Press Conferences (Malik Hartford) Elite Edition September 3

0:00I mean he's coming to his own. Jim Dull said that for you it's confidence and reps and the most important thing is where you will come from right now is something. 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 getting bigger throughout the year and when I was hurt definitely helped me. I think the great thing about Caleb is he's such like a likable person, a likable teammate, a great teammate. He will help any of the teammates. He definitely knows what he's doing. He's a great player. And for me he just pushes me to be better every day. I mean with your room being so stacked as this, you guys are piled right? Do you think that there could be the opportunity though for you guys to all see quite a bit of playing time throughout the season?

1:05And not just towards the end of games, mop up doing kind of 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, that's a question for Coach Lewis. I mean if you guys kind of been prepping for that though throughout the court camp maybe switching in and out and really kind of seeing a lot of room to action. We're definitely we're all getting like reps at each spot so like it's not just a just our abandoned anymore. 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 you've been playing so many of the teams. How comfortable do you feel about strong state? I feel comfortable in any safety spot. So I mean the more reps you take the easier 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? Honestly this year they made it so they're kind of they're I mean they're both you have to do each thing in both spots.

2:10So like you have to come down and make tackles at bandy you have to come down and make tackles at just at home. Obviously it's boundary and feel so that the spacing is a little different but I mean you have to do everything that both safes. What's different what's different this camp compared to last camp? For me personally I feel like I have I developed a better routine. I feel like I'm more mature and 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 get too caught up on the last way. What have you added or what have you appeared to your routine? I think just getting here earlier and at times last year you know when it's hard to maintain that routine throughout the whole camp or throughout the whole year but this year 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 following. Were there guys in last year for that influence do you to show up a little better?

3:11Yeah for sure I mean everyone is required. BIA our standard is so high that we challenge everyone. It doesn't matter if you're going to play this year it doesn't matter if you're going to play two years from now it doesn't matter if you're a true freshman. You're going to come in early and we're going to put in the work just like everybody else because it's not just the starters that are held to the standard as 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. What have you seen from Jaylen and that's interesting? He's all over the field man. I mean he runs to the ball every play. He hits hard. 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. You talked about getting bigger and bigger and you can't put out 25s last year. Yeah. You're able to keep that weight arm and what's it look like to gain even more weight? So I mean through the season it kind of fluctuated but right now I've gained even 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 a gap.

4:15Yeah, imagine you play coach to the ball you say can't play. Exactly. Yeah. You were obviously on the long 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 the play and that means practicing harder. That means taking each rep like it's that big moment in the game and that's definitely what I'll try to do this year. You want to get better and then if you're struggling with some areas you got to figure out why. How are some of the guys who transferred in? How are they fitting in? They're awesome. I can't talk about speaking about them how they've been known as well. Ethan's amazing. He's done such a good job being able to learn the playbook and stuff because it's obviously hard here. It's an NFL style offense. It's a lot to learn and goes into playing the positions we play and I think Phil is also similar as well. He's doing an amazing job as well. So it's been awesome and you know the young guys are coming along as well.

5:15Jake Cook is truly surprised at me. He's balling right now and he's doing really well. Carter's getting there as well. He's doing great. And then obviously though as well they're all just good people that need to be in our little offensive meeting room. It's a good crew that we have going on right now. Obviously last year is last year. It's a new year and none of us have earned anything so we got to go and get it again. If we've been like to transition to being coached by Tyler. He's awesome. Coach Boatlin, he's amazing. Talk about him and obviously coach Johnson and coach Dickey and obviously awesome. Coach Austin Field. Obviously having four guys is amazing because you know it's almost like you have four offensive line coaches. You guys have to end of the day like you have five people on the line every time. And for one guy to be able to watch every play and in and out of the hood on stuff like that, that's hard to do. We're going to be able to just like look at all five and get treat treat. To take them and stuff like that and it's just good having all four of them here because obviously like there's a set of eyes on one or two guys every time for each guy.

6:22They're able to pretty. Everybody knows everybody new last year. Yeah, defensive line right now in the area that's getting you guys a little bit of trouble. Yeah, I mean, Edrick. Edrick and came back. They got a step up just like some of us have to step up. They did a tremendous job and done a great job. And I think the guys behind them are doing a tremendous job as well. I think it was. He's right there. He's grinding and stuff like that. It's been good so far and they're getting better every day and you can totally see it. They're getting some more fitting with coach Patricia's defensive scheme and stuff like that. It's been pretty cool. How much time is your status in life whenever you change from this time of year ago? Yeah. What's the detestment to sticking with you talking for some reason? Yeah. Because I think it's obviously the world's the nifty pay less for me. I'm a big believer in the Lord and just trusting in his mind and leading on him and leading on his understanding instead of mine.

7:23You know, I grew up in a faith-based household and I just leaned on him for a lot of times. And that's what's all about. It's a process here as much as you want to say something different. Like you know how to say, but your time's probably the majority of the people that are free. It's like Jay Jay. It takes time. You're good, but like it takes time for you to play with the guys. You got to learn the techniques. You got to learn them off the scheme. Everyone times different. And that's what I've learned here. It's got to enjoy the process because it's your story not anyone else's and it's going to be different. How much time are you spending at center? How's that split between center and guard? You look at building that pushability? Yeah. I think obviously just what Coach Day said, just the narrowing down of the roster and stuff like that. Obviously last year what happened, you know, like we had obviously Seth and Josh go down and a lot of us have stepped up in different ways. No Carson's long around, a Garmin center. I mean like we're all switch swaps, we're all switch swapping and cross training because we got to do that. You know, like we got to be able to go play different positions. It's one of playing that in a fell coach always tells us there's only guys that travel. So like everyone's got to know a different position because someone's going to go down and someone's got to be ready to go.

8:25What's your comfortable are you at center? How comfortable are you at center? I'm comfortable, yeah. I play a little bit of a Brian and I've been in high school and you know, I learned a lot from Coach Kelly last year. Because I'm obviously coached a line of stuff with the centers and Coach Fry as well. I'm just, I'm getting more comfortable because last year I was doing a lot of season cues and stuff like that for practice with starts. So it's good. Look, are you asking about Eastern? Yeah. I know about my team. Oh, okay, okay. Is your primary position left guard? Yeah, I'm just switching around honestly right now. Hey, look, one last question. After the street's paying through today. You and Tag Room, you know, that was a test to make to it. Yeah, you're right. You're talking about Texas. Yeah, the execution was not playing also. I'm pretty good at making a custom. No doubt. I'm going to make the hard ones that in the mid-stuff and stuff. Yeah, I want to perfectly block play on the game. I'll give you this story, this background.

9:26So last year we ran a lot, a lot of periods with streets and stuff like that. And we never really want to run in the game. So we were always like toss it out. Like, what are we doing? Like this, we never run this play coach. What are we doing, stuff like that? Yeah, yeah, yeah. So we always joke about it. Like it was the perfect play to the perfect look. I'm not sure how much time was on the clock. I think it was like 14 seconds or something like that. So we were getting out there and I'll be lying to you if I said, like, oh, just here we go. Like we're just going to run the clock out with this play. Yeah. And it was a perfect look, you know, it was the perfect play to the perfect look. And, you know, obviously with all the scheming and stuff we do, and obviously running to the place day and day out during that time. What we do now, like... What's the blonde tape Armstrong? It works because, you know, we were ready for it. And you got to be ready for it. And, you know, sometimes coach always talks about just, you know, like when we walk through... Maybe we might only walk through play one time before we play the game. But like, I'm not sure I'll also do that.

10:27And they got to be ready for that. And ready for that certain look that possible can show up. And that's what happened. And we ran it perfectly. And that's just a testament to the coach's continued to stick with it. And that's continued to stick with it. Jeez, Elise. You're with me to think about you guys proving that you was best defense on the field today. Was that a big rallying cry for your group to come again? I don't know. We have a confident group. Obviously, we knew they were at top defense. We don't do a lot of talking. We just like to go out in the field and play and have fun. And I feel like we did that today. Yeah. Yeah. And kind of what you guys do. I don't know if you could... It's huge to be able to rotate, to be able to be fresh. I mean, there wasn't even that many plays in the first half. Even, I think it was the third quarter. It wasn't a lot of plays either. But when you do have that rotation up front and in the back. And it just... Anybody can make a play on this defense. And everybody is training and preparing like they're the starter. And that's why you see so many guys out there making plays. Anything else? We drive right after the charges in the score there.

11:28First one on the first half. Yeah, it was huge. I think the offense, we did a great job responding. And we knew what kind of game it was going to be. So I'm just proud of the guys out there for, you know, responding like we did, especially after this quarter. That first touchdown, like you said, and going down and putting in drive together. It was good. On the touchdown to Calvin, what were you looking for there? Can you talk about what happened and just of course how big that play was? Yeah, I mean, of course he was play. They were just in zone. Of course, and you really just, you know, high low on that, you know, hook defender. The hook defender took GP underneath and Calvin was right behind him. So, you know, a great play call in that situation. Of course, you know, you always appreciate the yack. The yards after the catch that Calvin got us. And of course it was a huge play for us. Big picture. Can you speak to what Calvin and Scottie Miller brought to the offense? Yeah, I mean, those guys definitely stepped up today. You know, Calvin doing everything on offense and special teams as well. And then, you know, Scottie too. You know, he didn't, I want to be played last week. So I'm just coming in.

12:28He had a big third down conversion for us, broken tackle with some yards. So they both played great today. So you guys threw some exo, they were in the first of exotic blitzes that you guys. We're prepared for some of those strikes over the middle. You had the third down conversion and the touchdown. How does it feel to execute something like you guys playing it outside and you got that Those big plays. Yeah, it feels great executing. You know, we were preparing for it all week on, you know, certain looks. We would get in certain situations and, you know, like you said, we did a great job executing it. All lines of the great job today and, you know, holding up and receivers just being at the right time at the right place. Yeah. So when you heard all week that Dan was about to break on the offense, you guys stop. What sort of scoring that shot, but is this what it looks like when that dam is in the process of breaking? Yeah, it is. And I think we've scored one more touchdown if I didn't throw that out of the intersection. So like we say, we're just going to keep working and keep getting better and keep improving. What did you see on that in the center? Yeah, he just matched to stick our way too fast. And, you know, I just shouldn't throw on the ball, you know, got to it. But at the end of the day, either should have worked the other side of the field throwing it to the flat because they were so soft.

13:31You know, just throw the ball away, especially when we were already, you know, in field goal range at the 40 yard line. That can happen. That can happen against us. Do you still like you're improving your detractors' role from the tractor from Chicago days? I'm not really worried about that. I'm more so into improving myself, you know, right? I know what kind of player I am. I haven't changed kind of my whole life. So at the end of the day, my teammates helped me be great. Shout out to them, shout out to our defense, shout out to everybody else in the offense for pushing me each and every day at practice. You know, it's just a credit to them. So I'm definitely glad and just feeling good to be in this position to be honest with you. So, yeah. You talked about improving your three last tries, where it went after the field a little longer. I've touched on them from the clock out. What do you feel like you improved on as this game went on and how did you make some adjustments to kind of strong like you did? Yeah. The first half we didn't run the ball like we wanted to. So, you know, second half, especially late in the game, we had to run the ball. They're running back on the O-line to a great job.

14:31Even in situations where we knew we had to run the ball. They did a great job executing knives and CP. They were hitting the whole great. And, you know, we were getting first downs at the first down. So, any time you can get that run game going. And, you know, this just helps us out overall. Good does it feel for the offense to put together a performance like this again, such a good defense like the Chargers? Yeah, it feels great. We kind of knew what we were up against. Two great edge rushers. And I think they were number one defense in the NFL coming into this thing. So, we knew we had a big test in front of us, but, you know, we have a pretty good defense that we go up against every day as well. So, just going up against those guys on the other side of the ball on our team, just kind of prepared for this moment. And, like I said, everybody came out executed and we put points up on the board. So, it felt great. Did those guys drive make you more confident in the sense that the longer their defense did on the field, you could open up some more pathways to run as well as play action? Yeah, not for sure. You know, anytime you can stand the field as long as possible, definitely tires them out. I think, it was second quarter, maybe before the two-minute warning.

15:33They were glad that we actually didn't run a play because, you know, they were so tired. The linebacker kind of made a joke over to us. It was like, appreciate you all because they were so tired. But, anytime you can, you know, keep their defense on the field for a long time with their run game and with the play action pass, like you said, and have our defense on the sideline resting. That's the positive for sure. Just this is the first time in your career that you won three consecutive games in the NFL. What does that mean to you and what kind of momentum do you feel like you have through the first three weeks of the season? It means a lot, but at the end of the day, it's not just me winning games. It's the whole team. So I'm just happy to be a part of this team, happy to be a part of this organization, and we definitely look forward to keeping it going next week versus Indy. With some more opportunity, do you feel yourself getting more comfortable and more confident within the system? For sure. You know, I think I've just grown a lot over the past few months, really just this year. So definitely feeling more confident and more comfortable out there on the field. So I'm going to say that they read a confidence in you in the second half that you were going to win the game, and they fed off that.

16:34What made you confident in the same? I think we kind of knew. We knew what kind of game we were going to be in, and we knew that we didn't play well enough in the first half. We had a couple of miscues in the first half, and we knew we were better than that. So like I told a report out there, coach T-challenges at halftime to play better and be better, and we came out second half and I did just that. Justin, you said you've done a lot of grown in the last year and a half, where do you feel like you've grown the most or shown the most grown? Just overall, seeing the field, I feel like I'm just very calm out there, cool, calm and collected on the field, and really just that sense of peace out there on the field. And not really rushing things internally in my brain. Just staying calm in the pocket and just making plays when I can and just doing my job. I just see Brother Jones stepping out there. Of course he was benched last week, and this week he comes out, but he was a big part of the offensive line having a good day.

17:39He was part of the offensive. And that situation pops up, he's not really thinking all week that he's going to play, and then Troy goes down Friday. It just shows how prepared he was. He prepared all week like he was starter, and I definitely showed a big for us, especially with this defense that we face showed up you. So big shout out to 7-7 for sure. This is a second time you've had 20 plus completions in your last eight games. Do you feel it? Almost like you're running back in your duchons that you're playing ball where you need to go and you start the final round? Not for sure. Yeah, I mean, I think the biggest thing is getting completions all first, second down, and I'm saying that third and manageable. So I think that's the biggest thing in second shots when they come. So anytime you can get in the rhythm as a quarterback, you just feel that confidence kind of overflow. And kind of like I said earlier, you just feel very calm in the pocket. I think you completed maybe first 10 passes. Does that help you get in the rhythm? Does that help you down later in the game?

18:39I think so. But you know, our game plan was kind of, you know, we knew that we're going to give us completions all first and second down, kind of keep us show over the top. You know, they don't really want, you know, big plays, so they kind of play off and soft. So we knew completions were going to be there in the first, on first and second down. So I really want a big surprise, you know, just pitching catch with the guys and, you know, been making great plays and run after catch. Yeah. We asked if there's a ball start in the home opener and just hold your first impressions of playing here in Pittsburgh and this crowd. And I mean, it was great. Definitely a little bit different from preseason for sure, but the fans showed out great turnout. And you know, it was, it was awesome. It was definitely getting out out there, especially when the defense was on the field. So great turnout by civil nation for sure. What's the success of the run game? What was your thoughts on Cordell Patterson's contribution? He's huge, man. I'm just seeing some of those hits. I'm handing the ball off and just watching them go. I mean, I know I can't do that. So the fact that he's been in the league for this long is still doing that. I mean, it's really crazy to see it to be honest. So he definitely did his thing today for sure.

19:41Just yet to very pinpoint passage one Friday with my drop in the Calvin. Is that accuracy? Something that you've gotten better at? I mean, they were pretty flawless rows right there. I think I've always been kind of accurate, but I might be a little bit biased, but yeah, I mean, just those situations, like Jackie said, I'm just trying to get in a good field, field position before the two minute, but I mean, yeah, definitely, you know, definitely need accuracy at this level for sure. Anyone else? Thank you guys. Appreciate your help. And so hard and ever our tight ends on receivers. I mean, it was just it was a whole after man. That was a great job by the entire team. Does it make life easier when you come out of the gate running the football like crazy? Like the first quarter was like nuts? When you get a quarter like that up on the wall, is that make the rest of the game easier? I think so, man. I think it gave everyone confidence right away, which was important. You know, I think that was important for Malik and important for all, it's my important for everyone.

20:42So I mean, it was huge and it felt amazing. That was fun. How did you, I mean, what were your impressions of Malik like in the huddle and how he was handling the whole... I couldn't believe how calm he was in there, man. His play calling was super clear. He wasn't stressed out. Like you could tell, he was very under control, had his wits about him, did a great job. There was no issues on that whatsoever, which is unbelievable. Like that's amazing. You know, his quarterback rating ended up to be like 126 plus his first 100 yard game. That kind of spurs up the confidence of a guy. I mean, it's got to, you know, our front office and everyone, I mean, we brought him here for a reason. Obviously, he can throw that rock around. And then boy, he showed it today. Yeah. Everyone's got all the confidence in the world and that was fun. Just in general, it was probably our bread and butter and Detroit and glad it's the bread and butter over here. So, you know, this is, this is not going to be too hard of a transition and things like that are right up my alley.

21:49And then finally, you know, Matthew Stafford, I know you had familiar with him, you're a rookie year, but watching from afar, what he was able to do in LA and, you know, we saw him kind of get back to help being healthy last year. As someone who is going to be protecting him, how do you describe him? How would you describe what he's good at and what you need to do to protect him? He's in Detroit. We caught him the wizard. You know, he could figure it all out. And he can make anything happen. And, you know, I'm excited to be able to protect him and, you know, let him make us look good and make plays happen. Thanks, Joe. And congratulations. Thank you. Adam. Hey, Joe. Adam, we want to kind of register. Congratulations. Thanks Adam. Appreciate it. Yeah. I'm curious. Kind of look the process looks like, you know, you agree your terms about two hours into the pre-agency. What do those two hours look like? Who are you talking to? You talked to anyone, the range personally. It's like just what do those hours look like for you?

22:54Actually, me and my wife, we were just sitting at home and like the, I guess, 12 o'clock hit. And we were like, we thought it was going to be like immediate, you know, mayhem and kind of sat there for like 45 minutes of my age and was calling me. It was like, what do you think of Los Angeles? And I was like, I don't sound too shabby. And we talked about it. And, you know, this sounded like the right move, good weather, good place to be, good winning culture, great staff. And, you know, just everything overall was just a plus. So we couldn't deny that. I know this kind of nature of business. What is it like, loaded, make a decision like that? Like such a like altering decision, like Adam such short notice? Yeah, I mean, it is, it is pretty crazy, you know, just the amount of timing you have. But, you know, you kind of have a, I don't know, I've been on the outside looking in at this place for a while. So I kind of had a general idea what's going on. And a lot of familiarity within our building, like, Brad Holmes, you know, he was from here.

23:55So I kind of got to feel the people that, you know, they they've been around and how they run things. So I kind of got a good feel about how it be here. Thank you. Stu. They showed us to Jackson from the rain. So I can't be the one you meant my fellow Jackson brother. What's up, man? Hey, what's up? Listen, that you spend most of your football career, whether the college or obviously the NFL now in the Midwest or East Coast. So now that you're here, what's the light just being out here and, you know, being in Southern California now? I will say the weather is beautiful, you know, it's excellent. And definitely going to miss the East Coast. You know, I've got a lot of roots there. The Midwest, you know, I've started a lot there, but not like new beginnings and no better place to be here. And I guess what did you notice about just this offense from afar? I know Jordan asked you about some of the specifics with schematic carryover, but, you know, beyond that, beyond Matthew Stafford, what it would appeal to you about being a part of this offense and being a part of this team beyond those things.

25:02Yeah, just, I mean, a lot of similarities on what we do, you know, the gap scheme, play action and, you know, having to drop back, you know, I'm comfortable in whatever we've had. I've had eight. This would be, I think nine now, nine different offense, a coordinator since I started college. So I'm comfortable on whatever it doesn't really matter. But, like I said, the pieces to the puzzle were, you know, incredible, whether it's the wire receivers, they're running back the QB, the O line, the defense, you know, it's, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a it's a pretty good team over here. So I'm excited to be a part of it. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Gary. Hi, Jonah. Gary Klein from the last time. Sarah, thank you, Gary. I'm curious to think, what was it like to be part of, you know, a lion, an organization that is doing that surge last season. And what, if anything are your memories of playing against the rounds

26:03in that wild card game at Fortfield? Yeah, you know, being a part of something, you know, and the trick were for so long that the city was dying for a winner and being able to bring it there and, you know, change the trajectory of everything and bring some light to the situation. It was awesome, and there's nothing like it. But, you know, when you, when you face the LA Rams, you know, they got it, they got a special defense and, you know, up front they, they got the guys, you know, so being able to be on their team now makes it a lot easier. Sarah, Matt. We're happy to be here. Hey, Jonah. Greg Beacham with the AP. Congratulations. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. In free agency, how did you weigh the opportunities in terms of second contract really important? I mean, that's your money. You got to take care of that. But you also talked about how you wanted to be in a winning culture. You wanted to be on a pitch where you could succeed with a team with a, with a culture. How did you weigh those things and how grateful were you that, an opportunity like this arose with a team within established winning culture

27:04with all this kind of stuff? I mean, yeah, once I heard the Rams were willing to, you know, do what they did and be, and be able to go somewhere and potentially win it all. I mean, there was, there was no denying it. There was, there was some teams, you know, maybe we could have done some more, but I wanted the perfect balance of being able to, you know, set my family up for life and be able to win football games. You mentioned that the Rams have like, you know, they have a good reputation. And what is that reputation that other players on other teams, you know, they don't have a direct connection with the Rams. Think about the Rams. What, what is that, what is that vibe? Well, I mean, you just see it from the outside. You see the quarterback and then he's second and none. And, you know, just all, like I said, the pieces to the puzzle are just incredible. And then you see Coach McVeigh and how they run things. And, you know, it's a, it's an approachable, approachable place, you feel. And you feel like it's somewhere you can get settled in pretty fast. And that's why I felt like it was a good thing for me. I think I said I had a nerve and different things going down my leg. And it was, some of the worst pain I've ever, ever dealt with.

28:08It was not a fun. I mean, it hasn't been fun this week, last two weeks. It really been the first couple of weeks that I've really been improving and feeling better. You know, those first few days were really tough. And, you know, it's been testing my mentality and, you know, been testing everything. Because it's hard to deal with pain, especially how these last few years won and how good I was feeling and coming back from the hand and having, having this adversity that I've overcome. And then just getting hit with this random thing. I mean, of course, it's not random. Everything happens. Nothing just happens for no reason. But, yeah, it's the main thing was it was a glute strain.

29:10And it just was, a lot of doctors were unsure because the pathology and the pain kind of, it wasn't really matching up. But I had some good conversations with some other doctors recently that kind of assured me that that's the only thing that's going on. I had a million scans kind of see if there was anything else going on. And everything's clean, which overall is a good thing. But, you know, you're kind of hoping like, man, I wish they would just find something so we can work on it and get it better. But, yeah, I think I'm finally over the hump. It's definitely not 100%. But I've played feeling worse before. Were you in pain just sitting watching television? The first few days, first week was just brutal. No sleep. Couldn't sit. I still have the medicine ball at my, or the exercise ball. The house that I stole from here because that was my only safe place was laying on the medicine ball and like that fetal type position.

30:17Because, I mean, that first day after the flight back was insane. I was laying in the training room for probably six hours on that ball. Couldn't move. I tried to get up and do some treatment and no position work. Still, I can't really sleep. It's less this week has been better, but I still, I'm a back sleeper and I can't really really sleep on my back with the glute. But I've finally been getting good sleep. I feel just comfortable moving around. I feel much better out there. I'm starting to feel more even on both my legs. I was able to, luckily I was able to, you know, stay on my feet. I know, stay on top of my upper body lifting. So I feel strong. My weight's good. My, my legs are coming back. So it was, it was tough and, you know, I think, you know, the adversity I've dealt with over the years.

31:17It's only made me stronger and has helped me learn more about myself and kind of the things I need to do to be successful. You know, at this age, I'm not a fresh young rookie anymore that can get away with doing some things that I could, could back then. So, you know, I kind of definitely hit a low point dealing with this, but, you know, it's made me stronger mentally. I've been doing all the work I can with, with all the tools I have and the people around me. It's not only helped physically, but, but helped mentally and I think when I look back at this moment, you know, when you're in it, it feels hopeless sometimes. And you're like, man, I don't want to do this, I listen to that, but I think I'll look back at this point and, you know, all these injuries that I've dealt over over the last three years.

32:20And I think it'll be, maybe not a blessing in disguise, but, you know, an important part in my, in my journey and my career that, you know, helps me take those things. I take those few extra steps of things that maybe I wasn't doing before because I didn't have to, but this kind of has pushed me to, you know, be the best person I possibly can, not only physically but mentally. Like I said, I've learned a lot about myself and what I need now and, you know, I'm just grateful that I have a great, great team around me and my family, my trainer, everybody here, my therapist, Roger, shout out. He's the man, he's helped me, you know, through a lot of tough times in my career. And I don't think, I don't, I know for a fact that I would not be standing here or be as successful as I am without all these people around me.

33:35I just want to, you know, thank everybody, including my teammates for, you know, having my back and not pushing me and just being there for me and knowing that I'm doing, doing the things I can to try to get back and be the best teammate I can. You know, I don't have much time left in this game. You never, and dealing with stuff like this makes you realize that it can be over at any moment. And I just don't want to take anything for granted and I don't want to look back and be like, should I cut a wood? So I think I have, I have a few years maybe, hopefully, hopefully a few good years left. And I just want to do everything I possibly can to take advantage of my opportunity. On that low point, what did you, what were you thinking yourself? Did you think this was at the end? Yeah, no, I mean, your mind just tends to ruminate and go to the future, go to the past, sell what if I did this, what if I did that?

34:37When you get into that state, it's just important to kind of reel it in and take it maybe not even a day at a time, but a minute at a time, an hour at a time. And I know it's pretty trendy to talk about being mindful and staying in the moment, but there's a reason it's popular because it's really important. And when you're down and you're upset, you're not going to be thinking rationally and making the correct decisions to just be able to reel it in and be mindful and take it one day, one minute at a time. It kind of puts things into perspective. And if you do the right thing, one thing at a time, eventually you're going to get to where you want to be. And it's just a timing wise. When the injury happened, it was on that first play. Yeah, no, I was not feeling great going into that game. I think that was the start of it after the Carolina game.

35:43And then that very first play, my left leg gave out and I just got absolutely planted in the ground, which I'm sure you're all of you, so I must have maybe strained it worse then or something. But I knew I wasn't able to finish that game. And I definitely didn't expect it to be as bad as it has been. Even when I was in a lot of pain the first few days, I'm like, all right, structurally there's not anything that's too crazy going on right now. So maybe in a few days, this will calm down and it'll feel much better. And then it just kept dragging and dragging and dragging. And here we are for five weeks later, however long it's been. So it was tough. But you know, everybody's dealing with injuries. Everybody's dealing with something that's like sore warming up. And it's like who's not sore warming up right now this point of the year, even after just week one.

36:44It's a tough league and a tough game. Yeah, I'm just happy that I stayed the course and I'm starting to see the other side. So you came out of the Carolina game feeling something in the game? So I came out of the game feeling good. Like the actually like right after the game, I was like, man, felt good, got limited reps. It was really hopeful for the next week. And you know, those next few days just felt weird, felt like there's something going on. Didn't really think that it was the day after the game. And I didn't really think it was going to be any problem. You know, I lifted it as normal. I felt good. I didn't practice like super hard that week. I wasn't feeling amazing. But I definitely didn't see this coming. And you know, I went into that Steelers game with not a lot of confidence. So it was really nervous. I'm sure if you watch me run out on the field, usually I'm flying off trying to be the first one out there.

37:49And I was like, this might not go well today. But I thought I'd give it a shot. And I figured out pretty quickly that it wasn't going to go well after that first play. But yeah, like I said, I'm just happy that I didn't let those, you know, dark thoughts or dark times kind of get hold of me and keep me down because I mean, this bad is football gets. I mean, it's the greatest thing that I've ever been a part of or ever, ever done. It's the best. The only thing I've ever been, you know, great at. And I just want to take advantage of my time here. And it's running out and it's running out for everybody. And time doesn't just doesn't stop. It keeps freaking moving no matter what you do. And yeah, like I said, I just want to look back and be like, man, I'm happy that I did everything I could to, you know, make an impact and, and, you know, be the best player I can be.

38:57I think whoever's in the room, we just got to keep up, keep that stand. The Texas game was a good game. I liked it. I liked how we put that game out, but obviously the national championship just, just, when the clock hit triple zero, you just feel like a champion. So I had a national championship, but the Texas game is probably my favorite game. I'm just that experience that fight run. It feels like my junior high school, my senior high school, my state championship, my junior, and I just, I just remember the feeling just wasn't so bad again. And we ended up coming up short. So I think you just stand on the guys and just stand on myself to do everything we can and just go back to back. It's going to be very hard. And we know that. So I think you just got to support. What is it? Yeah, just the boys are back and I didn't really too much. You got to go be us, be the bucket. I swear, reason. So I think we go out there and be us. There's just really won't be any problems. There was some talks from the leaders about taking down a couple of banners and not wanting this year's team to think that they're champions, kind of building back up in there.

