Press Conferences (Phil Daniels) Elite Edition September 3

I said schedules, routine, diet, everything is pro here.

Even when you practice, you can't really take people down, you can't do certain things.

You have your chin.

It's pretty cool here.

We talked to you in the spring.

The way you talk, I'm gonna say we're both in love.

We're very, whoa, this place is super happy.

It's all the different things you're all up to.

It's like a shock, yeah, let us in.

Did you start believing that you actually belong all there and how did that maybe change

from a new culture to allowing you to have the steps you take for a change?

Honestly, I feel like I knew I belonged here when I was practicing here during their playoff

and I was going to get Jack Sawyer and JT and they were just talking to me, especially

Jack.

He was like really cool with me and he was just telling me like, you're gonna be good.

And I'm like, if I'm getting praised from them and they're some of the best pastures

and I'm going to get like, Tileek and all of them and I'm like, okay, if they tell me

I'm good, then I'm going to be good, then.

Where are some of the guys in that defensive line who have really pushed you in this year's

camp?

Um, Ken Curry, high motor, like you can think you clamp him and then he's gonna do something

crazy.

So you always gotta be, you always gonna be on your toes.

KJ, he's just like, he's like the same size as me.

So it's like going against to like a mirror but like faster and just a little longer arm

and stuff.

So like he's especially a problem in the past in the past trash game.

CJ Higgs, like we battle in the spring.

Like I feel like every day I was going against him and just like his speed, his twitch and

his get off and he's kind of like a mini mini blue carder.

So it's like just going to get some every day.

So like, okay, like once I get it down and I got it down, okay, like cool, like no

thing to do is really give me the word.

You and CJ have pushed each other a lot.

Just going a lot of time together after practice.

It seems like never even in our YouTube or to last week lost your work.

What is it?

What's that relationship?

I got you obviously.

You know, apparently knowing in the six and carrying on.

How valuable is that?

Uh, it's been, it's been really good actually.

Like, yeah, huh, we like, we always say it's a game inside of a game like, well, we're

literally playing mind tricks every time.

Like, I might go out there, fake the hand, snatch.

He going like angle a certain way or he going like do a move that you hasn't done since

spraying on me.

And it's just like, we'll talk about that every time after the play or we'll talk about

it after practice, especially with the run game, trying to help my boy.

Uh, I teach him, teach my boy, eat some tricks and stuff.

And just like, we just like the game inside of a game and I just really value that relationship

that I have on.

How was the versatility of past rushers helped you grow such a bit here?

Um, it's been really good because you know, so we only have past rushers.

We had job joiner.

He was cool.

He was actually really good.

We just had a bunch of like run stoppers and then like transition to past.

So here it's like, some of these dudes, like they kind of, they, some of these dudes are

smart too.

So they know our formation and they know certain things.

So they're like, just key, oh, we're just past or stuff.

So they like come off the ball and they really like really give me the work.

But like, just going against them every day and then like, I can't like, I can't lose the

edge.

I can't take a play off and I'm just really working my craft.

Just really helping me.

Let's put you another step closer to realizing that goal.

Like, do you do appreciate how rare and kind of unbelievable that is in the sleep?

I mean, just to stay in one place for this Patrick IV, right?

It's three, three.

Patrick, maybe just to see that, that kind of consistency ability to stick.

I mean, I don't know if I'll be able to fully appreciate it's on done.

Because like when you're in the thick of it and you're in the day to day, it's kind of hard

to have that, you know, outside looking in perspective on, on your career and longevity.

So I feel like I, I, I think I can appreciate it.

But yeah, just from a day to day perspective, it's hard to do.

And I think one thing that's, that's huge is like you just have to continue to add value,

you know, as, as you get older, there's going to be an influx of, of new players every single

year that are gunning for your job or guys that you are playing against.

And that's something that I've really tried to strive to keep myself at a level where I

can maintain my level of play if not get better.

And I think, I think I'm in my prime.

I think I still, I still think I am.

And I think I'll be able to play as long as I want to knock on wood, barring any freak

accidents.

So I just, you know, I want to be here.

I want to be a part of this team.

And, you know, when, when you, when you want to and you have passion to add value, that

makes it a little easier to get up and do the workouts in the off season, you know, whether

you're 22 or, or going to be 31.

So yeah, I mean, it's, it's definitely special.

You talk about the organizational, I mean, they have always had this, there's a reputation

of rewarding the players.

You see this off season, St. Brown, golf, you know, Pnai, not yourself.

What does, what does it say about the organization that, you know, you feel like it's changing the

reputation a little bit, we're rewarding the guys like this.

Well, first and foremost, those three guys absolutely deserving of every penny they got,

incredible.

And, you know, me being in the room with Pnai every single day, like I was, you know,

ecstatic for him.

And of course, the other guys, but Pnai's, he's my line, he's my guy.

I think it speaks to a good culture that's been built, and it's not built on sand.

It's, it's genuine, it's real.

You bring certain guys in because of what they can add, not just as players, but as people.

And like I said, it's, it's a genuine thing that the, that the staff is looking for, and

it's not, oh, we're just going to bring this guy in and then get rid of him and try to find

something cheaper.

I just think it speaks to the culture.

We find guys that fit, we find guys that represent what we're about, not only are they phenomenal

players, but they represent us, they represent the city.

And to be able to keep a core group of guys around, I feel like more and more in the NFL,

you guys, guys coming in and out, and it's hard to develop kind of some cohesiveness.

And especially us on the offensive line, we got to play together for a long time now.

And that's valuable.

I mean, it's, that's big time.

And then you think even the quarterback position, where his drops are, how he moves in the pocket,

things like that, and then Jared and his familiarity with, with Saint.

And I think it speaks to, they want to win.

