective? Does this play out front feel different knowing that for you guys in the senior class, you haven't been able to yet accomplish any of those goals that you've set out for? No, I wouldn't say so. I would say if you went back to Georgia 22 and two of those, I would have made the playoffs. I was a laser focused then to home, laser focused then now. I think we have the same mindset going in. Obviously in the back of our heads, we know that this is our last chance, but we're never looking at it as now or never. It's always now or never. We're trying to win every single game every time we get an opportunity to go all the way. So that's been our mindset the last couple of years.

7:09We've come up short, but we have an opportunity to do something special this year. Right in front of them, Steve, that's like a 20% of the score. Yeah, and I think that will did not have the kind of game that you guys were used to seeing in the end of the two interceptions. Didn't complete passes at the same level that he had been doing throughout the season. I know he had that rough hit that he took during the game, but coming out of that, you still have to hope that the faith in him that he's going to play like, yes, the line shared season as opposed to the maybe kind of things that happen in that. Yeah, absolutely. Will is our quarterback. He's our leader. He didn't come here by accident and you guys have seen the product. They put out there on the field week after week. So, you know, I don't necessarily think that he played bad in our last game, but you know, moving away from that. We have full trust in him. He's putting together a great practice week. And we're excited to see what he puts out there on Saturday and lead us. I'm going to have to go just with a couple more. Stephen means clave it up. College. I feel it's out. In your football life, what is the last time you think you have ever been discerf us straight?

8:13Was it how games going in the game plan? Of some, is that make sense? I would say, you know, there's there's rarely a Saturday that I'm not frustrated. You know, I mean, we can that we can be the team by semi like I'm saying, but there's always a standard that I hold myself to. I hold my team is to I hold my coaches to. So, I was kind of the standard around the building. So, we've all cultivated a really good culture here to where we're able to have tough conversations. We're able to hold each other accountable, not only coaches to players, but players to coaches. So, there's always ways to improve any game Saturday no matter if we went by 70 points or you know, we lose by 70. We're always looking for ways to improve. So, yeah. You, Cardinal and Jeremiah, very good receivers, obviously. But you guys don't tend to have the personalities that sometimes be the typical very good receiver. Why? You know, I can't speak for those two, but I know for myself, you know, I just I just look at my life and I look at the way it's got as blessed being.

9:14It's hard for me, you know, not to bow before him and be humble in those moments. So, I'm not really one to talk to him with smack. I'm going to go out there and do my job and I'm going to do at a very high level. You know, all the things that go on my head, I never really share all the time. But at my core, deep down, I'm a very real and deep competitor. So, I think that I know when I'm capable of, I know the title of the caliber player I am. But there's no need to really bow-sat or anything like that. Just put it on the field and do what you're capable of. Any final question? Jeremy Burmian, the Bob Kempsel. One of your former classmates here plays a tendency now for a turn tonight. And some comments about Ohio Stadium and about the crowd of big economists. Do you guys have like a message for Ohio Stadium or for fans who are hearing that and being told that the stadium doesn't get loud or that Arkansas is, you know, a topic of places. Yeah, I mean, you know, knowing Buck I nation, I don't think I have to do too much motivation.

10:15When we're going to come out there Saturday and it's going to be an amazing environment. So, that's just the type of fans we have. I'm not going to feed too much into the stuff that Tennessee is saying. But we're really looking forward to this opportunity. We're glad that we're playing at home just to be in front of our home crowd and from our families. So, it's going to be an amazing environment. I'm excited. Thank you, everyone. One more step. The only 97.1. Yeah, you talked about the accountability on players to players, coaches to players. But can you elaborate a little bit more on how the players kept their coaches accountable? Yeah, I mean, we've had, you know, tough conversations throughout the year. And coaches challenge us in ways. How can I get better and we give them feedback? So, it's not really any different than the way they criticize us. So, you know, I think it's important to be able for coaches to be able to handle what players have to say. Because it's an intern and makes them better coaches, just like they're able to coach us. So, it's really just that relationship that we have that we have is very special. And I think it's unique to our program. Really good family connection. I was kind of afraid of like whether I'll find out another school. But I mean, here, like, the guys were really close knit. They're all pushing each other and trying to be the best.

11:20What stood out about this intern? Really, like, just like how, like the knowledge that they have, like, they're really good into, like, helping me understand the system. And, like, they're really good at points and everything. Like, they're really good community. Which is something that I have, it's having me to make the rules. To be the case for the court. It really is, yeah. How would you say to have that team stream? Yeah, I mean, the connection, the championship is incredibly important. Because I mean, these are people that you're playing with. You're working with them, I'm going to see them every day. So, we have to, at least get along with them. Understand where their mind is at, especially in the game. Sure. You played both, right? What do you do most of the time? Left hand. What year they're at Ryzen and at that time? How does it find that chance? I mean, I saw a play right and then by my junior, the one that's at it.

12:20As far as senior year, like, moving to left. And, yeah, I mean, there's some pretty seen this process here. The coach is at Ryzen, because they have some really great, really happy new position. I didn't even thought it was significant with his challenge. There was some draping unless that was surprising to me in terms of, for us, all the complete goals that I've caught. Shot for you, to the preview, the second off thing that you've seen is a big deal. Did you consider turning for a... Yeah, I mean, that was on my mind, but at the same time, I also realized I wanted to continue to develop and continue to progress. Which is why I wanted to find a good school where I can have a good ol' like, and she's going to help them in swimming. And, I mean, the coach won't do that. I've always known so it's all getting better and improving at things that were big discrepancies in my game. Did you... Obviously, we've been doing some job in Jackson, Josh Ryer, but a lot of guys back in the National Championship didn't really do anything. You and the whole Daniels just really about the depth of your life. I mean, it's an amazing thing. I mean, we're all pushing something to be great. It's competitive, which is, I mean, that's the best place to get better.

13:22Did you seek out Ohio State, or did they seek you out, or was it kind of a choice? No, I was definitely seeking out a Ohio State. You did? Yeah, and how did you know you had a shot that even come here? You know what I mean, Ethan? How does that work in the portal? Honestly, I really didn't know. It was just kind of a whole thing. Yeah. I put a lot of prayer to it. I talked with my family, talked to with my agent, my old, my old coach, who is a rice aunt. They're really helping through the process. Without them, I don't know whether I'll be here right now. Yeah, but by the grace of God, I ended up here. Obviously, Justin Fry was the coach when you came here. What was that kind of transition like of him leaving in a tie-up bow and coming in? It was pretty seamless. I mean, both of them are incredibly good coaches. They both know what they're talking about. They're really tuned into the fine details. So, I mean, I wasn't worried at all. It wasn't just businesses usually. What are the biggest things you like about playing for Coach Fallon so far? These are really good communicators.

14:23We meet a lot, and he's really good at just kind of putting out the fine details and how you can prove your game. And then when it comes to different skills and everything, just how to fine tune it through practicing everything. Will the team find true more person time in the future? Well, I guess I'm trying to live by being the hardest working person in the field. That's why I want to spend the most time watching films, spending the most time after practicing getting extra work to the end of the ride and edge. I find that's how I would describe myself. What do you try to do while you're on it? Well, I can always be better at a lot of things, but just really like for working on the thing. That's the biggest thing for me. That's the biggest thing for me. That's the biggest thing for me. If you talk about our dropping, that way, you say something. Is that been an adjustment playing that way for your team?

15:24I feel better. You feel better, okay? Yeah. So you didn't lose any strength? Did you know you got to lose better? I knew and then you just talk on the diet dishes and everything. How's your diet change? Well, I focus a lot more on getting the right macros into my meals. That was the biggest thing. I mean, the biggest thing about losing weight is diet. But it's like a lot more protein that's part of stuff like that. That should be it's every meal. All right. So you can thank you. Thank you. All right. You're all good there. Personally, I would say people all the time, if you're a kid, self, you self, they're looking at me. So it's why I come out here like that. So you're really questions, you just have to quarterback so far. It's pretty well. What do you think the likes about that, and what do you think about that? The quarterback? Oh, sorry. The running back. Absolutely. The running back. He's okay, right back.

16:24No, I think we're going to have a pretty good room. It's competitive. You know, James, C.J. Sam, obviously, you know, both James and Ken Wade, they get us there, they're going next to him. We get turbo here, but right now, what we got out here, I'm excited about the new... What's your stuff about James? He's both as a back end as a young man. He's very matured and just wants to get us out of them. I mean, he's pushing to be great. I mean, I think he had a great exact relationship with Trent and then Q. So he's doing some really good things, but like I said, because Lockheed will make it easier for nobody. You get what St. He's now 2.26. Yeah, he came in at 244 pound at Challenger, going the process of getting him here, because he could have went out of the places. You know, they say he want to be, he felt like I could get him ready. And I told him I said, we're like, part of that's going to be disciplined. You've got what that means? Getting this weight down, he went from 244 to 226 pound over,

17:27but that's just so the mindset that he has to be disciplined, challenge himself, and he looks good right now. Yeah, what's the dimensions of the new 20 pounds of school faster? How is it different to Z-Lock? Well, I mean, I look at him as a slasher. He has good, he has good, no speed, great hands. But he's a slasher, a big guy. Big guy is often wind with the little guy, so he's going far forward. But I look at him as a slasher with power, he got really good feet for a big guy, really good hands and good vision. So it's going to help him a little bit which probably is longer speed, but he looks good. You're looking at guys, I've been in the table before, what stood out most of the time? The versus Tilly. The fact that he played, you know, he was a guy that I looked at, and he's a high school, and he's a high school receiver. He was pretty good with Tilly. Then, you know, tried to move the tight end, then get moving the right end back. So it was diverse to tell you who made it a lot of things, big body guy that he catched by, can run between the tacos. His feet are quick,

18:29and once you think for a big guy, you got really good feet, you got balanced, so that's what made some good, that's what I saw. Is that a comment for a bigger back, like in the title of the first utility? No, I don't. I have a friendly good play company, running backs and the tight end back ground. Well, tight end back ground, I don't know many with that type of back ground, but when he's a high school receiver, they try to play as an H-Bat, but really good play. When you look in the portal for running backs, or when you're trying to recruit running backs, does it matter to you if you have two different styles? Running backs, maybe one guy can do certain things, a better one guy can do certain things. Or is it, you'll just take the best running back, you can find it. I want to have different styles. Yeah, I want different styles. I'm going to try to take the same, but you don't take the same thing. You don't take guys with different skills, whether they're big guys, small guys, tall scatgers, in-between attacking runners. I don't know. I don't want to take the same thing. They want different backs. You guys have built a wheel and clinch on them. A lot of them are slower red zone story. You guys are like,

19:29you're building a car. Is it important to find the back of the size that Lee C.J. has to help me with that? And also something like that. I have my own opinion on the size they've been becoming the red zone. I had Jordan James out of order. And he's my red zone, running a show yard line as a freshman. He probably waited two, ten, twelve, five, which is not very big, but then he got the NLD again. And some guys just got the most, sticking the bound in his own. And you play with a lot of aggression down here running. And that could be C.J. That could be James, or it could be the freshman, though, Jackson. No, it's just who has a nose for getting his own. That's where I'm going with it. You don't have to be 62 or 24. No, just because you're being there, don't make it tough. We knew we could obviously, you know, freshman running back to coming in, but what is there near? But what do you need to see from a freshman to feel comfortable with them playing? In the first day, with that on the ball,

20:30whether they do their little small detail, or take care of the ball. The second thing will be how good they are in the past, because it's the hardest thing for high school best, because they're not really sure in high school, but you have to understand the past, but all their falls on who you meet. So like Coach Day said, I'm here to catch my head. So that's why I need to see first, and everything else, I will understand the weaknesses of the hook and the pain of getting it good. You feel comfortable with Bowen, and I say, where they're at, or at least, where their time is, right? Yeah, I think they're gonna be fine. I can say I tell all the young guys, he's a marathon, that was fun. The first day, first, you've been an earner, a spot on a specialty. You earn a spot on a specialty, then you earn the right to be a buck out, so they get out there in the field. So, I think they're training the right way. This is the first practice. Not it wasn't merit, something to build off of, cleaning stuff to work on.

21:31Good, yeah, good. Long day. We had during last season, or this whole season, just about what was it, for him to be able to, to be around and do different things? Yeah, he's been back here, compared to his, and then I will talk to him about some stuff, and he's really been helping me, like, pre-snap with the VN, and how the short turn, what to expect, if it's the past, when he runs around, and I'm grateful for that, and I'm going through it, and then helping me go through it. How do you think you did to earn that? I mean, just how I was raised, I just know how to work, that's all I had to do. He's given effort, and just going east day to day. I want to say this with full respect. When we see JJ and Sonny, it's like, that makes sense. When you're the third guy, were you surprised to be named? What puts you in that same category? Yeah, I was a little surprised. I kind of have a feeling, because I kind of like,

22:32I mean, I kind of, I could have guessed it, but I just knew, I was one of my goals at the top, so I would be an iron bug guy, and I just couldn't work it with another guy. So what did you get in now? So what did you mean? How did you take it? It was very special. We're right after a text in my parents, and they really knew what it meant, until the video came out and the question explained it to them, so then absolutely totally, they had a surprise. Back then, when you were playing, you were playing full-time, then right after, and games. Did you just tell the difficulties of going back and forth? Not just like we were learning them, but actually having to play both of those five. Yeah, it's pretty difficult, especially during the game, you have to put the whole mind around. It's not easier in practice, because it's not getting settled down, but like going back to my game. It's pretty hard, but like in high school, it was every other player I was in back in school with triple-up. So I knew it, I was comfortable with it, and sometimes I just take it,

23:34but I'm walking to my room, so I'm just going to have to say it to the player, and again, I'm more time to get into my head. You bring in two packages, and you put in the brain, and you put in the other one, and you put in the other one, and you put in the other one, and you put in the other one, and you put in the other one, and you put in the other one too. That's the only one. Yeah, so like I got to set the example, and then like, my first two weeks here, I was like teaching them, like I told them what they're expected in these players, because I've seen some new players with them, and even new defense, like Teknik 2, because they don't keep the same technique, but just helping them out, because we need all of this. What do you like, when did you idea of playing tackle? How to comment about the top- of my graph? It seemed that when it was a baseball game, What did you think when you had a bad night? It came close to the springtime. They wanted to have a good fight out there and they wanted to play the best so they just didn't get a chance. What did you do all the time? They're awesome. They're great. A lot of eyes, it's awesome because everyone's watching something.

24:37It's not like someone's only watching this place, so you know what's going on. I got a feedback to get after a play, after a practice. I'm like, all three off the world. It's awesome. They tell you everything. Because they know what's the less I had with Coach Johnson, Coach Dickie's watching 11 and Coach O'Neill and feels a lot from him. So you know what's going on, it's both. How was the experience that you got at the big reps in the big games, all that helped? Was it coming into the sun? It really boosted my confidence. And I can lead the young guys too, because I know what's going on. Because they really don't really miss this first time so I like to be on the level. My stuff's like just that leadership level. Resortility has also been mentioned a lot. It's been all both sides of the ball playing in different spots. You know, I rate on that. Yeah. This... Yeah, I can beat that up question one more time. Can you just talk about the versatility that Coach has been talking a lot about that, on both sides of the ball, because you guys in different spots being able to win? Yeah, so like, I mean, you all see it in last year.

25:38We lost two stars, all maybe started. So like, really guys need to step up and like, go on your season. I didn't know I was playing a start left guard. And I didn't really know I was going to beat bounce over the right. And what a Donnie knew is I'm bouncing out the tackle. So like, it really helps everyone. Like, I think a lot of guys this season are playing more compositions and it's going to help us in football. But if you learn from Donnie and jog or satin all that way. Just like technique wise, they really helped me like, pretty snap stuff. No one in my life was going to go as you guys. I can play. I can replace myself. All right. Thank you. Thanks. We will open up the floor for questions for Rebecca Bucco. We're going to write down your favorite BBS. Just a feeling you guys are going to get another crack in these guys. Yeah, we're super excited. I think that, you know, I played in the Rose Bowl my freshman year. It's an amazing venue. It's so beautiful. They do a great job. Helstening for the players and coaches and families.

26:38So it really doesn't get much better than this. And having a chance to redeem ourselves from what happened earlier in the season is something we don't take lightly. So we're very thankful. Austin Ward, the podcast. Mike, what if I told you that German has been for some of the freshman year in Nashville? I did hear that. Yeah, that's a little, I don't even know who won it. Oh, it's a bell since I was in Texas. Yeah, I mean, I don't know. We know what we got here on our side. We're not too worried about awards and stuff like that. So I know JJ, the type of kid he is, that's only going to motivate him more. So it's fuel to the fire, which I think is good for us heading into this week. What was the first moment that you saw in the fellas? This could be something. I would say probably just his mindset, not even obviously, he's a freak when it comes to his body and stuff like that, just his physical nature. But I think just as mindset, the way he approached the weight room, it didn't really seem like a way of freshman would.

27:39He was our only freshman ever to receive Iron Buck I reward, which is something I was pushing towards my entire time being here. But it takes another level of doing to be able to receive that reward, especially as a freshman. So that's when I knew. Steve, it means green and black. More on that. When you and Mara first got here, Garrett and Chris were adamant about the way that you guys, even as freshmen, were pushing two guys who were about to be first round around pigs. And then Mara kind of said the same thing about Carnaul and Brandon last year. How did JJ push you guys when he first got here as the young guy? And now you guys are the older guys. Yeah, I would say it's very similar. It's kind of the same exact thing. And I don't know what it is about the culture and its own sex, but we keep bringing in these type of people you're in and you're out. That's what makes our room so great. But I think that something that JJ was able to push me in was just able to push me in my leadership. I needed to grow in that aspect. But he also was able to challenge me when it came to the weight room and on the field.

28:41Because we were always paired together when it came to summer and when our workouts were always lifting together. I get a couple wins. He get a couple wins. So it was really that next level step of competitiveness that I needed and that edge that I needed. That Murphy 2474. You guys came into the Tennessee game with a lot of outside motivation with Michigan loss and kind of the three weeks of talk. I know obviously there's still that motivation to go on and win a national championship. But how do you keep that kind of edge to lack of a better term mentally after some of that stuff has kind of gone away probably a big win? I would say kind of if you lose your edge, I wouldn't really call you a true competitor. I think that the way with the college football playoffs is structured, the intensity cranks every single week. So if you're not more intense than you were the last week, then something's wrong with you. I think that Tennessee was a great win, great for our momentum. But we have our full focus on Oregon, not worrying about anything in the past, nothing in the future, our full focus is towards this game.

29:42And then we win this one, we go on to the next one, our full focus is going to be on that one. So it's just you keep moving down a ladder like this. Step on Christy, please let me know. Michael, there's been a lot of change in college football in the playoffs and things of that nature. But the way it's some of you and some of your team engineers talking about the Rose Bowl seems like that's one game that's really maintained a lot of that tradition. You play the net. And what it's about, could you explain it to a student who would never have a chance to play the Rose Bowl? Does maintain a level of respect for players and coaches? Yeah, I think, I don't know, there's just something about it, something in the air down there in the Pasadena. It's just a beautiful venue, especially that time of the year. Like you said, the tradition is held year in and year out. And it's kind of the game you dream of playing. And when you're a little kid, playing back your football with your friends, the role of the role is always one that tends to come up. So just having a chance of playing it is definitely very surreal. And this is going to be my second time. So I'm going to do my best to take it all in while also being fully focused on organ. Dan, let me worry. Matthew Will said he still has nightmares

30:43about bad first game in organ. Just what kind of drive you seem to him this week wanting to get back to this one? Yeah, Will is a laser focused person. He goes about his business. He's very loose. And he's very calm. And he's able to rally the team. But you can see it in his eyes that this game means everything to him. So every single practice, every single huddle, making sure we're sharp, making sure we have a better practice than we had last than yesterday, a better practice in organ is having. So his full focus is on being this team. And obviously it's hard not to think about the stuff of the past, but I know he's laser focused on what we got coming up. Tony German, fuck I have. Matthew, when you're a kid playing back your dreams about the game, what team are you playing for? Honestly, I was never really a buck I fan until I really committed here. And I saw what it was all about. I was actually an organ fan growing up, especially on the Pacific Northwest. My grandpa went to UW and stuff like that. So I like the Huskies too.

31:43But there was a legendary football player named Foto Liatto from my high school. And he went to organ. And a couple of you all probably know that story. It's from a couple of years back, but he tragically died in the car accident. And he was someone I looked up to in high school. I was relatively close with him even though he was a bit older than me in age. But just seeing what he did at my high school and then going on to play big time football organ, that was a school that I really dreamed of going to. They build a bit like this back. I think actually another Jeremiah question. Is there one moment, one play, one something that made you go, oh man, I've never seen it. Four, that's just incredible. Yeah, I'll say it's happened multiple times. There's not really one. I can pinpoint, but the more he does it, the more I tend to react less. So I would say probably my earliest memories of it were in spring ball. Kind of getting the first glimpse of him when he's making all these ridiculous catches. And he still does it time and time again even now.

32:44But it's just more common now for me. Bill Landon, one that's been taken to the North. Oh, but you had, I think it was 12 touches in the first game against Oregon 10 receptions, two carries. Is there something about this matchup that favors you? And now that you have, where that could up the first time you played this team, what kind of attention or I guess maybe different defenses are you expecting to see? Yeah, I mean, we're not entirely sure what their game plan is going to be, but we're paired for everything. I'm not going to get too much into scheme and stuff like that. But we know that if the ball comes our way, we've got to make those plays. So whether I have 10 receptions again coming up this game where I have 0 or 1, we're just looking to get this win on the road, because it's really a road game for us, flying across two times on. So I think that it's going to be a great matchup, whether they tend to focus on me more or not. It doesn't really matter to me because I know our team has a great playing regardless. That time for a couple more questions, Spencer, over a letterman role. You guys ever surprised when the game

33:44meant you looked at it, especially in Cardinals League, I think the water's too big. You can kind of feel it throughout the game, I would say. He's a true competitor. He wants to get involved, but at the same time, he's super selfless. He's really humble. So he's going to do whatever it takes for the team to get a win. But it's the competitive nature in him that wants to contribute as much as he can. So I try to be in his ear to tell him to be level head and stuff like that, not that I need to. He's a very level head and selfless guy like I'm saying. But sometimes that's just how the game goes. I had a game this year where I only had one catch. But we ended up winning by lot. So I think that it's hard or it's easy to be focused on the personal attributes that you could have game in and game out. But no one's really going to remember those if we're holding up the trophy at the end of the year. He could be a number one, 95% of Cardinals was right on the east, like number three. When you see his work as a goal of those things, that he goes up there and makes a play. And you guys ever been behind him like, yeah, this guy could absolutely be a number one

34:44of those Cardinals. I would disagree with you. I think that he is a number one. I think that we don't have a number three receiver. I think we have three number one receivers out there. So whatever the defense, if they want to put their attention on one guy or a couple of us, they're not really doing themselves any favor because we're going to have a favor will match up on the other side of the ball. So that's never how we view ourselves. We know we're alpha dogs out there every single one of us knows we have the capabilities to be a number one receiver. And we are number one receivers. And final question. Steve Hellwanger 24x out of sports. Yeah, and McAthena that game, he made one of the clutch plays that passed down the sideline. At any time when you make that play, do you think, did you ever, your mind, we're going to win this game after we're now close to field goal range? I mean, did that play in your mind, say, my goodness, we've got a chance to get out of here with the win? Yeah, I definitely knew where I caught the ball. And I knew we were closer being in field goal range. So there was a sense of, I knew it was a big play that I made. But in those moments, you have to finish out the game.

35:44No matter what, you can't get a big head. You can't get complacent. You have to finish the game until the clock hits zero. So that's something we've been working on. We work on two minute every single Wednesday practice. So today we'll work on our two minute. And we don't even call it two minute. We call it clutch. Because in those times, in those games, in those big moments, someone has to make a clutch play. So we're focusing on that every single game, knowing that we're going to have to make one of those plays coming down the stretch here. What would it mean if you're able to finish this one off and get to the final four of this play up? Just what in your mind, would this be just the ultimate, I suppose, to be a team that's already beaten earlier this year? No, I think the ultimate would be winning the National Championship. So we're focused on this. This just happens to be the next team in the way. We're not focused on where we played them earlier this year, whether they got the win over us. They're just a nameless, faceless opponent. So we're going out there fully prepared, not worried about what's happening in the past. We played them before. We felt them out. So it's all about who got better from that point in time

36:45until now. I'm happy to thank you for your time. Again, I think that you do have some understanding and awareness of the offense. And maybe it's not the first time you hear about the formations, but to be able to go and apply that to the field. I mean, that takes a lot of work. So there is a slight advantage there, just from how much you use around the program. But I'm not sure if in the meeting room or on the field, which one affects more ultimately, we're judged based on what we do on the field, and our goal is to go out there and execute it. How do you guys show that they have the toughest guys on the team when they get the touch? Yeah. We talk about it all the time. So if we want to show where the toughest guys on the team, we can do that by showing where the hardest working guys on the team. We can show that we are the mentally toughest guys on the team. We can make sure that we don't ever get too high or too low. And we play with passion and emotion without letting that emotion and passion play with us and affect us. And we talk a lot in the quarterback room and not moving on to the next most important thing. So if I have a play where maybe I made the wrong read

37:48or screwed something up, I've got about half a second to kind of be bummed out about it. But I've got to learn from it. I've got to move on to the next most important thing, because so many guys let that first play affect the next play. So we're really working to continue to grow from that. But as far as showing that we're tough, I even sell our guys that, hey, if I'm, I don't know, Austin Sarabot, and I'm watching film. And I see in the back of that film that Julian is up or Tavian is up, but Lincoln and the opposite of Julian and Tavian are standing in the back doing a mental rep. Like that gives me confidence if I'm Austin that those guys one understand what they're doing and two are committed to get better, right? And are going to be in position to be tough when we need to be tough. So like little things like that are something that we're constantly working on to show that we're being in that position. What have you seen from Lincoln in your first year working with him to help with what he's been able to do? Yeah, I've definitely seen a lot of growth from getting in here in June last year. And to what we see about now, it's just a full year of

38:52understanding the offense, a full year of getting a feel for what we're trying to do and what we're trying to accomplish. And just the, this my new details about where my eyes need to be, how I can tie my feet in with my eyes, how I can make sure that, I'm not just throwing the ball to the right receiver because that's what my redicateds, but I'm also throwing it at the right time. And I'm, you know, I have accuracy within that accuracy that I just displayed by putting it on the right shoulder, right? Or the right, you know, to offset our receiver and throw them away from a defender or whatever that may look like. So that's what I'm excited because we're starting to see more and more of that from Lincoln as we've getting into the, you know, two practices. And we've only had two practices, but, you know, just that growth that I don't think is a growth that happened over two practices, growth that happened from the time we got here and I got here in June through, through right now. And that's what's exciting. He said now, three quarterback coaches in three years, three, like all there's in three years, can that be like an advantage for him? Like understanding different concepts and different reads, having to see things through different lenses because he's had so many

39:55different voices in his head. Or how do you kind of gauge that? Yeah, I mean, he's had, he's had different quarterback coaches. But the reality is it's been the same tasking. It's been the same system. So it's not like we changed the way we read a play based on who the quarterback coach was before. We may make slight tweaks, right, or adjustments, or, you know, add a new concept in or two. But I think what Lincoln can get from having those three different quarterback coaches is maybe just three different, slightly different perspectives where the message is still the same. So maybe it's just a slightly different delivery of the same message. And I think that can definitely be a advantage because he still knows, you know, on this concept, this is where my read is, but maybe he heard it a different way over the last three years. And I guess could be an advantage. Do you have a more questions if you are these quarterbacks and they're supposed to be the toughest guy, first guy to the last guy to lead, but they're all trying to do that. How do you then separate yourself as one of those guys, given they're all trying

40:57to strive to do the same things Coach Dei's preaching? Yeah. You know, I think the ultimately, right, is can I sustain it? Can I be the guy that does it the most consistently? I think every single one of them, I know every single one of them, sorry, that quote by Coach Dei, which, you know, it's pretty awesome. It's so real. It's who we have to be. We've got to be the toughest guys in the building. We've got to be the hardest working guys in the building. So it's easy to go ahead and, you know, do that and be that guy. You know, the next day after seeing that quote, can I continue to be that guy when we're in practice, 11 of spring ball or we're in summer and we're going through workouts with Coach Mick? And it's June 17th, you know, can I be that guy with that consistency all the way up through Fall Camp and into moving on into next year? And I think that, you know, anyone can do something just once, you know, but can I be the guy that can do his consistency?