40:06Why is it important to do that kind of not allow last year to a championship? Because most of the team didn't win anything like the freshman class. They wasn't in the 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 bigger regional while we're in the national championship. So I think most of the guys that we have in the team this year, we really wasn't champions. You didn't too much do anything. It was most of the seniors that gone. So I think it's just on our own, because you really just want something for our own. Which receiver or 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. I like. I was in a lot of my. I like my. I just move. He's just very smooth. He's a good player. He's a great man. We all know that. It seems like every time we're out here, you're one of the guys. You're always celebrating plays. You're always bringing a lot of energy. Like, how much do you do that in the big part of who you are just bringing in energy?

41:06I think I just, I think a lot of guys can feed off of my energy. So I just try to give my zone. I can and just encourage out of the other guys and encourage even some of the other 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 the confidence is where it needs to be and you feel confident to do your job. It's going to do. We can go with us. You kind of got thrown out there for a fire as a freshman in some big moments. What do you think is compared to you to be ready to play as such a freshman? It feels. I think just taking every day. Coach is just telling me there's always stay ready. I think just taking every day. Just like that you're going to be out there and just prepared that you never know when that play is going to come. And you know, like Texas game I played the whole second half. You got to be ready for that. If you just sit in the center of silence and think that you're not going to play and think that I'm not going to get in this and that. Get tough for you and then that's when you just your mind start playing tricks. So I think just being prepared and standing ready at all times. What do you think about the last questions?

42:08I think having this is how you handle it and really as a freshman. I think he looks better than me even when I came in and the spring. I think that was going to be a very good football player here. You just have to just come on with the little things but that was going to be a great for them. I just did. I think I was a little more raw as a prospect. He's coming out. I think he's more put together. He's a big refrain. I think he just he has a little bit like, oh no, I just playing. But he just I like not really. I mean it's a long season ahead of us. So I mean, I'm just taking the day by day. You don't see many true freshmen make that the game for you. Play it in the national championship game. What's the key for you to stay hungry? You know, to continue to grow and make your goals? I mean, no, just something to me. I mean, just because I made that one play, I'm not happy that year. After that, no, just can't get big headed. I always feel like it's one for improvement. Never feel like you just got it. That's one thing. A lot of people mess up one for like, oh they have one good year. Okay, I mean, that's not any me. I'm a no continue to do it for years and years to come.

43:09I feel like to myself for sure. What do you know about that? Because you party no big tolerance you just like me. No, just came in campus head. Now just working on my high BCS future here at Ohio State. Probably going to be no next one for sure. What's the like, you know, you see the national championship banner and seeing all the new signage. You know, you played a huge role. I mean, it's no subclass. No, the sound played. No, all around and no. The grenade, the run that we had as a truth freshman, but that was trying 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 the one who can take money or maybe show him how he can work? Well, I feel like he already got that just coming in. He already got that hard work at the quiet just like me as I came in. Just all about bar really, me here early, I mean, spend the time on Coach Hartline meeting and everything. He doing it the right way, I should say, and he have a bright future here. I said he wants to come with a good game. He's a car now and he's going to have to leave us a group.

44:10Yeah. How much for a challenge that you are kind of a quiet guy? Yeah, there's a challenge. No, just stepping out my comfort zone. I mean, something everybody wants to see for me, not just my coaches, but players on the team as well. We have a leadership meeting. There's a lot of people call me out on just saying they want me to talk more. Working on it takes time. Not really a guy that's talkative or no. But lay by example, but one thing that's definitely working on is trying to talk more to get more of my comfort zone and just build it. Is that open with? Yeah, for sure. That's definitely the biggest challenge. I can say just stepping out of my comfort zone and leading the guys and leading the younger guys as well. Do you guys open with Texas next year going back to the playoff game? Do you think about that moving forward just kind of how you were taken out of that game? Yeah, I think not really think about it. I mean, that's behind me. Maybe we won the game. We ended up going to the national championship. I mean, we see it on week one. I just came with to face a great opponent. What's your impression of David Sanchez so far?

45:12Yeah, big long corner of the Corrine. Physical. He got it all. And I can't wait to see things he do here this year as well. What if you know his difference? Are you think different about this defense of these first three weeks of spring that's caught your eye? They just passed physical and willing to hit somebody I should say saying they got the really changed for me. And guys still go no do they've been doing over the last year and a half and so I should end the year and have. Coach, that makes the quarterback's live like he did for a couple of practices last week. As a live receiver, right now, right? How do you think your quarterback responded to that? Over offering. I think they responded pretty good. I did not expect the quarterback to be live in a scrimmage. That surprised me for sure. Coach, they definitely surprised me with that. But I feel like they handled it very well. They took hits. Something we need. They needed. I should say tough enough. Right. Why do you see those people all like about quarterback seeing how they handle that since obviously not a norm to be that?

46:15Learn anything now, but it's definitely not known to see a quarterback get hit. It gets his no defense, I should say. But no, guys, they was getting hit for sure, but they was getting right back up. So command to those of them for that. Two more questions. What's that? Definitely can't get better. No, no, feel like I'm getting complacent. Always want to prove that. No, I'm just taking a day by day and just getting better each and every day. And I'm, I want you to prepare for this group name. And the expectations you're going to get on the next two seasons here. Off the season you just had. Not really focused on the espacation that I have coming up or the year after that. No, just focus on spring. Spring and you know, just going to follow count and just get ready for the season. I should say the espacations go be there. Not really know something high. No. In my mind right now, I'm just no being leader and just focus on the team. Jeremiah, how much changes is right? How much changes?

47:17I really know we haven't really spoken about that right now. I don't really know. One last question. Jeremiah, a lot of guys have said that they want a lot of championship, got taken down. They don't want to see it. It's moving into the team. What is how important is that for you? And why do you think that's significant for the state moving code? I mean, like I said, we can't live in the past. The 2020-14, they want a national championship. This year, we did it. So, I mean, we just took everything down and weight room and everything. So, we could focus on being ourselves and this is our season. Great. We had the opportunity to win multiple times. And for us not to get a done in Sucks, man, honestly. How much are you looking into this loss and the frustration in trying to move forward because you've got to buy a week and then trying to turn the season around. What's that balancing? Yeah, I mean, it's tough. But we've got to move forward. That's all we can do for what is our problem, which I don't think it's hard to see.

48:22Which is executing and hone down on our assignments. And just get the job done. And so, you know, we got to buy a week, you know, rest up and get ready for San Fran. Yeah, a couple of tough plays. The Red Zone, the fourth quarter, that have to be an interception. But you're able to mount the drive down the regulation. What is your confidence in you now that you have bounced back and be able to reach you in a way that you didn't get final drive? Yeah, total confidence. I mean, he's done it, you know, again and again, honestly. And, you know, every time we go, we take the field. And we're going to be in the huddle. You know, I know we're going to give our best effort. You know, I know if we give him time, we run the right routes. We're supposed to do. He's going to put the ball where it's supposed to be. And, you know, that's all we can, you know, do. But yeah, we have total confidence when we go out there. We just got to stop beating ourselves, honestly. Should you rather have zero yards in a win, but you just had a career day? Well, I just want to know what you take from that.

49:22It's quite the lost. Man, I hate losing, you know, I'm saying whatever. I rather win, you know, 100%. You know, my confidence level, you know, it's always been the same. You know, I've known that, you know, I could break out and have an amazing game, you know, whenever. But it's the wins that count. Can you kind of walk us through the last touch down there that tied the game for you? I'm taking the big hit and everything. Yeah. You know, corner out, you know, through a perfect ball. I had to put it really back shoulder for me, you know, to make a play on it. And, you know, just made a play on it. Just about it. What about his kind of, so what do you have to catch you thinking about absorbing the hit of the second ball that you're playing? Yes, sir. You know, I make sure, you know, I see my surroundings, you know, you know, some guys trying to take your head off. So, you know, yeah, I do. But I think, at the end of the day, when I see the ball, it's about the ball and catching it, you know, that's my job. And, you know, I take, I consider all those things, but, you know, getting the job done is first.

50:25What about the, the port in five, they set that up. What do you guys see on that play? Port in five, salt man coverage. You know, I'm saying beat your man catchable. You know, guys on that team, we knew they're going to fight through ass off. And it's a heavyweight balance and national championship. That's what it's all about. And we knew we were going to have to take some shots and, you know, keep swinging. And you can have the coach play in that meeting you guys had with us. You guys are very, very season. To him, to stand in front of you guys, a whole team, having a vulnerable like that, and to make changes, what is it say? I mean, it just speaks to how great a coach he is. I think a lot of coaches would have, you know, had a lot of self-healing going into that meeting. He did that all. I mean, he loves us, you know, all of us like for his sons. And we felt that form, you know, that loss, you know, we knew that we had a rebound like we did. And, I mean, I can't say enough like how much he means to me. You know, it's down to me to me. The way he goes about business, you know, we don't go about it. Like a lot of teams do about fear of losing your job. We go about as a family, it's about love.

51:25And we know we had to execute him. And we did that tonight. How happy are you for a coach today? You know, and how close you are. You were his first to make. It's a brand new building. I hope you get it. Yeah, I mean, it's a dream come true. Like I said, I mean, God is so great. And during that took us down and took coach day on this family on a main. And then I'll be curious like we did tonight. And then I'll say I'm so mean. It means everything to us. And to see you have the success, you know, it makes me so happy. I know I just saw the spot on his wife on her face. And stuff that she ever do. It's gonna be an excellent stuff. And that guy, Clarence, I wrote, it's terrible. And to come out tonight and win this game for them, it's awesome. Check the drop. And we come. And we're on that. What is the championship for busts all about the expectations with this team at any point? You know, we knew what the expectations were going to the season. You know, we knew that we're at Ohio State. And the top of hand every year as an occupant for a national champion, we're not doing our job. So, you know, what never a burden. It's kind of a motivating factor.

52:25You know, do what we're doing right now. We just did. And the legacy we just left is something that, you know, you can't put in the words on what they mean. So, we never looked at this as an burden, but it was an opportunity. And we did that just tonight. Jack, can you drop this in the name? The championship. What did you sense that? Well, look, we never know today what's gonna fight to the end. But it didn't just, you know, during the season. It was during the season you felt that you felt that you felt that you felt. I think that before the season, we knew that we were capable of a national championship. Just because of the guys we had and the coaching staff, we knew that we were capable of this. And through all the ups and downs, we were able to persevere and keep fighting. Keep swinging Coach Day always says, and you gotta fight your way out of bad times. And life and as a player, as a coach, as a family, really for him. You know, he's gotta fight himself out of bad times. And he did just that, made the adjustments, made the change that had to get made. And now we're champions. So, like I said, God is so good. And the journey brought us on was amazing. Jack, I believe I was the last week to send your debug guide. Obviously, you grew up in Pickerington. When did you allow yourself to think about what this moment would be like? And what it would mean for your legacy at Ohio State that you can get this done?

53:26When did you allow yourself to think about that? Yeah, I know. Honestly, I haven't still even thought about it. I'm just so happy to be able to celebrate this in the School of God. It's not about me at all. It's about this team in Pickerington and the City of Columbus. I've been waiting for this for a long time for 10 years. And I'm just so happy for this group of guys. And the stuff that we went through and heard. And we keep getting up and keeping shadow of the practice and going as hard as we can. And I approach one of the positive attitude and trusting that God's clan. And you know, here we are in our national champions. And they can never take that away from us. So just so happy that we will finish our job. And we're going to grab some of those. You can check now that it's gone. Please, on the stage at one point, what were your thoughts right there, Jack? You said that again, please. It looked like you kind of dropped your knees at one point and we're giving some kind of thanks or whatever. But what was going on in there? Yeah, I was just thinking God. I was thinking God for all the ups and downs in my career. And everyone else's career. And then to end it this way is so special. I mean, you know, when you put your faith in God, you know, he says it's not going to be easy. And it hasn't been easy for any of us.

54:27And we kept trusting him and believing his plan. And here we are in national champions. You know, when I don't want to say, oh, you guys didn't believe it, but... I'm sure you guys are here. I think we're going to get the job. And after that, we can November. So here we are in national champs. I feel just great to say. Who brought those regards? Who brought those regards? I think they did just that. And I think for us, we just had to go out there and just accomplish the plan. And whatever play was called, whatever it may be, just go out there and execute it. One thing we appreciate is execution is really the motive. You know, anything we called, but as long as everybody's mindset is one mentality, which is just go get it and, you know, make sure there's no yard gain. I think that changes the mindset of everybody on the silver bullet defense. Did they feel like big changes to you all as they were ongoing? I mean, at first, you know, it was a tough loss. So, you know, as any of you felt like everything was big, but then when you kind of just take your time to look at everything and analyze everything,

55:27it was just like, man, we just need to keep everything simple, make everything, and just about us and, you know, not like feel like we're, you know, making everything about them. We can dictate what they do. And I think that was the mindset. Did it make? Let it be in the wrong. Yeah. JT, I know you get to watch a little bit of video of Caleb and Nathan and Jordan. What stands out about that group from your vantage point? Oh, they're respected. They're relentless, man. I mean, Nathan, Caleb, and I mean, everybody in that BIA Corps, yes, they can cover, but, you know, when it's time to, you know, stop the run, they'll come down 12 yards out, however far off the front line, scrimmaging coming, you know, throw the nose in there, and I respect them for that, because, you know, there's going to be times where we need them to make them tackles, and I mean, they're displaying it this whole season. Yeah, how critical are they in a game of this magnitude? Obviously, everybody's critical, but you know what I mean, the sort of the last line of defense, but sometimes the last line of defense is in the middle of it. Yeah. I mean, they play a huge role. I mean, like you said, it takes everybody from the front four.

56:28It's like a check reaction. The front four don't do their job, then, you know, it falls, you know, the back end, so we off to work as a collective unit. And I think there's a reason that there's 11 of us out there. And, you know, it's crazy. If one person is doing their job, then, you know, something can go wrong, but if we just all continue to stay, communication with one another, continue to just lay each other, you know, we have each other's backs and just trust one another. And, man, I think that performance is going to be off the charts. For the right, Kelly and Stitz, WSW. DT, how would you describe the mentality of the defense right now getting this opportunity for a Greenhouse in the Warden? Yeah, hungry and thankful. I mean, we know how the last time when, you know, we had a chip on our shoulder. I mean, we were riding high before that game, and we took that loss, and we came back how to make a couple changes. But I think we understand what, you know, everything's that stake right now. You know, just fighting to where another house stage is for the next game. That's what's on stake. And just to be able to represent this state and this team. I mean, we understand what's on the line.

57:28And, you know, we're just hungry and blessed that we get this opportunity playing the Rose Bowl. Right behind your Adam King, WBNS. What do you remember most about walking off the field in Eugene? What was kind of all through your life in that ballroom? I mean, there was a... I don't think anybody imagined it. Imagine a solution. You know, I didn't. That's for sure. And I think after that, it was kind of head deep. But I understand it that, man, we still... There's still a lot of ball left to be played. I mean, you can let it sting for a little bit, but, you know, if you let it carry over too long, then, you know, there it goes. There goes your whole season. I think we did a great job of just understanding, coming together in this room right here, not being afraid of display or hold accountability for one another. And, you know, as that happened, we came back, we grouped, and, you know, we're just going right now. And I'm just blessed for those specific moments, you know, losing.

58:29I mean, no one wants to lose, but the testimonies and the things that we're taught within those little situations speaks of all of you. So after all, we're all right. Letterman, we're all. Jay, what did you see from Kenyatta in the last couple of weeks? Was there like a push from him? Did there be any conversation with him? Did it seem like he's planning to send this vessel to the board? Yeah, I mean, that's my boy. He's in the R2X club, too. But, you know, Kenyatta, I mean, every time his numbers call, he goes out there and makes the most of it, no matter where we are in the game, when he goes out there, he's just hungry. He wants to go make plays, and, you know, we see it in practice, so it's not surprising to us. Bill Rebino, it's a bonus this batch. Dylan Gabriel is obviously very elusive and he's not very tall. How important it could be to just kind of stay in your past rush lanes and neglect a lot of balls and kind of make a difference that way? Yeah, I think it just comes out being disciplined. No one who you're playing against, like you said, he's very elusive.

59:30I mean, he can, he is making throws. I mean, he get out the parking to everything, so I think for us, we just have to discipline and just continue to just meet with Coach Jay, meet with the coach's nose and understand how we can just eliminate that. One more question about you and Jack. I mean, your personality seems to be a little different. You're more on the quiet side. Yeah. How about you? You've played together four years, both five store guys. You've described your relationship with him, friendship with him, and just kind of how you cop with each other. Man, that's my brother. Like he said, we're different but very alike. I think outside, like you said, he's louder and quiet, but once we're on that field, we're like the same person. We'll do anything for this team. We'll die for our players and we'll give everything we got. Room together for four years, correct? Yeah, fall camps. Every room trip. Yeah, sometimes go over there. Yeah. The neat one who's the messy one. We have our share of days when we, when I'm neat, he's neat.

1:00:31Or, you know, we might both be messy, but we do a good job. Yeah. I'd probably say I would better kick the jack though. Tony Gertman, like I held. When you're playing a team for the second time, and that was almost a season to go by now, how much of, are you at square one with the scouting and preparation? Or how much do you take from that game? How much do you avoid taking so that you don't have any preparation to see a notion to much of going up against offense on the offense line? I say it's pretty 50-50. I mean, that game, like you said, it was a while ago, but at the same time, they elevated as a team, so did we. So we understand that they had, they made some changes for sure. You know, there's a certain tendency we can take back from that game, but we also understand that they went on a little run after that, and we can see that they elevated as an offense. So we just got to continue to watch those games, dissect the other games, and just continue to see what stands out and what they changed from the past game. We got a couple calls on Zoom that will wrap up with,

1:01:32first we have Nick Hamilton from Nightcast Media. Nick? I just wanted to ask you basically about the synergy of this defense and how you guys were able to not only celebrate the triumphs but get through the adversity, be able to be this top-notch defense that you are in college football today. Here, Pete, the question one more time. Yeah, no problem. I wanted to ask you about the synergy you were able to develop or the course of the season, obviously celebrating the triumphs, but also getting through the adversities to where you go or the top-notch defense that you are today. Yeah, I mean, like you said, we went through a lot of trials to trials, but there's also a lot of things we can take away from all the wins and losses. And from those wins, we understood that, hey, we can be the best defense in the country and from those losses, we understand that there's still things that need to be fixed. And I think when you take all that in at once, that it comes out to the Comma Goal or the Common Top,

1:02:33which is, you can, there's always learning points everywhere. And depending how we dissect those games or how we just continue to come as one and elevate, you know, we continue to just collect all those learning points and just continue to grow from them. And one final question. Joey Coppin, Columbus Dispatch. Joey? JT, what have you guys done better in the, especially in the Tennessee game and just late in the season, you think about turning some of the pressures that you've got on the quarterbacks and the sacks and getting home in some of those situations? Yeah, I think it was more just understanding the defense as a whole, understanding everybody's job. I think as the season went on, we got to understand that, you know, we have to know what's going on in the backhand. We have to know what's going on in the linebacker crew to understand what plays we have, a room of freedom. And I think once we understood that and got a better understanding of the, of everybody's job, I mean, it showed this play because, you know, everybody knows what each other is doing.

1:03:33It's not like the linebackers know what they're doing. And the corners and B.I., they know only their job. I think we all know each other's job and we continue to ask each other questions. You know, if they're blitzing how they can get to the quarterback and, you know, if I'm dropping, playing quarterback spy, I can ask Cody on how to open field tackle it. So, you know, we just kind of lean on each other's understanding because, you know, like I said, like Denzel knows how to play corner-bedded, then I know how to play corner. So, you know, he has more, more wisdom at that position than I do. JT, thank you very much. Thank you. Thanks, man. He's, he continues to grow and to grow and to grow. Like I mentioned, again, Jellani was another guy to, not only tight end position, but tight end on Ohio State. I mean, playing out of Ohio State in general, I mean, that's a, you know, it's a high standard, but then to play the position of tight end, it's not easy. And so, I've seen Jellani take big strides on and off the field. I think, same with him. I think he's going to have to continue just to put those days in back to back to back and, same for him, he'll be able to look up one day and be excited for where he's at.

1:04:35He's very talented, he's very gifted. God has given him a lot of great abilities. And I think it's just his job to put into the work, put in the work, and he'll look up one day and he'll be excited about where he's at. Yes, yes, I was really from over camp. How much do you try to push him along? Yeah, I think when his freshman year, I was doing that a whole lot more. His freshman year, I feel like every two seconds, every time I turn around, I'm trying to correct him and get him an alignment. But I mean, man, he's taking steps, he's taking steps in the right direction. And I'm proud to see his growth. Did you remember the both of you? Yes, his freshman year too. He's not the last one to start. No, he didn't drop me nuts, but... Did you drive him nuts? Nope, that's my guy. Chief Wilhauer, president of all of the experience, do you experience any tight ends when he's at Kansas State? When you're out there, do you feel that he's seasoned on field and running with me? He's on the football field. He's like, he notices where you're at all times. Yeah, I mean, not particularly.

1:05:36I feel like I trust that he's going to do his job. I feel like he knows his reads, that he's going to go through his reads, and he's going to get the ball to who he's supposed to get it to, predicated on the play, and the coverage that we're going against. And he's done amazing things in the field this entire, even going back to spring. He had a great summer, and then to see the kind of player that he's really growing into even this camp has been great. And so I have just trust and faith that he's going to put the ball exactly where it needs to be. All it's my job just to go finish the play. Did you go back and look to see how much, like when Will Howard transferred over, did you go out to check him out at Kansas State so much he's at the title? No, I haven't. It was Ben Sinek, right? Yeah, no, I haven't really checked it out. I know he was a great player. I know he's somewhere in the NFL right now. But, no, I'm focused right here, building camaraderie with him right here and putting good things on tape. Will, first walked in, do you think he was a new tight end transfer? Yeah, he was big. I think he's lost like 20 pounds since he's been here. That dude is a big boy. What is his presence? I think he's a great job, man.

1:06:37I think he's growing to be one of my great buddies, Subjoron. He's growing to be one of my really, really good buddies. I'd say one thing with him, he does a really, really good job of, you know, the ability to turn it off and turn it back on. I think when we're off the field, or having fun, you know, he's one of my closest friends. But then when we're on the field, he's locked in and he's ready to roll and he's able to take the lead of offense. If you could tell his line, Thermon, one thing, and we'll give him on the field more often this year, what would it be? I don't know, where do I start? Let's see. I don't just keep doing what you're doing, you're doing good things, man. Yeah, what is showing out about him? I guess in this camp. Yeah, I was sitting right there. Yeah, no, like I kind of mentioned earlier, I'd say, you know, like I mentioned, God has given him, you know, so many great abilities. I'd say ultimately the ball is in his court to take full advantage of that and ultimately bring the best out of himself. I think that's one of our missions as a culture is to fight to be the best versions of ourself. So I think if he continues to do that, he's going to be excited about where he's at. What do you like about this one, Dave? Everything.

1:07:37I like the mindset behind it. Maybe not as much, you know, X's and O's is great, but I love the mindset that we have about our intentions running the ball. We're not just running the ball to be flashy, but we want to be downhill. We want to have smash, play smash, not football, and just impose our will on teams. That's kind of our mindset going into playing games. That's our mindset going into practice. And ultimately we believe practicing that way is the how we're going to do it on the field. What's it like trying to do that against this defense? Oh, they bring it. The defense brings it every single day. It's a constant iron and sharpening iron. Another matter who's in, ones, two guys are good. The guys are flying around, they're playing fast, they're playing violent. But we're offends, we're going to bring it. Did Chip Kelly, how did it become obvious to you that there was going to be a little bit of a difference? That there was going to be a little bit of a new approach to the running game. Mindset, whatever you want to call it, was it a big meeting? Or was it just y'all got out there in practice and hey, things are different? You know what I mean? How did it show up, I guess? No, I mean, I wouldn't say there was any catastrophic event.

1:08:37I think there's a mindset shift. Like we want to run the ball. We want to be the most physical, fast team in America. Running the football is, you know, it's pretty universal wherever you go. Every team's going to run counter. Everyone's going to run zone. Everyone's going to have, you know, it is what it is. The mindset going into it, how efficient are we going to do what we do? And I feel like I'm very excited about, you know, the mindset that we have going in and running the ball. That we want to be tough, we want to be physical, and we want to impose our wills on the team that we play. You know, will, I don't know, Jack Sweet, have you guys, I did not know that. You guys, you haven't talked about that. No, I'm not, I'm not just asking about the head, I had no idea that he did that. That's hilarious. He is fast for a big guy. He is. Yeah, he moves very well. You're sitting here, what, less than two weeks away from the start, what your last season, right? Yeah. Do you feel like this is the year, I mean, you know, where you contribute even more? I mean, just what's your mindset? Yeah, I'd say my mindset is to ultimately be the best, the absolute best teammate, inversion of myself that I could possibly be this year.

1:09:41I think if I put in my due diligence of studying film, practicing hard, and laying everything out there, I have faith in the Lord that he's going to take care of everything else. I don't, I don't feel pressure of numbers or stats or things I need to put on tape. I just know that my absolute best, my greatest effort will be enough. And whatever happens from there, it's working for my good. I don't know if faith is driven you a lot in your game in general. How does that really help connect the team offends and we keep fans clean and come together for your final season? Yeah, I would say I've seen the Lord working a lot of ways on this team and just bringing guys closer. And it's good to have that common ground with different guys on the team. When things may be rocky on the field, or things may be rocky in the classroom or, you know, in the film room, whatever it may be, to have that common ground that we understand that the Lord is working the things that we're going through for our good. And that we can just continue to keep our eyes on him in the midst of rocky times where we're in the valleys over on the mountain top that we just keep our face strong.

1:11:05It's good, buddy. I'm at the end of the day. We got to put him in the zone. We're not doing that. We're not doing our job. Are you guys creating more explosive plays as an offensive player? Right. I think you just stick with it. You know, the explosive plays are going to come and now we've got to trust that and they'll be there for us for sure. Coach Sins has been here for highs and lows over the many, many years. He's been with this program now. What sort of his message to your group right now, or when you're turning to him, what is he saying as far as how to get through this? Yeah, so I think it's just really just coming and attacking every day as you would, regardless. And, you know, staying, staying even, even through hardship and attacking it, attacking it the same way every day. That's really all you can do. And you just get a little better every day and see where it takes you. Based on the way things are already we're setting up, but then also the way Jason Simmons was calling the game on Saturday. It seemed like tight ends are going to be a big part of this as you guys are trying to pull out.

1:12:07And what role do you think you guys are going to have in trying to get this offense? Yeah, I think we, I think the role is always try to help the offense move the ball. And whether they were called upon to do that in the past game or the run game, we just got to step up and do our job at a high level. Whatever you ask from us, we just got to do it at high level and let the offense go. You're some of the leaders on the offense. Some of the leaders, I would say Gus is a big leader. I mean, he's been doing it for a while. And someone, everyone, trust is going to do his job at a high level. I think we have Hudson's a good leader too as well. Obviously, he's a quarterback, so he takes on that leadership role. And I think we just have a good amount of leaders throughout the offense. We were told George might be fairly close to getting back what we mean to get him back in the mix with the tight ends. Yeah, it'd be great. I mean, George is a great athlete, so having him out there can only help. You know, we're really excited about him and what he can do on the field, so it'd be great.

1:13:09I've always known so it's all getting better and improving things that were big discrepancies in my game. Definitely, obviously, we do some job in Jackson, Josh Breyer, but a lot of guys back in the national championship team. We're at UN, we're at Los Angeles, we think about the depth of the environment. I mean, it's an amazing thing. We're all pushing to be great. It's competitive, which is, I mean, that's the best place to get better. Did you see Cattle House state or they seek you out or was it kind of a challenge? No, I was definitely thinking about how it stayed. 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 my agent, my old, my old coaches at Rice Sam. 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 really grateful. Obviously, Justin Fry was the coach when you came here.

1:14:09What was that kind of transition like of him leaving and the type of going coming in? I'll say 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've liked about playing for Coach Bowen so far? He's a really good communicator. We meet a lot and he's really good at just kind of putting out the fine details and how you can prove your game. When it comes to different skills and everything, just how to fine-tune it through practicing everything. Would you please sign two more questions? Time for two more questions. Well, I guess I'm trying to live by being the hardest working person in the field. So, I mean, that's why I want to be like, I want to spend the most time watching films. I spend the most time after practicing getting an extra work to and more out of the edge. I feel like that's how I would describe myself.