41:59And if you look at anyone that's done anything great, it's been because of their consistency. What do you think being all the traits? Where does, can't you be the quarterback at Ohio State fit in, the kind of magnitude? Is he able to handle that position? What, where does that fit into your evaluations? Yeah, I think, you know, all these guys were, a lot of that was done in the recruitment process. I'm confident that all three of them can be the guy that I want to say. I think that, you know, those guys already kind of checked that box. So, you know, now it's just a matter of who goes out as into the job. And again, we are so far away from that point, but, you know, when we're recruiting a guy, we try to figure all that stuff out. We're gathering as much data as we possibly can to learn about the person and to understand their mental makeup and to make sure that they're fit. It's pretty cool up in the quarterback room. We've got pictures of all the, you know, great Ohio State quarterbacks up on the wall. And, you know, you go through and take a look at those guys. You know, it's just pretty neat, but above all, you can talk about some of the different guys' mental makeup and what made them different. And so, how do we find those guys in the recruiting? And so, we get to the point like we are now where you feel really confident about all three of those guys

43:02that they are, you know, mentally tough enough and can be at that point that they can't be that guy. What do you think they learned the most from Will in the job he did last year overall? You know, close to that. Yeah. I mean, where do I start? You know, Will, when it came to intangibles was, you know, I haven't been, I can't say I've been doing this for 35 years or anything crazy like that, but was by far the best I've ever seen to it. And just as far as what he did the best, you know, I think it just having is such a complete understanding of the offense. You know, from the run game to the past game to the protections, just understanding, you know, the ins and outs and the little details and everybody's job and where, you know, certain concepts or protections or play styles were weak and how to adjust them if we were going to see something that made us weak there. You know, and having that total command because I think, you know, a big part of trust is showing that, you know, I'm competent.

44:10And I understand. And so, Will built that trust in his teammates by showing that, you know, he was extremely competent, you know, that he understood everything and all the ins and outs and he could tell everybody on the field what to do. And from there, then he built it, you know, grabbed on and grabbed the trust of all of his teammates. And then he could start to lead. So, you know, the biggest thing, it's tough to say. But I think that everything that he did was kind of built off his total understanding of what we were trying to do offensively. Billy, thank you very much. Yeah, I mean just, just, yeah, just, you know, in a room that seems to have on three, you kind of are a different body type as a one. I mean, how do you fit it in the skin? Well, I fit it well, but I think this is where he relates to me. I can do it. I can't think it's that easy. Yeah, I can do it. I hear his words to the whole big, I just want to, I mean, I think that's the way it is. You're trying to do it, can you? I mean, obviously, there's no other teams that you guys go against or run the river.

45:11I mean, just how much do you think forward to that opportunity to get in there and be that, you know, that, that front stopper? It's a great opportunity. Putting the work really, really good. I feel like Saturday is just like just showing the world, but they're an option. The boys are the one. That's what we really count, that's what we're really, it's a different thing. How different are you? Who's a favorite spring practice and maybe called practice last year? And it's not even quite 50 years, but I, we've talked to players who like to support my bodies, transport, and I've got, you know, that the game was slowed down. I mean, where are you going to play your own, uh, different recipes? I feel like I'm not in a game or, uh, transfer. I was just in high school last year, going in the fall game, so I just do it. But now I'm learning the game and I know the assignments I gotta do, and I'm just doing my job. Uh, that's what Coach Johnson was really being on. What did you take out of last season? You mentioned coming straight out of high school.

46:12Don't play a ton. How much, how much did you take away? What kind of things did you learn from? Um, I'll say, it was tough, you know, but, um, I'm learning from guys like Mike Hall, time helmets, and time league. These guys are pro at guys, so I'm just trying to get, I'm gonna ask many questions I have for them, and, um, just really just getting better, just every day. Uh, full bag, I like it, it's for, Uh, no petition, no petition. Um, I just wanted you to do my job. I'm a team player, so whenever I gotta be from my team, I'm a great. Obviously, I should say to you, I should say to you, I should say to you, I should say to you, I'm just surprised you're looking to have to do this. I just don't feel like the break my throat. How about you? That's what I'm looking at.

47:12No, this is not surprising on me. I've been putting in the work. Couldn't work my whole life, but, um, I feel like Coach Nick, I just, this all season, it's really big for me. Uh, I like being on it, uh, you see the results, uh, I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. I was about to be here. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. You guys stuff for another quarter. You're going to learn to do this right? Right? Or like, I said, that's a good motivation. That's a different thing. Um, I want to say a motor, maybe, but, um, I'm here for a reason. Uh, guy, I got me here for a reason, so, uh, whatever, uh, happens, you know, it happens. Uh, I love you here. Uh, I just know that'd be great. Yeah, right. That was a lot of times like the player of the year, he's going to do it. He's going to do it. So I imagine it. There's something like a ship on the shoulder, but I'm sure people here are playing. Oh, yeah.

48:13Um, really, yeah, I got a big chip on my shoulder. You know, I don't take no days for granted. I know because we got to play every play like your last play. So that's how I do it. Uh, I'm just looking motivated. Uh, some mixing is coming up 17 games. Somebody got to step up. I went on a daily and on the young guys like me and Jason, he wrote a top one to step up. Can we see the fullback of a spring game? Can we get a touchdown in the spring game? Uh, I don't know. We ain't really been talking about it, but I think during the season, we're going to save it. I have a session. I can't wait to see how old you saw the sky. I can't let the opposing teams know when we got the print. How did you think that went, sir? Uh, in the come-o? Yeah, fullback. Uh, it was awesome. It just felt like high school days, you know, I'm excited. And I'm blocking for guys like, Quesson, Train, Darling. I mean, it's, I'm open. Do you have to fight with Kayden for that role? Uh, because he was just talking about it too. So clearly, is it worth it? Uh, we share, I think we share a couple of plays, but, you know, whatever it is for my team,

49:19I'm going to do it, you know. Uh, is it Kayden doing it or I do it? Uh, I think it was going to be a good thing for us. We'll see our defensive linemen when you're going to DL-O-L that gives you the best, the best look we had, the best matchups. I like going against, uh, Donnie and Fryer. What's that? I feel like, um, these, those are pro guys, you know, so I'm going against the best. You're at the Ohio State, so, uh, every day you're going to compete with the best. So you got to breathe. Then you, you mentioned, I was 17 games when that's just, there's got to be more depth inside. Set competition lights when, you know, you talked about heroes, you know, what's that come to my philosophy? I was really competitive, you know, I'm trying to be them to the ball, you know. Uh, I feel like all of us, we just working, you know, getting better, you know, we know what's up state mission, you know, we're trying to be the team of North America, the last of the champions, that's the only thing you haven't learned, but we just were going to the springs, we were going to be taught that, of course to get ready for the season. How have tightly tied with the set of standards? Uh, well those are events. Uh, I'm glad they came back. They showed me things, you know, little things, like little things I'm working on, like,

50:22technique lines to invent hands like a game. So, it's not really good for them to come back. Kind of like little distance. Gaby thank you very much. Coach, like I said, you know, any team that drasts me, you know, I'm going to be excited, it's going to be a blessing and, um, can't wait. Yeah, I mean, I'm excited about it, you know, people think that I'm just going to stay in Ohio my whole life, but, uh, you know, wherever I go, I'm going to be happy. So, if I leave the state of Ohio, great. Yeah, Edger can be, you know, as good as anybody else in the country, you know, if he wants to be, with his size and his speed and his athletic ability, how strong he is too, he could be, he could be the best guy in a country his position. So, um, I think you guys will see him take a, a big lead going into a sophomore year and be a really productive player already. Yeah, I'd say what's next is, you know, like I said, Edrick, you know, you got

51:30Kate McDonald, Kate and Curry, Kenyatta Jackson. I mean, those four guys right there are, are NFL players too. So, I'm excited to see what they're going to do, you know, with their first year all as a group together playing, um, Sky's the limit for those guys too. You know, I know Coach Johnson's going to get those guys right and, uh, I look forward to having them have them all having a great season. Yeah, I like, I like to watch a handful of guys, you know, Coach Johnson's always bringing stuff in and, and chopping it up for us from the pro level. So, I watch a lot of TJ Watt, a lot of Miles Garrett, you know, Nick Bosa, all those guys, Max Crosby, you know, all the guys are just the, the best of what they do right now. So, uh, just taking a mixture of things from all those guys, you know, trying to emulate in your game. I'm not the only one that's going to be in the sport, it's not about the difference from my brother. Say that again. Yeah, no, I think I'm bringing toughness and, you know, that competitive drive, you know, and, uh, and leadership. So, what ever team drafts, we're going to get one of the hardest workers in this draft. And, uh, that's really who I'm about. The title is raised, you know, going in the locker room and, and just putting your head down

52:30and busting your ass every day. Yeah, a lot of good bounces. No, but, uh, just, you know, getting to the side of the ball and scooping it, make sure your feet out of the way. And then, uh, just running to the end zone, doing the rest. You've been spending many minutes yourself, haven't you? Say that again. Yeah, I have. I have met with the Giants. Uh, it was good. It was really good, you know, dable and those guys do a really good job. So, uh, you know, they're a great team and they've had really successful seasons and, um, you know, they're kind of great season to future too. So, it was good, you know, um, I really like their, their meeting as well. Yeah, the all season, the conversations were about, you know, one of the national championship and one of the games on defense side of the ball and being the best defense in the country, you know, nothing else. And, uh, you know, it's cool looking back on it now and realizing what we did,

53:30you know, really this time of the year, last year, all coming back and, and deciding to run it back and then being able to be the best defense in the country and one of the national championship, uh, you know, it's just such a blessing from God, to be able to do those things and, and do with that group. Speaking of the CFB, it seemed like the most physical team won the most average game. Right. And in your case, what was it about physical calories, especially a lot of the effects on wine, the really good flying games coming back? I wouldn't feel like that. Yeah, I mean, the games won up front. Every game is one of the, in the trenches, uh, you know, whether the team does for 400 yards or not, you know, can't do the job that the offense align in defense same way. Um, so, you know, I mean, going in every game, we're always trying to be the most physical team. You know, it's something we preach going into every, every year in every game. Tyleek and Ty Hamlet then lead it off and do a great job in the middle. And then, you know, me and JT hold down the edges and the guys behind us flying up, making plays, you know, like guys like Lathen Ransom coming up in the hole and knocking guys out on the run and, you know, Cody and Sonny being all over the place too. So, um, playing physical and playing fast and violence like RMO at Ohio State.

54:39I mean, we're getting a bunch of good points. Uh, I think we got a lot of similarities and we got some differences and I think that, uh, you know, JT is a hell of a player and it's been so much fun playing alongside him for four years. And we were just talking about last night. It's going to be weird lining up and not being across from each other for the first time since high school. So, um, you know, I'm going to let the scouts do the comparisons, but, you know, I'm just happy for him and I'm so excited to see where he's going to go too. You know, he's a phenomenal player and just, you know, always rooting and praying for him. It was just my brother. Yeah, so all of you have been able to have formal meetings with so far this week? Yeah, I am full, guys. Um, and they've all been good too. They've all been good meetings and, uh, I get a lot of good feedback and, and learn about some stuff too at the next level. So, um, I'm just taking this process one step at a time and I'm excited about it. Say that again. My best trait. That's a good question. Probably, uh, probably toughness or physicality. Most underrated part of my game.

55:41Um, probably my past rushing. I think that, uh, it's, I think at the end of the season, I was able to prove myself as a past rusher. Um, more than I was in the beginning of the season and, uh, but still, I think that, you know, I saw so much left to prove because I know I can be a great past rusher in this league. I know I can get out to the quarterback with the best of him in this league. So just continue to work on anything I can to be better at that. Uh, and I mean, not too much, you know, maybe a couple of people here and there, uh, just football fans, you know, we, we met and JT and I had dinner with Will Howard and, and a couple other guys out there and, you know, we got recognized as a group, uh, a couple of times, but other than that, that's about it. What's that? Uh, yeah, I mean, you know, we got punched in the mouth in the year and, uh, it was a great opportunity for us to go one of two ways and, and we chose the way that was one of the national

56:42championships. So, um, really, you know, uh, I was just all about regrouping after that game and we did that and was able to put our best foot forward and win a national championship. Yeah, when you were, when you being able to participate in the first 12 team console, you're obviously going to win it. Uh, what are your thoughts on the new format as they continue to think about what the best process to play on this? Yeah, I think it's great. I mean, think about it, you know, the, the teams that played in the national championship wouldn't even been in the playoffs this year had it not been for the 12 team playoffs. So, I think it just goes to show you that like an NFL, you can lose a couple games and the best team might lose three or four games in regular seasons still go out and win the Super Bowl. So, to me, it just feels like it's, it's becoming the NFL playoffs for me and, uh, you know, across the country, that's how it's going to look for the next few years. Yeah, I think that being able to experience that longer season would help me a lot and I think that it helps you find that routine and really have to stay in it, you know, for the extra month and a half that you're playing, playing games. So, I think they helped a lot. Yeah, I think I'm, I think I'm a lot more prepared. I think that I did, I kind of came

57:49back and was able to do the things that I needed to do to prepare myself to come to the next level. Right now, I'm really confident and going to the next level and excited for the opportunity competing in some of the best players in the world. Say that again, please. Yeah, I haven't met with the Browns, but, you know, looking forward to here soon and it'll be exciting. Yeah, I mean, Coach Johnson's still at the top of this game, you know, no matter what anyone says or has their opinion on Coach Johnson's still, you know, the best defensive line coach in college football. And, uh, you know, it's, it's simple really as a recruit, you know, look at all the guys that he's, he's helped produce to come out of Ohio State to go to the next level and all the first rounders and all the, all pro guys that he's coached and his time at Ohio State and a Penn State. So, um, it's an easy pitch for me if I was a recruit, but other than that, he cares about you more than

58:52just a football player too. He cares about who you are as a person and developing as a good young man as well. So, uh, love coach Johnson, he's still at the top of this game, no matter what people say about his age. Say, so I'm sunny. Yeah, well, sunny is, you know, sunny is one of the hardest working kids I've ever been around, you know, me and his older brother were good friends growing up, so I've got a chance to know sunny since he was just a little guy and seeing him now, you know, the freak of an athlete that he is and the, the type of man he is, you know, just happy for him and I think going into year two, he's going to take a huge jump, uh, playing linebacker. He's got a great year this year, obviously, in his first year playing it. Um, and he's a super smart kid, super competitive kid, tough kid, and obviously he's got the traits, you know, at the top 10 picks. So, I'm excited to see what he does this year in his second year. I know it's going to be something great. Yeah, coach Noel is going to Penn State. Uh, I think that he's bringing, you know, that smarts

59:54and obviously now he's done it at the highest level one in national championship with us and, uh, you know, helped us get to where we wanted to go and I have, I know he's going to do the best he can at Penn State, you know, obviously I'll still always be rooting for Ohio State, but uh, I definitely root for coach Noel's and his success because he's been a huge part of our our journeys and, uh, great guy, great guy to play for and, you know, he's always going to be my DC. So, uh, I wish him nothing but the best, but that one game every year, we're rooting for the buck guys. So, uh, look forward to seeing that matchup. Yeah. Yeah, man, coach day is one of the toughest, most resilient guys I've ever been around. That's the reason why we all love him. The reason I love him so much, you know, no matter what's going on, no matter all the unfair shit that's being said about him, excuse me for cussing, but, uh, you know, he's going to stand in there and stand strong and take it all on the brunt, you know, take a head

1:00:57on for us and, and, and take all the blame even if it's wrongfully deserved. So, uh, you know, playing for him and seeing the way he's responded the last few years, especially this year, uh, just shows everyone across the country what he's capable of and that he's the best, he's the best head coach in the country by far, I think, um, and college football unbiasedly. So, being able to see us have that happen. Here are all the things that we heard in Columbus and him and his family go through the things that they went through and come out the back side of it and win the national championship, man, it just meant the world to me and meant the world to us and him and his family. So, coach day is one of the toughest guys I've been around. That's the biggest thing that stands out to me. Yeah, I mean, like a lot of guys, you're coming to college with an idea of how it's going to go and then it goes completely opposite for the first couple years and I think that's the beauty of of of growing up and and becoming a man and growing in football too is that, you know, things aren't always going to be easy, you know, talking to guys, you know,

1:01:57who've been in the league, you know, things have been quite frankly opposite of easy for a long time and then they have a breakthrough and become one of the best players in the league. So, you know, I think I learned a lot about myself just, you know, going through those tough times and being able to develop, you know, when it feels like you're not developing and then it being able to come out of it, you know, those first two years and be able to be a productive player and be one of the best players for your team and help win a national championship. So, um, I think the development part is something that you just show up every day and keep working and eventually, you know, you're all the all the hard work you put in is going to show up. Yeah, uh, we talked to him, uh, to I just texted him, we were just done to say, you know, good luck with everything coach, appreciate everything and, uh, you know, so we we've chatted back and forth a little bit and he texted our our senior group chat a couple of days ago and we got out here to the to the combine and just said, good luck and a couple other things I can't say on here to go out there and kill it. So, what are you waiting at? It's 2,35 to 40, what were you waiting for? Not 2,45.

1:03:01Yeah, well, it's been great. He's been good. Somebody that's came in, humble and is ready to work. That's been the only words that I have for him. Not a minute, just many words, but he's here to work and he's done just that. I'm just, we got to have that's what he's doing. Yeah, I think essentially that's the that's the culture of our room. It's when we come up the ball violent. We're looking as soon as hard as we can but clean it if you tell that. So that's kind of our mindset going into it and uh, yeah. You had three beautiful walking blocks. How many of you feel like to know that you will be received or something? You know, you're like, you know, you're using a lot of things you're doing. Like, how hard is it to kind of change the perception? Or you guys don't pay attention to like outside noise but also a lot of things you've got. Like, you're really good at walking on. Yeah, I'd say it starts off with like you kind

1:04:05of 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, there's no one thing I'm going to do to make this bucket full. It's a daily thing where I put one drop in it today. And you look back over a year, two years, three years, you look back and you're like, man, I've gotten a lot better. So like I said, I'm just very thankful for the unit. The guys that I have around me push me very hard. And I'm just thank you. Yeah, I'd say definitely the size component. You know, you can't, you got to be someone that's, you know, when you got to be big, you got to be strong, you got to be fast. There's a lot of jobs that you don't do. It's a very asking job. You need to buck the big, some of the biggest guys in the field. But also run routes off some of the smallest guys in the field. 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 from the pro scouts? Run routes, catch balls, show off. Yeah, no, there's a good opportunity.

1:05:09I think some of the big, you know, region of behind it, we're just kind of giving those guys out there that we're at, we're going to be at limited numbers. So just get out there and give those guys a breather. But even the opportunity to get to go out there in front of scouts, I think that's a pretty good deal. And you're taking the quarterbacks to this point. The quarterback battle is going on. What's been your take on Will, for example, get to know him. And then of course, David, I think the line said we have body around here is ironing, sharpening iron. So that's kind of like it's not just one room. It's from top to bottom, throughout this whole team. No matter what position you are, we're here to work. And I think we're all here to make each other better. Whether it's in a corner back room or tight in the room, we're running back room. Offense for his defense coach for his coach. It doesn't matter. We're all just iron and sharpened iron, especially this time of year in spring ball. We're not doing too much game planning for next week, which we're really just spending this time to get better and just build a good foundation for ourselves. It's something to work on room for. If you've seen 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 that. I mean, I know we've been here for a while.

1:06:10Yeah, I think I think I think I think I think it's time goes no matter where you are. You start to adapt and start to get used to what we have going on here. So it's good to have. Thanks. What's it been like? Yeah. I'd say when it comes to that, I think it's all the glory to the Lord. And I decided to give my life completely to the Lord a little over a year ago. And that kind of really changed my outlook on the way that I approach football. It's no longer something that I idolize. It's just something that I do. And I think from the time of my life where I stopped, you know, compartmentalizing who God was in my life. God wasn't just 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 the kind of things that I've started to embody on this on this journey. I think it's easy to kind of

1:07:12compartmentalize 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 joy with the guys around me. And so I'm just I'm thankful. I'm thankful to be here. But being quite honest, I just I know for a fact I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. And I know on the outside looking in, you know, I was like, you know, where are you right now? But I wouldn't be where I'm at, you know, right now if it wasn't for my, you know, relationship with the Lord, which really came into my life and you know, changed around for the better. Gee, what did you see from Bennett Christian last year? How do you know that suspension? Yeah. How do you work with that? Yeah, I think he did a great job. A lot of perseverance. I think that's no matter who you are, we're kind of hearing news like that. They'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 is throwing the towel and be like, man, you know, forget this or I'll get better next year. But I saw the drive-out and one thing I seen every day you showed up,

1:08:15he got better. I'm proud of Bennett and I'm proud of this unit. I mean, yeah, I don't know. I don't really know how to answer that question because if you go from one unit to another unit, the moment you trade units, you're no longer in the unit you are initially in. So you're now a tight end. So I mean, chance of that question, I think the time that I went from in the receiving unit to the tight end unit is the moment I became a tight end. No, no. Kevin Wilson was my coach. Coach Rolson was my coach. Coach Rolson was my coach. 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 could play tight end. And so now over the years, I've gotten better at playing the position. But the moment that I transferred over, I've been a tight end and I'm excited to be a tight end.

1:09:19Another position I would rather play. Little buckas. Thank you, G. Yeah, definitely. Me, Coach Walt, other DBs, you know, we did a great job, bringing BIA back for like two, three years now. And it's in a great place and great hands with Coach Walt and can't wait to see them boys play. No, I had not. You could play at a high level. We just got to continue to keep developing, continuing to just work on this confidence and continuing to just keep producing on the field and making sure that he prepares at a high level. And you know, he gets under the wing of Germain and Davidson and just continuing to elevate his game. Devon Sanchez, solid player. I only got the song to practice his really. You know, he just fresh

1:10:21out of high school. So I'm really looking forward to seeing him play. He heard a lot of good things about him. So excited to watch. I got to find a way to separate yourself. Whatever it is, give you watching film, getting extra working and just having that confidence knowing that you that guy. And yeah. And practice. Marvin Harrison. I feel like I could play all areas of the game. I could play inside. I could play outside. I could play off. I could fit in any type of scheme. I'm physical. I'm great run support. And I watch a lot of film. I have not spoken with the Steelers.

1:11:22Just continuing to mature as a corner. I've brought a lot in terms of just learning the game from the mental side of things, anticipating things, playing fast. I would say just continuing to keep working on his man press technique, continuing to keep evolving as a corner. And just continuing to have that confidence as you have and understanding that you are that guy. And just continuing to play the game at a very high level. And yeah. I see how you see him. Just him being a leader. Him being vocal. His decision making. And just leading that offense man. And he's done a great job. No, he won a national championship with him. So, um, Kudos to him.

1:12:30I say either Chris Olabe or JJ. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Means it means everything to me. Um, you know, we just stood on everything. We talked about, we went through the fire, came out of it. Um, and we went on one hell of a run. Oh, not at all. You know, we the buck guys. So, you know how I go. You know, I was a lot of games really. I said the national championship, uh, team of North game last year. Um, Maryland 23 Nebraska from this year. Really a lot of games. So,

1:13:35man, I wouldn't really say play. I would just say hosting that national championship trophy at the end of the day. Um, no better feeling than that. And you know, we remember forever in Ohio. So, it's awesome. Really just from the head down, understanding that, you know, as you continue to get older, your body starts to wear down. So just playing the game from a mental side of things and understanding that you've got to continue to keep preparing yourself, playing at a high level, always be available and consistency. Yeah, man, you know, it's part of the game, especially me playing corner. You know, and everything's going to be perfect. But, you know, even though you try to make everything perfect, just the matter just continues next next play mentality and um, continuing to keep pushing forward. What are your expectations to be? Oh, dog. Uh, I expected a lot out of him. Um, he gonna go crazy. Why why words?

1:14:44Uh, it was very important. Just, um, leave the room. You know, the blueprint that Coach Wal gave me, another blueprint that I came in as a freshman and, um, just being a four-year starter, being the number one guy for four years, and understanding that, you know, as BIA, there's a standard and, um, you guys got to continue to live that standard. No, I don't think so. Um, just him being in lead for 12 years, you know, him giving me the blueprint of, you know, what it takes to be. Um, a guy that's in a lead that's always accountable, that's always consistent, just sustainability and, um, how to play the game the right way and, um, how to move in his business. So, um, how's that gonna translate to the NFL and helping you on your rookie season? Uh, really just being comfortable and confidence. That's all that matters for you. Just being confident yourself, being confident in the scheme that she ran, how you play your role in the scheme,

1:15:44how other people are playing the role in the scheme and, um, just playing out a very high level and just believing in yourself always. Yes, I did. Yeah. How did you go? Maybe with Sean McDermott at the staff? Yeah. They went well, man. It was a great meeting. I walked some ball, talked a little bit and, um, really happy to build, happy as a former. Uh, the game was an anomaly. Um, just wasn't my day, um, but I wasn't who I am and, um, just had to keep it pushing. How did you, how did you, how did you process all that? Like, we've watched you for years and we do that. That's not true. Yeah. You'll be there to do that one. How did you process that? How long will you take me to find me? Like, okay, like, I'm not going to run for you. Um, the next week, really, that Monday, prior to that Tuesday practice, on to Nebraska. So, that's what it was. Got to charge you to the game and just continue to keep building on my craft, man, and just honing on the people around me. And that's it. The job's not really a big thing to me, man. I let the game so much, man. I just want to continue to keep playing the ball,

1:16:54playing football at very high level. I have a 10, 12 year, uh, football career. Everybody wasn't about revenge for me. It was really just about the team, mass-packing, understanding that we got the national championship right in front of us. So just the matter of just continuing to keep playing and just be yourself. That's what it was. Oh, that was, I was awesome. Probably one of the best things that I ever happened at Ohio State. Um, it's like a lot of teams really do that and really trying to get on the same page of everybody else and, you know, everybody hasht out there feelings, their emotions and come together at the end. Just the, the camaraderie, the love that we have for each other, the everyone cared. And that was what was really important and, um, glad that happened.

1:18:02Oh, definitely. Um, a lot of things that we weren't doing, um, a lot of things that we needed to do. Um, so just having that meeting, having that loss, even though we don't want that loss, but, you know, national champs now, so that's what matters. Uh, is that Purdue? Yeah. It was cool. You know, he, I don't, you know, I don't really guard like that, but late then, yeah, late then was guarding them and, uh, you didn't, you weren't making too many plays, but, um, late then he was doing his thing and, um, but he was giving us great looks and, um, great addition to our team. I think Julian, that guy to be honest with you. So, and Lincoln's, Lincoln's pretty good too. So, I'm great. I'm happy to, I'm ready to see this little matchup they're gonna have, but Julian is a great player, great zip on the ball, great pocket presence. Um, he's gonna have a good career.

1:19:12I mean, a couple of practices in money first guy here, just the way he's throwing the ball, how he's to himself, how he's a, you know, he's all about ball. I could just tell. Um, yeah. Hmm. Now I'm gonna say that he has a good arm, but, uh, I won't put nothing on him right now, but he's, uh, he's gonna be a great player. Not really vocal yet, um, but, you know, as he continues to, you know, being the building more, being around the guys more, um, get more experience. I feel like he'll start, you know, being more vocal and I feel like that's one of the things he could work on because he's really quiet. Yeah, man, uh, JJ, man, he's, he's a great player. Um, you know, he's blessed. And, um, if he continues to keep going at this level, he'd probably be one of the best to come to college. Uh, Cardinal Tate and Miley Graham. Yeah.

1:20:21Yeah. Yeah, he could be a great player. Um, me and him be going out a little bit in practice, but that's just me out of love just trying to continue to get him better. And, um, you know, he's quick, good hands, good casual ideas, um, good releases. Um, really excited for him in his fusion. Um, really depends on what type of guy you are. You know, for me, I wasn't, money don't really move me. It's all about the love of the game, but all the guys I feel like all this money that's coming in don't lose your passion, don't lose your love for the game. And, um, go to a culture that's going to, you know, build you and mold you and grow you into a man. And, you know, the money's going to come. Uh, yeah, definitely, but I ain't going to, you know, put him out like that.

1:21:34Um, what it takes to win a championship. That's probably the biggest one. No, I didn't. The variable? Yeah, I got some familiarity with him, but never really met formally. Freshman? Oh, no, I don't know. Yeah, for sure. He's a lot. He's a lot. Uh, winning on the building. Um, I feel like I had a great career. A lot of ups and downs. Once again, you got charged to the game, but I've been the number one guy. As soon as I walked into building for four years straight, um, never had a guy. Only had one guy over a hundred yards on me. My whole career. And, um, you know, I feel like,

1:22:36I'm, I'm staying cornering. I'm just continuing to keep evolving on my game. And, you know, helping to have a long NFL career. Uh, no, I had a phone interview with them, though. Yeah, a little bit. Um, I like it in McDonald, our Ville Reese. I feel like CJ Higgs. He's, he's going to be on the rise. I feel like this is his year. Um, sunny styles going to have a great year. Um, yeah, that's, that's who I, oh, and King out of Jackson. Hey, A plus, I mean, probably one of the best receivers off the board. One of the, probably the best receiver off the board. Um, yeah, he's a great player. Can't say,

1:23:36I can, you know, I can say, I can say everything about him, but, you know, how it is. You've seen him play. Um, I don't know. Because, you know, we got a new DC now. So, maverick was Lorenzo styles. So to your point, you know, I think that there is good depth there, but we're going to need them all. Is this is good depth as you've seen defensively in a few years? I mean, from your advantage. Um, at corner, yes. Um, I think we're still, for me to say that the best we've seen at all positions. No, I don't, I don't think we're there. Yeah. Yeah, but, but at corner and, um, you know, maybe a couple of other positions and then some other positions. We got to solidify a little better. Okay. Final question for coach Day Spencer, Holbrook, Letterman, Roe. Ryan, you've talked a lot about needing guys for 16, 17 games in depth, but one of the positions that we haven't talked about that with is receiver. Like, do you feel like you guys have the receiver depth that you need right now? And can those guys, those top four or five play all 16? Or do you need guys younger guys or veterans who haven't really contributed to step up?

1:24:39Yeah, I think it's a little bit of a question. Um, you know, I think when you, when you have, you have Mecca and Carnell and then Jayden Ballard, Jeremiah, I then you get into, you know, Bryson Rodgers, who has done some really good things in spring. I know we had a couple of tough plays today, but we think he can really help us next year. We're missing Brandon and his, Brandon is, um, same thing. He was having, you know, you know, a lot of momentum and then there was a procedure. We just felt like out of, out of caution. We had to get it done. We just didn't want it to linger. So we did that. So we'll need him to step up in a big way and then like you to your point, we're going to need a couple more guys to step up to build that depth there because, you know, we do have some really good players, but we're going to need them all. So I think it's, um, it's important that some of those younger guys do step up. We are going to get, you know, my own this summer and we're going to get, you know, uh, Damarian Witten, uh, who's going to play, you know, a little bit receiver, a little bit of tight end. So we do have some young guys and to your point, they're going to have to help us. Do you think that Jayden is in that group right now that that can't help you? I think Jayden took a step here last last week. You know, he'd been challenging him. There's been a couple plays one in particular. Like, you know, he needed to make some plays to say, okay, I'm here

1:25:43and you can count on me. There was a really contested play in the red zone that he made. He made a, you know, a big play on a post out here the other day. You, so you're starting to see him make those plays and, and if he can do that for us, uh, with his, you know, deep speed down the field, he can really stretch the defense. And so we're going to need him to and we, we did see things in the last couple of weeks to let us to believe that he can. I'm sorry, coach, I got one more Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch, and then we've got coach Noles. Ryan, as you look back on not just today, but all 15 practices and assess the impact that chips had for you guys. Is there something you feel like or just in general where he's helped maybe the most were his presence the last two months is giving you guys the biggest boost? Yeah, I think he brings one voice to the defense and I think that's very, very important. Certainly, uh, has an unbelievable history of running the football and, and, and I think when you start to tie in some of those quarterback runs and, you know, you notice those quarterback runs aren't designed quarterback runs really. Most of them are reading an end and those aren't polacious hits, you know, they're, they're, they're things where we're

1:26:44going to keep guys upright and he doesn't really good job of that. But the other thing too with, with chip was, you know, he got here just a couple weeks before spring started. So, you know, we kind of got the spring going, you know, pushed through the spring, learned about the personal. I think the next couple of months will be important to figure out where we go now. You know, what do we do? What does the install look in the preseason? And, and then we go from there. So, uh, like any, um, any spring you want to identify the personnel and get guys better and then really dive into the scheme and the chemistry as we head into the summer. Coach, thank, thank you. We're going to give them feedback for sure. Um, you know, and go from there. But yeah, I mean, I think we, we know after you go through 15 practices, you want to give feedback. Great. Coach, thank you very much. All right, folks, we're going to bring coach Jim Knowles up here and then after that, we'll have, uh, chip Kelly. We will open up the floor for coach Knowles over here

1:27:46to the right Dylan Davis. Delaware. Because that, hey, Jim, uh, Taiwan Malone is a guy who really flashed out there today. I'm just curious, where does Taiwan fit in your depth defensive line right now? It's a guy probably doesn't get talked about as much. But where does he fit in that right now? What, what, what have you seen from in the spring? He's developed for sure, you know, um, wasn't quite ready last year for a lot of reps. But he showed marked improvement. So, you know, long season, we play a lot of guys up front. Um, we really need him to come to come along and he showed flashes to that over to the left. Nathan Barrett Cleveland dot com. We've guys like, uh, Nathan and Malik and I guess Lorenzo also not being able to play. Um, and that's been, I guess, the case through most of spring. Just what did that open up for you as far as developing more depth that safety and how have you seen guys like, uh, Bonsu and McLean assert themselves this spring? Yeah, every situation like that gives somebody an opportunity. We were, our depth was really down

1:28:49at safety this spring. So because you had length and you had, um, jihad, you had, um, Malik and then Lorenzo. So it opened up opportunities and, um, Bonsu is a guy who really got a lot of reps and you saw him improve and then, um, McLean I think is a, is a great plus. I mean, he is a guy that has football intelligence. He's picked it up. You know, he's kind of of those incoming freshmen who still should be in high school. He's a guy I think you're going to point to and you can see right now he's going to be a player over to the right Austin Ward, the podcast. A healthy Mitchell Melton. How does he fit in for your defense? What does he bring to it? Yeah, he's, you know, Mitch is that combination player, you know, in, um, in our four down, um, you know, he's a guy that can do a lot of things, uh, drop, fold in there and make plays. You, you see some of that

1:29:52all the time. Really athletic, um, you know, we're kind of loaded at that end position. So he's going to play there. But, you know, like I said last year, we, we haven't needed it, but he's a guy you would point to along with CJ Hicks, you know, for the, for the long season, um, people get injured. You get a little light inside. It's always hard on the defensive tackles. But if you're going to play with, uh, three ends, you know, that's Mitch is a guy who definitely can do all that. He has that over to the left. Joey Kaufman, Columbus, dispatch. Jim, you've talked about this before, but I think in past years where you're going up against a really talented receiver group offense to encourage your players to, it's not okay if they give up the play and to go nearly almost the first half. Today where you, the offense didn't get them the end zone until the late in the second half. Just and you guys have guys down the second area. Just what, what did you think of that sort of trend and how it's evolved in the way you guys almost shut them out of the first half? Yeah, I think

1:30:55it's become, um, you know, an expectation now, um, you know, our DB's, you know, our BIA, best in America, we led the country in past defense, right? I think there was 96. What I, uh, what I got here and it was number one last year. So they've, they've taken that spirit. So it's a competitive spirit. It's an expectation now. It doesn't matter who we're going against. It's, it's, they, they view it as a standard. So that was good to see in the first, first half. Over to the right Spencer, Holbrook, Letterman Roe. Jim, we've talked about safety, changing the way that you play defense in the Leo and the linebackers, but how much does having the depth that you guys have a defensive tackle change the way that you can do things defensively? Yeah, I mean, you're going to play to your strengths, you know, and that's, that's my job. This is, is to what do we have and what do we do best? And when you have defensive tackles, um, but I've said it before, it helped our defense so much last

1:32:01year when you have defensive tackles that actually make tackles, which is what we have right now. It changes the way you call a game. You know, it certainly helps you be, um, in better shape on explosive plays on the back end. You don't have to do a whole lot to help those guys out because they're making tackles. So you got to go, you got to go with that, you know, you got to let those guys play and, and they're good. So, um, you can't get too far away from the scheme of having those defensive tackles make place because they're doing it and it works. Over to the left, Tony Gurdman, Buckeye Huddl. Jim Ryan talked about the quarterback run being more of a thing with the offensive sheer. During the season, how much of, when you're facing a team like that, how much does that impact your day to day throughout the week preparing for that? Yeah, it's a ton, you know, it, I think it changes everything you do on defense. Um, you see it everywhere from the NFL on down if you have a quarterback who can make plays with his feet. Your scheme better be designed

1:33:03that, you know, to, to take that away into account for it. So it changes the way you look at everything when you're game planning. Thank you, Donovan. Over here to the right, uh, Tim May, the Tim May podcast. Jim, you might be when I asked, uh, Ryan about just, for example, Calvin Simpson Hunt, but the, uh, corner seemed to be playing almost with the chip owner shoulder to a certain xtanami. Davis and Nick Benosin took the day personally. It looked like, you know, to make is some of the hype going into the game. But what, what do you see from that group in particular that, uh, Buie's you going into this off season? Yeah, when you can, when you have corners that you can count on, again, it's just like having defensive tackles in the run game. When you have corners, you can count on that are going to compete all the time, no matter what the situation is. And we've developed that again, it changes the way you call the entire game. I mean, you, you're able to leave those guys on an island. Um, you're able to switch up coverages and they know what

1:34:03they're doing and they take great pride in it. So, um, having those guys out there in the development, it's a big deal. It really is. And it's not jumping into the picture over the board. I mean, I just came in late back here. Yeah, I mean, he's, he did come in late and, you know, he compete, he's one of those guys that just competes every day, doesn't say much, you know, he's trying to live up to the standard of the other guys and you, you see him coming along, you know, you see him step by step coming along and, and, you know, put him in a, you know, competitive atmosphere, same step up. That's a great sign. And final question for coach Noles, Dan Hope, 11 Warriors. You mentioned CJ Hicks a few minutes ago. Have you seen him take the strides? You need to see the spring to trust him as a guy who could be a potential starter on his defense? Yes, I mean, I think CJ has shown that he has talent and I think it's my job to put him in the

1:35:04best situations for him because he can be a force. You know, he's much better when he's blood-saying or he's directed because he's able to use his athletic ability, but he has certainly shown that he's going to be able to help this defense coach. Thank you very much for your time. All right. And we will bring offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Chip Kelly to the podium now. We'll open up the questions over to the left Bill Rebenowitz Columbus dispatch. Hey Chip. What are your just general impressions of the offense coming out of spring, especially at quarterback? We'll look at all 15. So I think, you know, this day is a big part of it, you know, because it was the first time they were going to play some of those guys that were going to play in front of a crowd. And that was an amazing crowd. You know, you get 80,000 for a spring game. Now you could see some of the young guys kind of looking around like, wow, this is different than the indoor. But that's what they have to get ready to play in. So we got better from practice one to practice 15. You know, it's still an evaluation through the whole process,

1:36:09but it's not something in the players, though, that we're not making a decision walking off the field today, saying, hey, this is the direction that we're going in. We'll be very authentic and look through everything and make sure that we get a really good feel for what it all looks like and then who will best move this offense. That's what our decision is going to be based on. I do. I think we got a lot of guys there. That part's tough. I think because you got it, there's guys that deserve reps, you know, and they're all competing for it. So, you know, sometimes you'd like to be, sometimes when you had a guy who was in the initial starter, well, he's going to get the bulk of the reps, he got them better, but they capitalized on, we really rolled them, you know, if you were at some of our spring practices, you're watching all those guys rotate in, rotate out. And as we talk about all the time, you know, the old adage is don't count your reps, make your reps count. You know, when we'll put it all together and really come up with, you know, which guy do we really feel is going to make, going to help us move this offensively. Over to the far right, Bill Landis, the podcast, Kings of the North. Hey, Chip, you said when we first talked to you that the the basis of a lot of your success running the football is just kind of figuring out what your

1:37:10guys do best and then leading into that over 15 practices now. How good of a field do you think you have for that? And then what did the next few months look like as you try to piece that all together? Really good question. It's interesting because the one thing that I think sometimes makes it tough and an evaluation is what a good front we want to get. You know, so for 15 practices, those guys on the other side of the ball were pain, you know, Jack and JT and Tyleek and those guys. But I know come fall, there's not going to be anybody more happy that we have those guys on the defensive side of the ball because of what they can do. So I still think we'll have to really evaluate that, what we're good at, what we're not, what we got to get better at, what we got to work on. But I think the work we got against such a quality defense was really key for us. Over to the far left, Nathan Barrett Cleeland.com. So, a year ago at this time, it came out of the spring with still a lot of question marks about the offensive line. And even I guess that last season came out with question marks. How have you seen that progress in the time that you've been here and what's your confidence level that

1:38:13that offensive line's going to allow this offense to do, everything it wants to do this fall? Yeah, I mean, I've been here short amount of time, so I didn't know. I really don't have anything to compare it to. So I kind of tabular rassa come in with a blank slate and just observant. I think we're really athletic. I think Donnie and Seth and those guys inside are really smart and really intelligent. They allow you to be able to make adjustments in game. Just tuck and football, some of those guys, it's like, well, these guys are wired the right way. And a lot of those guys have played a lot of football. So they can bank on their experience there. I think we've got about four guys that have played significant amount of snaps and we've got to make sure we can find out who the fifth guy is. But that's similar to where the quarterback spot is, I think. And I also think in the offensive line, you're not going to play a 16-17 game season and just play with five guys. You really have to develop your depth there. There's going to be a number two center that's going to play a lot of football. There's going to be a number two guard, whether it's on either side of the ball. There's going to be a third tackle. I think you're going to get tested, especially in this new playoff format, you really have to think that way. So you're not looking for five

1:39:17starters. You're really looking for 10 starters because you're going to have to probably play 10 guys to get when you get through a 16-17 game season. Over to the right, Austin Ward, the podcast. I think it was the first play of the game, the T-Formation and then the reverse spin move with Will Howard. What's the inspiration for that package and that sort of rink of what the quarterback? Mr. Hayes. There's a looming figure around this whole program. We get to go to work every day and then Woody Hayes athletic center. So it was good enough for Woody. We're going to stay there. We're going to do it. We ran some last year. I think we took 21 snaps at UCLA and T-Fedish short yardage formation for us and we've done some different things with it. But I also, I think our players had a lot of fun practicing that and doing some different things. So it's a small part of our offense. We will not be in the T-21 times in one game, but we may get it in some short yardage situations. And I think it's come back. There's a lot of schools right now that are starting to do that. It's really just you're trying to, you got a half a yard to get,

1:40:21you're trying to get your big guys in the game. I think we use three tight ends and two running backs in our formation today with Packard being the full back in that situation. So there's a lot of different things you can do in short yardage, but a little bit of a tribute to Coach Hayes and what he means to this program. Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch, over to the left. Chip, did you look back? Now you've been here two months, 15 spring practices. There's something you feel best about what you've been able to accomplish with this offense? Well, I haven't accomplished anything because I didn't take a snap. But I think the most impressive thing since I've been here is how close close this football team is. You know, some programs talk about a brotherhood. This is really a brotherhood. Our practices, as we talked about, how good our defense is. They're highly competitive, but they're not combative. And those guys really work very, very well together, both the whole line in the D line, the secondary and the receivers. The competition is the, but it's got to be the best there is in the country. You know, and that makes you better. But I think sometimes competition, you know, guys can lash out and it gets really combative and then all of a

1:41:24sudden the fight breaks out and the fight breaks out and we're trying to accomplish and get footballed them. But I think the way these guys cooperate and work together as a group is a special bond. And I think you're going to need the closest team and the most connected teams on the ones that win. Over to the right here. Andy Baxter, Letterman, or all. Chip, obviously there's been a lot of talk about Jeremiah, but Ameca is the big return in this group. He kind of reminded everyone what he can do today. What's it been like working with him and what kind of weapon can he be for you guys? Good point. And Ameca has reminded me and the other 14 practice sessions of what he can do. Special player, you know, and and and JJ's a really talented player also. But you know, I think I think all of the whole group a carnal tape, it's some really good things watching him this spring. And for all of them, you know, I mentioned it with the offensive line. I came in with a blank slate and I had no opinions formed. Not that really just why I didn't just observe them, but you know that I think that wide receiver is really special. And I think there's a bunch of guys in there. And again, when you have to play multiple multiple games after the regular season is over, you're going to

1:42:25make sure you're going to need depth like that. And the fact that it's you feel a little bit comfortable right now that we got some guys there that can make some plays in the perimeter. And that really dictates how people are going to defend you. You know, so you got a couple really good running back, you know, so are they going to load the box? Are you really going to load the box and leave those guys in one-on-one coverage? Well, then it's the quarterback's responsibility to decipher that and get the ball to those guys. So we're do they at least a double coverage. They list a double coverage. And now it's a little bit lighter boxing. You can run the ball. So having too many weapons is a good problem to have. Second roll left, Pat Murphy, 24-7 sports. Chip, we've talked a lot about kind of the quarterbacks maybe vying for the starting spot. But some of the younger guys, what have you seen from them? We got an opportunity to see more of them today than we probably have. What's your assessment of them as they kind of get in this? I always am so impressed with young guys that enroll early in watching how they get acclimated in what they do. You know, when you look at Julian and Air and J.J., you know, they should be in

1:43:28the hot lunch line of their high school. And they're out here playing in front of 80,000 people. And they've really progressed when you watch them in meetings and listen to them and they interpret, you know, so basically the whole concept here is we throw them in the deep end and see if they can swim. You know, this, we didn't baby anything. We don't put the install in with, hey, you guys are in, we're in install, this, with the older players. And then you guys, you know, go sit at the kitty table and we're just going to do the really simple things with you. You know, they get it all. And the more they can digest, the more when you're in a room, when you're checking for understanding and asking questions, and they can spit back to you the more confidence you have when they get in there with the plays that you can call for. So, um, those guys have been in process. They're still learning, you know, they were the, the guys today that were kind of looking around and saying, wow, there's like 80,000 people here, along with the offensive coordinator and the quarterback coach, because I was kind of looking around because I had actually never been in this stadium until yesterday when we had our 14th practice in there. So I played Ohio State

1:44:28once when I was at Oregon, but that was in the Rose Bulls. I had never been actually in the stadium until yesterday. So I caught myself when I went into the stadium today looking around saying 80,000 for spring game. That's impressive. Got time for just a few more folks over here to the right Dylan Davis. Delaware Gazette. Given what you just said about throwing them into the deep in, what stood out the most about Julian's progression through 15 practices and where he is as you guys head out of spring? Julian is a very fast processor. You know, he really thanks very, very quickly on his feet. Like he makes really quick decisions. He doesn't stick on and read. He can progress and any ceasing is really well for a young player, you know, and not having been exposed to a lot of college defenses and especially what Jim does. You know, Jim can make, Jim can make a young freshman quarterback cry with some of the stuff he does, but you know, I never saw that with Jules and I, I, I, I, that's been in press of his, his ability to retain and

1:45:28you know him and JJ, the compliment I would say to him is if you got here and you didn't know what class they were in, you wouldn't say that those guys are freshmen in terms of how they've picked things up and, you know, sometimes freshmen, act like freshmen, but the guys who are special, they don't act like freshmen, you know, they act like football players and those are two guys that are, are examples of that. Far left. Cameron T. Robinson, the athletic chip, you, on the topic of freshmen, James Peebles and Sam got around the second half. You talk about how deep you need to be in this era of college football, but as you search for RB3, what did you see from them today and what is, what has their growth been like in this spring? Yeah, James really flashed early for, for me, not knowing again, kind of, let's just take, don't worry about what the background is, whether from who they are, the this guy of this stars, that's kind of that stars, it's, they're all back eyes and there's how they do it. I think James has got really good feel and vision. He can hit things. I thought Sam did some really good things today. T.C. is another guy who really came

1:46:29along during the spring and work constantly talking in our staff meetings about depth. We're very cognizant of the fact that the playoff situation has changed, so you have to develop that depth, you know, used to be maybe have a parent of spare, it was what everybody says, but I think you may have to have more than not, you know, you're talking about 16, 17 games. You're, you're really going to be tested that way, so I was really happy with how those young guys have come along here in the 15 training sessions that we've had. Oh, over here to the right, Tim May, the Tim May podcast. Thank you, Jerry. You have your own podcast? Yeah. Like these guys all have like a name next to their, your name. Okay, let's work on Tim. He must have some juice if you got, you got your name in your podcast. Definitely. Okay. By the way, I like it. It's not just the lunch last, the hot lunch last, last while I was. Yeah, it's a hot lunch line. Yeah. Just too quick. He's number one. Do you feel compelled to let these quarterbacks know where they stand? You know, it's coming up Tuesday, you know, to me, they're, yeah, you know, where does that go? I mean, in your

1:47:30mind, yeah, we're all sit down as a staff and visit me on it and then nine, I mean, he does an unbelievable job of, I think all our players understand where they fit and what, what the picture is, and we'll give them our assessment. This isn't, you know, we're not going to come back, but we do it after every day. They know where they stood after practice. One after two, after three, after four, we grade everything. They're getting constant feedback in terms of where we are and then after 15, which we had today, but we can't do it unless you watch the film and can really look at the the things because you may see something, but you're on the sideline. You know, why did he make that decision? Well, I couldn't really see the field safety from where he was. Okay, now I understand why he made that decision. So, you know, what, what, what, what, what, what, meetings with all our players and that's, that's always been the method. So this week during, you know, between Monday through Friday, we're all scheduled. No one's going on the road to recruiting until after that, but we're all a player meeting. He said every position, you know, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker safety is everybody. Everybody's going to sit down with their position coaches and know where they fit and where we see them. But do you feel a pressure with the, with the transfer

1:48:32portal looming? I mean, you've been a head coach for a long time. I mean, is that on your mind at Tuesday? Yeah, I think it's where you got the where of it. I'm 100 percent and I don't think it's pressure. But I think you just open lines of communication and everybody knows, you know, which, what your evaluation was through the training sessions that we have. Guys, we got to have, we got real quick. Last two questions, Dan Hope and then Rob Aller. I feel like you need to have a starting quarterback named by and whatever the biggest things you're going to be looking for between now and then and determining who that guy's going to be. Well, between now and whatever, then is we're not allowed as coaches to go back out and practice with him, you know, and in college football, you get 15 training sessions in the off season and then they'll go back to work and with Mick in the in the weight room and getting bigger, getting faster, getting stronger. They'll have organized activities themselves and they do a really good job of that. But once there's a football out, like we're not allowed to be there to evaluate and even assess. So they're really,

1:49:32from a football standpoint, on their own until August. So you always want to do it earlier. But I also believe every time I've been involved in this is that it kind of happens organically and authentically, you know, because the players know. And if you say, hey, we decided we're going to be with Joe and they all think it's Tim, you know, they know, they're in the locker room with them every day. Players understand, you know, who they feel is the guy and most of the time, it the decision is very obvious, you know, when you just say, hey, this is where we are with it, you know, but there's that timetable thing. I don't I can't give you an exact timetable on that. So Rob, Chip, you talked about Julian, but typically in your experience, you've done again, like Tim said a long time, how long does it take for the game to slow down for a young QB? I think it depends on the individual, you know, I've had some kids where early, you know, you were like, wow,

1:50:34Marcus Murray, I was like that. Remember vividly second practice and he got to the fifth read in the progression and threw it out here in his big game. And I asked him, why I do it all, I asked why, because I just want to understand it. And I said, why did you do that? And he goes, I don't know what we call that defense, but there was like a lot of guys over there. And they didn't seem like there was anybody over there, but for him to process at that time, he was right. And he came back the other day, and that was cover 60 other day coach, I learned what you guys call the coverages, but it all happens differently. I've got guys that for two years seem like they're just, you know, they're really struggling and then the light bulb goes off and you know, whoa, like they got it. So everybody has different learning styles, you know, our job in the evaluation process is to identify those learning styles. So, you know, they cognitively learn, they're an auditory learner, you know, do they learn by field? Is it more a field guy, you know, a more film guy, you know, it's all different. And I think we have to keep poking and prodding in, in, in, for us as coaches, that's the challenge too, is what is their best learning

1:51:38style? And how can we convey it? Because education basically is just a transportation of knowledge, but it really doesn't matter what I know or what Ryan knows, it matters what they know. So that's, that's always kind of what we're working on and studying and thinking about and kind of where we are and how much can they handle and then how much is too much, you know, because this may be a great play. I agree 100 percent, but if he don't feel it's a good play, then why is it in, you know, I mean, and that's, that's this whole feeling of process that we're all, they're learning us and we're learning them. So, I have identities, so do coaches really? Running quarterbacks, that's something you've always sort of lean toward or is it year by year case by case, what advantages do you like about? Because all your guys can run a little bit. Yeah, I think a running quarterback causes problems for defense. So when, when plays break down, the unscheduled plays, you know, if you just go back to the recent Super Bowl, on that last drive, the two big plays were my

1:52:38home's run, but Patrick my home's another runner, Andy's not calling design quarterback runs for Pat, but when the defense matches up and plays two men and turns their back to the quarterback, well, maybe the best decision is to take off. The second one he took off, I'm like, he may score. A lot of guys go and they want a hook side, you know, and there's times where you have to understand if you do have a running quarterback, if we talk about the best ability, the best ability is availability, you know, you're not lowering your shoulder and taking people on, but we are always looking for quarterbacks that have the ability to run. We're not looking for running backs that can throw, you know, so you're not going to see us 20 times a game, we're running the quarterback and there are people that run offensive styles and are really successful with it, but with this group we have right now that's not. Now they can hurt you with the feet, we'll did it when he was at case eight, you know, obviously Devin took off a couple times today, air took off a couple times today, Lincoln's a really, really good athlete, Julian can run, but, you know, we're not calling design quarterback runs, you know, you're not going to see, you know, a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Hayes and the legacy that he left here,

1:53:41this straight tee is about as far as we go, we are not going single wing, so we are not going to snap and run quarterback ice on quarterback power, so, but it is a, it's another weapon, you know, and if it also keeps defense is honest, you know, if your defensive end is going to continue to bend from the quarterback closing, he's on the edge and he's gaining first downs, well then the defensive end has to stay outside and contain the quarterback, well then we can run the ball up and hand the ball off. Sometimes in our running game our quarterback really is a blocker, he's responsible for a defender, if the defender was cheating and fitting in on the run, well then his responsibility is to make, make the defense be honest and that's really air did that a couple times today, and we had a block, the safety was taken, his face in there, so air took off around the edge, what happens in next play, the defense is wider, then what do we get to do, we get a chance to hand the ball off to the running man. Great, Coach, thank you so much for your time and thank you for being a buck eye. All right, thanks. You know, we're very, very excited right now and it's a fun group to be around every day, Coach Mix been doing a great job and you know, some of the workouts we've had this summer, but now as we head into the preseason camp it's going to be critically important to build the

1:54:44foundation. Every year, you know, you you rebuild the team, you don't just you know jump back to where you were the year previous and you know, we're going to work really hard to have a physical preseason camp and build that foundation is that's going to be what's going to be the difference in the end. So Denzel Burke is one of the first guys that are here. Denzel has already had a tremendous career at Ohio State and made that decision like one of the other guys to come back and play his senior year. Denzel has already played a high level of football, but he's going to be one of the best corners in America. He's shown great leadership. He's made great strides as a player, but also just in his maturity. We're talking on the the plane ride over here about how you approach preseason camp a lot different now in his point of his career than he would as a freshman and he's much more intentional with everything he does and I think it gets a chance to be the best corner in America next season. Omega Buka can't say enough about who Omega is. Omega is an old soul since he's been

1:55:47here. He's been a warrior. He has his degree. He had to make his decision on whether he wanted to go to the NFL or not. He decided to come back with a degree in hand and you know we didn't get a chance to see the best version of him last year with his ankle injury, but we're seeing it now and he's always been a leader. He had been a leader since he walked in the building as a freshman, but now he gets an opportunity to do that as a senior. And then last is Jack Sawyer. A lot of people lead different ways. Jack leads by his actions. It started off by being one of the first guys to commit to me in the class as a head coach, but also and then recruiting that class but also deciding to come back this year. He was one of the first sat down with he and his dad Lyall and said they have unfinished business here and they started to get the guys to come back and build that that group together that wanted to come back and leave a legacy behind. And so you know being a buck guy means a lot to him being from Ohio and you know he's going to continue to lead. He's playing his best football at the end of the season and we'll continue to do

1:56:48how to grade off season. So these three guys are here that they're unbelievable representatives of representative to Ohio State and proud that they're part of our team. You know the last thing I'll just say and then I'll put up the questions is just that you know our focus is on this preseason. It's the next step and you know share a lot of coaches will say it you can't really you know focus on what happened in the year before. You can't get too worried about what's coming down the road but we don't know there's a lot of you know noise and a lot of hype around this team and what we can't do is you know let those distractions you know grab our focus from what we need to do day in and day out. We know it's going to be a long season but we got to have a great preseason. We got to have a physical preseason. We got to lay that foundation for what's going to come as we head throughout the season but you know we're very very excited about our guys. We have great experience in that locker room and some great talent but it's going to take more in town. It's going to take all the no talent issues to get to where we want to be and reach our goals. So I appreciate everybody and we'll open up the questions on your last question.