1:15:10What about the conditions you need when we try to work on it? Well, I mean, I can always be better at a lot of things. But, you know, just really like for working on the thing. That's the biggest thing. That's the biggest thing. That's the biggest thing. That's the biggest thing. The world coach Bowen is really helping me. You talk about us dropping that weight and breaking. Is that an adjustment playing that way you're here to hit what you're doing? I feel better. You feel better, okay? Yeah. So, you didn't lose any strength. Yeah, no. Did you know you got to lose better? Yeah, no. I knew and then I'm talking to diet dishes and everything. How's your diet change? Well, I focus a lot more on getting the right macros into my meals. And, yeah, that was really the biggest thing. I mean, the biggest thing about this in ways is diet. It's like a lot more protein that's part of stuff like that. Not should be. And every meal. All right.

1:16:10So, you can thank you. Thank you. All right. Y'all were good, then. But, yeah, every game is, there's always one moment where you like, if I did do this in the weight room, you get better at this, then I won't be in the upper that situation. So, pretty much every game. You're good at killing. It's fine. You're good. You guys defensive tackle, how's that defensive? I was really good. I'm not the center stone just yet. But, we've been rotating times to see what best works. And we've been all driving at the center. You see yourself in this season. Was that about the physical stuff? Was that something else that you were at? Most of the game was just into the position. That was the main thing. Just seeing everything. But, Tally, you really have a lot throughout the process. Tell me you're better at getting there. Go in after him. Go in after him. Tell him if you're good. And, uh, let's, uh... What is your name? I'm Tally. I think you're really kind of less than me.

1:17:12Really? You told me. The main thing he would tell me was stop overthinking it. Just, just block that play. And that really helped me because, you know, new position, trying to find my rareness stuff. So, it was pretty good to get his assistance on it. Is there anything that you want to do like the physical stuff? What do you like about it? The physical stuff. Uh, I'm... Uh, three-tay, I mean, the strength wise, like I was saying, uh, and speed, uh, gets those words. That's, that's really helps me a lot. What were the conversations like when this first came out, that you possibly think, who were you talking to, what, what was it like in your mind when they asked you about the attention? Well, I talked to, uh, Coach Jay. Coach Jay was the main one. He wasn't forcing me on that thing, who just said, if you want to move inside, you can't, if not, still, uh, dead, then you can do that as well. Uh, but, I saw that, uh, I could help the team out. Get some death right there, so, uh, I told the moving side. Okay. I'm a love, and I'm Li-Doh trying to although ain't still dead.

1:18:15WE can't stand to be staying. I miss that, coach Jay, why can't I let you down with me? It tells me my... I'm in shock, that I didn't CARRIE even... that I did it that way! I quit because I was turning for the project. And he only ... Ah yeah, Junior did nothing bad. Yeah, Jack, then Jack, JT, Tileek, Air Tile, I'm two of the great leaders, ordered off the field. They're helping me with just simple stuff. Like if I didn't know where to go, get something down, they'll tell me, or they just like hanging out with a dude getting closer. Just a lot of different small things that got brought us closer to like last year. They already started going this year. I haven't started yet, but I'm gonna give it to him. Yeah, I feel like, uh, maybe we teach them how we do that. Anybody can be a leader, no matter what you ask. Freshroom, so I'm going through your scene

1:19:15or even if we're walking, everybody can be a leader. Just, uh, yeah. That's a really good thing. It hits you last year that, yeah, this is great technique. This thing can work for me. I mean, you know what I mean? You have to grow into it. I had a growing sort of a little bit. Um, it's very new, especially playing D in my own life. Right. But I had a colleague help me, like I said, throughout the whole process. Yeah, when did it really strike you that I could be a factor? Yes. Oh, you know, what game or, you know, how do I win the two-field comfortable on this or anything else? I would say closer to us to playoffs, uh, me and my colleague a lot, uh, I felt comfortable. I, okay, I can actually do this because he showed me some stress I have, like, see him, like, see you can do this. And, uh, that really helped me get the confidence and know that I can. Yeah, but then you became a factor. You became a factor, especially, you know, especially through the playoffs and stuff. What did mean to you to be a factor that early? Uh, all the word of God, first of all, to keep me healthy, to keep doing that. But it's been a lot that Coach J, trusted me enough to go in and the big games like that.

1:20:16And I'm new to now being produced. What about your skillset, do you think? Good so far. Uh, definitely speed and strength was my made to. Now I was saying, well, help me in the inside of those guards. I was really running inside. But you were actually really wanting to be a instrumental player. So what's the changes in the mental age and just realizing your body's taken you there anyway? What is the moment for you to learn? What character are you going to take it up to? Definitely my main thing also, and so I thought the interview, some of those interviews I said, the main thing was being a team player and moving the three teams was going to help the team. I was really moving to say anything. It's the competition. Jason and Will and Timewan. Aiding from the team. It's a different team. It's very competitive. We all come in trying to see where we need to get better.

1:21:17Just to keep moving forward. So it's pretty good competition. And I love them. But uh, and you made the move like during the bi-week last year, is that right? What was the toughest part about that whole crash course? Uh, really meant that I really embraced it. Uh, I knew that I made the move inside, uh, in order to help out the team. And we asked really great years last year, let's learn, uh, JT Jack came and carried him to the game. So it was pretty good, eh? And then moving the three-take, I also asked them down there, while still getting the chance when I got there. Did you feel like you, like, just needed to get done quickly? Like, did you feel that pressure to get it done quickly? Because you needed to be ready for that next game? No, they, they were, uh, all in on me, just whatever I'm ready. Just let them know how I feel about moving in or setting us up. Did you still find that? You know, you heard three freshman hours going with you, you played as a freshman, so it takes a little bit of a pressure. So you've done the same things guys, actually think the game is going to be a lot of fun.

1:22:18Uh, Jack was chasing all the guys that came in, or they, they continued to work hard every day. Uh, even if they don't get it the first time, they'll ask us, on what are doing this situation to help me out. So, uh, the ability to keep trying to learn from people that's playing them on big stage, uh, that's the word really gonna keep them going. Were you surprised how quickly things did start to click? For you inside, just, given you said they were going to be patient with you, but by the time you get to the playoffs, you're playing like that, is that the surprise how quickly it just kind of happened? I'm not really. I knew what I got it, because it was going to trust me a lot more than to keep going out there each and every time. So, I appreciate them. Uh, like I said earlier, thank you Lord, and thank you guys. All right, thank you. In, in that vein, obviously some different guys doing things at guard, I know you were obviously focused on being attacked, but how much ownership do you take on trying to get some of those guys ready for what will be obviously a tough challenge, normally this game will potentially down the road.

1:23:18Yeah, um, everything with the guards, I try to get my input too, because, you know, for, um, really three years, I played that position, and so I was like, look like, um, what you're doing is not working this way, you gotta do it this way, because I've had experience to join against, next to really good tackles, and next playing at a really high level at guard, I was like, uh, I can help you out with this, because I know what it's like, or taking my experience of playing next to Paris, I was like, this is what I did with him, and we gotta be on the same page, in terms of double teams, because if we're not on the same page, then that's how we get split, and that's how, you know, we work against each other, and there's no movement, so trying to get on the same page with the guys playing next to me, and the guys on the other side of the line, to try to perform at the highest level. Fifth or all right, Cameron T. Robinson, the athletic, Duncan, I know 22, 22 didn't necessarily go the death rate, but after that mission, I'll also seem like doing that game, because we're playing on the free, a lot more loose, what experiences can you check that lead up to this lead up,

1:24:21to obviously wanna win this game, but just to play free and play the most in this game. So yeah, I mean, playing free and playing loses, a lot better than playing uptight. You know, we're just focused on playing as fast as possible, and our coaches put us in the right position to do so, so it's our job to execute it, in terms of what happened, you know, was it two years ago? Yeah, two years ago, I can't really speak on it now, because I'm worried what was happening now, but it's just, playing with the brothers next to you, playing for the man next to you, and not trying to let him down, rather than your own selfish successes, what we're all aiming for. Right in front of him, Stefan Krasnik, cleanland.com. Seth is a guy who's, you know, had to play up experience. He's also probably stuck in this Tennessee team in years past, maybe more so than anyone that, you know, how much, kind of as a coach now, has he been able to help out these, you know, last few weeks, whether it be Michigan, we've been out leading up to Tennessee? Yeah, you know, he helps out as much as he can. He's always here, you know, maybe not in the outdoor practice.

1:25:22He hasn't really gone to those, but, the indoor one's obviously in the meeting rooms. He's a really insolvable person. He's always helping out Carson, always helping out the guards, because, yeah, you're right. You know, he's played against the team many times, being at his former institution, but he's just given us insight on what we need to do to compete at the highest level against his D-line, because obviously they're a great group, and then just helping us improve as best he can. So, you know, he's still just as involved as he was before the incident happened. He's just trying to give back as much as he can. Second, we're right. Bill Landis, games of the North. Donald, we've seen, we saw a loop plate center, some in camp, I'd always played some tackles, he'd played some jumbo tight end. What in your mind would make him a good guard for you guys? I mean, all of that is just versatility. You know, I feel like Luke is versatile enough to play plug and play anywhere we need him to be, and he's had some great success at guard

1:26:24in the past couple of practices, but he's shown a great ability to anchor and being able to, he's been playing stronger in my opinion, so he's developing the right direction. But like I said, we just need to write a step up at this point, because even the younger guys, we need them to have the mindset of that, they could play at any time, because it's unfortunate what's happening, but like we need everybody to be able to go. Frank Roe, Bill Rebenowitz, Columbus Dispatch. I don't really start at the year playing your normal position behind, or next to a central four-strand big at Josh, and then two guys who are not to be the Remington trophy winner, both of those guys who fall on your playing a new position, tell me what it's been like on the offensive line for you, especially having played the Michigan game and that didn't go well, and now we have a chance to do everything you wanted to do. And what's the mindset of the off-the-line right now? Yeah, I mean, it has been easy. You lose the best center in the country. Everyone knows he's the best center in the country,

1:27:24he's a brain of the operation. He puts his position to succeed, and obviously you lose Josh Simmons, who he was a lockdown tackle. Like you didn't have to think about who was going against you. Like, no, Josh got it. Like we can worry about what we gotta do everywhere else, because Josh's gonna handle this stuff. So now we gotta take a step back and be like, okay, where can we attack to put our guys in the right position? Because what we did before is not what we can do now. And so we got new guys stepping up playing, and they're playing at a competitive level, but we gotta put guys in the right position to succeed for games coming forward. And we didn't execute nearly as well as we wanted to last game, obviously. But we, it's a beautiful thing about football, beautiful thing about the playoffs that we have another opportunity to go out there and play. Austin Ward, podcast. I mean, what you think? Back to, we mentioned in camp. Maybe Austin would have to fill in for you in the short term. Like what advice do you have? And Zen goes into the line at the end, Carson comes back in. You have this now with Luke.

1:28:25Is your conversation, advice, communication the same with all four? Have you had to tweak the message? I'm sure you're tired of having to keep going through this process, really. Are they, are all cases the same? You tell them the exact same message, no matter who it is, or different, depending on each of those four guys? Yeah, I've gotten really good at giving motivational speeches this year. But yeah, it's always different. With Zen coming in, we'll start at the beginning with Austin going in. It was like, hey man, you're fine. Like this is the same game you've been playing just in front of a lot more people. You've been doing it for a long time. Just keep doing what you're doing. Then when Zen came in, I was like, look man, I'm here next to you the entire time. Like, you're not doing this alone. Just communicate and we'll be eye. And the message changes varying per position. Everyone takes messages different ways. But the end goal is always the same as just to play absolutely hardest and worry about the result later. And final question, Tim May. Yeah, let me know.

1:29:26Yeah, I was wondering, is there a common theme when you're going against a talented defensive front, like the previous game and in this one with Tennessee that they may not be as tricky because they're really good players. You understand what I'm saying? I mean, it could sometimes win one battle and stuff. Just what does gotta be the mindset against going against a defensive front like this one? Yeah, I mean, the defense front we're going is Tennessee is very talented. You know, they rotate a lot of guys and all those guys can go. Like they're relentless. I don't give you a time to breathe because once one guy goes in, another guy goes in. And he's just as good as the one that just came out. So the main message is just to a strange, strange, about off-man, get out. You got one year one on one. Like you said, like, they're going to play you. They're going to play their defense. And it's our job to execute our offense. So a lot of respect to their front. I feel like, obviously, that very talented guys on that front across the board from interior to the edges. But we just got to execute what's called to the best of our abilities.

1:30:29Thanks, Donald and thank you very much. Thanks, Donald. Thanks, Ben. Me having that opportunity is good. And I'm always going to come out here and compete. Like I said, I'm putting myself at the bottom. So I'm working. I'm going to work every day like I'm at the bottom. And I got to get to the top. How, what do you feel like it's going to take for you to get from the bottom to the bottom? You know, just discipline. They're big on discipline here and competitive and excellent. So it's just staying consistent every day, just doing the rights. Having little to none, mental errors, that's going to give me a lot of fail. And I do what I'm supposed to do. That's how it's going to give me a lot of fail. How do you manage those expectations for people to think that you should be playing week one season? How do you manage people basically? You know, I don't really let it get to my head because I'm here. I got dudes in the room that are like IGD. He's going to be a three-year start. I got to main, first in all, American. He's going to play this year too. So I can't let what people say on the net get to me because anybody can say, oh, he's going to play this year.

1:31:30But you actually got to prove it. So I just got to come out here and work in that spot. What's the most important thing you've learned so far in your three months here? Competing everyday. That's the biggest thing. Having to compete, these guys appear. They take winning and losing to heart. So my first week up here when we did our competition, I was winning and then I got that first loss on my belt. And it kind of opened my eyes because these guys take it to heart when they lose. They don't like it. So I kind of got that now where I don't like losing. You had the opportunity to be around the team for CFP, Ron. What did you learn from Just Go's few weeks seeing this team make that run? Being real tight with your brothers. They're real tight. They push each other. It's a real brotherhood. They don't let nobody down. They always got each other back. So I mean, it's a new team now. So we got to build that chemistry with each other. Just get tight. And I feel like when I was there for that playoff running and I practiced when they were

1:32:32at the National Championship, I just got to watch how guys are real locked in. They're close with each other. They're not letting nobody slack off. And I feel like we had the opportunity to do that with this team now. How did you handle Luke? How did you handle that first loss? That first loss, it kind of got to me. It was the IGB. He let me hear. So after that loss, I was like, I can't let this happen anymore. It's like now it's not high school where you used 17, 16 years old. And if you lose, you lose. Up here, it's not. If you lose, the coach will see that. And they're going to see how you respond to it. So I feel like I had to open my eyes, I had to go and lock them. I'm like, I can't let this happen anymore. So I got to go up. And these guys are counting on me too. So it's real important that I don't lose. If you hadn't described yourself as a competitor, how would you do that? I'm a great competitor. I like winning. Who doesn't like winning? So I mean, winning is in my blood. My parents taught me that at a young age, going after a competing for anything that you want. And I feel like if you can go after a compete for it, it's yours.

1:33:34And if you compete for it all the time, who don't take it from me? So I mean, I'm a good competitor. I'm always going to go after that, try to take what's mine. If it's out there, then anybody can have it. And I'm going to be the one that's going to get it. There's some role markers in your room, obviously. Are you a talker? What would your natural resources be? Yeah, I mean, it could come out on me. But I don't really know my game to the talking for this part. But if it gets there, it gets to that point where, yeah, I can bring it out. Because regardless, I'm not just going to let nobody just come out here and just catch balls on me. So if I'm having a good day when I'm consistently getting TPUs, yeah, I'm going to talk. But being in that room, you kind of got to talk. You know, the Jamei, you got IGB, those real talkers in that room. So it kind of makes you want to bring it out. And when you bring that out, that just brings energy out on the whole defense. And when you got the whole defense clicking, you can see. You can see what happened. Is there anyone that's kind of a competition you had with IGB? It was during the winter. We were doing, you know, just stuff on the field. We were just having the time of the field. Just a lot of competitions.

1:34:35So I mean, it was a day where they had us going up against just a freshman. And then they kind of threw us in there and fired against the older guys. So we had to wake up. And we all kind of lost. And then we all kind of like, we all kind of came to get that as a freshman group. Like, what are we going to do about this? Because they're kind of nice to step up in those roles. Yeah, definitely. Definitely, definitely. My work in college moments. You know, just showing that, you know, it's real now, a middle-high old state. I'm not in Houston, Texas, I'm 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. You've mentioned high school a couple of times. How did growing up there in Texas playing at that level? How do you feel like that helped you prepare a real high school? 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 play, the highest level of ball in the Texas 6A.

1:35:37You know, we're going against guys like Dunkin' Bill, North Crowley, those top schools, you know, receiving the coin more I go against. And I want to get to them 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 here 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 play bars in the country, you know, they go as floated 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. What would you do against DeCarrie? You know, it was when loose, when loose. You know, I went something, he loose something. So I mean, it's just getting better, I'm sharp and higher. 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 the working. So, I mean, it's just what's going to happen next. Like a part of the stadium again? Yeah, definitely, definitely. And you know, I plan on planning against him.

1:36:37We want to see them this year, hopefully we'll see them in the big team championships. So, you know, I want to, I want to rematch them. DeVa, you committed super early in the process six months after that. You shut things down when, quite frankly, someone of your caliber didn't have to do that. You could have, you've seen kids play the game a little bit longer than that, but you chose to not do that. Just kind of lock it here. Why? You know, because this is 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 feel like that was home for me. Up here, I just saw like it was home. You know, because of all, because they, you know, they're making it, you know, making me feel important up here. And then, you know, like you could ask, because what, how many times I came up here, throughout my high school career, I came for 13 times. So, we got to the point where I was 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's just, just me, you know, knowing what I want to play my college ball at, you know, knowing what I felt like it was home. And then, you know, it was also my parents too, you know, my mom being, you know, feeling

1:37:42safe 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. All right. Fifth row of medals, Stephen Leonard College football fouls. Yeah, kind of piggybacking on that. How much of it was there offensive line being a strength that our team versus Dylan Gabriel being able to escape and the lack of pressures that we had on our defense? Oh, yeah. I mean, when you got a good offensive line, I mean, it makes it even better for a quarterback, you know, being able to roll out, you know, that your line was going to help you protect you when you're in the pocket. So I mean, it makes it easier for throws and it makes it harder for us, honestly, if we're going to have a good offensive line. So I mean, like I said before, just being able to attack the offensive line, attack the weaknesses and be able to go after it and make it harder for the quarterback means harder for them or rural. Four to four right. Andrew Gillick, believe in Doc Brown. What's the challenge? Similar to Tim's question. And, you know, when you play a team like this that runs the level of RPOs that they do that was the most interesting thing to do. How do you stay true and be aggressive and force the issue where, you know, Dylan Gabriel is going to be a great player. Oh, yeah, like I said, just putting pressure on them. I mean, do you get back there? I mean, we got a lot of different plays that can help us get back there faster in playing

1:38:46and playing to their tendencies, you know, a lot of times they have the RPO, the RPO helps them out. It means you get the ball out fast. I mean, things like Jackson and JTB going to get their hands up, knock the ball down, crazy stream them out of pressure for the quarterback when you got hands in your face all times. And, final questions, Bill Rebenowitz, Columbus Dispatch? We've asked about Dylan Gabriel and the receivers. They're not one dimensional. They're a good one back in Jordan James. What makes him special and what's the challenge for you guys? I think he's definitely one of the better running backs in the conference of well. I mean, just how hard he runs is it's hard to bring him down at times. So, I mean, as a front pro, we probably stopped in the run. That's the first thing we're going to do as we go on the game. I mean, past rushing is good and all, but we can't stop the run. We're going to run the ball there and throw all the time. So, all the time we have to figure out how we're going to stop them. We're going to run the ball and then we're going to take them down. So, I mean, it's our job as a front pro to go on there and stop the run. We're going to make them one dimensional as we go out there. So, I mean, if you get out there every time every mind said we go out there, I mean, so we're going to get them. We're not going to allow them to get in the yards, allow them to get going.

1:39:46We're going to stop them. We're going to make them throw the ball. What JTB has asked him about, how to compare contrast him and Jack. It's personalities. What's your take on that? How different are they as just personalities? I definitely think Jack is more outgoing. I mean, the guy he needs, like the light that shines around me and everybody goes around him and everybody loves him. I was going, God, they're going to come to you and shake your hand any time of day. And then JT's more of the blue guy. I mean, a lot of guys gravitate to him. He just has a bright smile on him all the time. He's just a great guy that people like to be around. I mean, they're two good people, so it's hard to tell. And Ty, I do that one more question for you. Tony Irvin, by God help. You guys obviously have faced stuff while you did it. Lastly, what's the key for you as a defensive one in facing tempo? Oh, yeah. I mean, we've been going through all week in the past two weeks. It's just getting set. I mean, that's the first thing you do. If you're not set, it makes it harder to do your job. So let's be able to get on the ball, get set before they're lined up and set the ball. It's one and more important thing. So when we're set, we're able to do our jobs at the efficiency day before they can do theirs.

1:40:48How do you call this out? It could be difficult times. You know, you got to look to the signline first. You got to get the call. It's a call has to be set down for us. It can't be difficult times, but that's a definitely what we've been working on the past for a few weeks to just get the call, get the call early, get set. So we can go and be play faster. Is there a time where you're like, you've changed the play to one side of the field. And now it looks lined up. They're going to be heading to the other side. So like, you've got to just run the signline to signline just to get the money. Oh, yeah. I mean, I have been a lot last game. You know, it's hard. It's definitely tough. I mean, that's what we work on and practice. Just moving as fast as we can, we're simulating these things. So we can get into the game. It's a lot easier. So we move it around side to side, run it around, do an extra conditioning just for moments like this. Time, thank you very much. All right. Thank you. Thanks, John. Thanks, John. So the games, you know, so you know, the guys just definitely getting off that ball. So definitely excited when I'm playing with those guys. So are you pleased with the pressure? You got to get the section one of them. Usually when you get the pressure, those sacks will come with them. Yeah, they're going to come in.

1:41:49I ain't too worried. You know, just keep playing my game and just keep doing what I'm doing and then I know they'll come. Does it feel like the pressure is just a fact? All right. Definitely did. I think he reinforced in completion, he's reinforced in the exception. So I think it definitely had a hand on the game for sure. Dennis said that, you know, a lot of people that were down on you all last week are now praising you all this week. Is it hard to kind of block out that noise and not get too high or too low or is it easy? It's pretty easy for me. I don't really listen to none of it. I'm just locked in, like, you know, tunnel vision blinders on and just doing my thing. Are you hoping now that the defenses will pay so much attention to a long detail that it brings to you? Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's just, yeah, then that play that we ran, there's a great play, great call by coach. You know, we kept sticking with it. I mean, that boy, that boy, he did this thing. You mean one of the sacks, he ran behind you to go get it.

1:42:49Did you pick with him about A and you took my quarter back down? Nah, nah, you know, you know, sacks. Sacks, you know, they worked a lot, so I'm glad he could pick them things up. What does that, his performance say maybe about his skill and how have you seen him like as a player? Yeah, I mean, I'd say a great player, fast, physical, you know, just loves ball. I think he's very good and I think he's going to have a very good year. I know you all probably haven't really gotten into a game plan to fulfill me up. It just kind of thoughts on Dagen Dallas and his kind of initial take on them. Yeah, I mean, we know the, you know, good team, you know, discipline team, has great players. But, you know, I think we are that too. So, they could be a good match up and I guess we're going to see. After many things have picked up, going against him over the years? Yeah, you know, I ain't tripping over no cowboys for real. You know, I feel like just in terms of, because I played on my whole, most of my whole career.

1:43:51Going in the same week, you know, watching him and try to put, you know, try to put ourselves in the best position to win. Being in Washington for so long, do you kind of carry some of that rivalry still with Dallas? Not just more of, you know, knowing what those play them, you know, multiple times. You know, knowing what those guys are about, knowing that we have to put our best forward. So, there's not that much extra motivation to go get a sack on deck, even though you're playing too many times? Motivated to get a sack every week. So, that ain't, that ain't the one just doing that. Your pressures were like a team high. To come in right away, like, to one, like, did you feel like you could make that impact right away? And what does that do for the rest of the defense when you are performing at that level? Yeah, man, you know, I know what I can do. I'm very confident in my ability. And I know what I can bring to the table when, you know, I go. So, you know, I'm happy I can help the team, the way I'm helping the team and my job is to keep going.

1:44:51How much does the way that offense played have an effect on what you guys can do defensively? Oh, a lot. You know, when you put points from the board, you know, the teams have to pass the ball. That's more sack opportunities, more pressure opportunities. As you see more opportunities to get interceptions and force-turnovers. Do you feel like the offense defense, they're really kind of coming together? When you talked about it a lot over training camp, the team seems like the bond is stronger. Yeah, definitely from this game, you can tell it was a complimentary football. Offense was, they were sitting on all cylinders, literally, and, you know, defense, you know, we did our thing and, you know, we just kind of played hand-to-hand. Thank you, Jay. Thank you. I would say I was a physical in high school, but I've been a lot more physical I can tell, just, you know, a coach making the strength staff. You know, they help you a lot, just exposing to all that. So, I appreciate the strength staff a lot. And once in January, you're with the team, how much has that helped you and the other early enrollments? Not just getting their pair of businesses, but learning the culture of a high school?

1:45:54So, Coach, they asked all the seniors before we came in. They asked us if they were okay for us to come with the playoffs with them, and they all just give it a green light. They wanted us to experience that for the next time we're in the playoffs, so we could see that I think that's helped tremendously. I think it made us mature just being around those guys and knowing what to do when we do get to that place. Are there ways that you've already seen that thing all? I definitely can say, you know, just maturity-wise, especially from this class. I think we all just came in a little bit maybe immature, but we've definitely grown throughout that process. Just see the way a guy like Dott of Injection stepped up for a high school? Unless you're how inspiring was that for you? It's very inspiring, you know, me and Dany were pretty close to like, to talk to him a lot. So, you know, just seeing him move from guard to sac, going to just make such a huge jump in that little time was just really cool to watch. Carter, especially the three primary coaches you're working on, do they all speak the same language? If you follow my drill, I mean, who do you listen to most, I guess, in those kind of situations? You know, they're all from different places, so at first I think it was a little hard for them to mention the one that was in the lane go. But now they've got it down packed. They're all from the same exact thing.

1:46:54So that's been helping a lot. I mean, obviously they can explain stuff a little different if you'd like them to. But they've been doing a good job of keeping everything together. And Coutic in particular, what's he brought? What's he brought to you? What are some tidbits or things he's brought to open your eyes a little bit? Just let a little older playstyle, I could say. He's not like too fancy on all the techniques stuff. So I like just how straightforward he is with all the techniques stuff for sure. Just very straightforward. I know you know Luke pretty well, both of you from Toledo. How have you just seen Luke Bro here so far going into this year? I think I've been watching him for a while. I've known him like you said. But I've just seen him grow as a leader. He's been really cool. Just seeing him a while back. I think all the software he's seen here. We always play together. But seeing him move into that leader role has been really cool to see. What kind of leadership is he bringing to that unit right now? Just always talking to the younger guys, encouraging us, you know, tell us what we need to do. And not only the younger guys, but the other guys just encourage us as a whole. And what does his story mean to you? I mean, obviously this time a year ago, he wasn't even sure where he was going to fit in or whatever. Now, I'm certain especially through the playoffs, he was a force. I mean, what does it just tell you about perseverance, but also a season?

1:48:00I think it really just never give up. I mean, obviously you might not start the first game. Maybe not even the second game. But you can always make an impact if you really, if that's your desire. Who you've been meeting on? So that's going to be a player on team. Nice car. I kind of teach you the ropes. I kind of teach you tricks and tricks. Who, you know, all the offensive lines I would tell you. I would say Austin and Luke a lot. You know, I talked to him for your office, especially about technique stuff. Austin's been playing a little different places. So he's been helping me a lot of my small technique things. Just what to do for sure. Is it the small stuff that is a big adjustment from playing golf? Is that really what kind of thing is going to be? Yeah, it's definitely the smaller stuff. Just like, you know, hand protection stuff like that. Nothing to address it. So it's been good. The trade just has been too crazy. Exactly what positions have you been rep? Only a left tackle. Yeah, so far. You feel pretty comfortable there. I feel very comfortable. These are grown men. You're going against Kinyada and Kaden, like 22, 23 years old. Yeah, yeah. Obviously that's a lot different than high school. You're playing what 16, 17, most 18.

1:49:03So it hasn't been a lot different. I first co-practice were my best. I've definitely adjusted pretty well this spring. Two more questions. I asked Jay about this. You guys obviously coached my list very close. He came up to lead a handful of time and then all of a sudden by the time you get up here, he's gone. How's it been getting them to move off into language? It's been really good. You know, obviously we had all the fresh matter. Really good relationship with coach Frye. You know, men seeing him leave was actually a little hard, but we all kept our minds open with coach Boen. We're lacking him a lot. We've been developing relationships with him and he's been really good to us so far. Good. All right, Carter. Thank you. Thank you. Dude, I still feel a little off. I don't feel as balanced in my stance. Can you show me the small technique I'm going to do on a field? Just still doing it. You're not left tackle. Just because part of my routine, I was part of my process of getting to my stance. I was stuff like that that he taught me from day one. I was seeing Prax. It was fun just competing with him. To me at the back of the pocket and to dab each other after every rep.