1:57:52Dave Biddle 24-7 Sports Highline. Over here. I want to ask you about your offensive line entering camp. How do you feel about your O-line overall entering camp and then in addition to that who do you expect will be your right guard or who are the guys competing there at right guard? Yeah as you know the O-line has been the area that we've been really you know locked in on I think that coming out of the summer that their bodies look different. I think you'll see them next week. You know we have some of those open camps. Our days of camp that they look good mixed on a great job of them. They've had a good good summer but we know how important that is. I mean you know this team is going to go as the offensive line goes. This team is going to go as the defensive line goes and so we know how important the offensive line is going to be. So I think that some guys have really stepped up Josh Breyer to me. He's had an unbelievable summer. Donnie's been much a leader. When it comes to that right guard position I think you know you're going to see you know Carson Hizmian and Seth you know they're both can swing between center and guard but then Tecgras Chabola is someone that has had another another guy stepped up and had a good summer Luke

1:58:57Montgomery. We feel like we have some decent guys in there that can you know fill that role but we got to go put it on the field now and see how this training and everything that's happened this summer is going to translate to being on the field. On your right side. Hey Ryan Dylan Davis-Dillard Gazette. I know you've talked about Debt that receiver being a big part of what you need to accomplish in the preseason I guess. Where do you fill your out with that Debt and behind a mecca who's kind of starting to emerge and that four to five member group. Yeah it's a great question. I feel like we have a good you know we're kind of top heavy there and then okay where is four five six and seven. Brand in us you feel Brand in us when you're out there. So this is going to be a great opportunity for him to do that. You know Jay Ballard is another guy who's been in the program a while we need him to step up and make an impact he's down the field threat with great speed and again this is something that's been in our program now and I think that's another part of this team that we have is you know two three four these guys have been in the year

1:59:57and the program for a while now so there's been a lot of built up you know springs and summers and practices and development along the way and so we need we need JB to step up and he's been charged with that challenge along the way. Bryce and Roger is another guy that gives us some play and ability in the slot you know he's got bigger he's got stronger he needs to continue to play that way because he has the ability to run routes and get open against anybody in the country in my opinion you know co-doing it to somebody that has to step up as well and then we have some other young guys in there that have an opportunity to do that so you know that that four five six and seven is going to be critical and you know solidifying the wider seabird depth but that's going to have to happen this preseason. Nate Tim May over row on three dot com. Right I'm just wondering if you have you told your team to embrace these expectations for this season and number two in your mind

2:00:59how legit are these expectations? I think anytime your your Iowa state you know we know you're going to have expectations but you know there's always going to be chat there's always going to be noise and it's our job to to block all those things out and just focus on what really matters and I think especially this time of year the easiest thing to do is focus on you know the goals focus on the end of the season but that's really is a waste of time if we don't build the foundation right now. Now our guys they know what the expectation is you've heard some of them say you know what what what their goals are we're not going to shy away from that you know we want to when the rivalry game be right in this this stadium right here when this big 10 championship when a national championship you know we know that but at the same time like that can't be our focus because that's that's a distraction from where we are right now and so where this season goes and what this team looks like is going to look a lot different than it did last year and this is a new journey we've got to rebuild that to get to where we need to be and that's our last last winter but the next step is now in preseason and so you know we know the expectation next but every time you know I've

2:02:04you know gone into a season at Ohio State I guess this is going to be my eighth season now you know six is the head coach you expect to win every game that's just what it is and if you don't think that's the case try to lose in a game at Ohio State I mean you're you're expecting to win them all so that's not new we embrace it in recruiting and we want to make sure that those type of people are in our program Ryan Jimmy Jimmy Watkins Cleveland dot com in delegating play calling duties to chip obviously that's going to change your your perspective on the game day change your responsibilities on game day a little bit how how might that change the way you manage games on a situational basis well I think this year there is a change with two minute warning I think that needs to be something that we take into consideration you know just how the games are going to change at the end of the end of the game but but other than that you know I feel like you know I've always had a pretty good handle on that so going into each game we'll have a game plan in place you know chips here for a

2:03:10reason to run the offense but I think it's my job as the head coach to look on the horizon and figure out what's coming and in this conference you know have experience of what what's coming down the road the games we need to win how we need to win also with the type of players that we have so that'll kind of be my input in the offense knowing you know what we're doing and the great thing for for he and I is you know we see things the same way and we've been in the same offense together in our careers so I think there'll be a lot of that but chips one of the best offensive minds and you know the history of college football in my opinion and he's a great play caller so you know he's got to do that he's just got to go and get a feel for for our guys and let them call it but in terms of the management of the game and everything it allowed me an opportunity to be on both sides of the ball including special teams and have a great feel for that and making those decisions. Hey coach Mike Regalato Bruin report online sticking with chip last few years I've been able to see his innovation and his creativity with players aside from that how is that

2:04:12are you to see what he can do with this team and what else does he bring to your to your program? Well I think when you when you look at any offense what you're trying to do is you're trying to figure out what plays maximize the guys you have in the locker room you know chip has a background of doing things a lot of different ways I think everyone immediately goes to the spread offense and you know when he was at Oregon and some of the no-huttle stuff but you know he's you know he's you see a lot you saw him do things with three tennis is a game you know before that you know there was a lot of two back stuff there's you know there's a lot of different versatility in his background and so I think the idea is all right what fits our guys it starts with the quarterback and then it goes with the offensive line the running backs the receivers and how that all gets put together I think he would tell you he's very excited about what he has you know in terms of the town level you know on the perimeter up front the running backs the quarterback options the tight ends so that's the journey that we're on you know what is it that fits that and then it's my job is the hate coach to make sure it fits complimentary football across the board and that the offense is

2:05:15complimenting the defense and so in terms of the second part of your question you know what he brings you know for me turning it over you know I really wanted to have somebody that you know had head coaching experience now you know never thought that you know you'd have somebody that was a head coach the way he has been in college and in the NFL and that background and so it it allows me a little you know more of a piece of mind and certainly a lot of trust there I mean I trust jive with my life and that's a big part of anytime you're you know handing something over like that you've done you know you're almost your entire career coach Ryan Day thank you so much for your time all right thanks guys all right this concludes the opening media session with our coaches podium sessions on the south under the field the outs inside here for coaches and student athletes will begin at 1 to 15 p.m

2:06:17say hey okay not only within games can we keep guys fresh right but can we do that so that when you get to the last few games in the season that act that are the big ones right the ones that you're judged off of when you get to the game are we healthier and I think that's it's kind of a full a full fan right so I'm still confident with five guys and and that's going to be a week to week you know what I mean by these guys know I think honestly who start to be weak to weak if you display during the week of practice that you're locked in and somebody else has a bad mental week well I can't reward you with starting if you have six mental errors during the week you know what I mean just because you started last week so I think it's got to be that iron sharp inside your constant competition through the whole fall I always felt when I was here that they were trying to outroot me which is the reality right yeah which is why it prepares you so well for the national football that's why Ohio State prepares you so well for league because

2:07:20now it's like they're trying to outjaph you and so I use that as fuel but I also thought firsthand you know like there was a season where it was John Kerr market-freeman certain guys rotating week to week and so I thought like should if it happened to them it could happen to me so I just tried to be a certain way in practice like I tell the guys all the time you have to control the things that take no talent you have to eliminate all loves like if you if you if you loaf on the field you're a trader like you should just go play for their team like that can't you can't be coaching effort and then you can't have mental errors because if you have a mental error then you can't trust you so those are the two things I always have the player was like all right you're not going to catch me loaf and you're definitely not going to catch me not knowing what I'm supposed to do I might get beaten and that's that's inevitable it's football everyone got scholarship right but those two things you can control everything I think I think it's just the end you know we haven't we haven't done like any of my series you know so we know he can tackle and all

2:08:21that but I think it's just the repetitive grind of a football game from in the box the constant and he's been he's been willing so far you know what I mean as far as his hand placement has been good you've been rolling the strike he's tough so it's just continuing to to have him challenged to there's plays right now where he's seeing it for the first time from a will backer so the next time he sees that maybe throw catch tackle is at the intersection you know what I mean because he's seen it before from that perspective everything he's seen before this has been from top down off the shelf right so now it's dropping back that'll be driving so he's made great progress and um I'm really happy with with how son he's done James looking at recruiting it seems like it's going really well for you obviously you can't talk about specific recruits but just overall how you feel like that's going and uh are you enjoying your food I am I am enjoying I think it's it's fun to to build relationships and get to know so many different types of kids you know um Ohio State presents opportunity right in so many different ways you're not going to get developed

2:09:26better anywhere else in the country you have the largest fan base largest in love night makes this opportunity everywhere right so you try to just explore like explain your passion for the school that did so much for you you know especially being an out of state kid not being from Ohio and then realizing how much Ohio State changed my life and so now you communicate that to other young kids who kind of see it and you try to tell them the vision like where do you can get to and I think the fun thing for me is that most of the kids I'm recruiting are way more athletic than I ever was so it's like I tell them if I can the only way I survived in the NFL eight years was the fact that I had football intelligence like I knew where I was going you know what I mean I knew we're all spitting and so now if I can impart that information on kids who are extremely athletic when I hear now you got something special you know I mean how much of you guys have already talked about the long season and I think the playboy guys well I think yeah you're gonna have to have

2:10:29that's just a reality right it's a longer season there's more games and there's no excuse out of place like here like if you're all I'm playing with a maybe a guy who was third or fourth up you know matter you know like you got to be ready to go so I think depth is is crucial at all of the vision because injuries are gonna happen there's part of football you know you never want to wish it upon anyone and you're certainly not but it's just you can't be naive to think that you're gonna have every single starter healthy for the whole season you talked about your mentality as a player and then you're recruiting different players than you were how do you how do you marry that when they may not have the same mentality that you need it but you want them to happen well you figure that out when you get to know them and there are certainly some kids that you start to recruit to where you see like you know it Ohio State might be too big it might be too big for them you know what I mean and so it's not for everybody you have to want to come in and compete against the best and realize that you have to win every single game to be the

2:11:31best in the world of what you do that's the expectations that Ohio State and that's certainly not for everyone and that's okay but you have to through the process kind of find out who has that mentality who really craves football you know like who craves football versus a lot of the other fluff that comes kind of comes with it who craves ball because when they crave football then the other stuff will take care of itself right and we'll just keep getting better and better and better if they want to be the best yeah that's I mean that's I think that's your job as a recruiter is you got to figure out what's the mindset of the kid and are they are they serious about football and you have to talk to the people that are around them and you got to figure out talk to coaches you just got to try to figure out like who loves ball and the NFL they do the same thing right now they're attending the massive amounts of money and they're saying okay well we're gonna get this person money as a change their motivation or they still love ball so now it means and college is the same thing like who who actually wants to be the best or who just likes the attention that comes with playing football James I've already talked about it but

2:12:33he told a little bit of the elevations from our bell from end of the lesson obviously missing time last year with the injury but where he's at now versus the expectation that he had to move his brain our bells I mean show a lot of progress you know most most importantly you know mentally with the playbook and everything I think our bell last year there was a couple things right because of injuries on the D line and camp you know he moved the end for a little bit and then we brought him off the ball and then he had an injury and he kind of missed some time he wasn't an early mid-year you know so he comes in right in the summer and so he missed some reps there so the see where he's at right now is extremely impressive and for a guy of that size and that much power and his ability to run he's a he's a special athlete and so our bell is had a good spring he's got to continue to dive into the playbook and got to continue to to learn all the little things and as you go right like week one we two start seeing new schemes new schemes things build and it becomes kind of a lot he's just got to continue to comb through it all because

2:13:33athletically you know he's one of the most gifted guys that we have in the room. I know NIL probably makes you as good as I think. What has changed in the time that you've been recruited to now that you're with me and like are there fundamental differences you've noticed now I think I think it still comes down for the most part like NIL is certainly an aspect for some for some it could be the most important thing it's always a factor but I think you still just need to find out who are the kids that love football and they want to be developed and it's about the relationship to an extent like a relationship gets you to the final stretch. For some kids NIL might be the thing that pushes them over the top I mean I don't know like every kid is so different right I try to view it as you're just building relationships and are you going to get a young man to trust you to develop them into not only the player that they want to be but the person that they want to be in the future and can you convince mom and dad that you're the right person to to do that you know what I mean so I think one of the things that

2:14:33is helpful is my playing experience I think you know when you've played and you've done it and the drills that you're doing you know that they work you're not going to waste your time on stuff that doesn't work and then the fact that you know I am blessed to be at my alma mater you know if there's no sense of trying to leave here you know and they have the question I get a ton is what do you see yourself in five years I'm like where I'm sitting my alma mater you know my my kids love it Columbus obviously I love Ohio State so I think those are things that can kind of be an advantage okay I know okay I'm even working up you know kick off and punch teams as well and look down this like for you and try to get involved with that thing yeah it's awesome maybe I I love it because it gives you an opportunity to coach the the whole team you know what I mean like special teams in a spot where the whole team probably minus the quarterbacks right is is all in one team room in one meeting room so you get to actually directly impact other positions and just your own and I think it also gives it gives a little bit of urgency to your own room like

2:15:36when you're in there every single time you better be making an impact on pun if you're a linebacker you better be making an impact on kick return or on kick off kick off return punt return all those things you better be making an impact right because your coach is in you know play my weekend and I'm not fully sure what how that's going to look like yet but you know we're going to be ready for it fires on the side of it all the time one of the games is going to be one day and he's the coach not in fire if he can't go for you but you get a sense of pressure I mean he's gone through so much I don't think he deserved any of the any of that stuff he's gone through but you know he's he's our leader like no matter what he's always standing in front of the team and he's he's taking all the heat and taking all the bullets for everybody else so you know if we can get this done for him it'll be it mean everything because he's got through so much he's a wonderful leader and I mean throughout all the adversity we've

2:16:38gone through especially injury wise I mean he's been he's been a person that he could always look to he sees always confidence he's always upbeat and you know he was really big this past week too we're just like rallying the guys and making sure everyone is still focused on the mission and I can't say enough good things about him he's a great dude I mean one thing I like about him he he just I was I think he says tough in that pocket you know I know it's tough guys running all the field trying to come and attack you but he's he's always stayed tough in there and he's he's ready to make it make a throw or whatever it takes to to keep off and going and he just I feel like I just get confident when I watch him out there so well Kiel Daza thinks that Dork Award finalists are not mistaken it's been released here in the last couple of minutes but what have you been most impressed by about this young guy he had like grown up conversations with him when you talk to him how would you describe your interaction with him and what he has brought obviously oh yeah he's he's super wise beyond his

2:17:39ears I mean he's still he's softener right now but he's like he's a he's a knack for the game he's knack for just I guess like experience and everything so I mean he's he's a unique player and I mean we're so thankful to him because he brings another like coach like mindset to the team and I mean he's he can't really say enough good things about him either because he's a wonderful player is he ever learned to see before play hey I think this is what's coming I mean I mean how if it does happen or doesn't no I mean that's not only as common just because it's sometimes he's loud and everything but you know I think that's where our coach knows is really good because he'll put us in a heart call to prepare for a certain situation because you said he wouldn't be with you you know 100% I mean that that uh you got here early and such a big impact we're developing

2:18:40yeah like you said I think I heard last year had like a amazing impact species as a person but yeah I mean it would it would feel pretty good just both of us in the same class that had been to stand kind of impact it's a bit like watching bright hard like and stepping to his role what do you think of his offense um I like I feel like he's more aggressive uh but I like it he still does a great job coaching himself even though he doesn't maybe have as much time but I do feel like he's though that's a great job with us understanding he has to do with us and the whole offense catering to them he talked about other guys how much of an impact other coaches make helping to keep track of the receiver real and the scanners and I needed some of the older guys yeah I feel like coach Jordan man the older guys the veteran room will be a good job of stepping up when coach hard is not available I'm I feel like coach Jordan did a great job people my first back or last year um just having extra meetings with him outside of our already meetings having extra

2:19:42meetings with him just learning more just taking away from him I felt like he he's been going to great jobs it's like I heard I think they're solid up I took on a receiver with the set yeah I think they're solid I like all of them um I feel like they all they all can grow definitely and they all like I expect I know what they're feeling because of what because of how I just got here last summer but I feel like they're all doing a great job you got to remind some of those guys you know just because we've been here a longer does it work too much further ahead than you guys yeah well yeah kind of but I'm not really considering myself like a young guy anymore since I've been here throughout the summer and the season like I kind of just trying to prepare myself to be a bit almost we're not really a younger guy but I do try to be like a veteran type of person to the young guys when did that start when did you when did you stop feeling like I say really just just the upcoming of the spring and the winter I'm gonna feel like I like I learned a lot as

2:20:43the in season last year with the team and that like I could say I would have a big role and just take a bigger step with the team and also so I don't want to just get some myself like anymore right Saturday's practice seems like the competition between the receivers and the foreigners is so kind of seeing what just how talented those sides are just what would have been thought of that quarterback room and the way that they battle they see as the crowd is yeah yeah yeah it's always like that the IA does there I mean they're local I mean it's always like that even when people aren't here to see like we go back and forth that almost like every day in practice so I mean it's not new to us just a standard of the IA for some suits that's it we're just the best talker I'll probably say I just here to take me they both did after you feel like the return game is a place you can make them back this year yeah I do I do feel that way I have did a little bit of a permuterning with some of our returners um draw the spring I feel like I could impact it how much easier you forward to being in the shoot Saturday being part of the offense really for

2:21:43the first time as a partner yeah I'm excited um just to actually get the step foot and actually get rolling in the suit it'll be a great feeling I'm pretty excited for it you put yourself in the position to play that means going hard every play that means going through your plays every night so I mean he's coming to his own like I said earlier just playing a lot faster I feel like I'm more calm out there I feel like the moment isn't too big I feel like um getting bigger throughout the throughout the year and when I was hurt um definitely helped me I think the great thing about Caleb is he's such he's such like a likable person a likable teammate a great teammate um he helped he'll help you he'll help any of the teammates um he's definitely he

2:22:45definitely knows what he's doing he's a great player um and for me he just pushes me to be better every day I think with you with your room being so stacked as this you guys think that there could be the opportunity though for you guys to all see quite a bit of playing time throughout the season and not just you know towards the end of games mop up doing playing time but like some real meaning for reps I think that our room definitely has a lot of great players but as far as playing time like that's a question for coach knows well I mean if you guys kind of been prepping for that though throughout the club camp maybe switching in and out and and really kind of seeing a lot of room to action um we're definitely we're all getting like reps at each spot so like it's not just a just our band anymore it's not just it's not just you're here you're there we're all playing different positions we're all learning different techniques so it's making each one of us more versatile so how comfortable do you feel about strumming? I feel comfortable in any safety swap so it's I mean the more reps you take the the

2:23:50easier it is and I played both safety spots last year so it's not really that big of a transition what are the differences between the two spots that you have to be used to? um honestly this year they made it so they're kind of they're I mean they're both they're both you have to do each thing in both spots so like you have to come down and make tackles at bandy you have to come down and make tackles at adjust their own obviously it's boundary and feel so that the spacing is a little different but I mean you have to do everything I'd both say these I mean what's different what's different this camp compared to last camp for you for me personally I feel like I have I developed a better routine I feel like I'm more mature and um what I'm doing and I feel like just go out there and play and have fun I think that's the biggest thing for me don't don't get too caught up on the last play what have you added or what have you approved to your routine um I think just getting here earlier and at times last year you know when it's hard to maintain that routine throughout throughout the whole camp or throughout

2:24:55the whole the whole year but this year it's it's easier to maintain that because I know what to expect I know the requirements of me and I know that the team is kind of with them guys and last year's from that influence you to show up a little bit early on yeah for sure I mean everyone everyone is required BIA our standard is so high that we challenge everyone it doesn't matter if if you're gonna play this year it doesn't matter if you're gonna play two years from now it doesn't matter if you're if you're a true freshman you're gonna come in early we're gonna put in the work just like everybody else because it's not just the starters that are held to the standard is everybody it seems like Jaylen McLean's kind of a similar trajectory as you were last year he's pushing for playing time right away yeah he's all over the field man I mean he he runs that he runs to the ball every play he hits hard you know he's making plays on the ball so I mean he has like I said before he has a lot of potential and I'm excited to see what he does this year yeah so I mean through the season it kind of fluctuated but right now I've gained

2:26:05even more weight so I'm at like 195 now the plan is to get to 200 but it definitely builds confidence when you got to go down there and feel feel like that yeah I'm actually playing close to the ball you say playing so exactly yeah yeah you were obviously on the end of a play in that mission in game last year just what did you learn from that I think that coach preaches competitive excellence and that means putting yourself in position to make a play and that means practicing harder that means that means taking each rep like it's that big moment in the game and that's definitely what I'm trying to do is yeah so I ended up letting our defense coordinator go I mean we would have gotten a whole new staff so I just decided eating the transports something I wanted to do

2:27:05and I just wanted to go to a floor get a lot more ones I'm excited so that's awesome yeah I was too happy just to yeah I'm a double chance we're surprised to hear from my say I didn't know what they're going to transport so I think it all was a surprise for me what other what other programs I've been here for I heard from quite a few I heard from Texas A&M, Missouri, from Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska what once you've committed here you obviously got to kind of see firsthand what it takes to make a national championship run what did you maybe take away from kind of watching that being involved in practice that whole time you're really seeing I took away was seeing how the guys practiced I was able to go on the scout team to see how the offense did things very particularly like sharp so it was a

2:28:14no an influence on me how I have to do things right here since you've been out fully in practice not just scouting what's been the biggest difference maybe jump up to let Mola or is there a difference yeah I know um just seeing everyone's practicing hard you know everyone's time to play do their job the best they can just to speed that's the biggest difference fabulous no no it was amazing I don't really know like going from graduated right after COVID happened so if you get really recruited being able to like be recruited and see what that was like it was awesome

2:29:19yeah do you have to give a live safe way to play your computer yourself after you're a good guy so many people I look out for you to try and learn man I see a question um not not a particular person and you see a bunch of highlights and uh you had the tweet maybe like you stopping the Chew approach those kind of things yeah uh just like footwork honestly it's going from two gaping just holding the edge you know just putting it just fitting that one I'm different yeah um should you free you able to believe from doing this learn talk to you with so dear before you have to take on spring practice I want you to take it and I did the best I could uh to learn from Jack and JT so just to see how they practice and what they

2:30:25did and then I'll get last time for points they get it yeah I know um coach Johnson you know I for me told me you could develop me and I firmly believe that deep of all people to do that so I'm excited to get there on the team yeah I know I was um I was on my way to dinner with my family and I just got a call on the car coach Jay so it's pretty I was I was unbelievable actually yeah it's great didn't um I've seen it's new each year we're bringing different guys and we have new and the freshmen uh um freshmen coming as well so I mean it's different just because like

2:31:29but we all um develop like a good relationship with each other too so it's you feel like you're is a picking order right now in that room I mean one two three or a team is it feel wide open like we're being told it is I yeah um I'd say it feels wide open so what does that how does that hit you going from a standpoint if you feel like you haven't even steeped a chance to be starting a war back here still what I'm saying yeah I got you um I mean it feels good because I'm not talking to the building every day and uh I started to be the best quarterback in the nation my first impression was just a certain impression on that player on mass players uh they're both really talented both really good quarterbacks um both really similar too so um I'm excited to see what the spring brings us obviously what did you learn from the two guys?

2:32:31yeah um I mean Kyle um he honestly wasn't super vocal uh but he he kind of went by example a lot and I mean I think a bunch of people follow his lead there and then Will is more vocal and uh yeah may also will Will also lead by examples too so also I think it's going to help me move forward so you think you have a vocal coach different different ways of leading that are showing you the way to kind of find current way yeah what you think coach A wants to see out of you but this is the specific thing I think it's the best spring I would say I'd be more a leader um I mean I said earlier uh speedy guy your teammates can look up to unfortunate dude it will make a play I'll get first down and keep the drive going some like that and also be more consistent and uh I guess take care of the ball these are pressure every day and this kind of in this kind of competition how would you just describe that aspect of it?

2:33:32knowing you've almost got to be make perfects maybe the wrong word and on point um I mean yeah there's always pressure I mean just being a quarterback here on how to stay I was always going to be pressure but I think pressure is a privilege so obviously Tavian's been on campus quite a bit the last couple of years how have you seen that help him with his acclimation? Tavian's been on campus a lot that how have you seen that help his acclimation into the room this spring? Yeah I mean when he first got here obviously um that's a new freshman and super like involved with other people um he started uh finding his voice uh find his way around so I'm it's good to see him get more comfortable no compliments all right? All right, well thank you so much for the key to that dude I just give back to I'm quote the bag watch your eyes and don't make a play so how are you doing now like safety's are playing both spots this spring like how are you finding that to like uh yeah I'm adjusting really well to that because I just I can just do more than just like one play one to

2:34:33my so it's just I just want to do that. What Ryan said yesterday about how you guys said the preamping things up and that even last week everything's got a little too emotional can you give us an insight into how competitive this spring has been? Uh yeah you know we're all just we're all just winners we're all competitive you just you know I want to win so what have you been able to learn from Caleb down to coach the game how he plays what have you kind of been able to take away every single day? Uh really just like his mentality you know he has that dog mentality so I'm able to just you know pick up every single day you know mentally and physically from him. How much does it inspire you to come in last year see what Caleb did see what life then did and you know you have a chance to follow their footsteps? Uh it's just it's truly especially because you know I know I can be that great of a athlete's as on and maybe some what do you look at for this year's what do you need to do and give yourself a chance to get on field more here? Uh just really stay more in mind I know it's my playbook and hopefully just they better and talk about it. You said get bigger if you put on more weight in the last year?

2:35:37Uh yes I hope so. What do you up to right now? How much how do you think that will help your game? Uh a lot because we know it's a physical game and you know you gotta be in and you know how is how is coach Gary help you because that are safe? Uh he really knows the stuff so just being able to take in every piece of advice that we know he's telling me it's just what's your contribution like? He's he's good I like him uh he always talks to the guys he's really loving he knows about him. I'm quickly in stuff uh is your job at hand? Stemming or you may be or uh complicated how do you spread it? Yeah I feel like one of the keys to Victor is always you know communicating um you can't run the defense you want to run without all being on the same page so yeah I think that you know I say these db's linebackers um we always do a great job communicating anyway but you know in any game you gotta be at the highest level communication I think that's what we're gonna do.

2:36:37In your running back what would just jump out to your body and a couple of guys and talk about his patients? Uh he kind of runs intelligently for one of another terms that would just jump out to you. Yeah he's a great running back uh extremely patient a great contact balance you really gotta run your feet when you're tackling him um and you know it's explosive it has that home run speed so you know we're really excited for the challenge and excited to play another great back. Uh Rob all of the club is this bad for a right now and that always just up there and he's kind of unique in players can hold coaches accountable in this program. What's that look like? How does that work? Is it does quietly? Is it done? Modeling? Yeah I think that's what's so special about our team is um you know obviously when you say you know holding a coach accountable there is no disrespect in that matter as far as um as we're looking for ways that they can make us better and they look for ways that we can make them better so you know having that relationship uh you know just benefits the team. Uh I'm sorry. Tony I've got you already. No we've been on this discussion.

2:37:37How much do you appreciate flying next to Cam and what does he maybe watch you um even those two years younger? This is being around him and watching what? Yeah I appreciate Cam you know he came here and like I said beforehand I'm such like a pro um came here asking a bunch of questions you know what's the fun is learned as much as he could and it's such a fast rate you know continues to learn and I think you just being uh with someone like Caleb just something I constantly compete with um and he makes me better by doing that so I think we're always just in competition with each other obviously it's we support each other more than I think anyone else in the building so I think just having a brother like that that I can compete against at such a high level with also having the support from him um it's extremely special. Almost the entire season you guys are playing likes out um if it takes that to win an ask the championship you know questions about you know to why who knows how the game you're gonna go. What if it comes down to you guys having to win how much confidence is there on this team? You know the team are up to you know then at the day we have complete comments in our offense uh first of all but um I mean as a defense when you go out there every time you step on a field uh in the back and we're expected to you know get the stop

2:38:41expected to win the game coach knows it's a great job you know of making sure that we feel that every day of practice that if it comes down to the defense I mean we need to be ready for that moment so uh I think we'll be ready. Have you got time for just one more uh that special needs get ready come in here Tony Gurman, Buck Hat, Laker with the splits of Tennessee's receivers how does that impact your job? Yeah I think just um obviously those are unique splits and you know why is out a little more on this more space but uh uh uh it just I mean just preparing for that game I want to say really affects our job but we just have to be ready for that um it's something that we haven't seen before and I think our coaches and you know team has done a great job of showing us those looks uh to players with the game. Thank you thank you guys. I'll say I'll say after sophomore year that's when you know it was a lot of ups and downs and you know even this past year it was a lot of ups and downs but you know mainly from last year it was a lot of ups and you know just like let him control everything you know I tend to you know over think and want to control things myself but that's not how you know God works. Like I said God has a pen for everybody and he's catching my paper my path. What is the biggest thing you've ever seen in your life?

2:39:43You've been talking to your team and show you how to lead this game. Just like consistent you know everybody it's different leaders you know you got the vocal leader you got the leader that's said by example you know it's different personalities in the group so I'll say you know just I can't talk to Edward how I talk to you know Ken Curry I can't talk to Ken Curry how I talk to Ken Man you know so it's just you know it is you know stay consistent you know stay positive and you know everything you're gonna take care of stuff. You made blood last year you know you made the part of this thing right? What's your sense of this defense? How is it going to make another world? You know everybody you know everybody's working like you said we lost you know a lot of good players man a lot of good leaders man but you know the guys that stepped on up we just got to step up we just got to you know take on what the guys that you know left for us pretty much it. The same mindset that we had last year you know they said consistent and on our toolbox and

2:40:45trust them coach Jay whatever he you know we got for us. The rest of you guys on the defensive side or it's a Tennessee about what that game was going to be like. Yeah I mean we knew how how important stops were in that game and you know more so than the hit just to be able to get off the field I think that was the huge part for us because we know if they can drive the ball and create big plays it'd be tough tough and long day for us on defense so yeah I would just I'm happy that we got those stops and we needed to get and that was one of them and you know all those stops really prepared us to have a good game on defense. Bill Raminowicz, Columbus Dispatch. What changed the most after the order game and the reengineering of the defense? Was it mindset? Was it a schematic thing? What changed the most? I don't know I'd say the most prominent change is really this the attitude in that mindset. I mean we knew we played good before that and we'd done a lot of things but you know you know sometimes you need a little a little like juice and a little and a little bit of that so

2:41:46obviously stuff has changed scheme has changed stuff has like attitude has changed but I think we have that mentality that we have to like we have to be able to win games no matter what on defense and to be able to do that I mean I mean we say it all the time in our meetings like it doesn't matter what the offense does we should be out there go out there and be able to win a game so I think we brought back that mentality and it's just got has to keep going you know it can't just stop at Tennessee you have to keep going Oregon. You played so well before that and then that kind of came out of nowhere. How about you were a little wakening was it how much did I make you realize okay we're not there yet? I know we had that was a rough two weeks for us after that game or we had to like really we had a lot of tough conversations we had a lot of overhaul and just you know really looking in words at ourselves and what do we have to change and yeah I think what we've done so far has been pretty well and we have to keep keep that going because it doesn't matter it's really what you've done lately so you do that for this next week. If you were coach how would you grade JT snap as a linebacker? I mean I give a lot of credit to to to Nico as a quarterback I mean

2:42:55he he did this thing moving around the pocket it's not easy like trying to oh you said JT as a linebacker for me how would you grade it as a linebacker? I mean some tough plays I mean that's football though sometimes you know guys get you guys whatever happens but you know he always keeps coming that's the best part about JT like he'll never stop playing as hard as possible so we're I'm just I'm happy he kept going and he made a lot more plays after that too so. He said that it's very different tackling that right now. Just if you know what's the main difference between tackle those two types of players. What I've noticed is I mean when quarterbacks are scrambling and they're particularly like good scramble threats they use that ball fake a lot more and it's no matter what even if they're passing line it's still threatening like it's just the mentality like the playing defense you're always worried about them throwing the ball so they can they have a little bit more wiggle whereas running backs you know there's a certain amount of juke moves that they could use or whatever

2:43:55moves they use so I mean I think a lot of the things that we do is just trying to just treat quarterbacks you scramble like running backs you know just try to stay down because you know your presence affects it no matter what so if you're jumping for throw you're probably going to be wrong. All right we have time for a couple more I think we just have one someone else wants to jump in but we got Tim May, Simon Rowan. I was trying to hold my hand up. Cody what has your interaction been with Caleb and Nathan especially from standpoint of feedback you know maybe between plays maybe on the sidelines after series and stuff? Is it grown as the season has gone and what do those guys especially bring to the table in that regard? I mean they've always been really great really great problem solvers throughout this entire year. You know our communications is strong in the team drives and everything I think they do a wonderful job both of them just you know diagnosing what's going on and then you know if we need to fix I mean they're always on top of this stuff our coaches are great at that too they they make sure that any little issue is being

2:44:58taken care of and we communicate with within the positions but you know they really get that stuff. And one of the things with you I'm just being honest I thought from like the late and the fourth quarter on against Nebraska and then since then you seem to have been a different player maybe I'm wrong I mean I don't know if there was an epiphany there or whatever but can you can you describe your your drive or whatever from you know that was a close game it was you know I think surprised a lot of people you understand what I'm saying but you seem to be a you're personally seem to be a more driven different player am I wrong about that? Well I mean I don't I feel like I've been taking you know the meetings to the field to practice everything I want to say I've been consistent and you know I'm just being able to be in position to make more plays and you know I'm I'm thankful for that but I mean we're we're just really just I had first one in last one there's two other guys that are trying to do that. How do you be that guy when two other guys know that's what they also are trying to do with a gun?

2:46:02Yeah I think it's our room is very competitive but we're also very close it's only three it's only three guys in our room so I think it's it's important for us to just be close but also watching you throw one of the biggest things that stands out I think it's how quick it releases and still how much is it? How did you develop that quick approach? I think I've naturally had a kind of a quick release not kind of out of high school I was always I was just kind of had a quick release and I've been trying to get a quicker in it. The watch will be dedicated to the battle last year. What did you learn from that? Well maybe you and Lincoln had to take into the understatement. It's a competition but also trying to get each other better for the team. Yeah I think Will and Devon had a great friendship but they were all very competitive so I think it was it was definitely good to see and that's the thing that we had in our room this year. I do show you're the toughest guy when nobody can touch your friends. I think there's there's a lot of ways to show toughness and support

2:47:04about it. I think you know taking mental reps you know finishing out plays bursting through the line I think all those control techniques. You know we spent a lot of hours here we're you know watching tape. I wouldn't say that I think I think we all kind of the whole core record is held to a standard we all are you know together in this tournament beyond time and show up early. Yeah I definitely um I saw that last year um and just how much uh how much noise there is but I think you have to fuck up the noise and you know I'm just focused on spring practice and just get better every day. We're talking to you a lot about leadership things and that from year one to

2:48:05year two we're a few made the biggest. Two more questions from the two these folks. I would say I think just knowing just knowing where I'm going with football and understanding football IQ. I learned a lot from Coach Kelly Coach Day and Coach Vessel and they've been you know there's still more room to improve and remember grow by thinking about how much you like to work with yeah I love Coach Harlan he's uh he had a lot of impact on obviously the offense last year so I gave the relationship and the first couple of days spring practice been loved by him as you see. How much of your things changed and you think under Coach Harlan offensive much? I'm not I'm not sure. Yeah I mean what if you know this I guess it's not sure uh you're supposed to say yeah I'm not I'm not I'm not sure um what I would say about a scheme wise I would yeah if you like the direction going I guess yeah I like him as OC like him as a it's our coach so I think it's uh it's it's been good. It was a really fast first really fast we're sticking around. How keep was that for you

2:49:07we're talking about a little bit earlier. Yeah Coach Kelly raised up and think you're going hey what's up and then Coach Vessel is still there what does that mean? No I think we had so much trust in Coach Vessel last year with him just helping out the offense and uh I was I was really excited to see him get elevated and uh can I do the electric? Yeah I think Coach Day definitely tries to make it tough in practice on the quarterback so it's uh it's a little bit easier in the game but I think it's uh it's been good we uh I think the whole program loves a challenge. Can you like it? Yes All right Julie thank you thank you. Thank you. I mean well ask the paintries and everything man which I can get everybody but you know sometimes I I can't do it too much sometimes but I mean some people they understand but you know I just know thank you for them and all so is there a specific thing that you want to get better at? I know you're limited. Yeah is there one specific area man you want to ask? Uh you know just know getting a better understanding of the game that's the

2:50:09biggest thing um I miss a little of everything is me and Coach Hartlan talk about um you want me to prove one and stuff I actually want to prove him as well but that's one thing just know getting a better understanding of the game for sure. Yeah so many snaps actually you probably knew how much have you fought that? How much do I be out there every single snap? Yeah uh me know the competitive nature in me know when I go out there in practice know but you know got a listen to my coaches um no but you know for me you know I always want to practice always want to go out there and know compete but you know sometimes you know how to listen know just you know take a little break sometimes. So kind of caught them on that a little bit? Uh not really I mean it's a long season ahead of us so I mean I'm just you know taking the day by day. You don't see many uh true freshmen make that the game for you play it in national championship game what's the key for you stay hungry you know to continue to grow and make your zone. I mean no just so do name me I mean just because I made that one play um I have that year um you're after that no just can't get big

2:51:12headed um 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'm relaxed um that's not any me I'm gonna continue to do it for years and years to come I feel like to myself for sure cause you party no big talk receiver just like me um no just came and campus had not just working my happy see it's future here at Ohio State probably gonna be you know next one for sure what's it like you know it's like the national championship banner and see it all the new signage you know and you played a huge role uh I mean it's no sublesit no disappointed no overall and no the nighty run that we had um as a true freshman um but no it's time to move on I mean that's behind us now and I can't wait for this season to come up. What kind of obligation do you feel to a guy like put the kind of take on your weight and show him how you work well. I feel like he already got that uh just coming in he already got that hard work at the um quiet just like me as I came in just all about ball really I mean here early um

2:52:13mean spend the time on coach hardline meeting and everything he doing it the right way I should say and he have a bright future. Coach hardline said he wants you to come with a good game yeah yeah yeah how much rich challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy. Yeah it was a challenge uh no just no stepping on my comfort zone um mean something everybody want to see for me not just my coaches but players on the team as well we have a uh leadership meeting there's a lot a lot of people call me out on just saying they want me to talk more um working on it uh takes time um not really the guy that's talk talkative or no but lay by his empty but one thing that's I'm definitely working on is trying to know talk more and get more on my comfort zone and know just build it. Is that so okay? Yeah if you're gonna move anything on the field? Yeah if you're gonna have to feel the biggest challenge um you know like I said just step by my comfort zone in the deep in the guys and deep in the younger guys as well. Do you guys open with Texas next year uh 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

2:53:17maybe one of the game we ended up going to the national championship and I mean we see it on week one I just know came way to no face a great opponent. What's your impression of different sense? Yeah so far. Yeah big long corner, the Koran um physical um he got it all and I can't wait to see things he do here this year um as well. What if you know it's different? Is there anything different about this defense uh you know these first three weeks of spring that's uh caught your eye? Uh they just passed physical and willing to hit somebody I should say saying they nothing really changed for me um guys they'll go no do what they've been doing over the last year and a half and so I should in the year and a half I should say yeah. Coach that makes the quarterbacks live like he did for a couple of practices last week. As a live receiver, Cardinal, right? How do you think your quarterbacks responded to that? Over offering? Uh I think they responded pretty good uh I did not expect the quarterbacks to be live in a scrimmage um that surprised me for sure because they definitely surprised me with that um but I feel like they handled it very well they took hits um something we need they needed I

2:54:22should say no tough enough. Right? Why do they have a quarterback scene? How they handled that since obviously not a norm to do that? Uh learning anything no but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit it gets his no defense I should say um but no guys they was they was getting hit for sure but they was getting right back up so command uh kudos for them for that. How much do you work questions? Uh definitely can't get better no no feel like I'm getting complacent um always want to prove me and no I'm just taking the day by day and no just getting better each other day. And why do you prepare for this group name? In the expectations you're going to get on an X2 seasons here uh off the season you just had? Uh not really focus on the espacation that I have coming up or the year after that um no just focus on spring spring and you know just going to to the uh fall camp and I just get ready for the season I should say the espacations go be there and I really know something high no in my mind right now I'm just no being leader and I'll just

2:55:27focus on the team. How much changes is right? How much do you think you're leaving to show how you work? I feel like he already got that uh just coming in he already got that hard work at it um quiet just like me as I came in just all about ball really I mean here early um me spending time with Coach Hartline meeting and everything he doing it the right way I should say and he have a bright future. Coach Hartline said he wants you to become more of a good leader yeah yeah yeah how much rich challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy? Yeah it is a challenge uh no just no stepping out my comfort zone um made something everybody want to see for me not just my coaches but players on the team as well we have a uh 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 uh takes time um not really the guy that's talk talkative or no but lay by the zippy but one thing I'm definitely working on is trying to know talk more get more my comfort zone and just be able to do it. Yeah for sure

2:56:31that's definitely the biggest challenge um you know like I said just stepping out my comfort zone and the getting the guys and getting the younger guys as well. You guys open with Texas next year going back to the playoff game do you think about that moving forward just kind of how you were taking out of that game? Oh yeah I think not really think about it I mean that's behind me um maybe one of the games we ended up going to the national championship and I mean we see it on week one I just know can't wait to no face a great opponent. What's your impression of Devin Sanchez so far? Yeah big long corner of Corrine um physical um he got it all and I can't wait to see things he do here this year um as well. What if you know it's different? Is there anything different about this defense uh the you know these first three weeks of spring that's uh caught your eye? Uh they just passed physical and willing to hit somebody I should say saying they nothing really changed for me um guys they're gonna know what they've been doing over the last year and a half and so I should in the year and half I should say yeah. Coach that makes the quarterback his live like he did for a couple of practices last week. As a live

2:57:34receiver. Gardnell right? How do you think your quarterback responded to that? Over all three? Uh I think they responded pretty good uh I did not expect the quarterback to be live um in a scrimmage um that surprised me for sure because they definitely surprised me with that um but I feel like they handled it very well they took hits um something we need they needed I should say you know tough them up a little bit. Right right. Why do you want to see your goal like about quarterback seeing how they handle that since it's 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 defense I should say um but no guys they was they was getting hit for sure but they was getting right back up so command to uh who knows if I'm for that. How much do you want questions? What's that you get? Uh definitely can't get better no no feel like I'm getting complacent um always want to prove me and no I'm just taking the day by day and no just getting better each and every day. Why do you prepare for this group name and the expectations you're going to get on the next two seasons here uh off the season you just had? Uh not really focused on the

2:58:40espacation that I have coming up or the year after that um no just focus on spring spring and you know just going to follow count and just get ready for the season I should say espacations 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 don't really know we haven't really spoken about that right now um I don't really know. Once I asked the player. I don't know. I don't know. I just said that they wanted a lot of championship about taking down they don't want to see it. It's moving into this year to me team. What is how important is that for you and why do you think that's a different kind for the team? I mean like I said we came live in the past um the club in the 2020-14 they won the national championship um this year we did it so I mean we just took everything down in the weight room and everything so no we could focus on being ourselves and no just our season. What do you like about this new defense so to speak? I really like this game

2:59:45I just really can't get into too much but I really like how I really like what Patricia and I just engaged with the guys and just this is impacting us so I appreciate it. I just want to be on the field wherever I'm at I'm going to just give them all. How does that move though maybe kind of accentuate what you do as a player? Just give me a chance to be closer to the ball. I get to just do more. She said that I can do more of them just being outside. I can be inside as well just being closer to the ball and showing like a through different things. I just really coming on um it's coming to get better um it's taking me to get them better you just getting better every day all the young guys I think they're all just they all coming along. For all the time we've received everything about talent in this death lives. I think we have a lot of time to put the best talent on the group of countrymen. I think we have a lot of time to put it back in our country. I thought we was the last year as well so I think we really just nothing changed we'd be out of BIA for a reason so I think whoever's in the room we just got to keep up keep that stand.

3:00:54The Texas game was a good game. I liked how we put that game out but obviously the national championship just went one. The clock hit triple zero you just feel like a champion so probably the national championship but the Texas game is probably my favorite game. I just that experience that tried to run by me. It feels like my junior high school, my senior high school, my state championship my junior and I just I just remember to fill in just one winning so bad again and we to be ended up coming up short so I think it's just staying on the guys and just staying on myself to just do everything we can and just go back to back. It's gonna be very hard and we know that so I think it just got to support. What do you do about it? You know obviously climbing that down. Just the bulls iron back and I didn't really do much. I just got to go BIA, be the buck and I swear every reason so I think if we go out there and BIAs there's just really won't be any problems. There was some talks in the leaders about taking down the couple of the banners and not wanting this year's teams to think that they're champions kind of building back up in there. Why is it important to do that and kind of not allow last year to effectiveness?

3:01:59Because most of the champions are winning things like the freshman class they wasn't on the team last year they don't have a national championship and most of the guys are like I wasn't a starter last year so I want to start I want to be a big regional why we winning the national championship so I think most of the guys that we have on the team this year we really wasn't champions like you didn't too much do anything it's most of the seniors that gone so I think it's just on our own like you really just won something for our own side. Which receivers are we not talking about enough that you're out there covering who should we be talking about more and why? I like I like Karnel Tate I like yeah I've been seeing a lot of my in the ground I like my in the ground a lot what's that's true uh you just smooth just very smooth it's a good play it's a great play you're one of the guys you're always celebrating plays you're always bringing a lot of energy like do you how much do you do better than the part of who you are just bringing in energy? I think I just I think a lot of guys can feed off of my energy so I just try to give them a zonji I can and just encourage out of the other guys and encourage even some of the

3:03:02other guys that's here and probably doesn't have as much experience on the field so I think it's just giving people the confidence I think confidence is the most important thing about this game it's your confidence is where it needs to be and you feel confident to do your job just gonna do we can't go elsewhere. That's the one you got kind of grown up there for a fire as a freshman in some great moments. What do you think is he prepares you to be ready to play as such a freshman? I think just taking every day Coach is just telling me just always stay ready I think just taking every day just like that you're gonna be out there and just prepare that you never know when that play is gonna come and you know like Texas game I played the whole second half you gotta be ready for that if you just sitting in the center of the side of the club that you're not gonna play and think that I'm not gonna get in this and that you can get tough for your identity that's when you just your mind start playing tricks so I think just being prepared standing ready at all times last question I think having this is how you handle and where is the freshman I think he looks better than me and I can't man in the spring so I think that was gonna be a very good football player here

3:04:04you just as to just I mean the teacher know like he says Mary crazy each and every week playing but you know I can't let it get to my head I should say let me just football at the end of the day but you know just happy being in this position oh none of us think we could be covered man oh man oh man we're actually talking about this yesterday as well but you know I mean that's what they do that's what they do I mean we just go out there you know play our game and no sort of reason why not to play man oh man

3:05:07two four three one I'll go five let's go uh my mom said you know just go out there Monday I just dominate the person I'm confronting me uh you know just do what I've been doing for the last uh two to three weeks I should say um but you know they play man oh man so I'm just ready for the challenge yeah uh I mean feels good uh just say somebody going out there and playing man oh man guess Ohio State receivers is something crazy but you know we just ready for the challenge uh

3:06:07they say they're not chasing their game plan but we gotta go out there and show them the reason why not to play man oh man uh I mean I don't really if I be on a cover I be on a cover me it's not really a big deal to me um it may definitely be a blessing for sure just to be on a cover of a game but you know it's not really a dream of mine it's a dream of mine but I don't really think too much of it but you talk about mean no not yet uh probably hit me after this easy um no just no planning uh call us football players as a freshman uh planning the roles both as a freshman planning a carton bow and not in national championship I mean it's a blessing for sure um but

3:07:08they haven't hit me yet my favorite catch I would say we play Michigan State um the one I call over two defenders definitely probably my favorite for sure or you could go the one from Iowa I should say and the answer is pardon them too uh uh I don't I mean yeah like you said it's pretty frustrating me having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl in the Rose Bowl and they're coming to the carton bow and they're just doing different things chasing their scheme up for uh gives me um but I mean like you said whatever I could do to make the I mean help the team win uh it's not really a big deal for me as long as we win

3:08:09that's all I really care about and then you gotta send out your championship uh it means a lot uh we put a lot of work in this uh this season uh we have highs we have lows we have people kind of out um but we hear it now we just read it pulling a show Monday oh yeah uh first the win is uh national championship because that means a lot um you see everything that he bent through this year people uh saying to be fine and this died on third but uh mean you see everything that he bent through this year I mean I seen everything I he bent through

3:09:10this year on see everything people saying about him on Twitter um I wasn't here uh he first got the head coach and job but I know this year for sure we definitely got to win this for him uh uh I mean it's a lot uh 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 guys like uh oh there you had Stefan Dix means a lot of uh Michael Thomas Chris Carter just a lot of you know guys I played in that field and stuff like that but yeah really them guys for sure uh no just keep going um you got it you next up for sure uh really yeah really that for sure uh like uh physical defense uh like like you said like people say like they like to play man

3:10:13they're not changing their scheme so we're just ready for the challenge uh like you said probably the best defense we probably go see all year and we just gotta be ready to go out there Monday and just put on the show you uh I'm excited for will um him uh first coming here in Ohio State January our first workout we had together uh me just everything that we did through the season um me I'm just happy for him the business musician right now but we got a financial job and that's the uh winning Adi Omande uh I mean it's it's pretty funny um them saying that because I'm I'm just only a freshman but um

3:11:14it's a blessing for sure people to 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 uh it's it's very special for me uh just being a freshman at the national stage like a peer for national titles something that I dreamed of as a very young kid um I'm just happy to be here and I just can't wait to put on a show Monday for you guys yeah uh I mean all the receives we'll just sit on the bench and we just see him hit the quarterback the ball come out and we all just got up and just started you know jumping up and down we all decided um happy for jacking that moment and we just knew that that moment like yeah this we going to the adi for sure

3:12:18yeah me it shows a lot um me you know going from high school or when at three state championships uh shamanama donna then you know coming to high old state uh just competing for national charter right now me just showed that I picked uh two great schools um but I'm happy to be here and it's came with the pulling show Monday the coolest person um I mean you got a lot I can't really say just a specific person you got a lot of great guys reach out and then lead like um oh del you have guys like step on digs um a lot of other players will just get cut off my mom but really really them two guys will show oh del a step on this

3:13:22yeah yeah um I mean like they say they play man so I mean I'm just ready for the tallies and just get ready to go out there Monday and just no pulling the show thank you the vice geno had gave me um I said just keep going first um you uh he I know the reason why I'm here and I mean yeah like he said just keep going first and just no keep the main thing the main thing and the best corner I faced this year um I mean I faced a lot of great corners uh I can't really say but yeah I faced a great a lot of great corners here really put a name on it

3:14:29my dream vacation is uh turrets and cakegoves you good are you uh I say both respect and frustration as well um but I mean I doubt they come out there and triple teaming me and they say you stick it to whatever door in our year and that's playing man covers uh we just ready for the challenge uh pretty good group uh Christian Grey 29 is a great corner uh 15 uh Lenard Moore uh two great guys are right there um very physical but you know we all highest they received us so we ready for

3:15:29the challenge uh I say just no understanding the defense understanding the defense uh understanding the game plan understand what coach Kelly is trying to get done I mean just coming in I felt I progressed from my first game gets Icaran to now for I got better each and every week um me being slowed down a lot for me um but yeah really just no understanding the versus and no understanding what they're trying to do to me for sure uh them two guys great part of the best we go see all year for sure um two two physical guys um but you know we're ready we're ready for the challenge that they're coming with and that's

3:16:32to play man oh man and you know we ready to go on Monday yeah uh I mean the environment is pretty crazy uh seeing all these cameras uh something I never thought I'd see it there in my life but uh it's a blessing for sure there's the business position right now uh I mean we just had a uh prayer prayer uh uh lead meeting and you know we all they all the I mean we all discussed the issues because they discussed these issues and you know we just want the work uh me not two and a half weeks we had off before Tennessee game and we just played came out there um Tennessee game and we played with a chip on a chip on our shoulder all throughout the playoffs and we go continue to play with that chip on our shoulder in that championship on Monday

3:17:37uh do you know how that very uh impactful uh he had a very impact on my career I should say uh you know just going to his games as a uh very young kid seven eight years old uh him playing for West Virginia and they played Clemson Orange Bull down at Miami um he just go there seeing his games it's like yeah I definitely want to play on this stage and I can uh wait till I get to know that moment for sure there are you you I was gay uh because they really just in his own his own little space uh he's just walking around trying to get his mind right trying to get his mind ready for the game um but you know he you know he just gave everybody hype in the locker room and you know just trying to get us ready to go to win the game yeah oh yeah oh yeah for sure I mean uh you uh go play man against Ohio State receivers I mean

3:18:42just be ready uh because you know we definitely go come out there and know uh give our best and I mean they said not no change what they do so we just ready for the challenge watch uh not a year later uh definitely sometime my career in college uh but not my first in college I should say um I mean just to be able to be in this position right now is you know a blessing or just a young kid from Miami to be here and I won't take it for granted I'm ready to go out there Monday and give him a draw yeah I mean, I was watching that game against Georgia.

3:19:47I 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. I mean, I just laughed. But, you know, that's what they do. They're not gonna change what they do just because we were high on state. So, I mean, you gotta go out there and put it on. Put it on. Why not to play. Man, no man, it gets us. So, we just gotta go out there and show them Monday. Can you say the game? I'm sorry.

3:20:47My journey here at Ohio State prepared me a lot for the National Championship. I mean, 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, you know, I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all on Monday. Okay. Okay. Yeah. We just squeezed this. One or nine. Two hundred. I mean, he is big and strong. Yeah. Yeah, I'll go. What's it in there?

3:21:49120? Yeah, that's great. Yeah, it's pretty good. No problem. Yeah. I mean, I mean, just really good. I mean, just really good. I mean, just will put in the ball in my area and I just know how to make a play for them.

3:22:52Even though somebody was grabbing my face, I just know I still have to make a play because the ball touched my hand. So, I mean, just when the ball is the other thing, I have to make the play no matter how the ball comes at me. After a big game, I mean, they really feed us Chick-fil-A or Pizza after the game, so it's really either Chick-fil-A or Pizza. So, yeah, probably Chick-fil-A for sure. It went pretty good. Everybody just speaking with their thing is going right in what they think is wrong. We just lot of the older guys, the worst in their opinions on what we need to do to come to get as a team.

3:23:56But, you know, that me and Deftly helped us in a big way because it helped us on the field as well because we're playing at a great football right now and we just got to you that one Monday. Yeah, Deftly 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 and went with it and that's the reason we're playing the Wies Rowery Plan right now. Yeah, make 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 all the guys in our senior room as well. Me just a great guy as well. 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. Jackson,

3:24:58but so he's seen all the greats I've been through there. He teaching us the right thing and the right way and the buck out way for sure. Go forward. So you've got to get what's next right? Yeah, time with the Deftly. Yeah, for sure. You got to see good under just the try now and the time of all and what is that relationship that like with Tyler? It's been really good. I love coach Bowen. The guys who came in with him too, coach Dickie, coach Johnson, coach fields. They're all great guys. Definitely great O'Line coaches. You get feedback from all of them and they're all in the same page every day. So it's really good having them. I'm really happy moments here. It's exciting for sure. What do you think of these last couple of weeks of spring ball and what do you think your biggest growth has been? I'd say my biggest growth has definitely been probably like a strength factor. I'd say it's definitely like from the winter definitely like the beginning working through spring ball for just being more focused kind of like to being more calm. Kind of in a sense like just not freaking out before the play like what am I doing just playing football?

3:26:05I was practicing different before off as a line coach. Do you feel like it has changed the way that you're getting reps in on a rep? No, I mean like after every play like you're getting feedback from everyone. So like it's great because you'll have coach Bowen and coach Johnson still coaching the ones of the three of the twos. And then like when you're running off the field you got coach Dickie or someone else like coaching you uptown you want to do something. I think it's really awesome that we are capable to have four coaches in the room with us. So that's that stuff we do. Have you been strictly at center? Are you playing some guard? I have left guard right now. Do you feel like there's a shift to center potentially down the road? I know I don't know. I don't know yet. I mean just left guard that's what I've been taking reps there right now. As a freshman off-ents alignment. It's Asia. This is pretty important. I think it's a great job to develop next door. Part of that is issue. How do you as a guy who was playing on high school? How do you develop that patience knowing it might be a year or two before you're out of use?