1:50:05I was competing. You know what I mean? That's my guy. What is your most favorite website? How big or sweet is it? That's a certain matter because it would happen to him. That's a thing. That's not how I was definitely know how I thought about a transitional girl. I thought of the home sometime in a car or no soul career. I want to play or forever talk about his plans. You wish transitions like one of those fairy tales to your time now. But again, either way, we talk about it. That's the tell goes. Obviously he's happy. He's been one of the big supporters. Again, I think everybody leads in their own way. Not everybody's the... Guys, come around. That's not everybody.

1:51:05I think for me, that's me specifically on Game Day. With the O-line after we do the little one. That's my hump did. That's my big vocal time. I feel like I'm talking about this just recently. Talking about what I want to do for the world is I want to bring that hump energy, the Hebrew. So last year, of course, I'm sure he's been doing for years, but when I spent my own, he brought a lot of energy and excitement and happiness in the room, which is his natural energy, to where I only had to focus on me. I didn't have to make sure other guys were, you know, feels the type of way when they came in here, because hump brought that. I'm a hump not here, but I saw a way different room. I want to be that guy to make sure I want to amptical to practice everybody's. I have more taking the field team on period.

1:52:06It's a low day. It's something, you know, it's a bit sick, but I want to make it feel like hump comes. Yeah, pairs of tricks. I want to bring that, because that's what me and hump did to each other. We would have had each other do something like this. Probably get walked, we're flicked. I want to do that. I want to bring that energy. I want to make bring more guys, you know, to do that. Yeah. I want to do that from day one, you know, I kind of, I want to do that from day one. Talking to him and obviously it's that time I spent, obviously, before I started, just being in my self-just thinking about what the room needs, you know, because I know I knew Rural as one of the leaders, you know, on the offense, is that we need a guy like that, just going to make sure the O-line is picked up. We're ready to go every day, I want to tell him how to kind of the little things don't happen to practice and people aren't saying anything and how I may leave, maybe different than somebody else may leave.

1:53:06You know, I like to practice, at least, like, the legal positivity, you know what I mean. But he, the energy I would be on, just like, hyperb-b-on, so that's kind of how I want to be. Going on, literally my whole life, I want to get an NFL team captain, like, specifically, and I felt I wasn't a captain in high school, wasn't a captain in college, but I want to make a joke, because I was in high school, so I feel like I'm not going to get a captain to like his NFL. 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 a team-video award and get back in that world. Yeah, I mean, I can't say that, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt like I was used to in the past, but it didn't take just the first LTAs, it took training and left and right,

1:54:09once this season ended, because I didn't know what it was going to be, so I took a lot of reps, just to get back to feeling like myself for the LTAs, and then that whole first week, but now, like, today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet, that is it, talking about the long coach, about some things I can do with my feet to get to that, and then I'm just going to set on it, that traditional angle that I love to set on, I thought I felt great already, but I'm okay, I felt even better now that I'm starting to work sides with tomorrow, now I'm getting my feet back, now I like the right side, and on the left side, so alongside each other. I mean, obviously, I feel like, in the league, whether I left or right, you're still going against premiere guys, so obviously, you have high expectations for your left-hand or right tackle, so definitely, like, the level of energy, and like, the expectations definitely take the human side, because now, I can either blindside that stuff, as the tackle role, you know, so,

1:55:14so yeah, I would say, in terms of communication as far as this, even outside of facility, and stuff like that, like really crazy, but tackle quarterback, and bond even more off the field, I think has been something that's even the cool experience. I got a text one day, as I, like, you put it left, I was like, you know, yeah, I've been training both, I've been training both, you know, I asked after the season, they're like, honestly, you know, we'll talk to you separately in the season, and I just got a text, and I'm like, depending on how this went 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 staying in a right tackle, and I was doing what I did before, I'm building 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, we're going to call it, a good left tackle, I'm like, who, I don't know, I switch my feet yet. You know what I mean? So, I'm like, let me just prepare an advance, I'll say, yeah, it's gone. You know, I think occasionally, on third down, there'd be a lot of twists,

1:56:17I was just, no, like, it's automatically going to come. And I think that was my mindset for, like, the first half of the season, like, I didn't have to go once again with some pros, like, oh my gosh, they did that. I kind of figured, okay, like, this is the type of rush, I mean, again, this is how this guy usually rushes, if I get the vibe, this is how it ends like the rush, you know, tackles that, you know, first year guys, you got to premiere patch on, already know what it was going to be, already know what would be every stunt, and honestly, just knowing that's kind of an advantage to, so you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twist on my side again, it was never air gone, but it's coming up on my side, three plays in a row, and two minutes, I knew that, it was going to happen, you know what I mean? I'm watching more everybody else, and he rarely goes out there, occasional third down, I was like, oh, 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 I saw that, I've talked to him about this, you know, just recently,

1:57:18talking about how what I want to do for the runners, I want to bring that hump energy, the he-braw, right? So last year, of course, I'm sure he's been doing for years, but the year when I spent my own, he brought a lot of energy, excitement, happiness in the room, which is his natural energy, to where I only had to focus on me, you know, I didn't have to make sure other, other guys were, you know, to feel some type of way when it came in here, because hump brought that. I've been out of the hump tonight here, but I saw when you did for a room, I want to be that guy to make sure I was amptical to practice, everybody's, I'm more taken to feel team on period, you know, it's a low day, or something, you know, it's a bit sick, but like, I want to make it feel like hump comes. You're like, you have a pair of stuff to trick. I want to bring that, because that's what me and hump did to each other, we would have each other, that's what we do, it's probably a walk, we're flit. So I want to do that, I want to bring that energy, I want to make, bring more guys, you know, to do that, you know.

1:58:21I want to do that from day one, you know, I kind of, I want to do that from day one, just talking to them, and obviously it's that time I spent, obviously, it's a before OTA started, just being in my self-just thinking about what the room needs, you know, because I know I knew a role as one of leaders, you know, on the offense, is that we need a guy like that, just going to make sure the O-line is picked up, ready to go every day, I want to help a little things, don't happen to practice, and people aren't saying anything, and how I believe, maybe different than somebody else may believe, you know, like, at practice, at least like a legal positivity, you know what I mean, so, but, he, the energy yet, would be on just, I'll hide the beyond, so I just kind of, how I want to be, go on on, letting my whole life on the NFL, team captain, like specifically,

1:59:21and I felt I wasn't a captain in high school, wasn't a captain in college, but I want to make a joke, I was in high school, so, I feel like I'm not going to be a captain until I get to that, I felt, you know, but that would be awesome, you know, but, you know, if it happens, I'd be great, but not either way, I want to assume a role as a captain from the perspective of guys on team visual words and get back in that form. Yeah, I mean, I can't say that, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is that I felt like I was used to in the past, but it didn't take just the first LTAs, it took training, left and right, once this season ended, because I didn't know what was going to be the champion. So, I took a lot of, you know, grips, just to get back to feeling like myself for the LTAs and then I hold for a week, but now like today specifically,

2:00:21I'm just changing some small things with my feet, that good thing, talking about the long coach, about some things I can do with my feet to get to that, to sell that traditional angle that I love to sit on, felt even, I thought I felt, I thought I felt great already, but I'm okay, I felt even better now that I'm starting to get more excited tomorrow. Now, I'm getting my feet back and how I like the right side and on the left side, so I'm excited. I mean, obviously I feel like in the league, whether I left or right, you're still going against Premier Guy, so obviously you have high expectations for your left and right tackle, but there's definitely like the level of energy and like the expectations definitely take into human stuff, because now tonight the blind side, that's the, that's the tackle world, you know, so yeah, I would say in terms of communication as far as this even outside of facility, and stuff like that, like really crazy, but tackle quarterback, bond even more off the field, I think has been something that's even been cool.

2:01:23I got a text one day, and I said, hey, I keep put it left, I was like, you know, yeah, I've been training both, I've been training both, you know, I asked after the season, they're like honestly, you know, we'll talk to you in a separate season, and I just got a text one, and I was like, I'm not going to be a good tackle, I'm just going to be a good tackle, and I'd rather do that than training on right tackle, because I could go to the club and do the left tackle, I didn't have to switch my feet yet, you know what I mean? So I was like, you know what, I had an O-season right tackle, so if I get the word, I'm going, I'm standing right tackle, I'm going to do what I did before, I'm doing it on that, but I was like, I might as well just train the left tackle now, you know, I think occasionally, on third down, there would be a lot of twists, that was just not like, it's automatic, it's gone, and I think that was my mindset for like the first half of the season, like I didn't have to go once again with some pros, like oh my gosh, they did that, I kind of figured like, okay,

2:02:25this is the type of rush I'm going to get, 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, we got the premier patch on, already know what it was going to be, already know, every stunt, and honestly just knowing that's kind of an advantage to, so you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twist on my side again, it was never air-doll, but, but it comes up on my side, three plays in a row, two minutes, I knew that, it was going to happen, so, you know what I mean, I'm watching more everybody else, and you rarely, you know, it goes out there on occasion, on third down, I was like, you know, I was like, he's going to pick me, you know what I mean, so, that effect, it's kind of, it's also kind of an advantage in the 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, so, really, I'm going to kind of process that, I was like, hey, when I tell me, they'll let me know, but I'm just going to train it,

2:03:26I was training all the way, until TAs, I guess, if I didn't hear anything about TAs, I would've came in like, so, you know what I mean? Because just like, I'm cool with training both, I would've been cool with training both continually, but I feel like anybody, any position will feel like, okay, like, you want as soon as possible, give your feet kind of subtle, your hips subtle, your hands, subtle, then, certain kind of, what have you been hard at? You work both, they're HOTs? No, you know, but they're definitely, but in terms of the development, it's definitely a lot faster, you're staying on one side, but I think having that week that we had to transition with the seasons over, I'm going to like, it was fun, you know? It was good, I'm trying to get up, put up my mind, I'm going to like, I think, things at a time right now, but when it comes back, I'm going to show them the other house, so I've got a house that's not too far from, so I told them, I got that house,

2:04:27so I could yell outside, I'm going to be J. You know what I mean? So, yeah. My mom said, you know, just go out there, my dad just dominated the person I was confronting me, you know, just do what I've been doing for the last two to three weeks, I should say, but you know, they play men on men, so I'm just ready for the challenge. Yeah. I mean, feels good, just say somebody going out there and playing men on men, I guess Ohio State receivers is something crazy, but you know, we just ready for the challenge, they say they're not changing their gameplay, but we got to go out there and show them the reason why not to play men on men. And then I look for the reason to announce, because of the month 2016, I don't know why I'm right now, I'm sure we're going to be the conversation. Yeah. I mean, I don't really,

2:05:28if I be on a curve, I'd be on a curve, it's not really a big deal to me. It may definitely be a blessing for sure, just to be on a curve of a game, but you know, it's not really a dream of mine. It's a dream of mine, but I don't really think too much of it. I mean, no, not yet. Probably hit me after this season, just playing in the Carlos Fubá play-als as a freshman, playing in the Rose Bowl as a freshman, playing in the Cardin Bowl, not in the National Championship, I mean, it's a blessing for sure, but they haven't hit me yet. I'm sure. My favorite catch, I would say, we play Michigan State, the one I caught by two defenders, definitely probably my favorite for sure, or you could go the one from Iowa, I should say, and then answer probably them too. Sure. I'm sure it's a great game, but it was pretty good. I'm sure it's a great game. My favorite catch, I would say, we play Michigan State, the one I caught by two defenders,

2:06:29definitely probably my favorite for sure, or you could go the one from Iowa, I should say, and answer probably them too. Sure. Are there any reasons that you had the team that had another chance ahead of you? I mean, like you said, it's pretty frustrating me having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl and it coming to the Cardin Bowl, or doing different things, chasing their scheme up for-it gives me But I mean like you said whatever I could do to make it I mean help the team win It's not really a big deal for me as long as we win. That's all I really care about and you gotta set that your championship It means a lot we put a lot of work in this this season we have highs we have

2:07:36lows we have people kind of out but we hear now we just ready to put on a show Monday First the win is national championship because there was means a lot I mean you see everything that he bent on the ship people saying should be fired and this is not a third but I mean you see everything that he bent through this year I mean I seen everything I had been through this year on see everything people saying about him on Twitter I wasn't here he first got the head coach and job but I know this year for sure we definitely got to win this for him I mean it's a lot a lot of people in the league I should say I can't really say who but I mean you

2:08:37had guys like oh there you had guys like oh there you had Stefan Dicks means a lot of Michael Thomas Chris Carter just a lot of you know guys I played in NFL and stuff like that but yeah really them guys for sure no just keep going you got it you next up for sure really yeah really that like a physical defense like like you said like people say like they like to play man they're not changing their scheme so we're just ready for the challenge like you said probably the best deepest we probably go see all year and we just gotta be ready to go out there Monday and just put on the show I'm excited for will him first coming here in Ohio State January our first workout

2:09:48we had together I mean just everything that we did through the season I mean I'm just happy for him the business this year right now but we got to finish the job and that's the winning out of the old Monday I mean it's pretty funny them saying that because I'm just only a freshman but I miss a place for sure people to even say that but I got two three more years left for cars and I'm just focused on cars right now I'm not really worried about the NFL right now oh it's very special for me just being a freshman at Penn the national stage like a peer for national titles something that I dreamed of as a very young kid I'm just happy to be here and I just can't wait to put on some Monday for you guys I mean all of us see this we'll just sit on the

2:11:01bitch and we just see him hit the quarterback the ball come on and we all just got up and just started you know jumping up and down we all excited happy for jacking that moment we just knew that that moment like you know this we go on to the daddy for sure yeah uh me it shows a lot um me you know going from high school or winning three-state championship shamanama donna then you know coming to high school just competing for national title right now me just showed that I picked two great schools um but I'm happy to be here and I just came with the pulling the show Monday the coolest person um me got a lot I can't really say just a specific person you got a lot of great

2:12:06guys recharging the league like oh damn you have guys like step on digs um a lot of other places where I just can't cut my mind but really really into guys with show of the other stuff on this yeah yeah um I mean like they say they play man so I'm just ready for the challenge and just get ready to go out there Monday and just no putting the show thank you the vice-geno high 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 keeping the main thing the main thing and the best corner I faced this year um I mean I

2:13:11faced 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 my dream vacation is uh turrets and cakecoats you good are you uh I say both respect and frustration as well um but I mean I thought they come out there and try to put to me and they say you stick it to whatever door in our year and that's planned man covers uh we just ready for the challenge

2:14:19uh pretty good group uh Christian Gary 29th a great corner uh 15 uh Lenard Moore uh two great guys are right there um very physical but you know we all highest never see us so we ready for the 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 uh I mean just coming in I felt I progress from our 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

2:15:24uh them two guys great probably the best we go see all year for sure um two fit two physical guys um but you know we're ready we're ready for the challenge that they're coming with and that's to 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 my life but uh it's a blessing for sure there's the being this position right now uh I mean we just had a uh prayer prayer uh prayer uh lead meeting and you know we all they are the I mean we all discussed the issues because they discusses 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 okay my dear um Tennessee game and we played with a chip on a chip on our shoulder um all throughout

2:16:29the playoffs and we go continue to play with that chip on our shoulder in uh that's championship on Monday uh do you know how that very uh impactful uh yeah the very impact on my career I should say uh you know just going to his games as a uh very young kid seven eight years old um him playing with him playing for West Virginia and they played Clemson Orange Bull down in Miami um he just going out there seeing his games it was like yeah I definitely want to play on his stage and I can uh wait till I get to know that moment for sure there are you okay 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 he just gave everybody hype in the locker room and you know just trying to get us ready to go to win the game

2:17:32yeah oh yeah oh yeah for sure I mean uh you uh go play mangas Ohio State receivers I mean just to be ready uh because you know we definitely go come out there and know uh give our best and I mean they said not go change what they do so we just ready for the challenge uh not a year later uh definitely sometime my career college uh but not my first in college I mean just to be able to be in this position right now just you know a blessing or just a yellow keyer from Miami to be here and I won't take it for granted I'm ready to go out there give him it all

2:18:33yeah Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I was watching that game against Georgia. Yeah. I was watching that game. I was pretty sick myself because I was actually committed at that time. So, I mean, yeah, they left a bad taste in the mouth. But, I mean, we ready to go out there Monday to redeem myself. And they'll just put a show Monday. I mean, I just laughed. But, you know, that's all they do. They're not going to change what they do just because you're a higher state. So, you got to go out there and put in a put in a while, not to play. man on man it gets us so we just got go out there shut up my day

2:19:43you said again sorry uh my journey here at Ohio State prepared me a lot for not your shape of shit me just going through everything that I've been through uh my first guy here all the Matt Jules all the hard work guys that we had all the hard practices um just preparing all us for this moment and I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all on my day okay okay yeah we just squeezed this one or nine 200 me he is big and strong what THEF

2:20:54that's pretty good trying to or the one after that I should say, or you go to the one against Iowa, probably them three, probably my best ones for sure. Oh, I mean, just, we'll put in the ball in my area and I just know how to make a play for them.

2:21:54Even though somebody was grabbing my face, I just know I still have to make a play because the ball touched my hands. So, I mean, just when the ball and the other thing, I have to make the play no matter how the ball comes at me. So, let's go. After a big game. Um, I mean, we really, they really feed us Chick-fil-A or Pizza after the game, so it's really either Chick-fil-A or Pizza. So, you're a public Chick-fil-A, for sure. Yeah. Yeah. It went, it went pretty good. Everybody just uh uh speaking with their thing is uh going right in what they think is wrong. Um which is a lot of the older guys watching their opinions on what we need to do to uh come to get as a team.

2:22:59Um but you know that me and definitely uh helped us in a in a big way because it helped us on the field as well because we played a great football right now and we got to you that one Monday. Yeah it definitely got emotional. Can't really say uh what really was said because that's you know players only and coaches only but it was definitely some stuff said that um people take uh what it was and that's the reason we're playing the reason why we're playing right now. Uh yeah. Make helped me a lot this year. Um him being our older guy in the room. Um me help me and Carl Nell as well and Brendan is in all the guys in our city room as well. Me just a great guy as well. Very smart. I mean make just been a big part of the reason that I'm having a season I'm having a well because he's been a big you know. Older guy been there been a lot of great guys in our room like Chris Alivegaer was saying Marvin Harrison Jr. Jackson sleeping jib was so he's seen all the grids I've been through there and he teaching us the right thing and the right way in the book I'll wait for sure.

2:24:06I love it that that means they don't know what's coming out of next. We got 12 personnel. We got 11 personnel. You get the two of us and the world is saying we got to start it all. What have you made of the quarterback? Three of them working. Not too much. I feel like they all come in here working. I feel like everybody's making their goals, making their paths and everybody making their corrections. When did you take away last season? I feel like it's standing. I feel like it's standing. What's there again? What did you take away from last season? I've taken the role of the player. When the next game that was it. When the next game go out there on Saturday, beat the man in front of you and came out with a national championship on the bench. The spring ball is about improving the stability of the visual when he worked on this. I'm looking at everything I'm trying to get my game as well as playing spirit. I'm trying to come up to fit it on. We hear about the leaders and the heroes. I'm just pretty good at putting them all in. You should get a step up who has started to step up and realize their place.

2:25:07I feel like we've had leaders from last year that came back. I feel like we got new guys that stepped up into their roles and their roles and around the team. That becoming leaders. Being a leader you all always have to be vocal. You can have certain examples on the field. Or you can be vocal. We both. What is it like to say that you've got the audience in the last couple of years looking at that? I was happy for Gideon. I've seen him out here grind and I've seen him out here grind and getting an extra work. There's ball is ball. We come out here and play ball. He's out here doing a pro day yesterday. I've seen him ready to make some real money. What place do you feel like you're a different player now going into this year and maybe you were last year? I feel like every year I've just improved on my overall game. Blocking and catching consists of wires. People used that word but I feel like I'm just overall better. I came in here ready to go. How much does it push you when you're in a room of guys like Max and Will and Bennett that you know you've got to be on your game if you're going to get on the field?

2:26:08I feel like Arya is starting to hire every day. He comes in and they push me every day to work and it's just like I'm going to do that. I've got access before but it's now crowded room. You got Max first or what's your brain? I love him more. I love Max Claire, Max LeBlanc, both of them. What's your flashed any time here? Is this the year where it all comes together? I feel like Arya was my year but we're going to see this year. I'm ready to come out here and put on a show for the Bug out Nation. I feel like everybody on the field is ready to put on a show. We're going to go back and back. You got to play quite a bit though last year, Tulane. What did you pick up from all of that? Especially in a championship run. You know, they were counting on you. I honestly just be ready at any time. Honestly, you can be throwing in at any time. Just like I was, I probably had some rest while I was just throwing in. You've got to get it done.

2:27:08If you don't get it done, they're going to find somebody who has to do it. I think we asked you this every time we get it. It's huge up to you. We're definitely seeing what you've progressed. It hasn't tied in all of that needs. I've been here even a year ago. I honestly over the spring and some of this, I feel like I've told them I've body a lot. I got stronger in the weight room. I've also got a little bit faster so I can get in another brace a little bit better. And just the mined part of the game. The middle part of the game, if you got any better in the end, how would you describe that? I'll say it again. The mined part of the game. Well, I feel like it's a lot more fair. I say the tight ends, we come in here. Five o'clock, every other day, we do a walkthrough, more fair. We're just more students at a game now. We're a lot of things. Thanks, man. One of the most delicious things. You've been wobbling for like five times. What do you remember about that block? I feel like it was just an exciting play. I was the last read on it.

2:28:08Like the very last read on it. I don't go out, I came down with the catch, so I'm going to get the first down. You know, it wasn't that one. That's kind of... Thank you. But I still had a great rookie year. Six yards of carry, you know, things like that. I think it was like nine touchdowns, ten, including the playoffs. And so there's always been like, all right. You guys let me show my talent, trying a little bit, like, even when I had the knee. So I had the knee, right? A lot of people don't know. Like, I didn't get hurt again whenever I got, you know, you got cleaned up. So I went down in 21, right? Had the injuries, the knee injury. And then came back later the next year. And I played the first few games, and I just feel that there was a lot of scar tissue in there. So I had to get it cleaned up. I didn't get hurt again. I played the whole year, but I got it cleaned up so I can feel like me. And so after I got that cleaned up, the first two games back from the injury I had over 120 yards rushing, right? And then went on, had great, great ending of the year.

2:29:10You know, 100 total yards in the play-out game we lost, which I hate the most. It's not as it may or may I want to win. But then come back the next year, hurt again. Like, 20 kills. So two really unfortunate injuries. But that's just a guy's plan. You know, and I think that the storm is now over, you know, and I do think that I'll be able to shine a light to the whole world. Are you concerned that you have that label? I can't say anything. I could care less. Because I do, I know this out there. Because as it should be, it should be. I got hurt two major injuries back, not back to back years. So I haven't been on the field as much as I should. That is true. But it's not like I'm having these little, little, little dinky injuries and sitting out. It's something I can't control literally. So that's why I'm not bothered by it. Like, yeah, I am injury-poly. You can say that, you know, but I do think that the chargers are getting a guy that's going to be healthy from now on, you know, God will it.

2:30:13And it's going to be great. And I do think that it's going to be a great however many years here. When you've been on the field, you've been highly productive. 5.8 years of very average for your career. Like knowing that when you're out there, you're very productive. How much confidence does that give you that really all you need is an opportunity? All the confidence in the world, you know, the way I work. I want to say just from the numbers, but just the way I work, my work ethic, you know, and my relationship with Jesus is, like, I have the most confidence when I step out there. Because I do know, like, if he grants me the health, it's over with. I don't think I'll be, you know, I think it'll be a great year or whatever, a couple of years. However many years he grants me great health, you know, and I think just the work ethic, my prayer, and all that stuff, that's what helps me have that confidence. What the numbers will be there in there. They might be higher after this year, you know, and it's crazy to think about it because I had 6.6 yards per carry.

2:31:15You know, so we'll see. You listen to Ford to run behind this line, does it fit together? Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, I play with Bradley. I play with him, you know, I know Slater, I know all the guys, you know, and I'm excited. I think, like I said earlier, it's a talented group. You know, we just got put together, win some games, because that's what I came here for. Just in all the part of the year or older. I wouldn't say a part of the recruitment, but like whenever I decided I was going to sign it, it was great to have him in the room. Yeah, we're great. We have a great relationship. That's like my brother. I think it complements each other very well. You know, he can do a lot of stuff too. You know, a lot of people think he's just power power power, but I think he has some other parts that we've gained too, which it'll be great. Because I feel like I could do everything. And when we want to get tired, we can roll it in, we can keep rolling, win some games. When you, the two of you get drawing, how do you think this is going to look?

2:32:19Or what will be that partnership that is back there? I know. That's a hard question. How do I think it will look beautiful? You know, a lot of people call this a passive league, but I think you got to run the ball to win a Super Bowl. If you look at the teams who win the Super Bowl, they can run the ball. They can control the clock. And so if we're both good, it will look great. Beautiful. How would you describe that as a Greg Roman offense? I would describe it as, you know, a great offense. I think he gives a quarter, he's going to give the quarterback a lot of options. He's going to give the running back a lot of options. He's going to give the receiver a lot of options, you know, and I think it's going to be great. He's often going to be amazing. When we talk to him, you know, I was like, why are you going to build something good? Russian offense is, you know, throughout your career. Which everywhere you've been. And you said that one part of it is just, you got to call the plates. You got to call it on the plates. As we're running back, you know, how much confidence, how much you'd say to this and give you,

2:33:22you know, you have a play collar that's going to stick with it and allow you and the offense upon it to give you a rhythm of growing. It gives me a lot of excitement. It's going to be, like I say, it's fun to play his offense. You know, and I think he does have some good things in the pass game too. But like you said, he sticks with the run and that's that's the identity. You want an offense that has an identity, right? You're going to be looking everywhere else to find your identity. You want to have it. And so I think his offense has that. And the guy he builds and puts in there, it complements that identity. So I think it's going to be great. You mentioned you're 100% now. So you'll be full goal for training. That's the expectation. Look, I ain't going to answer any of the four. If it's up to me, yes. Look, because I had this problem like two years, three years ago, I'm thinking I'm full goal. I think I'm ready to go. And then next year you know I'm on PUP. Hey, look, some stuff above my pay gray. But I don't know.

2:34:22Hopefully I can start. I think I'm ready to start, you know, at the beginning of training camp. But that's not up to me as I've learned. How do you... How do you... I wouldn't say that. I think I've been in some great organizations. And I think this organization is a great organization. And the training staff is great. And so they just want what's best for me, you know. And they're taking care of me, which that's what you want in an organization. And so that's where that comes from. Which I appreciate it. Like I really appreciate it. You know, because I'm a type of guy like I work really hard. So maybe sometime I'm blind to, you know, the danger of something, you know. So I appreciate it. But like I said, if it's up to me, yeah, I'm out there. But never know. Well, any frustration for you during the getting into free agency, you know, dealing with rehab and not, you know, having a full season of tape or production. You go out there, was there any part of that where you're like, I wish I had hit the open market with a different situation, you know.

2:35:26Yeah. I like it. I like... How would I say this? I like it the hard way. But not... You know, I like it the hard way. I like it... I like trial and tribulations. So, I mean, the dice that I was given, the role was I was coming off a kill. And that was the louraged plan. So it was beauty in that. Like I was comfortable. I was caught like there was multiple teams, you know. I wasn't like I didn't have any other team. But I was comfortable in sitting back and just enjoying the process, letting myself get fully healed. So whenever that team, whoever I would, I would, who now is the chargers, is going to get the best me, you know. I think people all around the league know that. Like, okay, this guy, okay. It's a high-risk, high-reward type thing, right?

2:36:28Not even a high-risk, low-risk because it's a business, right? So I got hurt last year. So not as much money that he's be throwing at. But I think everyone around the league knows that whenever I am on the field, the numbers don't lie. And so they know that. And a lot of teams were like, all right, here. You can, we give you this, but we want you to be healthy. So when I'm healthy, it's going to be great. The chance that I've been giving here, I'm so grateful, and I know that's going to be, they won't regret it. Are you the type of person that likes to prove people wrong? Like you've done a couple things like the high-risk, high-reward, injury-prone, you know, like are you the type of person that really tries to prove people wrong? No. I hear it. I see it. It's pretty cool. Like you'll never see me unless I'm just like in a bad mood. You'll never see me like, oh, like if I have a great game or a great year, like I have this wonderful year, I ain't going to go back and, you know, like, yeah, yeah,

2:37:28what happened? No, because I don't care. Like, you're eventually see, like, I'm a guy that's really good. So I ain't worried about that, but I'm proving myself right that I am one of the best in the league. Right? So forget all the naysayers and people that talk about me being injury-prone, because whenever I have this great year, it's going to be forgotten, you know, too. Why give that energy? Talking Justin to the Hall, or John, or James, to me and the whole, yeah. Yeah, I was, you know, we just, with him, you know, he's a great guy. I mean, he was in my class. I remember seeing him on We Were At An Award Show, because I was a dope walker or a finalist. And I'm like, I've seen him play, but I didn't know he was that tall. Like, I didn't know he was like six, eight, so when I first saw him, this was years ago in college. And I'm like, damn, this is me tall. Like, he's cool though. Like, I never really got to, I ain't going to lie. I thought he was going to be kind of, you know, nerdy, but he's cool, dude.