3:27:10I take it as like you know you just got to keep just stacking days like you can't get down on yourself if you're not playing like you just got to keep developing. The guys we have in our room are awesome like all the you know uppercise like Lou, Josh, Austin, Austin, Carson, Tagrall, all those guys like they're great dudes. So it's really awesome being able to learn from them like watch them get mental reps of them every day to see what they're doing and then just take that back and just use what they use. It's definitely just like keep stacking days just keep working don't really pay attention about that. It's really the interior of the line obviously has played a lot of football. Who would you kind of lead on? To try and learn very steady. Definitely I'd say look one of them that's a guy who I just every practice I'm just watching and take his reps. Like see what he's doing when he has like a two eye or a three in front of him like what footwork he takes where he puts his hands and his head just so I definitely say really because a guy that I never watch close just try that.

3:28:18I see what he does. Is that one of the biggest transitions to make even the jump from nice little college on the offensive line just the small thing? Yeah, the steps and hand placement. That's definitely a huge thing when I first got here was like there's different forward. Pretty much every block you have to take. That's like I think it's the most detailed position on the field. You just need everything needs to be perfect and block. That's how you're taking steps and placement. How do you feel about it? Oh it's good. I'd say it's good. I mentioned that the bars is that a position you see yourself sticking with or is that just kind of where it's worth starting? I mean I could see myself sticking out of the guard but I mean I could play pretty much anywhere. I mean I could see it in the interior but yeah but right now it's just been my start. So I just think that's the best way to do that. You did a stop up. Jake you had the opportunity to watch those bowl games first and kind of get that experience on what it's like to be part of a championship roster.

3:29:23What was kind of the biggest thing you took away from that whole couple of weeks experience? Yeah I would say definitely like watching all those bowl games and the national team Egypt just watching the guys carry themselves. Like how they like the preparation it took to get ready for that just how they go about their days like what they're doing when they're out here practicing. How they practice so just it was pretty much just like kind of just feeding off the moment what they're doing. I kind of kind of got a glimpse to see like what it takes to kind of get to a stage like that and just kind of act and stuff. That's worth it Jake. Thank you very much. You ready to roll again? Our final one from Zoom is going to come from Kurt Bulls. Kurt go ahead. Hey G. I don't know if you even watched the Texas gamer what's their tape but they obviously blew a 16 point lead. The way you guys are riding high dominate do you feel like that gives you an edge and confidence in this game and do you think you all play a more physical brand of football the Texas?

3:30:24No I wouldn't say that we find our confidence in anything that an opponent would do. Like I just mentioned a moment ago we all of our confidence and all of our motivational all of our motivation comes internally. We don't look at an opponent and say they blew a 16 point lead or so we're going to give us more confidence that how much more can we do. Or we're not going to look at team that maybe just blew out another team and maybe be a little bit more timid because this is going to be a good team. I think a lot of our motivation and a lot of our drive comes from what happens internally in this building. I don't care what anyone says you can show it before games you can take your shirt off you can try to flex your muscles and look however you want to look. But when you cut on the tape ultimately what you put in this week and throughout the week preparation and what you did this whole entire year is what's going to show up on Saturdays. The raw raw stuff the you know the false motivation that may come from you know what happened week prior to that team that's all that's all meaningless what really is important is what did you do that week to prepare to be ready for competitive excellence on Saturday.

3:31:26So what's the mission around here is to make sure we're doing our due diligence we're doing we're putting the work in necessary to show up on Saturday to be confident and dominant. We have time for a few more questions here locally the cold sheeran WBNS. What's it going to be like going up against Queen Eurs and what was your relationship like with him when he was here. It was good to have him here he was definitely a cool guy we never he wasn't here long enough for him and I'd be very close. But obviously you know when you line up on the other side of the field it's there's no you know friendships in that moment you know we're there to win a game. And so I think I don't think it really makes a difference if you know who's at quarterback and I don't think that's something that we're going to be thinking about. But obviously after the game or you know it's going to be exciting to play against you know someone that you know but ultimately it doesn't really matter who's in their uniform we're going to our goal is to come after them regardless of who they are. So let Noah Weisskopf, the pleasure. How have you seen Will change on the field and off the field from the moment you first met him.

3:32:32Well has you know continuously became more of a confident leader. He's somebody that I've seen take tremendous strides in his faith and his servant leadership and it's just been amazing to be a part of and amazing to witness. I think he's just been kept can continuously growing to be more comfortable and confident and this is all of just one year. I can only imagine if you were to have two years here and what he would be able to accomplish. But it's just been amazing to be around him. He's grew to be one of my better friends on this team and you know I'm assuming I'm speaking off all of the luck I nation that we're excited to have him. There will be a win. It's fun this this batch. G you and everyone in your class that ups and downs and previous years you fall short of your goals. I know you're focused on the moment but are you guys savoring this that maybe the disappointments have made this even more special even within this year. Yeah. I ride on my eye black every game Romans 828 and we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.

3:33:36And I'm just a firm believer that everything that we have been through as a team of the hurt all the hardship all the tears all the shame everything we've been through has ultimately led us to where we are today. And I have confidence in that and that's why I'm not a big believer in getting too high or getting too low when I lose games I try to stay you know as even kill as possible. Same way when we win games because I ultimately just have the fit the faith and the ability to know that the Lord is working all of these things together to make us better. So these moments I think through hardship I believe that makes people closer and so I think as a result of the things that we have been through you're looking at a very tight net team and so I'm just excited for what the future holds for us. Shame. You know like losing a game is not a crime it's just a disappointment. Yeah. But is it is that the kind of pressure that you guys feel here that when you lose it's not just a loss it's shame. Yeah it's important around here it's not especially at the Ohio State University from the time that you sign up here you know exactly what you're getting into and our coaching staff does a great job of making sure when it's time to you know after you go through a whole spring summer and off season that by the time we get to game one you know exactly what you're up for.

3:34:50And so losing is absolutely unacceptable around here and there can be a bit of shame to maybe even show yourself in public because of a loss that you've had. But again my point being is that despite the things that we have been through I'm a firm believer that there has to be a certain amount of faith that you have trust that all of these things are working for moments like this and you know even in my I don't know how this may sound but even in my my personal life regardless of even what happens in the future from today moving forward I will continue to keep the faith that that it's working for my good whether it's making me a better father one day in the future a better husband one day in the future. However that may look I believe in how the faith that the Lord is working all things together for the good of those who love him. A couple more questions. Do you have a Birmingham podcast? Yeah I'm starting to go down the road and I was just here asking about it anyway because it's the transformation in you as a person. I think obviously everyone. Can you imagine yourself three years ago when the person you are now and now leaving Ohio State whenever it happens whether it's one week or two.

3:35:57Like with the legacy that you're leaving here is it something that you would have ever imagined about yourself? No man. No I think there's I think what has taken place in my life and the lives of other people on this team and I know that this I'm here to talk about football but it's a true testament of the Lord that I serve. He's taken my heart and he's made me new. His word promises that he'll take your heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh that he will soften you and making you more into his image when you take on your cross and know him. And I think that's exactly what has taken place in my life and just when I look back on my journey and the things that I've been through even that question that you just asked me to kind of make me a little emotional just because when you said that for whatever reason I just thought back just some years ago when I when I had butted that you know guy from Team North and just the public ridicule that I received from that in the anger that I received in that and you know that's just one thing that was blown up big but there were other things that were going on that maybe like that was a behavior pattern that I maybe I had and I just look at what the Lord has done in my life and not just myself but other guys on this team.

3:37:08It's just been amazing to say the least and I'm able to stand here confident and say the things that I do because of the revelation that he has given me that he is true and that no matter what happens. On this field that there's a place that I can call home with a relationship with him. It's an interesting juxtaposition of you were on you were on the way to being like the bad example. Like don't here's a guy with all this opportunity and took this path and you took it and changed it and I just I just think it's fascinating. We don't talk to you often. No man. So were you suggesting you know five or six years? No not at all. No man. No man but you're absolutely right and again I say it again and I emphasize it that it's just a true testament of Christ and I just encourage everybody that's even whether in the room or watching it that if you may you may feel like you're that protocol you're that one who's felt like you straight away too far and there's there's no way that a Lord can forgive the Lord.

3:38:13This Lord that you're talking about can forgive the things that I've done. I just want to encourage you that there's no sin that you've committed that can outweigh his justice and outweigh his grace that he has for you and the love that he has for you. And so I think there was intentional the things that I went through to get to where I am now to maybe shine that light on somebody else. Two more from Columbus here Joey Coppen. Columbus this back. Texas is past defense just to go to the living big plays and getting interceptions. What is stood out about that back end when you watch some on film? Yeah. I think just for a couple days of how to watch them on film. I think top to bottom they look like a pretty good team. It looks like they do a good job all the way around. They look again they look good but these are the moments that you live for these are the moments that the reasons why you come here to a house date. We preach all the time to like when you come here you play for games where you play against so much we call these matchup games where you're almost playing against yourself.

3:39:13And when you're playing it yourself that means you're not just going to be bigger. You're not just going to be stronger. You're not just going to be faster. And so the question comes down to well if I'm not bigger and stronger or faster and we kind of look the same then what's going to make me win? And I think ultimately the answer to that question is all the intangible things that you work on throughout the season. The things that kind of you can't really see on the outside. The grit that you may have in your heart. The distance that you're willing to go to win the game. The skill that you have acquired throughout the season. All of the intangible things are going to be on display this weekend and we'll see either them or ourselves who is put more into the intangibles to win these kind of games. Any final questions Tim Mayn? Let her in. Yeah as you've been speaking here. Gee I'm just saying of other teams I've covered in the past really good teams and stuff and I have one guy one time tell me there was almost like a home in the background. When you're in this building and stuff of like work being done and things like that and you kind of you have a feel for the spiritual aspect of this team also and stuff.

3:40:20Do you feel that special home or where we want to call it about this team at this moment without a doubt without a doubt. I said it a few times in the interview post game and I'll say it again. There was a moment that we were able to share after coming off of that loss against team of north. We had a player led meeting where we were able to cash out some of the differences what we think is going wrong. There was just a moment to be very vulnerable with each other as brothers. There was some frustration that was going on and ultimately at the end of it in this room actually we stood in here all 100 plus guys and we locked in arms. We put arms around each other actually when you looked around in that moment there's actually a few guys that were even tearing up just because of the powerful moment that it was. We were able to pray together and I think ever since that moment moving forward I wouldn't even say it's just from that moment. I kind of knew all along but I believe that there's something very special about this team and I think people are getting ready to witness the special ability that this team has.

3:41:21I've received many a lot of ridicule and coming after losses of just how people may say things like they. I miss real football players. I'm tired of these Christian athletes on the field. I miss the real gritty football players and I think here moving forward people are going to be able to witness the strength of the Lord that we serve. Your day is open on my podcast. Toughest team wins bottom line. You feel that in your heart too. The toughest team finally wins these games. Yes. Yes. I think there's an accumulation of a lot of things. There's being tough, having discipline, not getting dumb penalties, having great technique. You know, again, when you get in these matchup games it's all the intangibles that you can't really see. I'm not just going to walk out in the field and just have confidence that I'm bigger than them and I'm stronger than them like we can and maybe some other games. That's just not how it works. And so it's going to come down to all the intangibles. Am I more disciplined? Am I not going to hold on this play? Am I going to make the catch when the ball comes to me? Am I going to uplift my teammates? Am I going to be positive? Am I going to be a cancer on this team?

3:42:21You know, all those little things are all what goes into winning these kind of games and like you mentioned toughness. And so we hang our hat on that and that's the goal is to go out there and be tough and put all these things together and get a win at Down in Texas. Thank you very much. Thank you. We're done. Y'all in the field, you know, hitting and banging. The next step, you know, after your practice, you know, you're most likely starving. And so, you know, I feel like I kind of like fill myself up a little bit more. I normally go to see the salad with a little bit of ranch. I go with a bison burger, you know, it kind of is not the same as a beef patty. It takes off. Like I said, a calories off your diet. It definitely has a lot. Dinner, I normally wrap up with grilled chicken, mashed tails and broccoli half the time. You know, it's like what am I going to do? My pre-workout foods, I try to eat some pretzels, you know, there has a little bit of carbs on there. So it gets my body started. I know everybody's different, but for sure works out for me. And then after, I don't just do a shake. I feel like I took kind of too full before lunch. So I definitely just do a shake, you know, after practice or after live, you know, just to make sure, you know, getting a protein and just getting everything back that I lost while I work, you know.

3:43:30All right, it's time for some rapid fire questions. Do I count my macros? I try to, you know, you're supposed to eat brown, for me, it's like 2,500 to 3,000 calories. So I definitely try to make sure I'm accumulating them every day until, you know, how much I need this day and that day, because you know, sometimes, you know, my appetite's kind of different depending on how I'm on my days. My favorite carbs, for sure, I eat one of my favorite foods is french fries. And so, you know, it kind of definitely plays a hurt in my diet. For sure, breakfast, you know, it's my favorite meal. So, you know, it's the easiest thing to make. If I did my piece of crust anything, it had to be cheese or, you know, I thought you can't go wrong with either one. I eat in bed, yeah, I do. You know, I'm a big guy, you know, I'm not a friend of you when I'm back. For sure, from where I'm at, I'm not gonna tell you better, but, you know, you do your own thing. My dream taco, I think, is just normal bread tacos, you know, it's pretty good. I wanted to say, this guy is in the protein, in my opinion, you know, sometimes it gets just a little gritty and, you know, once she makes it that well, I think it really helps out the shake a lot.

3:44:37I just want to say, just work hard, just stay dedicated to whatever you're doing. Everything's not gonna be all right sometimes, but, you know, it's gonna be all right half the time, but, you know, it's gonna work out at the end. Brotherhood, they don't let nobody down, they always got each other back. So, I mean, it's a new team now, so, you know, we got to build that kimchi with each other, you know, just, just get tight. And I feel like when I was there for that playoff running and I practiced, when they were at the National Championship, you know, I just got to watch, you know, how guys are, you know, real locked in, they're close with each other. And then I let nobody slack off and, you know, I feel like we had the opportunity to do that with this team now. How did you handle that first lock? That first lock, you know, it kind of got to me. It was the IGB, you know, he, you know, he let me here. So, after that loss, I was like, nah, I can't let this happen anymore. Because it's like, now it's not high school where you used 17, 16 years old and if you lose, you lose. Appearance is not. If you lose, the coaches see that.

3:45:39And they go see how you respond to it. So, I feel like I had to, you know, open my eyes, I had to go and lock them like, yeah, I can't let this happen anymore. So, I got to go up and, you know, these guys are counting on me too. So, it's really important that I don't lose. If you had to describe yourself as a competitor, how would you do that? I'm a great competitor, you know, I like winning. Who does something like that? So, I mean, winning is, it's in my blood. My parents taught me that at a young age, you know, going out there competing for anything that you want. And I feel like if you can go out there, I can peep for it, you know, as years. And if you can peep for it all the time, who's going to take it from me. So, I mean, I'm a good competitor. I'm always going to go out there and try to take what's mine. If it's out there, then anybody can have it. And I'm going to be the one to get it. There's some roles in your room, obviously. Are you a talker? What's your natural environment? I mean, it could come out on me, you know. But I don't really, I really am a game to the talking for this part. But, you know, if it gets there, it gets to that point where, yeah, I can bring it out. Because, you know, regardless, I'm not just going to let nobody just come out here and just, you know, catch balls on me. So, if I'm having a good day when I'm consistently getting TVUs, yeah, I'm going to talk.

3:46:44But, you know, being in that room, you kind of got to talk. You know, the gym, you got IGD, you know, those real talkers in that room. So, it kind of makes you want to bring it out. You know, when we bring that out, they just bring it to energy out of the whole defense. And when you got the whole defense clicking, I mean, you can see you can see. Is there anyone that's kind of a competition you have? It was during the winter. We were doing, you know, just stuff on the field. We were just just having the time of the field. Just a lot of competitions. So, I mean, he just kind of. It was a day where, you know, they had us going up against just the freshmen and then they kind of threw us in there and fired against the older guys. So, we had to, you know, we had to wake up and, you know, we all kind of lost. And it all kind of like, we all kind of can't get that professional group like, what are we going to do about this? Cause, you know, some of their kind ofness to step up in those roads. Yeah, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely my work on college moments, you know, you know, just showing that, you know, it's real now. I'm not in Houston, Texas, no more in my school. Far from my family, you know, I got to wake up, I got to grow, I got to mature fast. And, you know, I just got to get ready for the next level.

3:47:49You've mentioned high school a couple times. How did, you know, grow it up there in Texas, playing at that level. How do you feel like that helped you prepare for Ohio State? I feel like you prepared good, you know, I feel like I went to a powerhouse in Texas. We obviously ran the Houston area. You know, we've been running the Houston area for a long time now. And I feel like, you know, we're a real college program. We live just like these guys who do the same lifts, you know, the level of ball I played, the highest level ball in the Texas 6A, you know, we're going against guys like Dunkin' Bill, no crowd, those top schools, you know, receive the Korean more I go against them. I want to get some three times in my career. So I mean, those that really prepared me for this level, you know, coming in like, okay, this is not where it's a little school where they don't believe that I can come in and make an impact. I came from big schools, so they're counting on me to make an impact because, you know, I think, I mean, everybody would say Texas is one of the highest, highest player bars in the country, you know, they go as Florida and they're probably Georgia. So I mean, they're counting on me to be ready and that level of ball prepared me real, real well.

3:48:49How'd you do against the Korean? You know, it was, it was when, when lose, when lose, you know, I went something, he lose something. So I mean, it's just getting better on Shob and Iron because, you know, he's the top receiver obviously in our class. You know, I feel like he's going to have a good impact at Oregon. So, I mean, it's just, it's just, just, just, what's going to happen next? Like a part of the scene of him again? Yeah, definitely, definitely. And you know, I plan on planning against him. We don't, we want to see him this year, hopefully we see him in the big team championships, so, you know, I want that rematch, you know. You committed super early in the process six months after that. You shut things down when, quite frankly, someone of your caliber didn't have to do that. You could have, you've seen kids play the game a little bit longer than that, but you chose to not do that. Just kind of lock it in here. Why? You know, because this was, this was, this was what I felt, this was home. You know, I didn't really feel like, you know, standing Texas was a good thing for me. I didn't, I didn't feel like that was home for me. Up here, I just felt like it was home, you know, because of law and because they, you know, they're making it, you know, making me feel important up here.

3:49:52And then, you know, like you can ask, because what, how many times I came up here, do I, my high school career, I came for 13 times. So, it got to the point where I was knowing the guys on the team, I had the numbers just like that. When I come up here, you know, I don't got to always build the coaches. I can go chill with some of the guys on the team. So, it was just, just me, you know, knowing what I want to put in my college ball at, you know, knowing where I felt like it was home and then, you know. It was also my parents too, you know. My mom being, you know, feeling safe that, you know, I'm up here, you know, I'm handling the business and not having to worry about me. And she goes to sleep. Playmakers in position to make a great play. So, I'm excited to be able to play in this offense, especially with the playmakers around me and see what we can do this year. You talk a lot about the yards after the catch for the soft fences. The important is for an offense to have that in general nowadays. If you would have the best offense in the NFL, if you would have that, is that, how necessary is that to have that to be a top-off offense? It comes along with the scheme or along with the playbook, you know.

3:50:55Like I said, the West Coast offense brings a lot of opportunities for the playmakers to make plays, get the playmakers in space. And I feel like he's doing that. And OTAs, we did that a lot. And I'm excited, like I said, to be able to play in space, be able to play in open holes and a defense and make plays after the catch. Chris, it's a receiver, like when you make a catch and you're trying to make the determination of like, you don't want to get some yaccer, not having a necessary hit. How do you make that calculation of like when it's worth it? Just, just I'll feel really just seeing, we can really see a pre-snab from the coverage post-snab see what they see what they do with the defense does. You can really feel the defenders around you. Like I said, if you can see three or four people around you can really do too much. Like I said, a lot of more space with his offense, a lot more holes in the defense that you're trying to get the playmakers into. I'm excited to be able to work with that. You can't really do it as much in practice, you know, you're not going to get hit.

3:51:59But more pre-season and first couple games, I'm excited to see see what that looks like. I'm excited, man. Like I said, from jump, he's a special player. You don't really get that so many players like him that's so quick, so fast, at least speed and I ain't going to run routes too. So I'm excited to see what he does in the future, but I feel like that's the least they can do for him this year. How do you think he would get me employed for another? It's just speed, man. Speed, you can't teach speed at all. Just having us on opposite sides, even to play on both sides. It's just speed down a field. He could run 15, 20 yard end breakers, out breakers. And like I said, you're going to have to play two safes most of the time, or you could run the ball, you could get underneath the house. It's going to be a great compliment to the offense, so I'm excited. Chris, you said you hope this new offense will put the playmakers in the position to make plays. What about you specifically? What's an area where you think you'll have more opportunity than finish your day?

3:53:01It's a lot of areas that you can see to look at, to improve my game, but yards out the cases are one I'm looking forward to. Just more opportunities with that, more space. Just to showcase my speed and my ability with the ball. So I'm excited to do that this year. Something that I really showcase the first two years, so I'm excited to be with it. It's something that quick game element of interest in the ball in your hands. Yeah, quick game, play action, more over the middle routes. It's a lot of different things that you can say that this guy's going to help that, but like I said, I'm excited. How would you describe the chemistry between you and Gary? We're getting way better, man. I mean, it was our first year last year, so it was kind of up and down, but that's what it comes with the game of football. We worked a lot this off season, OTAs, which was really good. And we got off to a good start these first two days at Camping, extra working, but that's not coming with time.

3:54:04So I'm not worried about that at all. We both competitors, we both want to be the best, so we got to do something to be good. Where do you kind of notice that difference is just like feel on the route? What do you kind of notice now that it's year two that gets more natural? What do you mean? It's just like, it's more than that, man. It's NFL, everybody's good, so we just got to know what each other is thinking, pre-snap, post-snap, cover cheese, where the walls won't go. Just read, what read I am in the progression, everything goes along with that. Just being on the same page, being, like I said, chemistry is built with time, so just little stuff like that that turns into big things is going to be huge. You caught one from Spencer Routland at A2, what are your early impressions from him? He's real talented, that's the first thing I've seen from him. His arm talent is out the charts, he's a real natural feel out there. He's going to be real good, I want to see him in action, but from my first impression, he's going to be a real good player.

3:55:09It's going back to the machine that we talked about all the different stuff he should do, you think there's still a lot more there for him? Oh yeah, he hasn't really, I think this is the first year of being a receiver, two or really receiver. In my opinion, we both are a receiver one, so I just be able to move around, run real routes, feel like it's going to be a huge advantage for his saying. It's a special player and I can't wait to see him ball, I can't wait to see him get more opportunities and see what he can do. My run real routes, he's just like an opportunity to run. Yeah, just getting more, he hadn't really played too many plays in his first few years, he kind of just get thrown in there when he's getting the ball or he's a decoy or something like that. But he's actually being involved in the offense, always being in, even on run plays, I feel like he's going to be a huge advantage for him to get a feel for the game and be more natural out there. How hard is a receiver like that to shed kind of a, you know, think of him as a deep threat label and then so people just think of him as a deep threat, but he can do more.

3:56:16How hard is it to kind of shed that label or that perception like? I mean, that's what life everybody is trying to label somebody as one thing or two things, but I feel like you can showcase, I mean, that's not really who you are, you know what I'm saying. As you get, as you get more opportunities as you, as you can see, you can see you can do more and more. That's what, that's what anybody on the team. So I'm excited, like I said, and for his, for his huge opportunities, I'm going to get this year and it's going to be a big one for the Saints. Does this, does this scheme ask for more blocking from receivers as they're more responsibility? Oh yeah, for so. I mean, that's what I told you to do. We both have to block and I know we're not the biggest guys or the strongest, but like I said, we want to be on the field. We got to be on the field for the play action plays, all those things. So we both got to go block D-Lime and block Lyme backers, but that's what coming football. So we both got to take that next step in our game. Is that somewhere there's like a payoff? Like you guys know you play from play action next time. Oh yeah, so yeah, it's going to be a huge payoff.

3:57:18Like I said, most of our office is based on play action, all the in-breakers, all the yards at the catch of a play. So we got to go in there and block and like I said, take that next step and be able to be great for our team. Like being here? Oh yeah, so after I filled the weather out here, man, that's what I'm used to not using the war and then it's out there trying to catch my breath. It's a great opportunity for us. You got a chance to see family and friends at all, so this is their boyfriend area. Not yet, but they're going to come by every song. Appreciate you all. Jacob Ferrell, I'm very impressed with him. I've been impressed with Hunter Wooders in terms of his toughness and how he's well-keptic. But there's a lot of good young guys that have been working really hard. Hunter Anthony and Tyree Swoleons, I'm excited about those guys as well.

3:58:18I got a good young class today. I'm sure they're coach, thank you for your time today. And thank you very much. We're very welcome, thank you. Thank you. So you were coaching, you're a real slider forever. You could probably write a book about what you learned. Maybe in the synopsis, where did you learn from slider coaching under him? Jeez, well, I mean, just going to try to get better every day. And never be satisfied. And he was very demanding. Very demanding on his players, he's demanding on his coaches. He's just very competitive. And I've said this before, there's a lot of similarities between him and his players. There's a lot of similarities between these two programs. Maybe the personalities are different, but when I first day, I got here, first day,

3:59:22our first staffman, Coach Gunny, talked about us being a more tougher, more physical, more disciplined football team. And that's all Coach Snider would talk about. Those are the things that he would talk about. Just having us being the toughest, most disciplined team out there. So it was like we're hearing the same thing. And that's what we're stressing and that's what we want to be. And that's what we're trying to be this year. We hear Adolfo stay. Well, some of Gunny's best teams, especially early on, asked him. How do they get back to being like that physical? Well, I think we got to be demanding on him and we got to instill the toughness. And continue to instill the toughness, continue to instill discipline. And just not be satisfied, you know, and just be demanding on him.

4:00:24What is it being called, football and football camp? Well, I mean, I just want us to get better every day. And I want us to, my goal again is for us to be tougher and to be more physical and to be more disciplined. And really focus on those attributes. And I know if we do, that will carry over to us being successful in the field. Being such a veteran, how have you seen social media impact? Well, it's impacted quite a bit. Yeah, it's very interesting. It's taking me, you know, I got a while to get used to all of it. I'm not saying I'm great on it, but you're on the Twitter. Yeah, but I'm on Twitter and all that good stuff. You know, it's been fine. But it is having an impact on recruiting.

4:01:29Yeah. The differences between the style of offense and the way it states. How does that affect the general? Well, that's a great question. I mean, that was probably the biggest transition for me was just, and one of the most exciting things for me was being able to be a part of this offense because Coach Gundy's offenses have been some of the best in the country, period. I mean, they've been awesome. So I wanted to be a part of it. But with that, it was, you know, it can't just stay, we were, you know, ground and pounded. We were a lot of quarterback on the game, some of it. But also just taking as much time off the clock as we could so we could keep the ball away from other defenses. You know, for other, other, other, other officers. And so just slowing down and that type of stuff. So here was playing fast and getting guys to just teach them my guys to, you know,

4:02:29to get up and make the calls and get the points. And that was different. But that's kind of where I was going to, where I was, you know, where I was, hey, I just being able to resource Johnny and Marcus, hey, you know, how do you guys do that? What were some of the things, you know, and Jason Meckendood was really helpful with that as well. But it's been a great transition. It's been a great transition. How does your job in Amigo with Shawn Lison, depending upon who wins the quarterback job? One may even work over with the other. What is that? How do you work in the relationship like it? What's been great with Shawn? Shawn's awesome. I mean, I've said that Shawn's got a, he's got a vision. He knows where he, what he wants and he's very passionate. He's a very intense, very detailed. And, and so, you know, he knows, he knows exactly where he wants his offense to go. And so I'm really excited. I'm really excited to get a chance to work with him. And the whole offensive staff has been awesome.

4:03:31You know, Waz and Casey and Matt have all been great. So it's really good. Coach Gundey talked in the past about trying to refer to you who can't mistake before, obviously, this time. What were those pitches like in those conversations that I've been with them at those times? Well, I mean, it was great. Coach Gundey's, you know, he's, me, it was awesome. And so it just circumstances just, for whatever reasons, just didn't allow me to, to be able to, to do it. But, but, but I'm just grateful now for this opportunity. I'm, I'm just grateful he gave me a call. I'm just, that's one thing I am very grateful for. I'm very, very thankful for that he, you know, he gave me that call. So I'm very, really excited to be here. We need a guy like that, just going to make sure the O-line is picked up. We're ready to go every day on those healthy, kind of little things are having a practice of people aren't saying anything and how I may leave, maybe different than somebody else may leave.

4:04:31You know, like, at practice, at least, like, the positive, you know what I mean. So, but he, the energy I would be on, just, oh, I'd be on, start to, so I was kind of, how I would be going on. Literally my whole iPhone, again, I felt, team captain, like specifically, and I felt I wasn't a captain in high school. Wasn't a captain in college, but I want to make a joke, cause I was in high school. So, I feel like I'm not going to be a captain till I get that I felt. You know, but that would be awesome, you know, but, you know, that happens, I'd be great, but not either way. I want to assume a role as a captain from the perspective of guys on team visual work and get back to that point. Yeah, I mean, I can't say that, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt like I felt like how you used to move past, but it didn't take just the first ALTAs and took training and left and right once this season ended, because I didn't know what it was going to be.

4:05:37So, I just like a lot of reps, just to give back to feeling like myself for the ALTAs, and then that whole first week, but now like today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet. I did say talking about the long coach, about some things I can do with my feet, to get to that, but to sell that traditional angle that I love to sit on. I thought I felt great already, but I felt even better. I started even more excited tomorrow now, getting my feet back, and how I liked the right side and on the left side. So, on the right side. I mean, obviously I feel like in the league, whether I left or right, you're still going against Premier guys. So obviously, you have high expectations for your left hand or right tackle, but there's definitely like the level of energy. And like the expectations definitely take the human strength, because now I can either fly side. That's the, as the tackle world, you know, so yeah, I would say in terms of communication as far as this, even outside of the facility,

4:06:44you can just stuff like that, like really crazy, but tackle quarterback, body, even more often feel what I think has been something that's even good. Cool. I got the text one day, because I, like you put it up, I was like, yeah, I've been training both. I've been training both. You know, I asked after the season there, like honestly, you know, we'll talk to you simply in the season, and I just got a text one. I was with the free agency. Then, so I was like, you know what, I had an old season right tackle. So, if I get the word, I'm going, I'm standing right tackle. I'll just do what I did before I'm built on that. But I was like, I might as well just train the left tackle now, as if I'm going to be a left tackle. And I'd rather do that than train all the right time, good to call the A, good to the left tackle. I'm like, who, how do you, how do you, how do you switch my feet yet? You know what I mean? So, I'm like, let me just prepare an advance. I was like, yeah, it was God. You know, I think occasionally, on third down, there would be a lot of twists. I was just not like, it's automatic, it's God.

4:07:45And I think that was my mindset for like the first half of the season. Like, I didn't have to go once again with surprise. Like, oh my gosh, they did that. I kind of figured, okay, like this is the type of rush. I'm going to get like, this is how this guy usually rushes. If I get the vibe, this is how the ends like the rush, you know, tackles that, you know, first year guys. You got to print your patch on. Already, you know, what it was going to be. Already, you 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, they brought the twist on my side again. It was never air goblet. Well, they come out the hot like three plays in a row. And in two minutes, I do that. It was going to be like, you know what I mean? I'm watching more everybody else. And he rarely goes out there occasionally. And I was like, you know, he's going to pick me. You know what I mean? So, effect, effect, it's kind of, it's also kind of an advantage in a way. But it's also exciting, like, okay, I'm going to get the hardest look. You know, those are real, real reps, you know, the things.

4:08:47Really out on our way to kind of process. That I was like, hey, when they tell me, let me know about, I'm just going to train it. I was training all left. To TAs, I guess if I didn't hear anything about TAs, I would have came in like, so, you know what I mean? Because just like, I'm cool with training both continue. I would have been cool with training both continually. But I feel like anybody in any position will feel like, okay, like, you want as soon as possible, to give your feet kind of subtle in, your hips, subtle in, your hands, so then certain kind of that. Would have been harder than you were both there, how to use. No, no. But they're definitely, but in terms of the development, it was definitely a lot faster if you're staying on one side. But I think having that, the weeks that we had to transition with seasons over, you've been like, well, spot. You know, good. I'm trying to get up, put up my foot, and wake.

4:09:49Things out of town right now, but when it comes back, I'm going to show them the own house. So I've got a house that's not too far from, so I told them, I got that house, like a yellow outside. DJ. You know what I mean? Catches feet under them. You know, I always think when you're in your rookie season, you're going from bowl game. I don't even know what's going to play in a bowl game. Sorry, Wisconsin, I don't even know, but, you know, personally, I just think when you go from bowl game to training for the combine, to, you know, rookie minicamp, OTAs, the, you know, minicamp, I mean, the training camp, the regular season. You really don't get a time to really catch yourself. You know, you understand some playbook now. You can be more vocal. You know, I think when my absence, the other guys' absence, you know, you need guys like that to step up and be ready for those opportunities. What do you think of the surgery you had in your office? The same you had during the season, was it more thorough?

4:10:49What was just tightened down everything? You know, my left side, because I was over-competing a little bit. But, you know, it was, it wasn't anything that lingers, you know. I'll say this, a growing is not like an ACL. It's not like anything's ever going to get affected again. You know, you know, feeling good, able to do everything, squat and heavy, with power and speed. So, you know, it feels good to get after a good. What do you think of what the team was able to accomplish in your summer season in terms of bringing guys like wrestling and things like that? You know, I think they're all good acquisitions, but, you know, you never want to be known as a paper champ. So, you can't win the off season. I think the work gets done out here on the field. It's done in the classroom. It gets done training. You know, and then you see where you're at in training camp. And then you build on that. You know, I think we got the right guys in the building. It's just about putting a complete team on the field.

4:11:49Can you tell us how difficult is it to separate the business part of the game in the actual football club? You know, you always have to treat it like a business because, you know, one day it's going to end. And that's a good job. It's not like in college where, you know, you got 40 years guarantee. Well, now you don't even know what that is. I don't know, it's crap. It's a great transfer portal, portal. But, you know, you have to, I still have love for this game and I still work my tail off. And I still put everything into it. And that's not going to change. But you have to know what you bring to the team and what your value is. Can you have anyone in the field to be out there with your teammates today, emotionally? Great, you know. We got a new training staff and still learning the warm up. It's a little different. But, you know, I loved it. You know, just getting after it. Learning new guys, going through the same drills I've been doing by myself.

4:12:53I actually like having more people around because like, kind of go stir crazy when it's just you and another guy you're like, damn, I got to go back up for another rep already. And so, you know, it's nice to be up here and get a chance to be with my guys. Can we confident and be able to get down to your emotion? Oh, I'm going to try to remain pretty neutral because, you know, I don't want to be to either way. All I know is I want to be here. But we'll see what happens. It's my last year here. I've had a great career here, but I look forward to playing that shit. What that second surgery you said at this time was on the left side of the first time around on the right side? Right side during the season, left side. And that was just tightening down my core muscle. It wasn't the same as my ad doctor. You know, you can ask Dr. Bradley, Dr. Zuckerbron, who did the surgery as well.

4:13:56You know, if anything's going to help me and make me a lot stronger from here on up. Can you say you were training with another guy who have you heard the most? Tyson, I've been training with him for the last eight years. We've always trained together. We've got a trainer up north, Charles Cole Haley, who's my guy. He trained a Heath Miller, Brett Kiesel, multitudin guys that all respect. And we've just been getting after him. Can we do a few guys historically, 35, they paid big contracts? I think that's held against you. I think there's not a lot of history behind it. But, you know, for me, I look as I'm not looking to be like anybody else. You know, my game is different from everybody else in the sleep. You know, I like to think I can play the run in the pass. And that's where I'm different. You know, I remember last year of my team just brought to my attention. You know, the thing that's really cool is you watch powerlifters.

4:14:57And, you know, my game's built on power and technique. And those guys go into their 40s. And so, you know, that's what kind of research I'm doing behind the scenes. But, you know, we'll see what happens. There's not a lot of history, but I'm here to make history. And I'm here to, you know, win another Super Bowl there. And, you know, have a great season. And you have a set goal for yourself on how many years you want to play in the NFL. You can just take things here right here. You know, it was tough answering that question right after the season. I will say this guys, I can't keep answering that question right after the season. That is not fair to the season that's not fair to my family. You know, but in my mind, I got three years. And I want to maximize them. I want to play at a high level. And I want to go deep into playoffs. And, you know, we got a good team. And I'm going to do my part to be ready for all those situations. You've planned on practicing when you report to the church,

4:15:57or is it possible that you might hold in and enforce the negotiations? I have not even thought that far. I've taken a day by day. You know, I told my agent and we talked about it. We were cool coming out here. You know, I'll be here for many. And then I'll be there for training. I don't know what the work entails, but when we get there, we'll cross that bridge. Why is it a guy who's three or more remain a steel worker with his three years? You know, there was a conversation between me, Omar, and Mike T. And there are certain guys that are one-helma guys. You know, and I want to be one of those one-helma guys. And, you know, there's a hunger and desire there. But that doesn't mean just hanging it up and calling it a career. To me, I think, you know, I got more bullets to fire. And, you know, I'm excited to do that. What's the meaning?

4:16:57Last one. Can you and Russell Wilson are going to be out there with Ultimand? What's Peyton Man of the Year patch? I saw Russ as on social media. But I have been as you can see it. I like the surprise happens when it happens. It's cool to have another Ultimand of the Year winner. I think it's an honor to be there. And I'll say one thing. I won't be here. I'm just telling you guys, so it's not a big deal. I won't be here because I have to do a Ultimand of the Year thing on Thursday. It's not like I'm skipping. But it's an honor to be with Russ. It's an honor of doing things in the community. Doing great work. The cool thing is, as much as we get honored and nominated for these things, the work doesn't stop. And I can see that with Russ this foundation. We had an event for our foundation.

4:17:58And my mom was quick to tell Russ, hey, we need the partners somehow. And I was like, mom, let's just enjoy the event. It's really cool to be a part of a lead group. All right. Thank you. 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've been building the room, or the way you can kind of establish your room now, it seems like it's been, like, son of pieces, contemplations, and kind of building bonds. I'm curious, is that something that you came in, 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, and you guys should be. No, it's been there for a while. I've been doing that for a long time. It's all about relationship. If you develop real relationship and you're authentic in your communication, and you have honest feedback, and you have direct teaching, the guys that have value and character, and they appreciate that stuff, they're embrace that. So, but they have to know you care, and you have to know that it's real, and they have to know that you're really concerned about there where it being as a young man.

4:18:58And when you get close to them and spend a lot of time with them off the field, you could coach them hard. And you can say truthful things to them, and then they're embracing it, and you can have real conversation because you know, the only goal is to help them get better as a young man. As you see, computers go, and those journalists, and the receivers in the Silverado, and the Silverado, and the Ford, and the Ford, and the kind of skewed that evaluation sometimes. How's that dynamic change in these two years? Is this group's gotten older, and you've been better even more talented? 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? It's that stuff that gets us better,

4:19:58that will prepare us for Saturday. I think that's the same idea. The first day of practice, actually the receivers kind of got them, was I being kind of a great couple, maybe if it was for this one. No, it's just competitive, man. They got the best group in the country, that you're going to get every day. So you have to bring it every day. You know what I mean? So we got a great quarterback room, we got a great receiver room. The running backs are really good. So when you're out there going against them, it's deep. So you have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we've seen a lot of good stuff with what goes day in Coach Kelly doing over there. And so it prepares you a lot. And it helps us grow. So why don't you go into a room kind of an associative for free and future? Is that? This is the one that you're recruiting. Or a wide receiver room kind of in a part of your recruiting. These are the guys you get to play against. Yeah, all of that's because you know, that's where you get better. Iron Shopping's iron. So you know, you get to see that every day of practice. That helps you grow. It's no better thing to go against every day than to see that on a daily basis.

4:20:59I'm also near room massage. Jordan, you're looking at to play that. That's why we're just moving a lot of guys around. If you 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. Obviously, Lorenzo's 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 it fit. You know, see what things work together. So it's going to probably be some more guys in there. You know, we move it around to try to just get the right fit throughout the N and C. How it goes by time we get really start the season. What's your name? I'm Tim John about Calvin. Tim is in some part. He can run any strong. You know what I mean? He's fast. Very serious about his business. He's big. He's 200 pounds. He can run. He's strong. He's conscientious. You know what I mean? He's starting to grow and he's starting to get better with it. You know what I mean? So we look for big things for him in spring. Tim, what do you want to see from here in spring? Keep competing. You know what I mean now? He's made the transition competing today. You know what I mean? Start going in. That transition is all just like I'm in Japan last year. You throw him in the fire. You let him go. You compete. You go by time we get out of the end of training camp.

4:21:59You have to be them figured out. Yeah, I want that. But now you just throw it all at him. Come compete. Continue to grow. Continue to learn. He has the skill set. He has the length. Now you just got to put it all together. And it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by time we get into training camp. It seems like midway through spring. You kind of click for your main last year. And you start to see and perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want parents to be? By the middle of spring. Does he have to be in a certain point where you want it to start clicking? Yeah, by the time you start getting about two weeks from now, that last week. You know, because it takes time. There's a lot of stuff going on. By the time you get into that last week of spring ball, you'll start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you get another evaluation again. We'll get into training camp. See if this stuff carried on. To make sure we go for starting in September. What's your assessment of the growth of the winters made? Now that he's kind of got his feet under one defense. What do you think about him and that Nick? He's very conscious. He's smart. He can run. He's tough. He's made the adjustment because he's out of Europe on his belt.

4:22:59So now you can see he's not making a lot of mistakes. He can piece his real conscious inches. And he has a physical presence. So the growth has been really good. And we look to continue that throughout spring. Coach, thank you very much. I can ask one more. All of you have to come back like Denzel's a great example. Could that surprise you as you reflect on all these guys that came back late for the ransom? And it 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 dudes to 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. It's a testimony to how he runs the program. Coach, thank you very much.

4:23:59I think the biggest difference from Sam and Will. Sam, you just got to be more outsized sometimes during the slot with two. You know, but I think it's similar concept. Because you do the same thing in the boundary. It's almost more like the San Francisco field in the Wilson to 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. So like I said, the only difference really is now just suggesting the less time. Yeah, Coach, how is it you coming from where you coming from? You have a better perspective of what's going on. Chris, you played safe. Yeah, yeah. I feel like I have a great understanding of the defense. I think at safety, I kind of already knew what the linebacks are doing. So now what I'm really starting to learn is like exactly like every little detail with the D lines doing. That's not really what I didn't know every little aspect of it. I think I'm starting to learn that now because obviously linebacker got to be knowing that more.

4:25:00So 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. I feel like you're warm enough to remember in the mix of the defense too. And linebackers have a sunny because you can be dropping one minute pass-rested. You or me, you can make some of that anyway. Yeah, actually, I think you can say being a linebacker in the play, you're almost in every play. Yeah. Obviously the play can run away from you. But you know, at safety, sometimes you're just back there, playing every guest. You take two back battles and it's a tackle. So I think yeah, a linebacker, you're in the play more. More chance, more opportunities to make tackles. Can you feel comfortable there? I mean, what does that, you know, obviously your dad will stand out like that? Yeah, I feel super comfortable with it. Like I said, I think it's just going to be adjustment. Obviously he's different playing from a five than it was from playing from my 10 last year. So I think it's an adjustment, but I'm super comfortable with it. Sonny, have you talked to your dad and given you any advice on the new position? Oh, yeah, we watch table all the time. Watch practice. You know, he was a high level linebacker. And I'm just getting started with this. He gets a little shit with footwork and stuff like that.

4:26:02It's good. I get good teaching him, you know, obviously coach Lord Knight is great player, great teacher for him, coach, and all of those, 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 Sam Scott Fist or help with this? I think it helped a little bit less in terms of physicality being in the box down on the line. But I do think the run fit as a will and a Sam can be a little different. And like I said, like being into your fitter, like your 30 backer, you know, an A, you get pools, how you got to go spill it, so things like that. But I think I'm adjusting well. I think I'm picking up on stuff pretty fast. There's still going to be a lot of stuff to work on though. Do you feel more pressure talking to the media with your brother sitting right there? Not at all. What do you think has been the biggest change from my backer in safety climate? I think the biggest change would probably be that 10 to 5.

4:27:08Because it's a big adjustment because everything's happening faster and you got to react faster. And like I said, the wasted movements, I think footwork is huge. I think when you see the great linebackers, seems to play habits are going. They're not taking any wasted steps or not fall stepping, things like that. So I think wasting movement and being able to see what's happening reactivately fast. It's been the biggest benefit of being on the same team with your brother. I mean, you know you got something out there that's, it's more than a team. You know, we call each other brothers, but you know, bloods, bloods a little thicker. So that's always pretty cool. It's always, it's never one on one. Yeah, but when he tells you something, he doesn't observe what 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 and not what you want to hear. What's your advice on playing Dickel? Oh, for him. I mean, he just so out of leather, he got to keep trusting his instincts.

4:28:11Now, 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 see a handcock. Obviously, a little different body than a handcock, but I think he's going to be really good at once and stuff from that field. He's, he's, he's, he's this time. Thank you. Great. Honest communication, honest assessment, the character, the value, the work at it, and the main thing is the competition. You got to compete. If you don't want to compete, it's not going to be a place for you. Because that's the, that's the thing that will get us where we need to go is competition in the room. And those guys here love to compete. We sell that. We're looking for guys who embrace that, who chairs being in those spots. And you can take time to grow, you know.

4:29:11You don't have to have the, the pig mentality of problem of, of, 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, is right. And if the time is right right now, is a freshman, like what's your main, then 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, in a workforce. We want you to prepare you as a young man and we try to sell that and preach that to the parents. With, you're main having that, in fact, you mentioned, growing all these different spots. Do you anticipate, you know, there wasn't a lot of rotation among cornerbacks last year, when everyone was healthy. Do you anticipate maybe growing him through the rest guys here with the longer season potentially? Yeah, we play it by ear. You know what I mean? We see how it goes by the time we get in the camp. But, you know, obviously, he's earning his stripes. So, you know what I mean? When you earn your stripes, you know, a lot of jobs to create opportunities for you.

4:30:13You know what I mean? We have to see how it goes with all that other stuff. You know, once we get closer to the season, and we're getting the game plan stuff, but he's doing a great job and he's taking a great step forward. Tim, when you're the way that you've been building the room, or 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. And 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 conscious position, or is it like a guy who's been there for a while. I've been doing that for a long time. It's all about relationship. If you develop real relationship and you're authentic in your communication and you have honest feedback and you have direct teaching, the guys that have value and character and they appreciate that stuff, they're embrace that. So, but they have to know you care and you have to know that it's real, and they have to know that you're really concerned about there. We're being as a young man, and when you get close to him, it's been a lot of time with him off the field. You could coach him hard, and you can say truthful things to him, and then they'll embrace it, and you have real conversation,

4:31:15because you know, the only goal is to help them get better as a young man. As you see, computers go, and then those are told to listen to the receiver room and so far ahead of the border, is it a kind of skewed that evaluation sometimes. How's that dynamic change in these two years? Is the scoop shot older and you've been bad at even more talent? Yeah, it's them 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, as competitive, it's fun. Those guys both on both sides of all care about each other, so it's great competition and they all are real close. So, you know what I mean? Is that stuff that gets us better, that will prepare us for Saturday. Didn't so kind of know that same idea. So, my first day of practice actually, the receivers kind of got them, as I didn't kind of wake them up, call me for this.

4:32:16No, it's just competitive, man. They got the best group in the country that you're going against 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. You have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we're seeing a lot of good stuff with what goes day in, Coach Kelly doing over there. And so, it prepares you a lot and it helps us grow. So, why are you in a room playing kind of an Sasha for green picture? Is that? It's the one that you're recruiting. Or a White or Sea Root kind of in a part of your green picture. These are the guys you get to play against. Yeah, always that's because you know, that's where you get better. Iron Shop is iron. So, you know, you get to see that every day of practice that helps you grow. There's no better thing to go against every day than to see that on a daily basis. I'm also near room massage, Jordan. Looking at to play that like this one. We just moving a lot of guys around. We watch our practice, we have a lot of guys in there right now. You know, we pop out through a four different guys in there. Obviously, Lorenzo's in there, Jameen is in there, Caleb.

4:33:19Miles, we have four or five guys moving around. Right now, we just try things out in spring ball. See what it fit. See what things work together. It's going to probably be some more guys in there. You know, we move it around and try to just get the right fit throughout the N and C. How it goes by time we get ready to start the season. What's your name? Tim is out about Calvin since he's in part. He can run any strong. You know what 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. You know what I mean? He's starting to grow and he's starting to get better with it. You know what I mean? So, we look for big things for him in the spring. Tim, what do you want to see from here? This spring. Keep competing. You know what I mean now? He's made the transition competing today. You know what I mean? He's starting going in. That transition is all just like how I'm in your main last year. You throw him in the fire, you let him go, you compete. You go by time we get out of the end of training camp. You have to be them figured out. Yeah, I want to. But now you just throw it all at him. Compete. Continuing to grow, continuing to learn. He has the skill set, he has to length. Now you just got to put it all together. And it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by the time we get in the training camp.

4:34:21It seems like a bit of a way through spring. It kind of clicked for the main last year. And you start to see him perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want here? And to be by the middle of spring? Does he have to be in a certain point where you want it to start clicking? Yeah, by the time you start getting about two weeks from now, that last week. You know, because it takes time. There's a lot of stuff going on. But you know, by the time you get into that last week of spring ball, you'll look to start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you get another evaluation again. We'll get into training camp. See if this stuff carried on to make sure we go for starting in September. Tim, what's your assessment of growth? What's it made now that you've kind of got this few under one? What do you like about him and that nickel spot? 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 can look to continue that throughout spring. Coach, thank you very much. I can ask one more. All of you have to come back like Denzel's a great example.

4:35:23Does that surprise you as you reflect on all these guys that came back late from the ransom? And it 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. Their brotherhood, their environment. And of course, they run the program for those dudes to want to come back. Because we go at it. It's hard. It's not easy. It's not easy. What we do. So, in fact, they come back and do that. It's a testimony to how he runs the program. Coach, thank you very much. I'm expecting to win. So like, when I won, I was like, oh, it's anyone. But that was something. I was like, it's more of a competition. You know what I'm saying? Not like, not any hits of the DBs. I'm too 30 going against someone who's 205. You know what I'm saying? I'm expecting to win. So I love the competition. I asked my government. Yeah.

4:36:23Cody said you came in and said, well, it's already bigger than most of the line. You see, are you playing Will and Sam? How was the position? I've been working on both, yes. Is there any fundamental difference between the two in terms of boxing? I mean, obviously, Sam, you're more outside the box. Outside my back, you're overhang. You walked up on the edge on the tight end. Will's more inside the box. I think the biggest difference from Sam and Will, Sam, you've got to be more outside sometimes you're in the slot with two. But I think it's similar concepts because you do the same thing in the boundary. It's almost more like the same situation in the field than Will's in 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 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. So like I said, the only difference really is now is just adjusting to less time. Yeah, yeah.

4:37:23Coach, most of you coming from where you're coming from, you have a better perspective of what's going on. Chris, you played safe in the area. Yeah, yeah. I feel like I have a great understanding of the defense. I think that safety, I kind of already knew what the linebacks were doing. So now what I'm really starting to learn is like exactly like every little detail what the D's line's doing. That's not really what I didn't know every little aspect of it. I think I'm starting to learn that now because obviously lineback, you've got to be knowing that more. So I think when it's all said, no, I think we have a really, really, really good understanding of the defense and knowing exactly what everyone's doing. You feel like you're warm enough to remember in the mix of the defense too. And that lineback here is not exciting because you can be dropping one minute pass-resonant. You know me, you can actually make some of that anyway. Yeah, I actually said that. I think you can say it'll be in that lineback you're in the play. You're almost in every play. Yeah. You're just playing the play and running away from you. But you know, safety sometimes you're just back there playing every guest. You take two back pedals and it's a tackle. So I think yeah, lineback, you're in the play more. More opportunities to make tackles. Can you feel comfortable there?

4:38:23I mean, what does that, you know, obviously your dad is staying out like that? 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 any of you talk to your dad and give you any advice on the new position? Oh yeah, we watch the table all the time. Watch practice. You know, he was a high level linebacker. You know, I'm just getting started with this. He gets a little footwork and stuff like that. But it's good. I get good teaching him. You know, obviously coach Lord Knight is great player, great teaching for him, coach Knowles. 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 Sam stuff by his tree help with this? Um, I think it helped a little bit. It's been like in terms of physical like being in the box down down on the line. But I do think the the run fit as a will and the Sam can be a little different. Like in terms like I said, like being an interior fitter, like you're a 30 backer.

4:39:27When 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, this is going to be a lot of stuff for working 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 wasting waste of movement and being able to see what's happening. Reactivity fast. It's been a big sped 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 teammate. You know, we call each other brothers, but you know, bloods, bloods a little thicker. So that's always pretty cool.

4:40:27You know, it's always it's never 101. Yeah, but he tells you something that he doesn't observe about 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, son. You know, obviously guys here, we have tough love, but I think it's always going to be a little different when it's your brother. Because he going to keep it 100% blunt exactly what you need to hear and know what you want to hear. What's your advice on playing pickle? Oh, for him. Um, I mean, he just so out of leather, he got to keep trusting his instincts. And I think he's going to be great. That I think what's huge for him is like I said, the athletic ability speed. You know, he bliss off the edge. He's, he's been blessing super fast. Um, and he's just great in coverage too. So I think something really good. I think I'm going to be able to do a lot of different things. Kind of like you see a handcott. Obviously, a little different body than a handcock, but I think it's going to be really good. It wants a stuff from that feel. He's, he's, he's, he's, he's time. Looks like and then they grow from there.

4:41:28So you're trying to see where they're at, but you're also trying to project where they can be as we head into the summer. Jeremy Burby, have podcasts. Right. Obviously, uh, transport, real things on Monday. And this era of comfortable. How are you guys dropping for that? I mean, and how insane is it to think that you just gone through these last six, seven weeks spring breakfast? And now you're looking at potentially another changing 10% of the roster by the end of Monday to the start of fall. Yeah, it's, it is crazy. I mean, it's unique, but I mean, I feel like we have a team that, you know, has come together for a common purpose. And, you know, we talk about, you know, why, why do you play so hard here at Ohio State? It's because of the brotherhood, the love of your teammates. I think we have a good group that way. I think guys want to be here. They want to be at Ohio State to understand what it means to be a bug guy. They see the opportunity this season. So, you know, I don't see a bunch of guys that are just looking to run out the door.

4:42:28I think there'll be a couple of different situations that maybe it does make sense for, for, for guys to maybe look at other places. But, um, and we'll just, you know, we'll adapt as those happen. But we know we're going to have to play with a lot of depth next year. You're playing 16 or 17 games more than ever before. Guys are going to play football. So, you might be a, you might be a two right now or you might be a three. But you could be in the college football playoffs fighting for, you know, a championship and, and be the guy that we're counting on. So, um, I just think this is, this is a different and unique time that we're stepping into. So, when guys are looking at the depth chart, I don't think it's as important as it always has been in the past. There's going to be a lot of football played next year. And we're going to roll guys and play depth, especially in the first half of the season, because we're going to need them in the second half of the season. And 11 Warriors. Ryan, with the quarterback commentator, have you started to narrow it down at all? And has anybody started to separate from the others? No, I don't think we've narrowed it down. But, you know, you're seeing guys make certain plays and certain things that are showing up in practice.

4:43:33As we start to get into some of the move it stuff and you get in the situational things, you're starting to, you know, just see commonalities. A lot of guys, you know, these guys bring great things to the table. Each guy brings, you know, either an experience or a skill set that's different from the others. The good news is they all can move and that's certainly made an impact on the run game. And the past game, you know, there's good things there. There's still things that they're improving on. But, yeah, you're seeing, you know, some separation. I wouldn't say that, you know, I read a name, a starter or anything like that. But, um, but there's been good competition and guys have made plays. Um, but I think ultimately we're looking for is the consistency over time. How much factor is Julian in that competition as a true freshman? He's in the mix. He is. Yeah, he's, um, you know, chip really rolls him. It doesn't matter if the one's two's and three. So you get an opportunity to see what guys look like. I think sometimes maybe when you're young, you know, you get the three work and sometimes you can look at a mess out there.

4:44:34Um, and so this has been a really good, you know, sample size to figure out where guys are at. But Julian's been competing his tail off and he'll continue to do that. And he's got a very bright future. He's got to have a really good summer. Hey, Barrett, Lincoln dot com. We just follow him on that. How do you use the quarterback on Saturdays or certain guys that are getting most of the reps with the one offense? Yes, so the plan on Saturdays to, um, you know, we'll have our ones out there. Um, though, you know, some of the guys who have, you know, 1000 plus reps, we've played a lot of football here. Um, we'll be in a little bit of a thud mode early on, but, but then when it goes over with, with an extra, but it'll be offense first defense. It'll all be tackle, um, the rest of the way. Um, so we'll be smart about that. You know, someone like Travion Henderson doesn't need to get tackled on Saturday. Um, but, um, but at the same time, it's going to be competitive. We're going to get after it and get the quarterbacks opportunities, even with the ones in there to go ahead and make plays and we'll try to create some situations for all those guys to get reps. Um, and so yeah, we'll whirl it and try to give guys as many reps as they possibly can go from there.