2:38:29Really bad. I'm just going to be a little bit more focused on him. You know, it's just because, like, the last three years, it's been disappointed at the end of the season. So I feel like we put more work in, I feel like that's what we're missing. We're just putting more work in. And you just got to do that throughout the summer, the spring, the fall. And then you just got to show it on the field. Tell the guys just ask, Jack, when you take a, you're still like in a mold, you're in practice, and you look at it through all of the deep, that's, you look at the person L-chains, we're failing coming in with Sunday moving up in the post-war line spring, with all the guys in the suspension coming back. What's your view of what's out there on defense, and how it may be allowed you to do some things you didn't do? It's kind of just like, I don't want to, like, high part has too much, but I kind of look like a legendary defense kind of. I feel like we got playmakers everywhere. And then moving Sunday down, I think that's a great move for him. You know, he's a big athletic dude. He can play in a box, he can play in, like, safety. I think that's his show on how, like, versus how he is,

2:39:31and Caleb, you know, he's using Caleb how he plays. He's an animal, he's only a sophomore, I think. And I feel like the guys we brought back, you know, we all can, we're all dominant. So, I feel like as a collective unit, we're going to be like unstoppable. So confident is a problem. No. Well, there's a part of that too, and as I mentioned, and they're about pacing themselves. If you, if there's that much self-believe, then there's also that part of going to build depth. You know, in case you have injuries, case of vision. So, how do you look at spring in terms of getting the guys that are next in line as prepared to keep that standard high? I think you just got to set a great example for the young guys. And just showing them how to, how to practice, how to, like, watch them, how to take care of their body. Because those are the things they're going to need to, like, go on this deep run. I think it's like 17 games or something. We're not, we add in games. So, the young guys are going to have to play. We can't just play 50 games a snap. So, how do you get? You get to a 70 or 80-year standalone play. He's going to keep working and kind of keep running.

2:40:34Getting his shape. You played so many things. You know what's kind of surprising to me that you said that. You said that. It was a joke, I'm sure, but, like, you know, you're surprising to hear that from you. It's a really humbly snapped you play last year. But that kind of take a toll on you last year. Do you think that you need to, you know, push it even further, getting better shapes so you can play all 16, 17 games at the same time? Yeah, definitely. I got to get way better shapes than I've been. I feel like it was kind of like it was a joke. Of course, I needed those snaps. Because the years before, I wasn't really playing as much. So, I just wanted to get like more experience under my belt. So, I can bring younger guys with me because I've been through a lot of it. One of those younger guys, we're seeing it on here. It's the first time I've scored all year last year. What have you seen from Lill? I kind of felt like last year, we all forgot about it because he was hurt. Now, he's running, you know, almost a second man out behind you and tied. What have you seen from Lill? Well, it was a workhorse. He goes, stay quiet. He goes, work hard.

2:41:34And that's all I love about him. He focuses. He don't really talk much. He's just going to get the job done. Do a job right. He rarely has any mistakes. So, what would be a successful season? A national championship? A ring? When all the games we don't want to lose anything, we got a mindset that we can't be beat. And we just got to go show it. That mindset different. It seems like you guys expect a national championship every year. This year, even more so, you guys have all come back for this. You guys have all decided like enough as it went up. Does that feel the difference? Or is there not really any difference? It's just the same work. It's definitely a difference. Everyone working harder, we noticed our last run. Most of us don't have any years after this. So, we got to go bigger, go home, and we're not trying to go home. So, it's finished big. We know what you guys think of Michigan. But when you look at what they did, they won the national championship. And you guys took them down to the final minute. Right? You know what I mean? I mean, you were right there. Something goes a little different.

2:42:34You guys could have won that game against them. Does that tell you anything about like that, hey, you guys won a winner national championship. But you played to the 59th minute with the team that won the national championship. Last year, you're like, you're that close. So, I'm saying, we just like work harder. That's kind of a coach makes a saying, you know, nobody cares, just work harder. Like those, you know, one plate Georgia is the same thing. Last, last play, you know, they went on the win in 90s. So, we just got to get over that hump at the end of the season. I think we'll be fine. How frustrating is that? You're that close against the last two national titles. Of course, you know, it's frustrating. But you can't change the outcome. You can't really dwell on it. You just got to, you know, come back and work harder. Do things better than you did last year and hopefully the outcome will change. Is that as you get older, you kind of learn. I thought that was working hard, and then you always find out there's a little more than you could have been doing. Yeah, definitely. I mean, that's how that's what growing up is basically in college. I thought freshman year I was working as hard as I could, but now I look back at it.

2:43:35I really wasn't working hard at all, compared to what I'm doing now. So, just to learn anything. If the stamina is 60, then the answer to like, what do you need it to be to be your best? Uh, it is at 75. 80, 85. I mean, I can, it's all on me. I just, I think it's a little higher. I was just trying to be funny, but I mean, it's all on me. I just got to run harder in shape. So, that is stem up to you. It's been a fact. The idea of a potential is 15 to 17. I think, I think I definitely can last. I was just, you know, we got to get the young guys to come along with us. We can't play 50 snaps of game. That's just too much on our bodies. Just everybody's like, online, D line. We got to get those younger guys to play, you know, get that pieces on the D line and the online and everywhere else. So, we can last that long. Speaking of top life, if you like playing that many snaps of game, not year because I don't know. I don't know if any of us were really expected to play that many snaps.

2:44:35Uh, yeah, I did. Unless we were like winning by like a lot. Uh, I thought like, there are no moments you know, I can go sit down or something. But we're playing them big games like, you know, Notre Dame, too, or North, those kind of games. Of course, I want to be in, because I know I can contribute. I'm not going to be a big player. I'm not going to be a big player. I'm not going to be a big player. I'm not going to be a big player. Of course I want to be in, because I know I can contribute. And I won't want to put that on anyone else when I know I can get the job done. What stands out about Kaden McDonald and his heat guy, the King. Have you guys ever seen that? I have. Oh, yeah, definitely. The King Mc is a, King Mc's animal. Y'all, you haven't really seen it yet but in practice he shows it all the time. He's just – he's grown right now, he has to work at the, he just has to get, you know, into playbook, things like that. like that. You guys are about the exact same size. Listen, you're both listening to six three, you're three twenty seven, he's three twenty six. Yeah, I kind of look at him like my junior, but you know, came in, he's going to be a great player. He's got to develop more and getting to play. But it's really a lot on you older guys. There's that large group of young guys and then there's the seniors in the back. Is that part of your

2:45:38task for this year to bring those guys along as well? Yeah, definitely. We got to be leaders. Like I said, we got to have them play this year. We can't just play all the snaps. They got to get in there and get some work and we got to get them right during the all season. So they can play and not just play. They want to like contribute, like make plays, tackle sex. Yeah, there definitely some big dudes and they all work hard. I'm really seeing much of some of the day too. I'm not passing on, but throughout the workouts, they've been working hard. You know, they they're determined. I'd say that and it looks like they're ready to work. I'm going to score this notes. It feels like there's a lot of great defenses that you have big athletic defense attacks who could eat up space. But also move, you know, right? That is that. Is that an environment maybe for great defense to have guys like you that have some balls, but also a great feeling. I think

2:46:42that is definitely I think if you look at the last couple of national championship winners, like team of North, they got two good, uh, detaco, two athletic detacles. Look at Georgia, two athletic detacles. So I think that's definitely need if you want to go on that big run, that beat those big teams. If you think about that, they're going to find by the defense attack. What's Georgia, Jordan Davis and Janet Carter? Let's miss you again. It's Chris Jenkins. How do you understand it? But I feel like some time I don't know, are people realizing how important defense tackles are a little bit more than they used to? I think so. I think they're starting to develop to develop more and more of these like freakiest detacles. Yeah. Like in the combine, just now, you see in like those guys, they're moving four to four, seven, eight, and things like that. So we'll see. And when you think it, when you think about those freakiest, how do you think you fit into that mold of that kind of player? You watch that and say, yeah, that's me. Yeah, definitely. I think I'm top notch when it comes to detacles, but I don't want to, you know, get a big head,

2:47:47but you know, watch it come on. I watch it do the drills. I have Tate. You like looking like my film. So I think I'm up there with all those. Do you become like a artist? I think your legs have your things. When you're going, you're not doing as much a level 11. I mean, as many as I can have, I think I have more than that, but I think they're counting. I think they're counting some of them and it's some of them where I like just missed it. So, but I think we work on drills matching the hand. I think that's, uh, goes big and, uh, what we do is a D line, you know, just affecting the quarter of that is anyway you can. It's just great for the defense. You know, just that little thing covering his eye, you know, he might throw it a little bit to the left to our player. So let's something that you really, really have to work on. That's one of the things that you've maybe worked on the most. I think I just have like a, like, a eye for the ball kind of, I kind of just look at the

2:49:00quarterback and just, I see him like load up. I just try to get in his ways and sometimes he just throws it to me. I mean, they get frustrated by, you know, we're a team, you know, we're just getting back. Take time to grow, you know, you don't have to have the, uh, the pig mentality of problem of, of, of instant gratification, you know, you can develop and grow. Um, so and sometimes you may be, uh, and behind a guy that's a really good player is nothing wrong with developing and growing and playing when your time is right. And if the time is right, right now, the freshman, like, what's your main, then you play early, you know, um, so we try to also sell that, you know, we care about him as people and try to prepare you for life after football. Um, so it's bigger than just football, going to prepare you for life, whether it's the NFL or on with a regular career in, in the workforce, we want you to prepare you as a young man and we try to sell that and preach that, uh, to the parents. With, you're having that, in fact, you mentioned, uh, rolling all these different spots.

2:50:03Do you anticipate, you know, there wasn't a lot of rotation among the cornerbacks last year when everyone was healthy. Do you anticipate maybe growing him for the rest guys here with the longer season potentially? Yeah, we play it by ear. You know, I mean, we see how it goes by time we get in the camp, but you know, obviously he, he's earning his stripes. So, you know, you earn your stripes, you know, a lot of jobs to create opportunities for you. You know, I mean, we have to see how it goes with all the other stuff, you know, once we get closer to the season, um, and we're getting the game plan stuff, but he's doing a great job and he's, and he's taking a great step forward. Tim, when you're the way that you build the room, the way you kind of establish your room, now it seems like it's been, like, son of pieces, kind of relationships and kind of building bonds. Is that something that you came in with the, like, a couple years ago with the intention of doing it or is it something that you're like, it's kind of been cultivated over the course of your time as a position coach here. 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, you know, direct teaching, um, the guys that have value and character and they appreciate

2:51:06that stuff, they're embrace that. Um, 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 them and spend a lot of time with them off the field, you could coach them hard and you can, you can, and you can, you can say truthful things to them and then they'll embrace it and you can have real conversation because you know, the only goal is to help them get better as a young man. Yeah. As you see, computers go. I think those are the. I've received room and so far ahead of the border is kind of skewed that evaluation. Sometimes how's that dynamic change? Yeah, it's them balanced up a little bit now. That goes with great competition. We have the, uh, we go against the best receivers and call it football. So that helps escalate your growth process because if you don't figure it out real fast, you're getting embarrassed. Um, so that competition, but what happened with that eye guy start competing, eye guy start growing, eye 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.

2:52:07Those guys both on both sides of all care about each other. So it's great competition and they all real close. So you know what I mean? It's that stuff that gets us better, that will prepare for Saturday. I didn't know that same idea. It's like first day practice actually receivers kind of got them. It's I didn't kind of wake up call me. For this. No, it's just, it's going to 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, I mean, so they, they, we got a great quarterback room. We got a great receiver room. They're running backs are really good. So when you out there going against them is deep. So you have to be ready for it. And obviously, man, we're seeing a lot of good stuff with, with, with, with Dave and Coach Kelly doing over there. And so it prepares you a lot. And it helps us grow. Is that? Yeah, all 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.

2:53:10It's no better. But thing to go against every day than to see that on a daily basis. 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 for a four different guys in there. Obviously, Lorenzo's in their germane is in their Caleb miles. We have about four or five guys moving around. Right now, we just try things out in spring ball. See what a fit. You know, see what things work together. So it's going to probably some more guys in there. You know, we move it around to try to just get the right fit throughout the N and C. How it goes by time. We get really start to season. He can run any strong. You know, I mean, he's fast. Very serious about his business. He's big. It's 200 pounds. He can run. He's strong. He's conscientious. Now, man, he's starting to grow and he's starting to get, get better with it. You know, I mean, so we look for big things for him in the spring. Keep competing. You know, I mean, now he's made the transition. Compete the day. You know, I mean, start going in that transition is all just like I'm in

2:54:10germane 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'll 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 let. Now you just got to put it all together and it takes time to do that. And hopefully you see that by time we get in the training camp. It seems like it's going to do with your spring. It kind of clicked for germane last year. And you start to see and perform a little better in practice. Is that like a benchmark for where you want here and to be by the middle of spring? Does he have to be at 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 look to start seeing the things that you look for show up. And then you know you get another evaluation again. We'll get in the training camp. See if this stuff carried on to make sure we go up for starting in September. He's very conscientious. He's smart. He can run. He's tough. He's made the adjustment because he's

2:55:14out of Europe on his belt. So now you can see he's not making a lot of mistakes. He competes. He's real conscientious and he has a physical presence. So the growth has been really good and we look to continue that throughout spring. Coach, thank you very much. 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, I mean, that's when you see those guys come back. That's a testimony to the culture that's set here. Their brotherhood, the environment, and how coach, they run the program for those who want to come back because we go at it. It's hard. It's not easy. It's not easy. But what we do. So, in fact, they come back and do that as a testament to how he runs the program. Coach, thank you very much. As far as intensity, how would you

2:56:18evaluate? I think a dinged early on. How would you evaluate your games tonight? Yeah, my goal is just to come out and play as hard as I could. It was a little weird last week for the first time in my career playing a game that doesn't necessarily mean anything in terms of playoff contention. And I kind of had to check myself. And this week come in with a mindset of every game matters. And we need to put the best product out there that we can. And that's what I try to do. Later now, it was a good push. Or you looked at it, looking into your work and push up, but you returned. You didn't seem shaken up right after you kind of just talked about what happened. Yes, Sam just tried to get it on it and caught me. It was more of like a stinger type thing. But the ref wanted me to go to the tent. So, I had to go answer some questions. Crown of your helmet? It was like jammed, yeah, my neck.

2:57:19You're like your helmet. I know that you've got a sort of a different helmet. How do you? Yeah, maybe. When it hits the top like that, it's not as good. But. Actually, these guys 11 months ago kind of crushed their dreams. Do you get the sense they're on a different team? Or, and also that they, this was a very important game for them to win? I don't think they're that different. I think they've had a ton of injuries on defense, which hurts them, but the mentality of the head coach, you could see it throughout everybody. It's really a cool team. I could just see from afar that it's probably a fun team to play for. And they've come out and they've played a win every game and I respect that. It puts so much emphasis on the ball, all meetings and takeaways. And I think you've got two since the by-week. Is there any accounting for that? I mean, there's so many different things that go into a turnover or takeaway. How do you wrap your brand around there?

2:58:22It goes into every level of the defense. When you have your opportunity, I know we had two against Stafford. That could have made, I mean, if maybe if we get those, it sparks a bunch of other ones. So you just have to make your, make your plays when they're there and then just be in being the right spots. And I don't think we've done a great job of that this year. It's good. He's a really good player and yeah, I wanted to see where I'm at against him. And you ever seen anything like the Jameson Williams touched out? Or it's popped back to him and you've seen something like that? I was in the tent. So I had no idea that happened. It was a play in this game when we saw a kind of a misdirection sprinted all the way across the field to make the play. Did you see the play? I think it was, was it the one Gibbs cut back?

2:59:28Yeah, I had like a 10-yard cushion and he ran by me like I was didn't exist. And I tried to sprint and I just just like, I don't have this. And thankfully, Mustafa is a heat seeking missile and he made the play. I mean, I think we came in with the right mindset as a team. Just myself. It felt a little like dead energy wise. But yeah, it was a learning a moment for me to learn and make sure that I come in with the right mindset every single week. It feels like there's a lot of plays where you guys get to get the whole pass breakups and it'll be like a couple of plays per row. And then there's an explosive about

3:00:28what can we, what you're thinking about the ecosystem? Yeah, I mean, we did, we did get them to the second, third and longs. And then yeah, they would make a big play and you definitely want to capitalize when you back them up like that. We didn't do that tonight and that's why they scored 40 points. All right. Thanks. I'm sure. Yeah. I'm sure. Oh, oh, yeah, for sure. You had guys like Chris Carter, guys like Michael Talman's really new two guys for sure. I mean, Michael Talman's was talking to me before the game with a Rose Bowl and Chris Carter in after the game as well. I mean, just giving me advice, just telling me to keep going first and you know, just keep doing what I've been doing the whole year. I mean, I'm got bugger legends. So definitely look at them guys for sure. Make sure it's back.

3:01:33Yeah. It means a lot. Let me just to care for Miami. Just be able to play an astro championship as a freshman, something that I dreamed of as a kid and I'm here now and I can't wait to put on the show Monday. He said he can. Oh, I mean, the Tissues know like he says may crazy each and every week playing, but you know, can't, can't let it get to my head. I should say, let me just football at the end of the day, but you know, just know happy business. Oh, none of us think we could be covered, man, oh man. I mean, we're actually talking about this

3:02:37yesterday as well, but you know, I mean, that's what they do. That's what they do. I mean, we just got God there, you know, play our game and no short of reason why not to play, man, oh man. I'm not going to play. I'm not going to play. I'm not going to play. I'm not going to play. I'm not going to play. Two. Four. Three. One. I'll go five. Let's go. I'm not going to play. I don't know. I'll go five. I'll go five. I'll go five. I'll go five. I'll go five. Five.

3:03:40I should say but you know they play man on man so I'm just ready for the challenge. Yeah, I mean feels good just say somebody going out there and playing man on man gets Ohio State receivers is something crazy but you know we just ready for the challenge they say they're not chasing a game player but we got to go out there and show them the reason why not the play man on man. I mean I don't really if I be on the cover I be on the cover me it's not really a big deal to me. May it definitely be a blessing for sure just to be on the cover of a game but you know not really I don't really think it's a German mod but I don't really think too much of it.

3:04:44No, not yet. Probably hit me after the season. No, just no. Playing in the colors football playoffs as a freshman. Playing in the Rose Bowl as a freshman. Playing in the Cardin Bowl, not in the National Championship. It's a blessing for sure but it hasn't hit me yet. I'm sure. My favorite catch, I would say we play Michigan State. The one I caught by two defenders. Definitely probably my favorite for sure. Or you can go the one from Iowa, I should say. And the answer is probably them two. Sure. I don't, I mean, yeah, like you said, it's pretty frustrating me having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl.

3:05:46They're coming to the Cardin Bowl, just doing different things, chasing their scheme up for, uh, gives me. But I mean, like you said, whatever I could do to make the, I mean, help the team win. It's not really a big deal for me. As long as we win, that's all I really care about and it got us to the National Championship. It means a lot, we put a lot of work in this, uh, this season, uh, we have, how has we had loads, uh, we have people kind of out. But we hear now, we just ready to pull on the show Monday.

3:06:48Uh, first of when there's a national championship because there was means a lot. Um, you see everything that he bent through this year, people, uh, saying to be fine and this is the third. But, uh, I mean, you see everything that he bent through this year. I mean, I see everything that he bent through this year. Um, 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, 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, they're, you had guys like, uh, oh, they're, you got a stepfather of the ex. It means a lot of, uh, Michael Tom is Chris Carter, just a lot of, you know, guys that played in NFL and stuff like that. But yeah, really them guys for sure. Uh, no, just keep going on. You got it. You next up for sure.

3:07:48Uh, really, I really appreciate that. Yeah. So they said, uh, like physical defense, uh, like like you said, like people say, like they like to play man, they're not changing their scheme. So we're just ready for the challenge. Uh, like you said, probably the best defense we probably go see all year and we just gotta be ready to go out there Monday and just put on the show. Uh, I'm excited for will, uh, 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, I mean, I'm just happy for him to be in this position right now, but we got a financial job and that's the winning idea Monday.

3:08:59Uh, I mean, it's pretty funny. Um, them saying that because I'm just only a freshman, but um, it'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 very special for me. Uh, just being a freshman and playing 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 some Monday for you guys. Uh, I mean, all of us, we'll just sit on the bench and we just see him hit the quarterback. Come out and we all just got up and just started jumping up and down. We all decided, uh, happy for jacking that moment.

3:09:59And we just knew that that moment like, you know, this we're going to the party for sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, ministers a lot, um, means, you know, going from high school, or when a three-state championship, uh, Salman, Madonna, then, you know, coming to Ohio State, uh, just to be a financial child right now. And just so that I pick two great schools, um, but I'm happy to be here and just came with the punisher 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, Dale, you had guys like stuff on digs.

3:11:00Um, a lot of other places were just getting cut off my mom, but really, really them two guys, Michelle, Dale, that stuff on this. You're looking at their name, but something that you got on your mind, uh, trying to attack and trying to dominate it. Yeah. Yeah. Um, I mean, like they say, they play man. So I mean, I'm just ready for the challenge and just get ready to go out there Monday and just no put them. So thank you. We're going to back. Uh, the vice geno, how you gave me, um, I said just keep golf first. Um, you, uh, he, I know the reason why I'm here. I mean, yeah, like he said, just keep golf first and just no keep the main thing and the best corner I face this year. Um, I mean, I face a lot of great corners.

3:12:01Uh, I can't really say, but yeah, I face a great daughter, great corners. Can't really put a name on it. Uh, my dream vacation is, uh, turns and cake goes. Oh, I say both respect and frustration as well. But I mean, I doubt they come out there and try to put to me and they say stick it to whatever door in our year. And that's playing man covers, which is ready for the challenge.

3:13:08Uh, pretty good group Christian, Gary 29th, a great corner, 15, uh, Leonardo more. Uh, two great guys are right there. Um, very physical, but you know, we all have to receive us. So we ready for the 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. Um, I mean, just coming in, I felt I progress from our first game gets accrued to now. Feel like I better each and every week. Um, me being slowed down a lot for me. Um, but yeah, really just no understanding. Devices and no understanding what they're trying to do to me for sure.

3:14:10Um, two guys, great part of the best we go see all year for sure. Um, two, two, uh, physical guys. Um, but you know, we're ready. We're ready for the challenge that they're coming with and that's the play man. Oh man. And you know, we ready to go on Monday. Uh, I mean, environment is pretty crazy. Uh, seeing all these cameras. Uh, certain I never thought I'd see them alive, but uh, it's a blessing for sure. This is the main exposition right now. Uh, I mean, we just had a prayer, prayer, uh, prayer meeting and you know, we all, they all just, we all discussed the issues because they discussed these issues. And you know, we just want the word, uh, I mean, not too. And how we, we had off before Tennessee game and we just played came out there on Tennessee game and we played with a chip on a chip on our shoulder.

3:15:17Um, all throughout the playoffs, and we go continue to play with that chip on our shoulder in a championship on Monday. Uh, do you know how that very impactful, uh, he had a very impact on my career, I should say, uh, you know, just going to his games as a very young kid, seven, eight years old, um, him playing West, he'll play for West Virginia and they played Clemson Orange Bull down at Miami. Um, he just go out there seeing his games. It was like, yeah, I definitely want to play on the stage and I can't wait till I get to know that moment for sure. I'm going to have to play on the stage and I'm going to have to do that. I'm going to have to do that. It was a game, uh, because they really just on his own, his own little space, uh, he was just walking around trying to get his mind right, trying to get his mind ready for the game. But you know, he, uh, he just gave everybody hype in the locker room and you know, just trying to get us ready to go to win the game.

3:16:21Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, for sure. You, uh, go play, man, guess Ohio State receivers, I mean, just be ready, uh, because, you know, we definitely go come out there and know, uh, give our best. I mean, they said not to change what they do. So we're just ready for the challenge. I mean, just to be able to be in this position right now, you know, a blessing or just a yellow key from Miami to be here. And I want to take it for granted. I'm ready to go out there Monday and give him my all. Yeah.

3:17:26Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I mean, I was watching that game against was a Georgia. I believe. Yeah. I was in a game. Uh, I was pretty sick myself because I was actually committed at that time. Um, so I mean, yeah, they left a bad testimony mouth. Um, but I mean, we ready to go out there Monday to redeem myself. You know, just put, put a show Monday. Yeah. Um, I mean, I just laughed. Um, but you know, that's what they do. They're not going to change what they do just because we're Ohio State. So I'm just going to go out there and put it on. Put it on. Why not to play a man on man against us? So we just got to go out there and show them my day. So.

3:18:32Can you say the year? I'm sorry. My journey here at Ohio State repaired me a lot for not just shape of shit. Me just going through everything that I've been through. Uh, my first guy here, all the, uh, Matt Jules, all the hard workouts that we had, all the hard practices. Um, just preparing all of us for this moment. And I'm just ready to go out there and give it up my all Monday. Okay. Okay. Yeah. We'll just squeeze this. One or nine. 200. Me is big and strong. Yeah. Yeah. What's the wedding? Yeah. That's pretty good. No problem.

3:19:44No problem. Yeah. Uh, one of the most is the one against Michigan State when I caught over two defenders on an S.A.L.A. on an S.A.L.A.L. on the one after that, I should say, or you go the one against Iowa, probably them three, probably my best ones for sure. Oh, I mean, just will put in the ball in my area. And I just know how to make a play for even though somebody was grabbing my face.

3:20:44I just know I still have to make a play because the ball touched my hand. So I mean, just when the ball and the other thing, I have to make the play no matter how the ball comes at me. I mean, we really, they really feed us Chick-fil-A or piece out of the game. So it's really either Chick-fil-A or piece. So yeah, probably Chick-fil-A for sure. Yeah. It went pretty good. Everybody just uh, uh, speaking with their thing is uh, going right in what they think is wrong. Um, which is a lot of the older guys, what's in their opinions on what we need to do to uh, come to get as a team.

3:21:47Um, but you know, that me and Deftly uh, helped us in a big way because it helped us on the field as well because we play that great football right now and we just got to do that one Monday. What was that? Yeah, definitely got emotional. Uh, can't really say what really was said because that's not prayer prayers only and coaches only, but it would definitely some stuff said that uh, people took, uh, people took and uh, went with it. That's the reason we plan to run with plan right now. Uh, yeah, make help me a lot this year. Um, him being our older guy in the room. Um, me help me and Carl Nell as well and Brennan and his and all the guys in our scene room as well. Me just a great guy as well. It's very smart. Uh, me and make just been a big part of the reason that I'm having a season I'm having a look because he's been a big, you know, older guy been there, been a lot of great guys in that room. Like Chris Olivegaer, Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. Jackson, Nick and Jibba. So he's seeing all the grids I've been through there and me teaching us the right thing and the right way and in the buck out way for sure.

3:22:55I was along with it's much more like the other way. Did you feel underrated? No, I was really not right. I mean, I mean, I just feel like I had all the offers. I think I mean, but I was like, I had to put it down like a room where it's sized, but it doesn't matter what kind of behavior it does on the start of the week. What was it like to make that exception? You know, I felt really not feeling at all the hard work and I do that spring. I'm teaching faculty. You gave me notice paid off. I didn't know it was right. I was playing with the camera. They give me two deep as a true freshman. I was late to move in on this. I'm 280 and have a bigger role. There's just what do you expect to go into a second? You know, I just worked to beat. You know, I mean, obviously, they'll be running whatever with how many savings or whatever. I'm just working just to beat, you know, work my tail off, make a role for myself. I can treat physical. I would say like, I got a lot more aggressive and I gave some weight now.

3:24:01I'm pushing 200 pounds now. I'm not against Harvard. Coach Patricia, what have you seen for the day? I've always been like real. He's a great guy. I like him. He's a great guy. He cares about his players. I'm still football wise. He's a master in the behind us. He has a lot of respect. He has been football business. He's taught me that I felt so I feel like I'm a fucking support. Whether it's like the starter or occasional piece of what people expect to see from failing the claim and it's painful. I expect you know, just to add value, you know, from a whole for the team and to make ways. You feel a lot more, I feel this year. Oh, yes, for sure. I feel like I'm starting to use the everything here. I feel like I'm just trying to pull off my new last year. Just like I said, I think I was going to play this. What? I was going to say, you know, Ryan set up a bigot of a spring starting to scratch in a way.

3:25:01I'm letting too much of the shadow of the national team. How was the team really embraced that mindset and say competitive in that mindset? You know, you know, we have one idea so far. So, you know, we're trying to stay determined. I know just trying to dominate and we're not living in the past anymore. It's like you never been happy to just try to get another one. The coach has got adventure with your hand in the A and B rule. You have a beer rules that are going to hold in. You have to get some reps in another position. Obviously, you know, right now, playing strong enough for you. So, you need to try and you know, you know, craft myself and just, you know, make myself more versatile for the team wherever I go. If you get some more last question, what's that? Limiting his reps. Right. Obviously, he's living in like a playoff. So, you know, obviously, I'm leaving this, you know, and for him, you need to be more, you know, lying to this, all this work. You know, I mean, skipping, skiing better. Thank you. You appreciate it. You know, I mean, I'm lying. So, like, there's some stuff that at least we did over there in order to name that we'll see if we're able to kind of implement something here. I'm sure some maybe others, depending on what our guys do best.

3:26:05I saw about seeing it because it's like it's a fresh start. I do say the eyes on him. And I think it's an opportunity to be multiple and use him and what he does best, you know. That's the exciting thing. You know, when you really studied what coach Patricia has done in the past, is he likes to take like who are, like who are our players? And then let's build it around those nights. And I think CJ has had a hell of a winner. I think he's one of those guys. So, I'm excited to see how we create a benignism into the spring. That means he kind of be like flow is more of an edge defender. Definitely. I think, yeah, I think he has that, I think that's exactly what kind of like potential CJ has. It's the ability to, you know, get on the edge, move around. The nice thing about that is that you're not handicapped just with CJ doing one thing off the edge. You think you have the ability because he understands conceptually zone drops, linebacker terminology, right? You can get really creative with how you use him.

3:27:06But I think he definitely needs to utilize it. Whereas a just got to the heart back. Go, go be destructive. What about you? I don't know. What about Matt as a leader of you guys? How's he all fit with the guys and how are you seeing that and how to feel about the higher. I love the higher. I got a lot of respect for coach Patricia. I never since he worked me a mark. Back here, what we were talking about that when he first was in the interview process is kind of how fast time goes. I'm really excited just to continue to learn. Like I said, like there's some, it's funny because there's some terminology that when I was at Notre Dame, you can use and I can at least speak some of his language with what he's called things before. And you're trying to morph everything together right with these things that we've done. He knows what we do. It's a lot. But he's been incredible with.

3:28:06I think the staff he's very organized. He's detailed. You'll have constant clear communication. You know, and they're going to get together at this time of the year. You're just efficient in your wallet. And it's been a lot like when you're come from outside and you come back into it and you have to try to catch him up on the recruiting board. You know, like you have a lot of these conversations. Okay, what are we looking for at these positions now? How do you see it? Because you don't under one coordinator. You might see a, the mic line back and used to be this. And then under this coordinator, well, I think the mic back needs to be this. So you have to have those conversations at every position. And you just kind of keep going through and. But I'm just excited to learn. I think the more systems, I mean, look. Play the system here in college, play the system. Under Steve Spagnolo, play the system in Tim Walden, play the system under Greg Williams, that is Allen, coach of Rallagold and Jim Nalt. Every one of those, there's like different terminology for everything.

3:29:08So you're just, you're learning a different language, Colin. You know, I mean, there's his concepts. And I think it was kind of collect over time. What you think is really good stuff and how you do stuff that could be a little different. And I'm just really excited to learn from Matt. I'm just having a ton of success. He seemed very excited over there talking really to me here. Yeah. Focusing college with you. Yeah. Whatever. So long. What's his personality like with you guys? Yeah. He's been great. I mean, his energy is incredible. He's very, he is. He's authentically excited to be back in college football. He could tell there's like a yearning to get back to like the way you got in the coaching, right? Is the impact young people. Is the impact teach the game of football? And so the few times he's been in front, you know, kind of like talking to the guys in the sense like he's excited to just teach ball. You know what I mean? And kind of ironically, like, you know, similar to a lot of other things that chips that last year, right? Yeah. Get back and you're like, man, I'm just excited to. And so he has that excitement.

3:30:08He's done a phenomenal job, I think, of getting to know the players. Just kind of like walking around versus like popping in and making sure that he's in front of them and they get to know him. And he gets to know them and it's a lot. You can imagine when you come in and you have all these guys, right? And trying to learn all these guys, I'm learning recruiting, trying to learn the staff, trying to learn dynamics. Like it's a lot, but he's handled it really well. You know, he's an old school ball coach, he's a grinder. So he's really good job. James, I probably not going to need to do much this spring. How much more can you get done with the young guy? Much on him that. So I got to do a lot. In terms of Ryan Daird, he said, you know, 50% 75% or whatever. How much more can you get done with the young guys when they're not worried too much about the senior? Yeah, I think, I mean, you're always just looking for competition, especially like in spring ball. And that's what it's all about, right? You're trying to have it so cliche, but it's true. Like the iron sharpens iron mentality of. You want your room to be super competitive. To where.

3:31:08Hey, the guy in front of me makes a play. My next set of four plays I go out there. I have the point, right? And it's a constant driving of the room. Forward. And so yeah, sonny gets 50 or how many reps, you know, reps off 50% rubber coach said. That means more opportunity for somebody else to play, right? So that be more for our values that scheme flexibility with our value. We paid pierce around. We said TJ Riley, you like all these guys stove. We're all going to get more reps. I think it's great. It's what you got to do at this point of season. But I think you know, yes, there's still stuff that within their level of Sunday is that he's going to be. Clon to try to get those reps because he's a he's a true pro. And. That's been the most enjoyable thing about working with him is like. You get a kid who's played safety as a whole life comes the backer. He just wants to learn the why behind everything. And. You know, very similar to the fact of Cody, like, we have guys where that easy to work with.

3:32:10You're not trying to like not worried about texting anybody in our room. About coming over and trying to learn all, you know what I mean? Like, were you at, you know, like, their obsessed with the game football. They're always around when they're at class. So it's like, it makes it really easy as a coach because they're passionate for the game. So strong. You mentioned C.J. in terms of the higher with the map. Just what can sunny like what do you envision more with him with all of that stuff? I think I think we just have a lot of guys with a lot of length. It's about sunny styles long run. Our values long run like. It's crazy because you see sunny. You're like, okay, this guy like. Wish I was built like that when I played and then you see our Val stand next to sunny. You're like, you know what I mean? And so like, and then you look across the room like as the room warms up. You're like holy smokes like we just have a bunch of guys and that's a lot of credit to make coach made as a phenomenal job. I was just talking to Burm about it like.

3:33:12To see even our maybe your guys what they looked like when they showed up during the bowl of the whole on that he run. And they're kind of hanging out during practice and see the high school bodies to see what they look like today before they go away. And like the shoulders are all by everything is just different. And they've been indoctrinated in the brotherhood. So I think you know there's just a lot to work with. So what he's really good at right is like he's talked about it. One year he has junior say out will they be get us Mike variable you know Roosevelt Colvin and those guys. And a couple years later he has Brandon spikes so he's like okay I was just by his blitz brand in the middle all the time. So he was 260 pounds and he's he always says he was my best nose guard from Mike backer right. And then the year after that he gets you know got Jamie Collins and Dante high talent. So now we can do a lot of stuff right so. There's not just like hey this is what we're doing we got people under it's like hey here's what we got. Let's utilize it so that's what spring will be.

3:34:16While going the lab and figure out what that means I'm sure through spring ball there'll be like hey here's what. We do really well as unit since units can be different right. And you know we lose a lot of production so you know will be different. So you kind of got to reform your own identity and. Yeah we earned that civil bullet big name and mantra. How many guys can look at our bell. I'm just like he's on a very good track is that it? Is it right just what's his ceiling? It's just a lot right now he's locked in. He's done a great job becoming a leader. Coming out of his shell I think I think for Velley it's all about consistency and just preparation. I'm proud of our bell you know he's through the season you got way better at. A lot of it's like little things just note taking stuff like sometimes if these kids are always on their phones and stuff not like. The meeting rooms right there but just naturally so like to get out of pen paper and like. You hear things and I mean I got it. What you do until your dog tired and then you forget this is your time you know name but when you really understand it.

3:35:18You know what I mean like go play faster. You got so much better through the year. Just a lot of that's because of Cody like becoming a pro. And now it's like Sonny's pulling him along. He's pulling cable on the paint is pulling TJ and Riley and Eli so it's still like. So I kind of love the competition room right now. The way it's made up. Yeah, Velley is on a great path right now. How many different guys do you feel like can be in that Mike's spot for that? Obviously losing Cody and now having that. I think that's something that's fluid as we kind of go. Because you know week one Sonny actually started out Mike for us. And Sonny smart off to play a mall. Our Vell is smart off to play a mall. Paying pears is smart off to play a mall. And it's also like how do you like depends on what what scheme you're running where they how do they being utilized as well. You know what I mean. So you say my backer you know whether it's Tommy I could very grow up in research. Two different people and Cody's different from those two so.

3:36:22I challenged to like a lot of the guys that come in. So we all learn both the more you understand about the scheme in general. The faster you will play you know what I mean like if I just sit here and I say hey I got a lot of Mike. My drop is this and that's all I need to know like. No football happens so fast and all the shifts emotions that like. If you're out there just playing and you're waiting for a call. And you're just reacting like you're so worried about what's going on on your side of the ball. And recognize that the offense is telling you something's what they're doing. So. If I'm out there and also I'm not getting a call I know what the call should be. It's like hey are we playing you know let's go. Now as a new kid you can look I can see okay here's what the tight ends doing that's the back's doing here's what plays are coming. You just line up the place where I pass every time like you know staying chance you got a lemonade plays in your mind by seeing what the offense is doing. I tell you a story every time that line up. It is window dressing. People motion the chance to try to get are they trying to do man's own indicators and they trying to make sure that.

3:37:22They're getting the same formation on the same place. But they just shift the people in the emotion and they move and they don't want you to recognize. So for always worried about what work you don't mean so the more you know. Faster you can play. You're not sitting there thinking oh what do I have here's real react to see I know you have. So my challenge to guys like. There's always a no both so. I think a lot of just beyond. On depth sure guys get you know if sonny's only doing 50 to 75% of the place and coming more guys get more will reps than they had because we need. Well well bodies is that's technically where sonny started. But. Rotate them through. Let the production kind of show what it does. And sometimes you know you'll live with some mistakes just from. That you'll be able to judge to like who's actually. Getting in the book you know you know who's actually studying. How much you have seen. From these time of your. To the national championship game and then what's next. Man I mean definitely I know I know how.

3:38:23I know sonny has big goals and you should. I do as well for him to see how far he has come. the first thing kind of stands out is just like his, his footwork has gotten so much better. You know, when you're in the boxes and linebacker, you gotta be able to remember Luke Fickley to say it all the time and you gotta be slow until it's time to be fast. And when you're twitchy like he is, a lot of times, you know, when you're about safety, you're used to pulling a trigger and rolling. Like you gotta learn how to shuffle and not cross over and he got so much better as a year or not. I think a lot of people question whether he'd be able to hold up his cowly wise and, you know, he was, he was great, you know, he's the season guy, he's really good with his hands. He's a really natural ability to snag. We'll keep challenging him. I think he should be a dominant guy in coverage. Like he needs to be a guy that we can put on a tight end and be like, he's not gonna, he didn't catch on the ball. You know what I mean? Because he has that athleticism. I think we need a challenge in there. Challenge him. I think everything is just, this is not just sunny, it's everybody's urgency in zone coverage.

3:39:24I mean, the urgency with you if you have the break on the football to close that space, the knot at the ball carrier have so much space on you to cut making mistakes is critical. I think sometimes he's, he can do so athletic that, you know, you can get away some stuff. And he knows anything that I'm saying right now, he already knows. So the best part is a lot of times like he'll come to me before film and already say, man coach on that play, I should have, you know what I mean? Like he knows. And the best part is that he's humble enough. And the whole thing is that they just want to be, they want to be pushed and they want to be coached. And so the thing that you have to ask him, you ask for it right? Like, how he's asking like, what do you mean for me? Just, just keep making sure like you're pushing it all and you settle, let me settle. So he's probably the best in the room with that. Do you look at sunny and arvel as being this kind of your top-view guys right now? Yeah, I mean, I think going into it, you know, I think it's, accomplished the plan and whatever play was called, whatever it may be, just go out there and execute it.

3:40:25One thing we've been preaching is execution is really the motive. You know, anything may be called, but as long as everybody's mindset is, has one mentality, which is just go get it and, you know, make sure there's no yard gain. I think that changes the mindset of everybody on the silver bullet defense. Did they feel like big changes to you all as they were ongoing? I mean, at first, like, you know, it was a tough loss. So, you know, as any of you felt like everything was big, but then when you kind of just take your time to look at everything and analyze everything, it was just like, man, we just, we just need to keep everything simple, make everything and just, just about us and, you know, not like feel like we're, you know, making everything about them. It's, you know, we can dictate what they do. And I think that was the mindset. Did it make? Let it make a draw? Yeah, JT, I know you get to watch a little bit of video of Caleb and Lathan and Jordan. What stands out about that group from your vantage point? Oh, they're respected. They're relentless, man. I mean, Lathan, Caleb and, I mean, everybody in that BIA core,

3:41:27yes, they can cover, but, you know, when it's time to, you know, stop the run, they'll come down 12 yards out, however far off the front line, scrubber's coming, you know, throw the nose in there and, you know, I respect them for that because, you know, there's going to be times where we need them to make them tackles. And I mean, they're displaying it this whole season. Yeah, how critical are they in a game of this magnitude? Obviously, it rebates Primal, but you know, me that sort of the last line of the fence, but sometimes the last line of the fence is in the middle of it. Yeah, I mean, they play a huge role. I mean, like you said, it takes everybody from the front four. It's like a check reaction. The front four don't do their job, then, you know, it falls, you know, the back end. So we off to work as a collective unit. And I think there's a reason that there's 11 of us out there. And, you know, it's crazy. If one person is doing their job, then, you know, something can go wrong. But if we just all continue to stay, communication with one another, continue to just lay each other. You know, we have each other's backs and just trust one another. And man, I think that that that performance is going to be off the charts. For the right. Kelly and Stitz. WSYF. GT, how would you describe the mentality of the defense right now getting this opportunity for Greenhouse and the Warden?

3:42:28Yeah, hungry and thankful. I mean, we know how the last last time when, you know, we had a chip on our shoulder. I mean, we were riding high before that game and we took that loss. And we came back how to make a couple of changes. But I think we understand what, you know, everything's that stake right now. I mean, just fighting to where another house, stage, jersey for the next game. That's what's on stake. And just to be able to represent this state and this team. I mean, we understand what's on the line. And, you know, we're just hungry and blessed that we get this opportunity playing the Rose Bowl. Right behind your Adam King, WBNS. What do you remember most about walking off the field in Eugene? What was kind of going to see your eyes in that moment? I mean, there was a... I don't think anybody imagined it. Imagine us losing. You know, I didn't. That's for sure. And I think after that, it was kind of head deep. But I understand it. That man, we still, there's still a lot of ball left to be played. I mean, you can let it sting for a little bit. But, you know, if you let it carry over too long, then, you know, there it goes.

3:43:31There goes your whole season. By the way, I think we did a great job of just understanding, coming together in this room right here. Not being afraid to display or hold accountability for one another. And, you know, as that happened, we came back, we grouped, and, you know, we're just going right now. And I'm just blessed for those specific moments, you know, losing. I mean, no one wants to lose, but the testimonies and the things you're taught within those little situations speaks of all of you. So, after all, right, Vladimir, and her all. Hey, Jay, what did he see from Kenya in the last couple of weeks? Was there like a push from him? Did there be any conversations with him? Did he seem like he's playing since the best of all of things? Yeah, I mean, that's my boy. He's in the R2X club, too. But, you know, Kiyada, I mean, every time his numbers call, he goes out there and makes the most of it, no matter where we add in the game. When he goes out there, he's just hungry. He wants to go make plays, and, you know, we see it in practice, so it's not surprising to us.

3:44:36Bill Rebino, let's play this back. Dylan gave us obviously very elusive and he's not very tall. How important it could be to just kind of stay in your past rush lanes and neglect a lot of balls and kind of make a difference that way? Yeah, I think it just comes on being disciplined. No one who you're playing against, like you said, Dylan, he's sharply very elusive. I mean, he can, he is making throws. I mean, he get out the pike, he can do everything. So, I think for us, we just have to discipline him and just continue to just meet with Coach Jay, meet with Coach Nose and understand how we can just eliminate that. I should have asked you and Jack, I mean, your personality seems to be a little different. You're more on the quiet side. How about you play together four years, both five store guys, kind of describe your relationship with him, friendship with him, and just kind of how you cope with each other? Man, that's my brother, like he said. We're different, but very alike. I think outside, like you said, he's louder and quiet, but, you know, once we're on that field, we're like the same person.

3:45:38We'll do anything for this team. We'll die for our players and we'll give everything we got. We've been together for four years, correct? Yeah, fall camps. Yeah, sometimes, go over there, slip over there, so yeah. There's the meet one who's the messy one. We have our share of days when I'm neat, he's neat, or we might both be messy, but we do a good job. Yeah, I'd probably say I'm a better coach than Jack though. Tony Gertman, like I held. When you're playing a team for the second time, and that was almost a season to go by now, how much of a... are you at the square one with this scouting and preparation? How much do you take from that game? How much do you avoid taking so that you don't have any preconceived notions of what you're going up against offense on the offense line? I say it's pretty 50-50, I mean, that game, like you said, it was a while ago, but at the same time they elevated as a team, so did we, so we understand that they had... they made some changes for sure.

3:46:38There's a certain tendency we can take back from that game, but we also understand that they went on a little run after that, and we can see that they elevated as an offense, so we just got to continue to watch those games, dissect other games, and just continue to see what stands out and what they changed from the past game. We got a couple calls on Zoom that we'll wrap up with. First, we have Nick Hamilton from Nightcast Media. Nick? I just wanted to ask you basically about the synergy of this defense and how you guys were able to not only celebrate the triumphs but get through the adversity be able to be this top-notch defense that you are in college football today. Here, Pete, the question one more time. Yeah, no problem. One to ask you about the synergy you are able to develop over the course of the season, obviously celebrating the triumphs, but also getting through the adversity to where you are all the top-notch defense that you are today. Yeah, I mean, like you said, we went through a lot of trials to trials, but there's also... there's a lot of things we can take away from all the wins and losses,

3:47:45and from those wins we understood that, hey, we can be the best defense in the country, and from those losses we understand that there's still things that need be fixed, and I think when you take all that in at once, they come down to the common top, which is... there's always learning points everywhere, and depending on how we dissect those games or how we just continue to come as one and elevate, we continue to just collect all those learning points and just continue to grow from them. And one final question. Joey Coppin, Columbus Dispatch. Joey? JT, what have you guys done better in the Tennessee game and just late in the season, you think about turning some of the pressures that you've got on the quarterbacks and the sacks and getting home in some of those situations? Yeah, I think it was more just understanding the defense as a whole, understanding everybody's job. The thing as the season went on, we had to understand that we have to know what's going on in the backhand, we have to know what's going on in the linebacker crew to understand what plays we have room of freedom.

3:48:52And I think once we understood that and got a better understanding of everybody's job, I mean it showed this play because everybody knows what each other is doing. It's not like the linebackers know what they're doing. The corners and B.I. they know only their job. I think we all know each other's job and we continue to ask each other questions on, you know, if they're listening how they can get to the quarterback and, you know, if I'm dropping and playing quarterbacks by I can ask Cody on how to open field tackle. So, you know, we just kind of lean on each other's understanding because, you know, like I said, like DeZoe knows how to play corner-bending, then I know how to play corner. So, you know, he has more, more wisdom at the position than I do. JT, thank you very much. Thanks, man. More and more. Can health similar will you role be in terms of playing what you did at Denver? I don't know that yet. I kind of just mentioned previously. I don't know my role. I don't know the engine out yet. So, once we will get, you know, through the protocols and NFOPA, we'll talk about, you know, the schemes and everything.

3:49:54Great. Hello, sir. Welcome. When you were in Denver in the three, four, where did you find yourself most comfortable most effective in Waterloo? I played a lot of different positions in Denver. I mean, early in my year, I played zero. I played three, two, one. I mean, I definitely more comfortable in a shaded position, mainly being a three technique and five technique. That's why I found myself to be more comfortable. Whether I'm standing up or I'm not, whether it's runner or pass, those seem to be my best. My best fits. And what is your impression of Pete Carroll's defense and whole environment and Seattle from afar? From afar, it seems like he holds in on a defense a lot. I can't really say too much about that. Yeah, I don't know. I know Pete Carroll very little. So I'm just trying to figure out more and I'll give you a better answer later. What's the reputation around the league around the C-Harm? You know, hard-knows, hard-hat type of team. Definitely on a little more lack side as opposed to being a stuck up or military style.

3:50:56Which is definitely good because this program is one of a lot of football games. It's been super successful for many years. As long as I've been alive and as long as I've been watching football and definitely this has been a good program. Pete Carroll has been a hell of a coach for a long-distance member and he's back in his college days. So I'm looking forward to experiencing that. I don't know. I know you said you don't know yet what your role can be. But what kind of player are you that you don't understand who haven't watched the coming of them? But what kind of player does he have to get? Definitely a high motor. Definitely not a one-trip paring type of player. I like to attack. No, whether it's first or first to before now. I like to attack. I'm always on the apply pressure. I'm definitely just a high motor guy. I'm not even. Maybe. Are they already understing for me? Nice to meet you. This is not a team that really makes big splash sign-in in Bragency. Did you think going into it that Seattle would be in play?

3:51:57No, not at all. It's kind of like being a kid at the candy store here. You know, got a whole bunch of different options coming at you here in a whole bunch of different crazy things. And you know, you only get to choose one. And this is the place that we both chose each other. And I mean, I'm loving Seattle so far. I like these colors for real. What, what did you got to do in Seattle and see since he's been here? Not much. Just kind of just drive around the city exploring, get down to the market a little bit. I want to get on the Ferris wheel, do some more like touristy type things, you know. I'm new to the city and I got a lot to learn about city. Larry? Yeah, there's been a lot of comparisons with you, the Michael Bennett. I'm wondering if you know Michael Bennett at all and he thinks of their accurate. I know Michael Burr, Bennett, like, I don't know nothing about it, but besides his style of play. But I'm honored to be considered in the same conversation as him in a style of play. You know, he's a hall of fame type of deep lime and that I've known about since I was a kid. I mean, last time he played here, I was in high school.

3:52:57So, you know, it's cool to kind of came full circle a little bit watching him on TV. And now I'm being kind of compared to him in a way. You know, I mean, I'm not touching the surface of Michael Bennett. You know, he's a hall of fame and I'm not there yet. So, you know, I just have to keep doing my due diligence to be a better player. Carmen? Hey, Dream out. Welcome to Seattle. I know you get to play several seasons for Vic Fangio in the three, four style defense. And Seattle's playing a similar system now dating back to last year. I think the defensive line and what do you think is most important to be successful in that system? Maybe fundamentals or just playing style to be successful? Um, just from what I learned being gap sound and being patient has always been the biggest thing. And that's how we've been successful when I was in Denver. Um, just kind of like we're lying on each other. I know that sounds kind of cliche, but like this kind of like the realm of being in a three, four defense. You got to really really rely on the guys behind you and the guys on the side of you to really make their. To do their job to make your job easier.

3:53:59Bob? Yeah, Dream. You're a, you're going to have a day. You didn't start playing football to you in your high school. You know, why did you play basketball so that next? Just what made you know, I guess you said you go to play football and then was that a hard decision? And all the kind of away from basketball? No, no, no, I'll always love football first. It was just kind of just I was just playing it out. You know, I love to hoop, but you know football was definitely about calling and giving. I was 265 pound. Power forward and I was like six to three some changes. So you know, I kind of chose a route that you got gave me. No, I'm not six eight. My speed up. Yeah. My welcome to Seattle. And you've been posted. You're looking at a couple of other things that you listen in the dark. And can you just talk a little bit about that? That we're on it. I think the same. You know, for his kind of talent, I was. Can you elaborate on that? Just for a standpoint, like I always get like over overshadowed over look, whether it's in something, you know, saying like.

3:55:04I feel like I do a lot more than what can be seen by the eyes of the inexperienced, you know, scout. And I do a lot of different dynamic things that help make place for others. You know, I'm definitely an active player. I'm always doing something, whether in a run or pass game. So, you know, I think that goes on others sometimes. And I'm looking forward to playing people on notice. Brady. What do you like to do outside of football? A big gamer. I'm definitely I'm again to a lot of chess lately. So, I just expand my brain. I try to get into reading, but if it's not supported later, I really not interested in reading that much. But mainly just video gaming in chess. And then when we write and say your name, do you prefer gray or gray? I mean, you can say, you can say, you can say, Dre, my, Jones, I mean, but like just, I feel like personally just call me Dre, because it's easy, because people like to f my name, but like a lot. And they call me Dre, my, I don't know why you put a Dre, my, my name or Dre, my tea, whatever you want to say, I was going to go by Dre to keep it simple.

3:56:08Thank you. Michael, Shawn. What's specifically bringing to the sea of as a past question? The new era of the past question, you know, someone was on the little lighter side of the average three technique and bring that explosiveness, that quickness. Someone was great with their hands. Someone was very extensible. And someone was a go getter when it comes to the run-and-pass game. Appreciate it. Thank you. Jerry Jones, that said after the trade, or after the signing, that you actually got eight, they wanted to trade last year, the Russell was the trade, but Denver said no. It was that second time you were aware of it all? Yeah, I was aware. I mean, like, shit. Maybe Flatter, they want to be even like that. Yeah, I am flattered. I mean, shit, actually, just traded me from the jump. But it was cool to, I guess, it kind of came full circle for Seattle a little bit. I was included into the trade and Denver said no, and then Denver kind of, I don't want to say that word, but Denver didn't pay my part respect.

3:57:11So I'm here because they respect me from the jump. All right, anything else, guys? Thank you. What if things do and we're all learning? So it's been really good. How much were you talking to Kay as you got here and kind of going through that first year? Obviously, he's doing his own thing, but just what this is all like? Yeah, I think having him go through the whole process has been a big thing. Kind of having him in my corner just to talk to him or call him whenever I need. We still talk a lot and I have some questions whenever. So I first got here and he was still here in the training and everything, but he had a fail. So it's been like I haven't went ever since. What's it like watching now in the NFL with the Texans? I've got not seen you know pretty well doing, and living out his dreams. Yeah, no, it's going to have been a super happy for him. He's down there in Houston, you know, CJ and everything.

3:58:11You know, he really likes it. So I'm excited to see what he does this next coming year. Just how different your career was when you get a college student and get a couple of that and all those things. I'm just wondering if you feel like you're not missing anything just from everything to go through. Yeah, I can think you kind of realize that you know this is you know this is your life. You know you got to you know come in here and play a high state like playing with the best every single day. You know you got with the time and you know you got to make sacrifices. You know what you want to get out of it in the end. You know along the fight you know school just you know live on your own. It's good for you to just do a lot and you know as you get it just makes you better overall. Graduates from here what you do that you have got like Riley and Peter and you. I mean what does it you know guys? You know I think that you have got to you know what kind of players and toys that we have to off the A and D grow. Yeah, I mean just kind of you know just shown the way around this building. You know just you know how how we do it here at a high state how we operate.

3:59:11You know they've you know I think all three young guys coming in have done a great job. You know great work ethic you know I think you know for me you know the offseason it was more like a lead by example. Kind of thing and sprinkle a little bit of no vocal leadership in there as well but you know just kind of working with them and. You know kind of showing them how you know build a guy's and how we do things in the room is you know definitely carried on to. Being a part of that championship round last year I guess what did you learn from that one thing went on. I guess what do you learn about what it takes for you. This is just a problem. I would just say you know staying together you know our biggest thing was each week was just trying to keep that group together each week. You know I think last year we had such a strong bond together you know with all the guys I think that was really the motivation. You know just staying together and like a like a band of brothers. James has talked about the past. I think you have been deciding in our belt you know kind of made that two deep.

4:00:14James has talked about the past and you're playing well you're making plays consistently practice. You're going to find playing well. You're going to see how we're fresh and we set that approach. You're not alone to those guys you're friends and you're basically playing well. You're going to just make a lot of changes. Yeah I mean I think you know just starts with you know coming out to practice every day. You know just making sure you're going hard every single play you know what you're doing. You know so you can build that trust. But I think you know just having the guys around and letting you know like Sonny or Val Payton you know you know who's you know been in there you know playing in games and everything like that. You know to lean on and ask some questions and stuff so you're ready. Where you said that was like this? I'm like 227. It's still 2.25 right now I think it'll bubble up to like 238. So get a little more. We'll show you. Do you feel a sense of urgency to part of that two deep to provide depth or maybe more than that this season?