4:45:39So we've down and reportedly been doing before me guys is leaving. Do you guys have enough depth at running back in the quality? I guess there's a lot of depth that you want there. You have to look in the portal to subsidize up. Yeah, you know, we're looking for five, you know, and, um, and so, you know, I think, I think we're in a situation where we'll be at five. You know, if, if we need to add a six, then we'll look into that. But right now, um, I think we'll be in a situation where we feel comfortable with five guys. A little bit. 24 seconds for sports. What was your initial conversation like with Carlos and, um, did you have to recruit him pretty hard? I'm just curious how that, that first conversation went. Um, you know, he was excited. We were excited, which is, I think it was kind of mutual. Um, it's unique because of where it's at in spring. You know, and that's, that's a tough spot for anybody to be in. And I felt it on the other end of it. So, um, you know, he's a guy who always wants to, you know, do things the right way and handle himself the right way.

4:46:39But I think you just saw this opportunity as such a great opportunity for him. And, um, I think we were probably both recruiting each other the same. Yeah. Kelly and Stephs. I mean, as well, yeah. Coach, going back to the spring game, what does that say for it to be nationally televised? Was it safe on the momentum around this program and how excited are the guys for this opportunity? Yeah, I think it's a great, great, uh, day planned, um, an opportunity to be the first ever spring game that's going to be televised nationally on Fox. It's just so exciting for our guys and, uh, for Buckeye Nation and for the program. Um, really cool, really great opportunity. So our guys want to put on a good show, you know, and have some fun with it. Um, and, and like you said, you know, there's going to be a lot of great recruits here. Um, there's a lot of great momentum around the program and, and how things have continued to build. But, um, and then even that night, you know, we have an event here in the Woody concert. We call saddle up that, um, you know, it's an opportunity to raise some money. But, but also, um, you know, getting a lot done just in terms of giving back and some charities as well.

4:47:44So it's a little bit of combination of NIL and some charity work. Um, but also an opportunity to have some fun. So Carrie Levox is here in North to Nashville. Something we started last year in the Woody where folks get to actually come into the Woody, which not everybody gets an opportunity to do and actually have a concert on, on, on the indoor. So, uh, between that and the spring game itself after the spring game, we do a barbecue for the families here. It's a long day, but it's a great day. And so, uh, we're praying for great weather. Bill or Benowitz, Columbus, this batch. When we asked you about Wil Howard last practice, you said, you know, it's kind of long. I was going to do a system, but you wanted to see a lot of growth in the next two weeks. Have you seen that and where, where does, is there a pecky where it is? He's still the presumptive favorite. Um, that's, that's, you know, we haven't really talked about that very much, but his experience is definitely showing. I think that, um, he's played a lot of football before. And, um, I think he's combination on the field of being able to extend plays with his feet,

4:48:46run in the run game, you know, pull the ball. What we've seen that happen before and then be accurate with the, with, you know, in the pocket throwing the ball, play action on the move. All those things put stress on the defense. And so, you know, we're trying to put him in the most difficult situations we possibly can. Third down, third and long, second and long, different situations. Just to see how those guys respond, like everybody else. But, uh, one thing about Will is he's working really hard. He's in the building early, he's in the building late. Um, he's putting a lot of work in. You can just see that. I think the guys see that. And, you know, another part of all those quarterbacks is, you know, what, what are the guys think? What are the receivers think? What does the offense align think? Um, and I think he's done a really good job of, you know, trying to win those guys over. I think all, all the quarterbacks have, but, you know, you definitely see the hard work there. You see the experience and you see the ability. I think every practice that he's out there is learning the offense and feeling more comfortable with it. Devin looked really good in the practice. You saw, you kind of assessed his spring. Yeah, I think that, uh, you know, he's now in the year three.

4:49:47And a lot of the things that we're doing is still what we've done in the past. So that he probably feels the most comfortable out there with the offense. And you see that. Um, you know, the big thing with him is just being, being as consistent as he possibly can. And keep the, keep the offense moving because he certainly has the ability and definitely flashes. Austin Ward, the podcast. I knew on the defense is giving the offense the biggest headache this spring. Right, Jim Knowles. You know, I think with our defense this year, you know, with, with Sonny, with CJ, with Cody, you're seeing Gabe and there are Valries. You know, we got some pretty good length in their align backer. They're flashing. But I would say probably, you know, it's, it's, you know, the interior guys up front, you know, they're, they're, um, you know, creating havoc in the backfield. DBs are, are very active, you know, they're getting their hands on a lot of balls. So, um, I think it's everybody.

4:50:48I think the, the, the coverage and the rush is working together. Um, you know, the scheme is now in a year three. And I think guys are understanding you're starting to see Caleb really understand now. The first six, seven practices. And now like the second half of the spring, he's really taken off. You just see how fast you see it. But I think our guys have done a really good job of making, you know, zone look like man, man look like zone. The pressure, you know, all those things are really starting to add up. And it's, it's, you know, it's not easy on the offensive side. Um, so I think it's the combination of scheme and talent. But, um, but I do think overall we have pretty good athleticism and length, especially in, you know, in this second level. Yeah, Tim, Tim made podcast. Oh, thank you, Jerry. Uh, do you can say in, for example, where are you in starting a freshman quarterback? Do you look at him as just another one of the guys competing out there? Or do you keep in mind he's a freshman? Just kind of what you're thinking along those lines, right? I think it's just a mindset for him is that he needs to be ready to go, you know, play at Oregon.

4:51:51He's going to be ready to go play at Penn State. He's got to go ready to play against the team of North. He's got to go play for the big 10 in a national championship. And that's in his mind because we know the last time a national championship was won. We're on the quarterback three. And, you know, with the quarterbacks having the builder run, like we haven't done that a lot here. Justin was probably the last one. And boy, he really kind of limped in the last couple of games because of that. And so we're going to need guys. So I think, you know, now more than when we had CJ and Duane and even Kyle where we didn't really run those guys, they kind of survived the whole season. You know, we're going to run the quarterbacks on this year. And because of that, we're going to need depth. And so that room's got to be strong. So to me, it's not about like, you know, maybe in the past where it was like just the quarterback, we're going to kind of keep him up right. You know, this year, we're going to do that with Chip. So we need depth in that room. So his mindset's going to be that I'm playing next year. And if he's the best available at the time, then he's going to play. You know how the answer comes in sometimes they get in line, but sometimes they line up and they want to, you know,

4:52:57they want to go this way, not that way. Yes. Is he been like that assertive? I'm believing in him. How has that shown up? I guess. Not just really good. I mean, has a good plan when he gets out there. You know, it doesn't want to get his handheld. I've been in press this approach. And like I said before, he's got a really, really bright future. I mean, how fast he gets on the field will be just, you know, kind of up to him. Going up and coming to this batch. I'm just to clarify what down was. It's easy told you his plans are to transfer that. Yeah, I think, you know, he, we're going to keep all those conversations private and kind of wait till, wait till next week to talk about it. Yeah. The land is the podcast Kings of the North. Right. He said, um, come around the spring ball that, you know, you have to figure out on the right side of the line, but you felt confident that you had the answers in house. Do you still feel that way? It's a spring ball or episode. I think we have to look at everything. I don't, I'm not sitting here and say one way or the other. I think the, I like to watch the film today. We did a couple moving some guys around to see how that went.

4:53:59And then see how Saturday goes and then kind of go from there. But I sit, can't sit here and tell you that, you know, I know that that right side solidified right now. So I think we got to keep looking at all options. And you said you both tackles, Josh, I guess I have, have improved. Yeah. Just one specifically, have you seen from those guys that they just said? Um, I think it's just overall production. Um, you know, you just seeing, um, especially in past protection, you just see those guys in better position. You know, against Jack and JT and can you out on those guys, you know, they're Mitchell, Kaden, you know, they're, they're just more consistent blocking them. So, um, whether it's, first of all, I think Josh Fryer has really changed his body, you know, his body fats down. And that's something his diet and everything. We really hammered this off season. And so I think that was significant and how, how quickly his feet are moving because he's very, you know, sharp and what he does. And he's bending better.

4:54:59I think for Josh Simmons, you know, that was never an issue. Although he is in great shape. Um, I think it's more of the experience and understanding of the offense, playing more football and, and more of the, the, the mental part of it. So I think both guys have benefited from another year, but both for different reasons. Steven, means Cleveland, good outcome. Uh, different areas of this question. But you got a quarterback room with just a wide variety of different descriptions of guys from various men's guys, and truly who maybe has showed up and looked a bit better than most freshmen quarterbacks to the show up. Yeah. You've also got a season that's, as you mentioned, a little bit longer, a little bit different. Maybe a more favorable schedule this time around. And we've seen other programs do this before, but in your philosophy and picking a starting, starting quarterback, what matters more, the older guy with maybe a little bit more experience, or the younger guy who might be flashing some upside early on that, you might be able to tap into at some point, you know, later down the line. Well, I think the good thing for us is that we might have both, which is great. So if that's the case, then we'll play, we'll play those guys.

4:56:02I think that's what the season offers the way that you look at the season. And we're going to do whatever we can to win games. That's what it comes down to. But we also know what our goal is at the end of the season and what is going to put us in position to do that at the end of the season and making sure we have, you know, two or three quarterbacks that can go help us reach our goal. It's going to be the number one thing. So how do we do that? We got to figure that part out. I don't think we're an area yet. Right now, the focus is just getting these guys many reps we can't evaluating them. But as we head into the preseason, into the season, you know, that probably means getting guys reps in the game so that they, you know, don't get put into a situation where they haven't played a lot of football before. You unique to maybe in the past. You know, I think about where Lincoln was in that bowl game. He was not ready to play in that game. He didn't tell you it wasn't his fault. You know, just, you know, Kyle had played and then we end the portal and then, you know, Devon went to. Was in the bowl practice and got hurt so early and then you know, he kind of got thrown into that.

4:57:02With this year, we can't be in that situation because we know we are going to run the quarterbacks this year. We have to build depth in that position. What you in the situation, maybe you're more open to maybe putting the guy out there and meaningful snaps and once the season rolls around just for the sake of not being thrown in that situation. We haven't talked about that but that very possible could possibly could happen. Yeah, if that's what we're trying to do. That's a ways away, but we'll kind of cross that bridge and we get there. But I think that that's certainly something that's worth discussing. Andy Baxter, Blood and Monroe. Right. What do you see from James Peoples so far on the screen and sees only if you can contribute right away if you guys. Yeah. I think both freshmen and T.C. Kathy, all three of those guys. So Sam, James and T.C. have had very good springs. I've been very impressed with their approach. I got a chance to spend time with them for those couple of weeks, which was great to see the way that they go into meetings, the way to answer questions, their attention in detail. I'm looking to see them run in a live situation on Saturday because I think all of those backs have talent and all of them can catch out of the backfield.

4:58:09All of them are really good in protection and they can run outside and inside the tackles. So first time they get tackled to be on Saturday, but all three of those guys have done a nice job. I mean, Tray and Quinchon have been really solid, but those three guys to see them go play in the game will be fun. And an opportunity for everyone to see those guys with a ball in their hand. Andy Baxter, Dylan Davis, Dillonwork. Guys, I'm sorry. We only got a few minutes. You mentioned that how quickly Jillian gets on the field is going to be up to him. What are some of the things you need to see from now to through the fall camp that may push him onto the field? Is it just a matter of adjusted speed of the game? I guess where does he not measure up to will in Devon right now that he still gets it? Yeah, just overall experience and then just maturity, physically, mentally, emotionally, all those things. But he's shown great signs. But he's I think he's put on maybe 15 pounds he's got here. That's great. But the overall strength and just size and then that doesn't matter of just experience.

4:59:10But I like his approach. I mean, I see things in him that lead us to believe he's got a really bright future and it's very, very encouraging. And finally, folks, Andy Anders, 11 Warriors. I just want to wrap up. I talked about tight end debt. I guess where are those guys that coming out of the spring trying to find these options behind you? Yeah, gee. I think last time I came in, I felt strong about it. I still feel the same way. I think he's taking the next step in the progression blocking. Now, when you're playing tight end, 60, 70 plays can really add up. And so we're going to have to roll at times. I think Will Kazumeric every day has gotten better. That's been great. Jalani has improved. Certain seem him do some really good things. He's been great in the red zone, catching a few balls and Pat Gerard and Ben and have also shown certain things. So the room across the board has been solid. And having debt to that position, even having someone like Jason Middleton or some of the guys max as he comes in, we're going to have to continue to have debt in that room because the same thing.

5:00:21We get into December and January. You don't know where that debt is going to be. So we've got to make sure that if we're in 12 personnel and we're 3D at that position, that means there's six guys that you feel OK, put in a game. That's a big ask. But I think the top guys are playing well. They've got to continue to improve. They all have things they've got to improve on. But I would say overall we're starting to build that depth in that room. Coach, thank you. Thanks, guys. He took a step here last week. We've been challenging him. There's been a couple plays one in particular. He needed to make some plays to say, OK, I'm here and you can count on me. There was a really contested play in the red zone that he made. He made a big play on a post out here the other day. So you're starting to see him make those plays. And if you can do that for us with his deep speed down the field, he can really stretch the defense. And so we're going to need him to. We did see things in the last couple of weeks to let us to believe that he can. I'm sorry, coach. I got one more Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch, and then we've got coach Noles.

5:01:22Ryan, as you look back on not just today, but all 15 practices and assess the impact that chips had for you guys. Is there something you feel like or just in general where he's helped maybe the most for his presence the last two months is giving you as the biggest boost? Yeah, I think he brings one voice to the defense. And I think that's very, very important. Certainly has an unbelievable history of running the football. And I think when you start to tie in some of those quarterback runs, and you notice those quarterback runs aren't design quarterback runs really. Most of them are reading an end. And those aren't holaceous hits. They're things where we're going to keep guys upright and he doesn't really good job of that. But the other thing too with chip was he got here just a couple weeks before spring started. So we kind of got the spring going, pushed through the spring, learned about the personnel. I think the next couple of months will be important to figure out where we go now. What do we do? What does the install look in the preseason? And then we go from there. So like any spring you want to identify the personnel and get guys better and then really dive into the scheme and the chemistry as we head into the summer.

5:02:29Coach, thank you. Do you feel like you're going to go to the court back and go where they stand before Tuesday? We're going to give them feedback for sure and go from there. But yeah, I think after you go through 15 practices, you want to give feedback. Great. Coach, thank you very much. You're right. This is Brandon and Jerry. Brandon, this is your example. No, no. No. Coach, thank you. All right, folks, we're going to bring coach Jim Knowles up here and then after that we'll have Chip Kelly. We will open up the floor for coach Knowles over here to the right, Dylan Davis. Delaware, because that... Hey, Jim. Taiwan Malone is a guy who really flashed out there today. I'm just curious, where does Taiwan fit in your depth defensive line right now? It's a guy who probably doesn't get talked about as much, but where does he fit in that right now? So what have you seen from in the spring? He's developed for sure. It wasn't quite ready last year for a lot of reps, but he showed marked improvement. So long season, we play a lot of guys up front.

5:03:32We really need him to come along, and he showed flashes to that. Over to the left, Nathan Barrett, Cleveland.com. We've guys like Nathan and Malik, and Agassilorinzo, also not being able to play. And that's been, I guess, the case with the most of spring. Just what did that open up for you as far as developing more depth at safety and how have you seen guys like Bonsu and McLean assert themselves as spring? Yeah, every situation like that gives somebody an opportunity. Our depth was really down at safety this spring, so because you had Nathan, you had Jihad, you had Malik, and then Lorenzo. So it opened up opportunities, and Bonsu is a guy who really got a lot of reps, and you saw him improve. And then McLean, I think, is a great plus. I mean, he is a guy that has football intelligence. He's picked it up.

5:04:33He's kind of one of those incoming freshmen who still should be in high school. He's a guy I think you're going to point to, and you can see right now he's going to be a player. Over to the right, Austin Ward, the podcast. A healthy Mitchell Melton. How does he fit in for your defense? What does he bring to it? Yeah, he's, you know, Mitch is that combination player, you know, in our four down, you know, he's a guy that can do a lot of things, drop, fold in there, make plays. You see some of that all the time. Really athletic, you know, we're kind of loaded at that end position. So he's going to play there. But like I said last year, we haven't needed it, but he's a guy you would point to along with CJ Hicks, you know, for the long season. People get injured. You get a little light inside. It's always hard on the defensive tackles.

5:05:33But if you're going to play with three ends, you know, that's Mitch is a guy who definitely can do all that. He has that. Over to the left, Joey Kaufman, Columbus, dispatch. Jim, you've talked about this before, but I think in past years where you're going up against a really talented receiver group offense to encourage your players to it's not okay if they give up the play and to go nearly almost the first half today where you. The offense didn't get him the end zone until the late in the second half just. And you guys have guys down the second area, just what did you think of that sort of trend and how it's evolved in the way you guys almost shut him out of the first half? Yeah, I think it's become, you know, an expectation now. You know, our DB's, you know, our BIA, Best in America, we led the country in past defense. I think there's 96 what I got here and it was number one last year. So they've taken that spirit. So it's a competitive spirit. It's an expectation now. It doesn't matter who we're going against.

5:06:39It's, they view it as a standard. So that was good to see in the first first half. Over to the right Spencer Holbrook, Vladimir and Roll. Jim, we've talked about safety changing the way that you play defense in the Leo and the linebackers, but how much does having the depth that you guys have a defensive tackle change the way that you can do things defensively? I mean, you're going to play to your strengths, you know, and that's my job is to what do we have and what do we do best? And when you have defensive tackles, and I've said it before, it helped our defense so much last year, when you have defensive tackles that actually make tackles, which is what we have right now. It changes the way you call a game. You know, it certainly helps you be in better shape on explosive plays on the back end. You don't have to do a whole lot to help those guys out because they're making tackles. So you got to go, you got to go with that. You know, you got to let those guys play and they're good.

5:07:42So you can't get too far away from the scheme of having those defensive tackles make place because they're doing it and it works. Over to the left, Tony Gurdman, Buckeye Huddl. Jim Ryan talked about the quarterback run being more of a thing with the offense this year during the season. How much of when you're facing a team like that? How much does that impact your day to day throughout the week preparing for that? Yeah, it's a ton, you know, it I think it changes everything you do on defense. You see it everywhere from the NFL on down if you have a quarterback who can make plays with his feet. Your scheme better be designed that, you know, to to take that away into account for it. So it changes the way you look at everything when you're game planning. Thank you, Donovan. Over here to the right. Tim May, the Tim May podcast. Yeah, Jim, you might be the interviewer when I asked Ryan about just for example Calvin Simpson Hunt, but the corner seemed to be playing almost with the chip owner shelter to a certain extent. I mean, Davis and Nick, but no, it took today personally. It looked like you know, to me because some of the hype going into the game, but what do you see from that group in particular that?

5:08:47Are you going into this off season? Yeah, when you can when you have corners that you can count on again, it's just like having defensive tackles in the run game when you have corners you can count on that are going to compete all the time no matter what the situation is. And we've developed that again, it changes the way you call the entire game. I mean, you you're able to leave those guys on an island. You're able to switch out coverages and they know what they're doing and they take great pride in it. So having those guys out there in the development. It's a big deal. It really is. And it's not just a picture of it more. I mean, he's he did come in late and you know, he compete. He's one of those guys that just competes every day doesn't say much. You know, he's trying to live up to the standard of the other guys and you see him coming along. You know, you see him step by step coming along and you know, put him in a competitive atmosphere.

5:09:54Same step up. That's a great sign. And final question for coach Knowles. Dan Hope 11 Warriors. You mentioned CJ Hicks a few minutes ago. Have you seen him take the strides? You need to see the spring to trust him as a guy who could be a potential starter on his defense? Yes. I mean, I think CJ has shown that he has talent. And I think it's my job to put him in the best situations for him because he can be a force. You know, he's much better when he's bloodsing or he's directed because he's able to use his athletic ability. But he has certainly shown that he's going to be able to help this defense coach. Thank you very much for your time. All right. And we will bring offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Chip Kelly to the podium now. We'll open up questions over to the left bill Rebenowitz Columbus dispatch. Chip, what are your just general impressions of the offense coming out of spring, especially at quarterback?

5:10:58We'll look at all 15. So I think, you know, this day is is a big part of it, you know, because it was the first time they were going to play some of those guys that were going to play in front of a crowd. And that was an amazing crowd. You know, 80,000 for spring game. Now you can see some of the young guys kind of looking around like, wow, this is different than the indoor. But that's what they have to get ready to play it. So we got better from practice one practice 15. You know, it's still an evaluation through the whole process, but it's not something in the players, though, too, that we're not making a decision walking off the field today saying, hey, this is the direction that we're going in. We'll be very authentic and look through everything and make sure that we get a really good feel for what it all looks like and then who will best move this offense. That's what our decisions can do. I do. I think we got a lot of guys there. That part's tough. I think because you got it. There's guys that deserve reps, you know, when they're all competing for it. So, you know, sometimes you'd like to be sometimes when you had a guy who was an initial starter, well, he's going to get the bulk of the reps to get them better, but they capitalize on.

5:11:58We really rolled them, you know, if you were at some of our screen practices, you're watching all those guys rotate and rotate out. And as we talk about all the time, you know, the old adaches is don't count your reps, make your reps count. You know, we'll put it all together and really come up with, you know, which guy do we really feel is going to make going to help us move this offensively. Over to the far right, Bill Landis, the podcast, Kings of the North. Hey, Chip, you said when we first talked to you that the basis of a lot of your success running the football just kind of figuring out what your guys do best and then leading into that over 15 practices now, how good of a field do you think you have for that? And then what did the next few months look like as you try to piece that all together? Really good question. It's interesting because the one thing that I think sometimes makes tough and an evaluation is what a good front we want to get. You know, so for 15 practices, those guys on the other side of the ball were pain, you know, Jack and JT and Tileek and those guys, but I know come fall. There's not going to be anybody more happy that we have those guys on the defensive side of the ball because of what they can do.

5:13:00So I still think we'll have to really evaluate that what we're going to do. We're not what we got to get better on what we got to work on, but I think the work we got against such a quality defense was really key for us. Over to the far left, Nathan, Barrett, Cleveland, dot com. So, a year ago at this time, it came out of the spring with still a lot of question marks about the offensive line. And even I guess that last season came out with question marks. How have you seen that progress in the time that you've been here and what's your confidence level that that offensive line is going to allow this offense to do everything it wants to do this fall? Yeah, I mean, I've been here short amount of time. So I didn't know. I really don't have anything to compare to. So I kind of tabula rassa come in with a blank slate and just observe it. I think we're really athletic. I think Donnie and Seth and those guys inside are really smart and really intelligent. They allow you to be able to make adjustments in game. Just tucking football with some of those guys. It's like, well, these guys are wired the right way. And a lot of those guys have played a lot of football. So they can bank on their experience.

5:14:01I think we've got about four guys that have played significant amount of snaps and we've got to make sure we can find out who the fifth guy is. But that's similar to where the quarterback spot is, I think. And I also think of the offensive line. You're not going to play a 16-17 game season and just play with five guys. You really have to develop your depth there. There's going to be a number two center that's going to play a lot. Front row build. Rebinoism. Love this dispatch. You feel like you guys have been all together. And important this year in the way you hope to. I feel like there's a couple games where we played really well as an entire team. But I think the essence of the guys on the team were all true competitors. And when you're a true competitor, you're never really satisfied with who you are. So we could go out there and hang 70 on a team on offense. And the defense could hold a zero. We're still going to point out the pieces where we need to get better. It gets the better. The offense defense that you put together.

5:15:03I mean, I don't think so, but at the same time, you could witness this happen on Saturday. And we're still going to find a way to try to push in areas that we need to push and grow in areas that we need to grow. So I don't think you'll ever see a complete game by the book eyes, but we can definitely get a close product. And that's where we shoot for. Did Nate let him in wrong? Yeah. What do you know? Thanks for your companion a little bit because that drive you'll head before half time. I'm going to split right down with air hockey. You guys were involved in stuff. I think we'll pass one or why can't you be that every possession? I know it's not that simple. But do you hang on that a little bit? I mean, from his standpoint of success in a game where, you know, the offense was a little bit lacking. I mean, yeah, you can't do this. You're still going to booey. I guess going into a game like this. Yeah, I mean, you know, we're not we're not too really focused on anything that happened in last week's game. Obviously, we've recognized the problems and we've identified the issues and we have done our best to try and solve them throughout these last couple of practice weeks.

5:16:09We have full trust in the coaches to put together a plan to put us in a position to be successful. But it's also merely our job as players to put on the field. So we're working through all those kings and, you know, getting out all the impurities from last week. We're solely focused on being tested this week. How much of a bonus is it having another home game? You know, I could have been your last home game. Just what's going through your mind and every yard? Yeah, it's a show. No, you're good. It's amazing. It's such a blessing just to be able to play in front of Black Eye Nation in the shoe. It's an experience that I was going to miss. Have that been my last game in the shoe. But God has given us another opportunity to go out there and play in front of amazing home fans playing on the field with my brothers. That played so many times in knowing that this is for sure the last one is definitely a special feeling. So just trying to soak it all in, but also have the intense mindset to go out there and execute. Third girl left and hope. Left forward. Amectives, does this play out front like feel different knowing that for you guys in the senior class, you haven't been able to yet accomplish any of those goals that you've set out for?

5:17:13No, I wouldn't say so. I would say if you went back to Georgia 22 and two of those, I would have made the playoffs. I was laser focused then to and laser focused then now. So I think we have the same mindset going in. Obviously in the back of our heads, we know that this is our last who are our last chance. But we're never looking at it as now or never. It's always now or never. We're trying to win every single game every time we get our opportunity to go all the way. So that's been our mindset the last couple of years. We've come up short, but we have an opportunity to do stuff that's special this year. Right in front of us, Debelle, at 21st of the sports. Yeah, and I think we'll have the kind of team you guys will be just to see in the end, we have two interceptions. Debe complete passes at the same level that he had. So that's the house of spring, the winged old backs who have been healthy? Yes, sir, I feel very healthy. Obviously coming off a season ending injury last year. I feel really good, feeling better than ever to be honest. Even better than I did before the season last year. So it's been a great spring so far.

5:18:14How disappointing was it to get your office at the great start last year? Yeah, I mean, it was a hard time. I mean, it's definitely not easy going through any injury, especially during the season like that. But you know, it builds character. I think it's good for me in the long term. Also built that for the time of the season. Oh, for sure. Yeah. Saw some key pieces coming there and a producer at a high level. What do you think, George? George is a stud. Once he gets healthy, he's going to be great. He's working really hard right now. And he's going to have a great season this year. Personally, how exciting is it for you to be kind of your position now this year? Yeah, it's super exciting. You know, I got a lot better feel for the offense this year. Really good rapport with Hudson and it's been a fun spring so far. So just got to keep carrying that on and see where it takes us. Obviously, when you're sideline, you're not playing how important is it to stay like mentally ready and mentally get those reps so that when you come into the spring, you can improve.

5:19:15Definitely. I mean, that's all it is really just mentally envisioning the plays envisioning making the plays and every night, you know, I think about it probably every day. So it was it was a big part of it for sure. For sure. How have you gotten better? I think just understanding the defenses and understanding where the quarterback wants me at a specific time and you know, building that trust with him is huge. And I think I've been doing a pretty good job of that. How does that relationship with you and Hudson developing the year to? Yeah, it's developing great. I mean, we have a great friendship off the field. So, you know, that helps a lot on the field as well. So we have a great connection. You know, both on and off the field and it only helps. Your brother's coming right? Yeah, yeah. So you'll be here in May. It'll be a lot of fun. It'll be a lot of fun having him up here. What do you mean to see a little team on the Saturday? I think just, you know, go out there and play hard, limit the mistakes. And at the end of the day, it's just being consistent with what we do and playing hard. So that's why I want to see for sure.

5:20:20I feel like everyone's more prepared for this spring game. Oh, for sure. I think we're way ahead of last year and I'm excited to see where it takes us. Anything on Dipper or the freshman? Yeah, Drew Bipper. Yeah, he's getting healthy now. He's looking great. He looked really healthy today and I'm super excited to play with him. He's a lot of fun to play with. Just how quick is this turnaround? You guys just started practicing a couple of weeks ago. Now you have a spring game to get to. It's pretty quick, but you know, I like it. I like it a lot. It's fun to get out there and play, you know, 11v11. Put the ball down and go. I mean, that's the goal. That's the goal every day. You know, that's what I'm reaching for. And whether I get it or not, who knows, but that's what I'm reaching for every day.