4:01:16How do you go into your two? Yeah I mean I think all right now kind of focus on it's just getting better some day. I think that's kind of what it springs for you. Which is you know individually just you know continue to perfect your craft over a single day. For that second year you know scheme or whatever I believe. But yeah I mean I think that's you know definitely you know something in my head you know obviously you know can you play? So I think that's definitely a big thing. I think just saying I had the chance and getting past those third downs converting on those third downs. I mean that's what we got to be better at. At the end of the day we got to put him in zone. We're not doing that we're not doing our job so. Are you guys creating more explosive plays as an offense? Right I think you stick with it. You know the explosive plays are going to come and now we just got to trust that and they'll be there for us for sure. Coach Sins has been here for high as and lows over the many many years he's been with this program now. What sort of his message to your group right now or when you're turning to him what what is he saying as far as how to get through this?

4:02:20Yeah so I think it's just really just coming and attacking every day as you would regardless and you know staying staying even even through hardship and attacking it attacking it the same way every day. That's really all you can do and you just get a little better every day and see where it takes you. Based on the way things are already we're setting up but then also the way Jason Simmons was calling the game on Saturday seemed like tight ends are going to be a big part of this as you guys are trying to pull out and what role do you think you guys are going to have in trying to get this offense. Yeah I think we I think the role is always try to help the offense move the ball and whether they were called upon to do that in the past game or the run game. We just got to step up and do our job at a high level and whatever you ask from us we just got to do it at high level and let the offense go. You're some of the leaders on the offense. Some of the leaders I would say Gus is a big leader I mean he's been doing it for a while and I someone everyone trust is going to do his job at a high level and I think we have Hudson's a good leader too as well.

4:03:29Obviously it's a quarterback so he takes on that leadership role and I think we just have a good amount of leaders throughout the offense. We were told George might be fairly close to getting back what we mean to get him back in the mix with the tight ends. Yeah it'd be great I mean George is a great athlete so having him out there can only help. You know we're really excited about him and what he can do on the field so it'd be great. They don't care about that up here so you know it's developing yourself to have a great mindset early. You know having that grown man mindset at 18 years old is really important because like a period they don't really care about feelings. So it's about just coming up here you know being a man that you think you are you know having to go out there and you know improve it. David what's been the easiest thing and the most difficult thing about your transition years so far? The easiest thing I would say I mean it's really not easy about this. You know coming to the top program I think especially coming off from national championship is really not easy. They're pushing for the same thing and they're trying to go back and back so I mean we just got to come up here we got to step up.

4:04:33But the hardest thing I would say you know just having to grow up. Going from high school where I've been the man there for three years so I mean coming up here where you started the bottom again. So I mean I told my parents all the time like you know I think my history is repeating itself because when I went into high school I went to her a part house. So I was at the bottom there and had to work my way up and I feel like that's just repeating self here. Now I'm at the bottom here you know I put myself at the bottom so I have to work my way up to the top. So you know just going to get these guys they're competing every day you're not going to get a day off where you know she was just coming out here just be essence. So I mean you got to be a piece of cute all the time. When you see what a guy like Jay sorry Kevin can you see what a guy like Jay Jay did last year coming in here playing immediately. Is that inspire you to want to be able to do the same thing as a freshman? I mean definitely you know just what he did last year is a true freshman you know him being able to play an impact team like that. Obviously I want that for myself so you know I'm going to push myself to that limit you know try to be on the field here when that's my plan.

4:05:36That's the biggest reason I came here because I have an opportunity to play year one so me having that opportunity is good and you know I'm going to come out here and compete. Like I said I'm putting myself at the bottom so I'm working I'm going to work every day like I'm at the bottom and I got to get to the top. What do you feel like it's going to take for you to get from the bottom to the top? You know just discipline they're big on discipline here and you know competitive and excellent. So it's just staying consistent every day just doing the rights having little to none mental errors that's going to give me on the field. I do what I'm supposed to do that's going to give me on the field. How do you manage those expectations for people to think that you should be playing week one on the season program? How do you manage people basically? You know I don't really let it get to my head because like I'm here I got dudes in the room that are like IGB you know he's sitting there three or three just started. I got to main personal American you know he's going to play this year too so I can't let what people say on the net you know get to me because you know anybody can say oh he's going to play this year but you know I actually got to prove it.

4:06:39So I just got to come out here you know work you know and that spot. What's the most important you've learned so far in three months here? Um competing every day that's the biggest thing having to compete you know these guys appear they take winning and losing to heart. So you know my first my first week up here when we did our competition you know I was winning then I actually I got that first loss on my belt and you know it kind of opened my eyes like these guys take it hard when they lose they don't like it. So you know I kind of got that now where I don't like losing. You had you had the opportunity to be around the team for that you know CFP Ron what did you learn from just those few weeks seeing this team make that run? You know being real tight with your brothers you know they're real tight you know they push each other you know it's a real 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 chemistry with each other you know just just get tight and I feel like when I was there for that player I've run and I practice 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 they're not letting nobody slack off and you know I'm not going to let them do it.

4:07:48And I feel like we had the opportunity to do that with this team now. How did you handle them Luke? You can't do that first loss. That first loss it kind of got to me it was the RGB you know he you know he let me here so after that loss I was like I can't let this happen with it. Because it's like now it's not high school where you 16 16 years old and if you lose you lose appearance not if you lose the coach can see that so I feel like I had to open my eyes and have to go and lock them like yeah I can't let that happen. Yeah, I can't let this happen, so I gotta grow up and these guys are counting on me too, so it's really important that I don't lose. If you hadn't described yourself as a competitor, how would you do that? I'm a great competitor, I like winning. Who doesn't like winning? Winning is in my blood, my parents taught me that at a young age, going after competing for anything that you want. And I feel like if you can go after it, to compete for it, it's yours. And if you compete for it all the time, who's gonna take it from you? So I mean, I'm a good competitor, I'm always gonna go out there and try to take what's mine and if it's out there,

4:08:51then anybody can have it, and I'm gonna be the one who's gonna get it. There's some role-mokers in your room, obviously. Are you a talker? What would your natural life be like? Yeah, I mean, it could come out on you know, but I don't really know my game to talk for this part. But if it gets there, it gets to that point where yeah, I can bring it out because, regardless, I'm not just gonna let nobody just come out here and just kiss balls on me. So if I'm having a good day when I'm consistently getting P.B.U.s, yeah, I'm gonna talk. But you know, being in that room, you kind of got to talk. You know, the Jame, you got IGB, you know, those real talkers in that room. So it kind of makes you want to bring it out. And you know, when you bring that out, they just bring it to energy out and hold defense. And when you got the whole defense clicking, I mean, you can see what's happening. Is there anyone that's kind of a competition in the records? I'd be a good one. It was during the winter, we were doing, you know, just stuff on the field. We were 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 a freshman. And then they kind of threw us in there in the fire against the older guys.

4:09:52So we had to, you know, we had to wake up and, you know, we all kind of lost. And we all kind of, like, we all kind of came to get that as a freshman group, like, what are we gonna do about this? Because, you know, some of their kind of nice 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, a middle-high old state. I'm not in Houston, Texas, I'm wearing 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. You'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 a high 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, this. You know, the level of ball I play, the highest level ball in the Texas 6A. You know, we're going against guys like Dunkin' Bill, no crowd at those top schools, you know, receive the Coyote more I go against. And I want to get some three times in my career.

4:10:54So, 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, oh, they don't believe that I can come here 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 football players 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. How'd you do against DeCory? Uh, you know, it was, it was when, when lose, when lose. You know, I went some, he lose some. So, I mean, it's just getting better, I'm sharp and higher. Because, you know, he's the type of seed, but obviously in our class, you know, I feel like he's going to have a good impact at working. Uh, so, I mean, it's just, it's just, it's just, uh, just seeing what's going to happen next. Looking forward to seeing him again? Yeah, definitely, definitely. I, you know, I plan on planning against him. We don't, we want to see him this year. Hopefully, we're seeing him in the big team championships. So, you know, I, I want, uh, I want that rematch, you know. DeVa, you committed super early in the process six months after that.

4:11:56You 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 here. Why? Uh, you know, because this was, this was, this was, is what I felt, this was home. You know, I didn't really feel like, you know, standing Texas was a good thing for me. Uh, I didn't, I didn't feel like that was home for me. Uh, up here, I just felt like it was home. Uh, you know, because of all, it caused day, you know, them making it, you know, making me feel important up here. And then, you know, like you could ask, because what, uh, how many times I came up here, uh, throughout my high school career, I came for 13 times. So we got to the point where I was knowing the guys on the team, I had the numbers just to fight that, and I couldn't appear, you know, I don't got to always build the coaches. I can go chill with something that guys on the team. So it was just, just me, you know, knowing what I want to put in my college ball at, uh, you know, knowing what I felt, uh, 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. You should go to sleep.

4:12:57I've been practicing at four of you and I've been seeing the other guys who just have been, uh, coach Hardin in the room, uh, coach Droner and step up, and he helped us out, everything we did, he's a big help. And I just like made sure we stand on time and all that stuff. What you're just talking about is stepping into a big role in the slide. How much do you watch, I like that, every day, try and take things, whether it's preparation, stuff he does on the field, you know, just learning from a guy like that. Yeah, every time I watch, every time I watch him, so I just, so I have to take some of this, Dan had it to my, and Bryson Rogers too. I take some of this, all the receivers, uh, yeah, they always help me out on it. And I need to do this. As much as I'm like walking into this room specifically at the higher state with all of the history of the yardie's mind, like, I mean, you know what it means to be a part of this world. What's that? Uh, it's a big step, um, uh, definitely, it definitely holds a lot like a show, so you gotta, you gotta, you gotta, you gotta think quick.

4:13:57It's definitely a big dream for my, you gotta have a big deal on, uh, I'm blessed to be here. You want that? Yeah, that's why you come. Yeah, that's why you come. Yeah. What's that that I'm an advice you got from some of the workers that has already even before Springgaw started to talk to the Mecca, some of those guys that you're not? Uh, like, try not to take everything personally, like, I'll say like, when you know time will come, when you're making comments, I'm in that play, and uh, I'll be looking forward to that any day, and I'm spending a playbook, because that's just gonna get you to find your life, and find your life. Get life there. Yeah, yeah, yeah, like, as you got pregnant, you was a guy right away, it's last two years, to really get this opportunity to be in the hall. How much is patient to require me to, obviously, you gotta get off the field. But how much is patient to afford to have? So, I'm not everybody having the same amount, so, uh, some people always have a written term, but, uh, you just gotta, me, uh, me and me, like I say, I'm the only time to get down to that play, and it's gonna go off from here.

4:15:02Thank you. I mean, obviously, we gotta put these things for you. Did they, or should I call you a picture of how you're feeling? It's pretty good. You started to get your life in pretty good, but I mean, in terms of guy, don't you wanna join us. How do you respond? You're not a good person. Tested for our, we're not a good person. We've got to start with, we're testing for our future, we're here with our campus, we're not a good person. We're not a good person. We're the damn church. Something's great, great, great, see this is what you want. Out of the coil back in your box, like a white glass, that's what you do. You're missing a test to our future. I don't know what you got, this is part of what I'm talking about. We've been made to get one of our recent tests. We're not a good person. We're just a good person. We're just a good person. We're just a good person. But, to the side of the earth, we're just a good person. We're just a good person. So, that's what we're doing.

4:16:04We've just been able to do some kind of work. Uh, I hear it. I'm just trying to get the best out of you. I'm just trying to get the best out of you. I'm just trying to get the best out of you. And from here, you see my reference. Thank you, SEEA and το PSE. Thank you Mr. Microsoft, thank you very much for coming. Very frankly thank you all, thank you.

4:17:09depending on your location, direction. But all use but you're making visits around the country. You're seeing other schools. It's almost a totally different mindset. What's that code to be of a must-beck? How do you approach those other visits and how do you communicate with a higher state about them? What's been the message? It's a good thing. I can get it to your house. Yeah, just like the other day. I'm always locked in, you know. I'm just still enjoying the buses. I'm just going to have this one time. I'm just going to be sitting. Enjoying. The other school that I'm trying to find.

4:18:10Yes, we really are. I try to get it to play. It's a house day. It's where I want to be. What is it that made you want to take photos of this? Yeah, I'm not going to put out one specific thing. You're going to need a kill guy. Find yourself in the first three. Do you get frustrated in moments like that in the ball time? Definitely. A little bit of both. Obviously, I just wanted the team to win. I think we got a chance to win. I think we definitely towards it. And then it stretched out last drive. I was a couple of plays here. A couple calls that he made me should have gotten. But I think the frustration and more so it just comes from. There's no one to win or anything. What did you say he was a little surprised? How much attention you got right away from the defense? How about you? Yeah, definitely. We maybe killed him or one of ones kind of how the game playing with set up. You didn't have a lot of different coverage out of cloud to my side. I just kind of had the game goes. What's the process been? I've been in the game for a long time. We're whatever reason. Just to see that. Yeah, definitely. Especially in college, a lot of the game friends defensively were

4:19:11taking me away. You know, we had a lot of success at a high up state. Obviously, one of the boys had different weapons. They kind of still get the victories. And I was, you continue to do better jobs when I hear. A lot of communication in the process has been like post game. Getting on the same page with Kyler. You guys exchange text or you guys in the film? Yeah, yeah, film. Definitely kind of asking what did I see there? Kind of go over and play. I just kind of give him what I saw and kind of different feedback there. Exchange words. Mark, I get it. We're asking questions about the previous game. Are you the type of guy to let a game like that linger or how do you flush it? You got to move on. Got to move on. Some long season. Got 16 more of them. Hopefully, you know, I can stay healthy throughout the year and just continue to build and get better each week. You did so much work throughout the off season to get on the same page. How different is it when you get into that regular season? Yeah, it's totally different. It's totally different. You can do a lot of things, you know, in shirts and shorts.

4:20:11And then once you go out there, put practice and get pads on. You do like the point practice you do with the colds. But there's nothing like actually going out there and live action. And really trying to be on the same page. So I think that relationship will continue to develop and develop. Is that it? It just a matter of roughs them as much as I think it is. Yeah, I think definitely, definitely. Like I said, I was kind of my first live action together. So I can continue with it. When you're early impressions are coming on the field together and you're in the presence of what's coming out early? Yeah, but now obviously I have a death respect, you know, JG's call or preseason. And obviously we all feel really healthy. That's kind of the most important thing. And obviously that's all healthy even going for it. So, that's it. Marvin, when you're early impressions of the Rams, what do you think of the Rams? Yeah, I mean, they're a good team. They're a good physical team. I got a new lot of new guys up front, I think. That's kind of where their strong suit is. Kind of a little different to Buffalo, come over to a little match coverage. So I'm excited to build this. Personally, when the bells take you one of them on, it's how do you feel today?

4:21:14It wasn't many of them. It wasn't many of them. So, I feel like I think I'm just really thinking versus just playing. You know, not getting a preseason game. I think it was three season. It was definitely thinking a lot out there. I think I'll come with reps. I think to think and less, you're just going out there and playing. Definitely come with reps. And it's something you're on, you're better at. But I think definitely I was thinking a lot out there. Is there anything you can do to prove that that's your own coverage? Anything you can do to prove that? You're going to face that a lot. Yeah, I mean, you just got to team, get open for yourself. Make yourself available. And when the ball does, make it into play. This, he's just taking you away. That means other guys are having a chance to get open. So, that's how kind of high-look at it. It's no longer season of offense. That's the best thing of course. They're continuity with Tyler. Is this something that comes pretty quickly? Or something like that? Hopefully sooner or later, I think. I'll look into the scene and see. I don't think we're in a bad place right now at all. Obviously, I don't really think that.

4:22:14But just the live reps will continue to grow and show. So, it's about life. It's all like certain and it's helping us. Like, saying what coach Jean coach was. Everything's not always about ball with them. It's about like focusing on how you become a better man and a better player individually. So, one thing that you're interceptionist takes you. I always did that. I'll keep talking to what I was heading into this next season. Kind of trying to push for a job. Is that like a confidence booster for you? I mean, I'll say it was a confidence booster. One reason I'll say that because you get like good coaches who believe in you and like they give you the tools to go out there and just play with confidence. You know, not their doubt in your stuff. Like, you got your teammates who got your back. Like, my first play when I got a third Tennessee. Like, when DeZel, IGB and Jermaine. Like, personally, they say it's like, no, where you just go out there and play with confidence. You know, the tools, it's usual tools. It's just go out there and make a play. And where about a play coming to you? You know, where you show time, show a job. You just do it. And then like, saying what coach was like, he gives me. He puts me in a position like the drills we put in,

4:23:14the work we put in, the one on one, so I'm just going out there and just perform at the highest level. How much better are you right now than maybe last month and force break right? I mean, I got way better just because I've transitioned a little bit to the inside. Nicholas Fawcett, I'm like, now I'm actually trying to catch, catch technique and it's often prevers not. It's not always press at the line. So it's like not maybe to like move my feet, move my hands. Like, see like what I got to do just like just in case I got to go back in corner. I can I plan off now. I'm very confident out there. Do you think that was a natural fifth of you or have you had the kind of convince yourself to transition around? I mean, I feel like it's natural for me because I feel like me, individually, I'm a fast learner, a fast learner, like coaches help us like learn fast. Like, because they're always honest about the techniques and stuff. So you like, you write down, like you pick up all the things and then like, when we get out here, they coach us to like the techniques. So we used to go out there and play like fast spot. And it would have like reversatility. You're able to go out there and just compete. Is that where you kind of stuff, just spring or do you pick out of mountain?

4:24:16So I'm really been stuck there this spring a little bit. But like whenever you get this like other things, I just bounce out there every once in a while. Just like have fun. See if I still got it every once in a while. So it's as good as going to compete at most spots. You mentioned the technique. What technique, you know, tips and things that you had to pick up and learn from coach walking from the beginning to the end. I mean, you know, it's like, you know, because what preaches the eyes, you can see hands like see it. You see it. Move your feet and then get your hands on the mat. So it's like when you get like, when you out there, you able to like process like the way the receiver comes off the ball, looking at the hips and seeing like the way he moves. And like, are you able to pick up like the row constant? You can get out of that. Like so it's being like other coach walls of me. Like as a player and just like him breaking out football to you like one on one. It's like very beneficial. What was the hardest part of making that transition from outside inside? I really say like cornering, you got to cover two, you cover three, you get to cover one. It's easy but you got nickel.

4:25:16Now so many responsibilities you got to see like the row concepts. You got to be able to process like diagnosed, rouse faster than what you got to do out corner and just be able to like everything's quid like a transition. You got to like, you got to move fast. You got to just learn to move fast. It's like game recognition. Where do you think maybe from the most since you got to that? How did you get to that one? I would definitely say yes because you get to like college. It's a little bit different in high school. We don't got to worry about things like that. When you get to college in a school like this, like your recognition of plays. And like you'll know your jobs the way like the coverage is supposed to be played. Understand all your teammates or fuses you have in the field. It's like it gets easy. What if your pressure is bad? It's not bad. It's very talented. He's a great dude. He's a humble guy. A great teammate. He's very supportive. It's like a guy that you don't want to run because you can feed off your energy because you can see like when you make a play. He's like, he's like, IGB. It's like IGB 2.

4:26:16So he's like, when you get off there with guys like that with good energy, it makes you play a little bit harder. And then like when you make a play, he's out there and like, it's helping you. Like, he's being out there with him. He's a good player. One of those guys, twice-coach-cantful kids. I would say obviously I'm a classic player. So, just help me see your parents now. What is it about one build that gets you to play at a high school? It's a big question. I know. It's a big question. It's a big question. Because we have so many kids come out of the building and just play at games. I'll leave school. And then like, like, track's a big part of it. Because I mean, like, actually in a building, everybody that I run, track like it's made it's right. You don't really get a choice. You're able to just like get out here and like know how to compete. And then like, G, like, game builds that mental toughness into you. So, like, have you like, if you're down, you got to be mentally tough. Because I mean, life's not going to be easy. So it's like being out here, being able to compete. And when you down, just pick yourself back up. I mean, that's what games down to me. That's what games down to me.

4:27:16That's what games down to me. I'm going to play here forever. You know, I was talking about his plans. So, you know, you wish to transition. Like, one of those fairytale, like, it's your time now. You know what I mean? But, again, either way, you know, we talk about it, you know. That's the, that's the toe goes, you know. But obviously, you know, he's, he's, he's, he's, he's, he's been one of the big supporters. Again, I think everybody leads in their own way, you know. And not everybody's the, bro, guys, come around. It's good. Like, that's not everybody, right? Like, I think for me, that's me specifically on game day. With the O line, after we do the little one, like, that's my, like, bump did. Like, that's my, like, a cool time, I feel like I'm talking to him about this, you know, just recently. Talking about how, what I want to do for the world is, I want to bring that hump energy, the Hebrew.

4:28:17Right? So, last year, of course, I'm sure he's been doing for years, but the year, when I spent my own, he brought a lot of energy, excitement and happiness in the room, which is his natural energy, to where I only had to focus on me. You know, I didn't have to make sure other, other guys are, you know, feels the type of way when it came in here, because hump brought that. And I'm a hump's not here, but I saw a winged in for a room. I want to be that guy to make sure it's an amptical to practice. Everybody's hype. We're taking a built team on period, you know, it's a low day, or something, you know, it's a disadvantage. But like, I want to make it feel like, it's going to be a whole new year. Like, yeah, pairs, it's a trick. I want to bring that, because that's what me and hump did to each other, who would have had each other do something like two. It's like, what would be a walk, or a flip. So, I want to do that. I want to bring that energy, I want to make, bring more guys, you know, to do that. Yeah. I want to do that from day one, you know, I kind of have that. I want to do that from day one, talking to them.

4:29:22And obviously, it's the time I spend the Hobbysies of the Ford OTA started. Just being in my self-justing about what the room needs, you know, because I know I knew Rol has one of the years, you know, on the Hobbys. And the only thing that I want to do is to get that energy out of the house, is that we need a guy like that, just going to make sure the O-R is picked up, ready to go every day, and I want to help a little things, or have enough practice for people, and saying anything, and how I may leave, maybe different than somebody else may leave. You know, I like to practice, at least, like, the legal positivity, you know what I mean. But he, the energy out would be on just the hype of the beyond, so I kind of want to be going on, really my whole life, all the NFL team captain, like, specifically, NFL. I wasn't a captain in high school, wasn't a captain in college, but I want to make a joke, I was in high school. So I feel like I'm not going to be a captain until I get that I felt.

4:30:25But that would be awesome, you know, but, you know, if it happens, I'd be great, but not either way, I want to assume a role as a captain from the perspective of guys, on a team, a visual ward, 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 was used to in the past, but it didn't take just the first ALTAs, it took training and left and right, once this season ended, because I don't know what it was going to be, so I just went a lot of, you know, grips, just to give back to feeling like myself for the ALTAs, and then I'll hold first week, but now, like, today specifically, just changing some small things with my feet, as they talk about the long coach, some things I'm going to do with my feet to get to that, and I'm going to set on a traditional angle that I love to sit on, felt even,

4:31:25I thought I felt, I thought I felt great already, but I felt even better. So I need to work sites, it's a tomorrow, now I'm getting my feet back, and how I like the right side, and I'm on the left side, set all on the right side. I mean, obviously, I feel like, in the league, whether I left the right, you're still going against Premier Guys, so obviously, the high expectations for your left an aren't tackled, But definitely the level of energy and the expectations definitely take the human strength. Because now, it can either blind side. That's the, as the tackle role. So yeah, I would say in terms of communication as far as this even outside of the facility, and stuff like that, like really creating that, but tackle quarterback and bond even more off the field, I think has been something that's even the cool experience. I got a text one day. As I, like, you put it left. I was like, you know, yeah, I've been training both. I've been training both. You know, I asked after the season there, like honestly,

4:32:28you know, we'll talk to you if something season, and I just got a text, and I'm like, having what happens with the free agency. Then, so I was like, you know what? I had a O 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 a little bit on that. So I was like, I might as well just train the left tackle now, as if I'm going to be left tackle. And I'd rather do that than train all the right time with the co-a to be left tackle. I was like, who? I didn't switch my feet yet. You know what I mean? So I'm like, let me just prepare an advance. I was like, yeah, it was God. I think occasionally, on third down, there would be a lot of twists. That was just not like it's an automatic or a con. And 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, like, OK, this is the type of rush. I mean, again, this is how this guy usually rushes. If I get the vibe, this is how it ends like the rush, you know, tackles that first year guys.

4:33:28We got to premium your patch on. Already know what it was going to be. Already know what every step. And honestly, just knowing that's kind of an advantage to. So you're not, you're not, oh, they brought the twist on my side. It was never air gone. But it come out the hot like three plays in a row. And in two minutes, I do that. It was the way he said a lot of it. You know what I mean? So I'm watching more everybody else. And he rarely goes out there occasionally. Third down, I was like, you know, I was going to be, he's going to pick me. You know what I mean? So, effect, effect, it's kind of, it's also kind of an an engine, but it's also exciting. Like, OK, I'm going to get the hardest look. You know, so it's a real, real reps, you know, the banks. Really, I'm on our way to kind of process. And 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 came in like. So, you know what I mean?

4:34:28Because just like, I'm cool with training both continuing. I would have been cool training both continually. But I feel like anybody in any position will be like, OK, like, you want as soon as possible, give your feet kind of of a subtle, your hips, subtle, your hands, so then a certain kind of that. Would it have been harder to hit your workbowl through how to use? No. No. But they're definitely, but in terms of the development, they're definitely a lot faster to stay on all one side. But I think having that, the weeks that we had to transition with the seasons over, I'm like, well, spot it. You know? Good. I'm trying to eat up, put them in the front, and weak things at a time right now. But when it comes back, I'm going to show them to you in the 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? So, yeah.

4:35:29Communication with the team. You know, I was communicating with guys left and right. You know, front office coaches, teammates, and all I care about is how I am with my teammates. I don't want them to ever think I don't care about them or how I'm not in it. And you know, you can say whatever you want about me besides that. But I always dedicate anything I can to them. And I don't want that to every question. I think I said that it felt like sometimes you were holding up somewhere watching film. You texted me, you said, hey, you missed this, or you want to tweak that? Like the first day, he was batting all of Russ's passes. So I had to let him know. You know, you got to take advantage of that. You got to make sure guys are, you know, know that you still care and you still want to be a part of this. You know, just watch and practice. There's a couple of little things we're doing different. Whether I'm communicating with Gumbarr or other people. You know, so you're also talking with him.

4:36:29How do you give him pointers during the off season, just to foster communication? How do you see him grow as a person, you know, in part of how he's approaching things and how he getting ready for this season versus his rookie? You know, I think the thing with Keanu is he's more comfortable. You know, it's not his first time around the track. It's actually like he can catch his feet under him. You know, I always think when you're in a rookie season, you're going from bowl game. I don't even know Wisconsin playing a bowl game. I'm 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, many can, I mean, the training camp, the regular season, you really don't get a time to really catch yourself. You know, you understand to play book now. You can be more vocal. You know, I think with 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 it as a surgery you had in the off season? The same you had during the season.

4:37:30What was the more thorough, what was it? Just tightened down everything. You know, my left side, because I was over-compensating a little bit. But, you know, it was, it wasn't anything that lingers. You know, I'll say this, a groin's not like an ACO. It's not like anything's that we're going to get affected again. And, 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 gun. What do you think of what the team was able to accomplish in our season? In terms of bringing guys like wrestling and things around you? 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, 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.

4:38:31Can you tell us how difficult is it to separate the business part of the game in the actual football club behind you? Oh, you know, you always want to, 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 four years guarantee. Well, now you don't even know what that I don't know, it's a 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. How did it feel to be out there with your teammates today, Emotions? Great, you know, we got a new training staff and still learning the warm up. A little different, but, you know, I loved it. You know, just getting after it, learning new guys, going through the same drills

4:39:33I've been doing by myself. I 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 that we'll get down with your emotion? Oh, I'm going to try to remain pretty neutral because I don't want to be to either way. All I know is I want to be clear, 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 next year. What that second surgery you said at this time was on the left side, was the first time around on the right side? Right side during the season, left side. And that was just tightened 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.

4:40:38If anything, it'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 come to mind? Tyson, I've been training with him for the last eight years. We've always trained together. We've got a trainer up north, Cheryl Cohali, who's my guy, trained a Heath Miller, Brett Kiesel, and a multitude of guys that I'll respect. And we've just been getting after. Can we give you a few guys' historically, 35, they paid big contracts? And who that's held against you? I think there's not a lot of history behind it. But, you know, for me, I look at as, I'm not looking to be like anybody else. You know, my game is different from everybody else, and I 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.

4:41:40And, 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 in the high-end 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 of Air and, you know, have a great season. Do you have a set goal for yourself or how many years you want to play in the NFL? Do you 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 been playing on practice in the New York Port of La Trove, or is it possible that you might fold in and, unfortunately, it's your choice?

4:42:43I have not even thought that far. I've taken a day. My day, you know, I told my agent and we talked about it. We were cool coming out here. 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, what cross-up? Why would a guy for you work? Remain a stealer for these three years. You know, there was a conversation between me, Omar, and Mike T. And there are certain guys that are at one helmet guys. I want to be one of those one-hunger 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? Last one. You and Russell Wilson are going to be out there with Walter Menn. What's Peyton Menn of the year patch?

4:43:44I saw Russ as on social media. But I have an idea to see it. I like the surprise happens when it happens. But, you know, it's cool to have another Walter Peyton Menn of the year winner. You know, 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 Walter Peyton Menn of the year thing on Thursday. So it's not like I'm skipping. But, you know, it's an honor to be with Russ. And, you know, it's an honor of doing things in the community. Doing great work. And, you know, 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' foundation, you know, we had an event for our foundation. And my mom was quick to tell Russ, hey, we need the partners somehow.

4:44:44And I was like, well, let's just enjoy the event. But, you know, it's really cool to be a part of a lead group. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, it's been good. I mean, just trying to, it's just a different way of play, different terminology, different, a whole different scheme. So just learning how they want things done compared to how you used to do things is really the... What's it like being in that tight end room? Everybody's got different skills to see. Everybody's different, but you all do some of the same things. Yeah, no, it's a great room. A lot of really good guys have grown really close with a lot of those guys. So everybody helps each other, a really nice learner from Dalton, breadin' those guys. I mean, Dalton's done it for a really long time, so he helps me a lot with things that really aren't coachable things, you know what I mean? You mentioned how to family at the game, but what about working out here at this high school? Are you still in Ohio that you don't feel good? Yeah. And I don't know if your high school is like this, man, the man's field, what's your different name? Yeah, I went to Lexington, how it's about an eighth of the size of this place.

4:45:44Yeah, this is not like my high school, but this is a healthy place. It's super cool to be home and just be back and give you a little sense of comfort, I guess for me, especially being my way for as long as I've been. So I was a man in the kind of war around the city, and you've been there, and you've seen a bunch of fuck out fans that have wanted to get your autographs, take a picture, call your fan here. I don't get... I don't go out of the hole. I actually went home yesterday. I went back to the farm for a little bit, which was great for a couple of days. He did all my family and stuff and see my grandparents and everything, so it was good. But I really haven't been out enough to know, so I try and keep her inside. Yeah. Do you think it was a tough one? You can come this... what do you think of your play and I really show faces to talk about? Oh, that's a good question. I don't think that's... for me, I'm just trying to give. I mean, every time I think you can play this game for 50 years, and there's always going to be something you leave to feel with. Like, I wish I would have been better in that area. I wish I would have been better in some other... you know what I mean? Like, it's never going to be... this is absolutely perfect. So, like, to me, that's... right now, the hardest part of this is just mental toughness of all.

4:46:45I mean, physical toughness. I mean, you either have it or you don't, in my opinion. So, I mean, I've always felt like I was kind of bred in that area of the things, and that's just kind of way happens naturally. So just play after play, that's kind of how we roll it. Okay. Good afternoon. Thank you guys. We are now. We gotta get you on the boat. Yeah, I was growing immensely. I mean, in KLA, he makes a lot of checks. Latham makes a lot of checks. I listen to them. Whatever they need, if I need to cover somebody, I'll go cover anybody. If they need me to do run support, I'll do run support. And it's really what KLA does, what we do, and Latham. It just goes back to the Coach G's preparation, and everyone's preparation to give us more flexibility. And it doesn't matter who's in those positions, and we can all play every position, whether it's covering somebody or running and tackling. Did you feel like that was the case before the Oregon game? You're saying I'm saying that he's something that's been added. It just, you know, relying a little bit more, go ahead. Yeah, it did. I've probably been a Brasco game, me getting more safety reps. And we had a five week to prepare, so I really learned to play, but a lot more, even though I knew the play,

4:47:48but I learned a lot more, like in debt, you know, so really just after the Oregon game, it helped me a lot to go back to safety, go to NICU everywhere. Thanks, man. You guys had a lot of issues of giving up big plays in the passing game of the first game against Oregon. What do you feel like you guys need to do better this time around, so make sure that doesn't happen? Just the same mindset. We got to challenge these receivers. You know, every dog has their day. Maybe some people didn't have their day, that game, but we'll look out there and hopefully change the narrative. And we still play with the same confidence, same technique, and, you know. Bill Rebino, it's a long list of this batch. And Denzel obviously had a tough game and that one. What have you seen from him and how he's responded? Do you get a sense of from him, how he's for this rematch? Oh, yeah, he's super stoked for this rematch. His preparation has been very good. He's always been preparing, you know, it didn't go the way he wanted to go that game, but he just always had his confidence.

4:48:54And we're going to see a big game out of him this week. And, you know, I know you guys wanted to play them in anapolis, but the fact that you get to play them at the Rose Bowl, I mean, get a second chance. And people have said, you don't get that very often. How determined are you guys to take advantage of it? We're super, super determined. We watched film. I mean, we've lost a lot of film. The first time we played them, now we've got another six games that they played up film to watch. And it's just, they've grown a lot as a team, same as us. We've grown a lot. We're not the same team. We were when we played them week one or weeks six or whatever. But now we're out there and going to play fast, physical, and everything like that. All right, Jordan, we're going to jump to the Zoom question here from Joey Kaufman. What was this batch? My bad, not to Joey. Cameron T. Robinson, the athletic. Hey, Jordan, you've moved around a lot in the second day in your career and now kind of getting some many more safety reps.

4:49:54What is it like at this point when Walt or Coach Noles comes to you and asks you to do some else? And just how much can you lean on the experiences you've had moving around when you're trying to learn something new in the middle of the season? It means a lot. We always talk about when this is even being on selfish. Whether that's making plays or not making plays or doing your job so another person can make plays. That's kind of what we pride ourselves on. And it's just fun. We move around different positions. I'm always up for a new challenge. And a lot of people in the country can't do that. I just hold myself to that standard where I can play any position and excel at it. Okay. Anybody else need to question? Let me know. But otherwise we're going to go to Austin more of the podcast. Jordan, when you were talking about watching film or organ, which one do you think is more valuable to you watching that against yourself? Seven games ago, even if you've changed or the ensuing six games for organ? Which one do you put more stock in?

4:50:54Kind of both. For me, I kind of watched what I did. Things I did well. Things I didn't do too well against them. And their team is changed. Some players have been out those stretch of games. So I really watched the past game we played. And I know they're going to go back to some of the stuff that they liked, of course. And different games like Penn State, maybe Illinois, they run a lot of men. So just watching, watching stuff like that. Every game matters. So yeah. Jordan, thank you very much. Thank you. I'm going to put it for you. I don't know how to run a game. How I had it in the passing game. And really just stop getting it wrong way. It's a CJ first couple of weeks. It looks like you've been having more comfortable with off-script plays and taking more risks, which you say that's something that's overdubbed this year for you. I mean, yes, I know. I don't choose a run. I run what I have to. I feel like I am agile and I can't get out.

4:51:55I definitely try to read the defense to get my guys the ball because they're usually open every time. So it's just up to the pocket. Navigating that, trying to make my line arrive also. If I have to extend the play. Did you guys started going to last year's night to know how much different the things feel this year? Not even the whole season under your belt. What have you learned? What do you feel like you've had the boom? Oh, it's a lot worse than the two, no. So I'm definitely grateful. I'm definitely blessed to be playing this great game. But it's definitely a lot of things we can clean up. I think around the league. You can see that though. I mean, a lot of sloppy ball. Some teams playing better than others. But I definitely know that, you know, section 4 was not what we put on the field today. But at least in the second half would definitely be better for sure. You and Nico connected on a couple of the Scramble drill style plays. Is that something you guys work on active plays that would focus the viewers? No, it's just two guys out there making plays.

4:52:56You know, we have a drill that we do at practice. That, you know, it does help those things. But, you know, trying to just be two guys, be dynamic players. Do you guys think you're going to be rolling? You're going to not play the kind of mind-melting stuff. Yeah, for sure. I think. I mean, Nico, we've always had a good relationship and always, you know, you're ready each other well on the field. But I think even now, you know, we'll take the next steps. And you can see, you know, staff getting involved more, tank getting involved, Dalton, Brav. We're just trying to spread it around, you know. And we have so many dynamic players. So, you know, it's a good problem to have. You know, obviously, you know, all two are better than things of that nature. How do you balance, you guys have to win. But you said you like to put on Texans football. How do you kind of balance one of the correct order mistakes of football? But while also, you know, celebrating the win that you guys just had today. Just football is harder when NFL. I'm happy. Of course, I'm not satisfied. I'll never be satisfied. There's always things that you can point out.

4:53:56We're not going to let one half of football make us put our heads. And we're going to stay confident. We're going to stay taking shots. We're going to stay, you know, betting on us. So I definitely, you know, understand, you know, we need to be better. But, you know, like you said, winning is number one. So we won and now it's time to move on and get better. Can you talk a little bit about what Payneas meant to the team over these past two weeks? And as a quarterback, as an offense, does having a kicker that can hit from long range like that consistency? Can you give you guys a little bit of extra confidence, you know, once you get over 50. Yeah, any guys in his aims, man. I'm super happy and proud of him. And he broke a record today or something like that. So, you know, we definitely need him. You know, all points are big points. And I definitely think like the preparation and just who he is at practice, you know, you know that he's going to knock it down just because how hard he is on himself doing practice. And, you know, it was a great job. I especially teams today blocking it.

4:55:00Also, you know, point Tommy doing his job as well. You know, it takes three phases of a while to win a football game. Here you go. See the e-mission. All right, here's a little get those numbers. I promised it was not long. 4602, now through 17 career games. Remember, it's the couple a year ago due to that concussion. So, reaches his full quote unquote first season, at least from a game standpoint here in week two of year two. Stroud when we looking up at a few. It's different for me. I'm really like a ball player type of guy. Not very, not the most outgoing and vocal, but we're not talking about real life that people listen.

4:56:01So, just taking more of that type of aspect into my game, just making me more complete as a football player. I'm really looking for that. How have you seen maybe change a little bit with Coach Hardline in a bit of a different role? Maybe whether it be other coaches, coach Jordan or players stepping up to have a big battle. I want to say a change once. He's still super involved. He always tries to stay engaged with us guys. I mean, he's the Oc now and he's more skimmed, schematic and everything now, but he's still keeping that relationship strong with us. He's still really in there with the Civic one. And shout out to Coach Jordan as long. Stepping up, taking a big little Coach Jordan. He's a huge factor in our lens inside the end here. So, it's a big cross because he's doing everything he's doing. How do you feel like the spring's gone for you? Obviously you've done this now. Just what have you taken from us? I'm extremely comfortable, super confident in my ability to do what I do. Just building that trust with my quarterback just pretty much when I came in when I do.

4:57:01Just let them know that they got it. They got to revive me off since the third chain next time I was on the field. And you know, just establishing that. Like I said earlier, just showing my young guys a foundation, I was there for a moment. They want to come in and do what's the expectation of what I'm going to do. I'll send them a real value last year for me. He did come. Yeah, obviously. How have you felt yourself building that trust with Lincoln? I think it's been good. Just being more vocal with them guys as well. Me and Lil are very vocal. Even in practice a lot of times. Just things didn't go my way in the game, but even in practice a lot. Yeah, take care. I was very comfortable with Lil. More vocal guys. But working in that oboe quarterback now, and they're doing a better job. Just going to the ceiling. Taking our feedback, not more criticism, but just because we love it. Just doing that. And just keep growing on that. Other way to fall and other things. Just take some. You are doing some more outside for sure. You're stuck as well. Yeah, I've been more the more years you get under your belt for more experience you get.

4:58:06You can start knowing this offense more and more and not just your position or what you're doing. But like everybody's what you're doing, how you're doing and why you're doing it. So I mean, yeah, I've been I've been rapping the outside ZXH anywhere. Coach Hanlon needs me to just really be that guy and go make a play on it. What's the biggest difference for you between outside and outside? The pace. A route concept you can kind of get the pace you can play within the slides more for Nesgame and the slide. Something I got very comfortable with. Just the ways you can attack the defense, I think. And just you know, conceptually and also just, you're placed down. But I mean, just doing both and just making me a better guy for the NFL. And that's what Coach Hanlon produces on the NFL talent and producing NFL guys. I'm feeling very comfortable with that. Do you have to have a different mindset as a slide receiver? Because it cuts way longer than I thought. Absolutely. I think it's more thinking. I think it's more of a yet to have understanding of the game a lot. And the slide you've got to have a feel.

4:59:07This is natural. I feel like it's more natural to position. And on the outside it's just more, you know, get different things and see different coverage and see different player types of corners and nickel backs and safety is more in the slide. So just seeing how you can attack knowing your person now and how you can attack some people is, I say, the biggest difference. Do you have that more courage? Do you have that more courage in the slide? Oh, yeah, absolutely. Especially like being myself in the slide faster. I'm a skinnier guy that want to put hands on and want to get physical with you, but you just got to match that and just let them know that you there too. You said about this question, whatever gets you want to do, regardless inside outside. I'm just wanting to make plays and show one one of the best receivers in America. So if that's in the outside, that's in the inside, whatever Coach Hanlon in this team needs me help us win and show him one of the best receivers in America. Thank you, feel certain. I mean, at that time, you go back to zero, zero, you just scored. They scored a thing in a half. We knew they got the ball back. The defense wasn't quite happy that they gave that touchdown to end and we knew they get in the ball back coming out, but we was excited because we knew the job wasn't doing it.

5:00:14Bill Rebellion, Columbus, this back. You were a five star guy and that coming up. All these guys in the room almost were five star guys and then there's Jeremiah. Does he like all you guys in the room? I mean, I'm not sure it's probably something you got to ask him, but you know, Jeremiah has played with a lot of great guys throughout his career. He's seen a lot of all the talent you can see in the world, but I don't know if he's ever in all, but I mean, you and all. Oh, and I, oh, yeah, I mean, I'm not surprised at anything he does now. I've seen him. We were nine years old. So anything he does, anyone hand catch. I've seen. I'm not surprised at anything he does. When he was nine, did you know this is not a, this is something special. We even met a nine. Oh, yeah. I mean, coaches were coming up to us complaining that we were nine years old. Like, can we, can we get their IDs and stuff like that? So I mean, I mean, there's definitely some footage that we got to go find, but the place we used to make when we were younger and just to see where he is now.

5:01:21It's amazing. It seems very unaffected by all of the starter. Yeah. How does that happen? I think how he was raised. He's just, he's very level headed. He knows his goals and what he wants to get done in life. And this is just one step of the way for him. Can I throw a back to Texas for a couple of questions on zoom? Scotty? Yes, sir. We're going to start with Defon from Cleveland.com. Go ahead. Brandon, I want to go back to what you were talking about with Coach Day earlier. You know, whenever he talks about this team's success, he says all the credit goes through players that seems like the players think that he deserves some of the credit. How big, how influential has he been during the turnaround you guys have had these last few weeks? He's been huge, man. Coming here after that team with Northwest, he knows heart breaking, of course. But we came in here. We had a leadership meeting and he was in here. I mean, and then we had a team meeting after that hearing the stuff he had to say.

5:02:22And we had to say going back and forth, we just, we knew we we have this back no matter what. I mean, there's a lot of stuff said about him and his family and stuff like that. But hey, here we're brotherhood and we're family. And we just we go stand by him no matter what. Our next question is going to come from Dan. Hope Dan go ahead. Brandon, I mean, I'm sure you came in here to Ohio State thinking you'd probably be starting here in your second year, but it seems like you really embraced the growth process. Just what's kind of that process been like for you of kind of embracing your role this season and continuing to develop? Yeah. In life, things doesn't go the way you exactly planted to and that just happened. Things happened to me. Last year that allowed him to come back and that allowed me to learn more. And that's just how I see it makes me a better football player for the future. So yeah, I mean, yeah, let's see. Three more on zoom. Next one's going to come from Stefan means.

5:03:30Go ahead. Yeah, you're good. But Brandon, there are a lot of clips of you this year where you're super, super excited after a block. And kind of showing your emotion there. What about blocking do you love so much as a receiver? Just being able to hit another guy with all my power. It's hard as I can without any getting any consequences. Except if you accept the few hold, of course, but yeah, just bringing that power. I mean, I heard some of the defensive guys telling me yesterday. They were like, bro, I hate to go against you. So knowing that from the defensive guys. So I know what the other defensive guys are thinking like, just keep bringing it to them. They're not going to like it for four quarters. That's my mindset. Next question is going to come from Danny Davis. Danny, go ahead. Brandon, what are your impressions of these Texas defensive backs and this kind of we've seen from them on film so far?

5:04:31Yeah, the last couple of days we watched them. They're fast team. They don't give up many big plays down field. They're aggressive, but I actually know some of the DBs they have at corner there. I don't know. I play with them. Well, I played with Malik Muhammad at SFE. So I might know him a little bit and we have been watching them. They're fast team. They're physical. They're disciplined. But we just got to get the job. Give any Malik stories or any any. Give any Malik stories or anything you remember about playing with them. Yeah, but I'm not going to say them here. Yeah, we'll just keep that. Our final question is going to come from Kurt Bulls. Kurt, go ahead. Hey, Brandon. One of the issues Texas has had the second half of the year is finishing. And what if you can speak to and they had a trouble obviously in the peach bowl, you know, blue was 16 point league.

5:05:33And you talk about finishing and having a killer instinct and you guys obviously seem to have that now. Yeah, I think that started started in offseason training at Fall camp. We always say go plus two. If you're doing a 10 yard pro shuttle, you have to go plus two throughout the line. And that's just finishing as well. And then fall camp. We had these long two and a half hour practices or whatnot. And then we came out and we had to do these finishers. We called them ask for games late in the year like this. And we I think Coach Day has a great did a great job preparing all of us for these moments. And yeah, we just were ready to go. We have time for just a couple more questions in Columbus so we can wrap up with our other two guys. Bill Landis, Kings of the North. Randy, maybe on the second touchdown run. It seemed like you took two players out of the play first with your release and then with the guy you actually blocked. Is that is that how it's designed? Or was it just lucky to get lucky to the guy decided to take off inside of the release?

5:06:36It's actually designed for me to block the safety and lead the corner one on one with the running back. But I was surprised the corner. I see came in so far in my lease. I think he thought it was a pass. But I think he was the edge of the defense. If you go watch that play, but I don't know why he came in so far. But it helped out for us and I made my block and turned off score. Is there any lesson there for like even a young receiver watching that that even if you know him to play, you're not getting the ball. You're you're intended to block, but you your release has to be at all point as if you're going to pitch pass. Yeah, definitely. Every little detail matters in them type of plays. We were in a red zone there. So we say every yard matters is two yards. So the block I made is just a testament to Kyle coach hard line prep prep me throughout the week to make that block. And final question. Joy Compton, Columbus this batch. And will and this has been thrown about the equally some of especially the way you guys have opened games. What do you think is this quick for you guys and for him and watching those buds?

5:07:41A lot more confidence. I say throughout the year. We were always there as offense. We had we didn't know we didn't quite know our identity. And now slowly, but surely I think we found that and we're going to keep on rolling. And he's made some great throws and yeah. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I do have one more Steve. I'll go into the 24th. I'm sorry. And there've been opportunities for you to play a huge role on offense. And you know, the number plays you play in game can differ from one week to the next. But the opportunity is coming sooner rather than later for you to be in every down player. Just one of the things you need to do in your game to take it to where it is now to be in every down guy. I think there's a lot of things I could work on in my game. I would say continuing to be football smart by IQ just knowing what the defense is going to do before they do it. My routes always can get better. My hands always can get better staying in the jug machine.

5:08:41Work ethic keep on top of it. Don't get satisfied with anything I do. And don't get too big. Don't get too low. Don't get too high. Don't get too low. That's what they say. You feel like a guy that the people follow. It seems like just in your mind, even the just second year guy that you're kind of working toward being kind of a leadership type guy. I got to have guys that will take that role. Yeah. It's a great feeling. Of course, no guys are watching what you do and listening to what you do. But I just feel like we do that with a lot of players here and not just myself. But the leadership we have on this team is like no other. And that's why we got so far, I think. Brandon, thank you very much. Not knowing anything but to go hard and put his head down. I'm super, super proud of Will. And I think we can't feed off each other. You know, he was a lowly or under recruited guy out of high school. So he always knows it's to go hard and what that looks like. So I'm proud of him. What do you think, Max?

5:09:41A lot of skill. I mean, the guy you fist the room, personality wise. Johnny will tell you that. He's fun to be around. He's an outstanding route runner. And he's he wants to get better. He's hungry. So he's a great addition. I think a lot of people from the outside will see that a new guy comes in and you guys have four or five guys who feel like they can get reps to. Maybe some people would have thought some of you guys would be why would you guys say why is this group so deep and state even though you guys brought in another guy? Yeah, I mean, I think it's just a testament to like how strong his brotherhood is. You know, when a coach told us that we were bringing him back. So I just thought it was a great opportunity for me to like I can worship stuff. And he's a great player. And I already have the piece of our stuff for me and Will. And I think now we are something really big guys in the room. We just stay fresh. It was a lot of fun there. And ultimately become the best players we can be. I think it was late. I saw that. I think I'm sure you're not watching for these offense.

5:10:41You guys are getting ready. But how quick did you kind of realize that this guy's legit? You see the numbers. You see when you realize that this guy is real good. What I bet on the first day, he was class acting for me. I think character is a big thing. I had a really medical football player. It doesn't have good characters. And I bet on the first day I knew that he was a hard worker. It came in here and just grinded. And then you know it's showing right now in the field. It's going great. What do you have to do to get better at the surface? Yeah, I mean I just, I'm not really focused on specific areas. I always say I want to become a more polished outrunner. And to get better at blocking and to get better at past rotation. So I really want to work on everything, man. Hopefully you know I can all mesh together. I can handle it. I can have a really good year. Is it feel good to have the only touchdown catch from one of the quarterbacks? Yeah, tools. Yeah. Yeah. That was cool. That was a cool moment to have with them.

5:11:41How's that good working with you? Yeah, it's great. I remember when Lincoln first got here. I was dragging him out to the fields and throwing with me. So me and Lincoln go way back. And I'm for the first got here. I love Julian. And even Tavy is coming in and he's he's impressed me. There's been a lot of talk about the quarterback. Is this an leadership that goes just want to see? I mean, how are you seeing those three guys coming? You know, as leaders and is that role? Yeah, I think they at first weren't nowhere near as vocal as Will was when Will got here. But I think they're really stepping up in that role and it's really good to see. All right, thank you guys. I mean, just how it was raised. I just know how to work. That's all I had to do. Just give effort and just going east. 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?

5:12:43What puts you in that same category? Yeah, I was a little surprised. I kind of have feeling because I kind of like. I mean, I kind of could have guessed it. But like I just I just knew like. I was one of my goals at tossing behind Buckeye and I just couldn't work. So what did you get it? It was really special right after I texted my parents and. They really knew what it meant until like the video came out and they pushed me to play an intern. So then absolutely. Actually, it was playing both back then right. And games. Can you just tell the difficulties of going back and forth? Not just like we were learning them, but actually have to play both. Yeah, it's pretty default, especially during game. You have to put the whole mind around. It's not easier in practice because it's not getting like several down. But like going left and right again. It's pretty hard, but like in high school, like I was, it was every other player I was in back in school with triple off.

5:13:44And so like I knew, I knew it. I was comfortable with it. And sometimes I just take it. But when I'm walking to the reminds of my scrims, I had like, I say it to be the same player and. And then one time, so getting to the tip of my head. And then bringing to back. And then you put your brain in front of your head. And then you put it out. Yeah, so like I got to set the example. And then like my first two weeks here, I was like teaching them. Like I don't know what they're expecting these players because I've seen a new place with them. And even me defense, like technique two, three times keeps in technique. But just helping them out because we need them. What's your idea of playing tackle kind of kind of about it? About like rap, it seems mental, it's a good ball game. What's your opinion? How did everybody come about? It came close to springtime. They wanted to have. They just wanted to have a good five out there. And like they want to play the best of it.

5:14:45They just want to do all sorts of lines. They're awesome. They're great. A lot of eyes. It's awesome because everyone's watching something. It's not like someone who wants to know this place, so you know what's going on. I got to feedback to get like after a play, after a practice, like all three off, you're all fine. It's awesome. They tell you like everything because they know like what's the last time I had with coach Johnson and coach Dickie's watching, watching the coach on the morning, feels a lot from him. So like you know what's going on, it's great. How was the experience that you got the big reps in the big games, all that helped? It really boosted my confidence. And I can lead the young guys too. So I know it was going on because they really don't really miss this first time spring. So I like to do my stuff. Just that leadership of them. Resortility has also been mentioned a lot. It's been a lot of both sides of the ball playing in different spots. Can you elaborate on that? Yeah. Yeah, I can beat that question a lot more time.

5:15:46Can you just talk about the versatility that coach has been talking a lot about that uproar? So as a ball, can you guys in different spots be able to win? Yeah, so like, you all see it in last year. We lost two stars, all maybe starters. So like really guys can get stepped up and like going to season, I didn't know I was playing the start of the left guard. And I didn't really know I was going to bounce over the right. And what a donny knew is I'm going to bounce out the tackle. So like it really helps everyone. I think a lot of guys at season are playing multiple positions and it's going to help us in football. But if you learn from Donnie and John, you're setting all set. Just like technique wise, they really helped me like pretty snap stuff and like no one might watch what you guys have. I'm like, I'm pretty surprised. Right. Thank you. Thank you. 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 fellows? This could be something.

5:16:47I 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. And he was our only freshman ever to receive an ironbuck eye 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 kind of what I knew. Steve, it means more on that. When you and Mara first got here, Gary and Chris were adamant about the way that you guys even was fresh. We're pushing two guys who were about to be first round draft picks. And then Mara kind of said the same thing about Karnel 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 all the stakes, but we keep bringing in these type of people year in and year out.

5:17:50That's what makes our room so great. But I think that something that JJ was able to push me in was just, you know, he was 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. Because we were always paired together when it came to summer and when our workouts were always lifting together. You know, 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 boss and kind of the three weeks of talk. I don't obviously there's still that motivation to go on and win a national championship. How do you keep that kind of edge for lack of a better term mentally after some of that stuff has kind of gone away probably the big win? I would say kind of if you lose your edge, I wouldn't really call you a true competitor. I think that, you know, the way with the college football playoffs is structured. The intensity cranks every single week.

5:18:52So if you're not more intense than you were the last week, then something's wrong with you. I think that, you know, 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. And then, you know, 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. Mecha, there's been a lot of change in college football in the playoffs and things of that nature. But, you know, the way in some of you and some of your teammates and coaches talking about the Rose Bowl seems like that's one game that's really, you know, maintained a lot of that tradition. You play the net, you know, what it's about. Could you explain it to, you know, also, you would never have a chance to play the why the Rose Bowl has maintained, you know, that level of respect from players and coaches? Yeah, I think, I don't know, they're 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 and year out. And it's kind of the game you dream of playing in when you're a little kid, you know, playing backyard football with your friends.

5:19:52The Rose Bowl is always one that tends to come up. So just having a chance to play in 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 Oregon. Dan, let me worry. Matthew Will said he still has 90 minutes about that first game in Oregon. Just what kind of drive you seem to him this week wanting to get back to this one? Yeah, Will is a he's 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. Then yesterday, a better practice in Oregon 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 Garbin, Buck I have. Matthew, when were your kids playing back here? Are you able to get in with what team we played for?

5:20:53Honestly, I was never really a Buck I fan until, you know, I really committed here. And I saw what it was all about. I was actually an Oregon fan growing up, especially on the Pacific Northwest. You know, my grandpa went to UW and stuff like that. So I like the Huskies too. But there was a legendary football player named Foto Liatto from my high school and he went to Oregon. And a couple of y'all probably know that story. So I'm a couple of years back, but he tragically died in the car accident. And, you know, he was, he was someone I looked up to in high school. You know, I was relatively close with him even though he was a bit older than me in age. But I'm just seeing what he did at my high school and then going on to play big time football out Oregon. That was a school that I really dreamed of going to. They build a bit like this back. I think that's another Jeremiah question. Is there one moment, one play, one something that made you go, oh man, I've never seen it before. That's just incredible. Yeah, I would say it's happened multiple times.

5:21:53There'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 bowl. 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. But it's just more common now for me. The land that one that came from the north. You had, I think, 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 productive, 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 gameplay is going to be, but we're paired for everything. You know, I'm not going to get too much into schemas, 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 zero or one, we're just looking to get this win on the road, because it's really a road game for us, you know, flying across two times zones. So I think that, you know, it's going to be a great matchup, but they tend to focus on me more or not.

5:22:59It 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 ended? You look at it, it's actually a car not only a similar to the other two games. You can kind of feel it throughout the game, I would say. You know, 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 competitor nature and that wants to contribute as much as he can. So, you know, 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, you know, sometimes that's just how the game goes. You know, I had a game this year where I only had one catch, but you know, we ended up winning by lot. So, I think that, you know, 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, I think 95% of the bar off the ground. He's like number three.

5:24:00You see his work as a whole of those things that he goes in there and makes play. You guys ever come behind him like, yeah, this guy could absolutely be a number one of the most golf bar off the game. 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, you know, 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 favorable matchup 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, how long are you 24 hours? Yeah, and then at the end of that game, you made one of the clutch plays that passed down the sideline. At any time when you make that play, you think, did you ever, your mind, we're going to win this game after we're now close to field goal range.