We want to win.

This is what we're here to do.

We're here to win, so we're going to keep our guys, they can help us win.

Yeah.

I talked to you last week, and expressed your desire to stay, but it didn't sound like anything

was imminent.

Can you just take us through how this came together from your perspective?

So I've been going back and forth a little bit for probably about a year and a half now,

with the organization, because I knew like I want to be here.

There was no questions for me like, this is the place I want to be.

I want to stay here.

And then there's just a lot of moving parts.

I'm not the only person in this organization.

I'm not the only guy that wants a contract extension.

And then I think, coming off two surgeries, I think they probably wanted to see how I was

moving around a little bit.

And then in OTAs, I actually went up and I had a conversation with Dan.

I was like, where are we at?

I hear things from my agent, and from our salary cat people, and they're talking, and I'm

getting kind of second-hand information.

I want to hear it.

Tell me where we're at, just so I know.

I just want the information, so it's communicated well.

And pretty much what he told me was to ITWA happened.

And I just basically had to stay patient.

And for me, it was never going to be hold out of training camp.

If it comes to the season, we're not going to play games.

That's just not me.

I'm going to show up, and I'm going to play, because that's what I do, and that's what

I'm here to do.

So I think it was pretty seamless.

I just talked to Charlie and Disneyer upstairs.

They said it was super smooth.

I think it happened in a day, which was pretty much how my second one happened.

And my third one happened as well pretty quickly.

So I think there's value in just showing up and going to work.

And I think the team knows that I'm not going to change, just because I'm not getting

what I want when I want it.

And then ultimately, we both got what we wanted.

So for me, I got the information that I wanted from Dan.

And when we communicated, man to man, and it was very amicable.

And since that conversation, I felt like it was promising that it would happen.

I didn't know when.

Exactly.

I had a ballpark idea.

And then it all worked out.

I showed up to camp.

I went and played, and the agents and the salary cap people do their thing.

And now moving forward, I can just focus on playing football.

Going through camp day to day.

I don't have to have any of that hanging over my head.

It's pretty good feeling.

Taylor, all I am doing in the Liberty Fankless job, but it's not here.

What does it mean to play for a team that values that side of the game?

And when did you first sense that from Brad and Dan?

You know, there's a couple times every single camp where Dan will come into the offensive

line room, and he'll say, I need to see it today.

And I've never had a head coach come in our room and say something like that.

And he would pop in every now and then and just say, like, today, I need to see it from

you guys.

Not that we're not out there working hard every single day, but he's like, my eyes are

on you guys today.

And it seems like a lot of those times, they're kind of some ballbuster practices that are

going to be kind of a grinded out.

And that's what offensive line is.

And I think you see it with the way they draft, they draft guys in the trenches.

And even Dayton back to before they were hired, this organist, I was drafted, Graham was

drafted, Joe was always drafted in my class.

Frank was draft, like we were drafting lineman.

We were trying to build this team the right way.

And we had some pieces and then Brad and Dan just continued to build on that.

And I think it's paying dividends.

And I can't speak enough to, you know, going back to the culture fit of the quality of

people that they bring in.

And how when you get along, I don't know, just people's play, flourishes even more.

And that's another big reason, like this is where I wanted to be.

Like I had pretty much no interest in going to any other team.

I wanted to be here.

And a big factor of that is the guys that I get to play with.

And I want to continue to play with them because they're important to me.

And I think, you know, the offensive and defensive line based on how the drafts have gone

and based on the quality of player that they've brought in.

I mean, you can see that it's definitely of importance to the organization.

Kind of along the same lines, given where the roster is, given the success of the team's

head recently, is there something extra-validating about getting your first contract extension

under this specific regime?

Yeah, 100%.

Not that I didn't think that they wanted me here because if they didn't want me here,

I wouldn't be here.

But I had gotten my second contract from a previous regime, basically.

It's not like I never felt like I was like one in here, but it's just like that little

extra.

We want you here.

We want you to continue to add value.

We're a young team, and I'm not getting any younger.

But I still think I can play, and I think I can play for as long as I want.

And that's kind of kept me young, and I feel like that's kept me motivated to kind of

have that edge.

But yeah, I mean, it's just that little extra where it just kind of reconfirms.

I mean, when Dan was hired, he called me that same day.

So it's not an instance of, oh, I'm not one at here.

They just kind of doubled down with this contract.

We love you.

We respect you.

We want you here.

We think you can play.

We think you can continue to add value.

And let's get this thing going.

Thanks, guys.

Thanks, guys.

Yeah.

I just wanted to get more experience under my belt.

So I can bring younger guys with me because I've been through a lot of good.

One of those younger guys, we're seeing it out here.

It's the first time I've heard all your lectures.

What have you seen from Will?

Because I kind of felt like, well, I should have real forgot about him because he was

hurt.

Now he's running almost a second man out of time.

You tied him.

What have you seen him doing?

Well, it was a workhorse.

He goes, stay quiet.

You go work hard.

And that's all I love about him.

He focuses.

He don't really talk much.

He's just going to get a job done, do a job right.

He really has any mistakes?

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 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 that.

That's a lot.

Because that is, you can feel the difference.

There is probably any difference.

It's just the same for you.

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.

It's going to be a finish 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.

You guys could have won that game against them.

Does that tell you anything about like that, hey, you guys want to win a national championship?

But you played to the 59th minute with the team that won the national championship last year.

Like you're that close.

So I'm saying, we just like work harder.

That's kind of coach makes a saying, you know, nobody cares.

Just work harder.

Like those, you know, when we played Georgia, it's the same thing.

Last, last play, you know, they went on the win in 90.

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, as 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 I was working hard and then you always find out there's a little more 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 not look back at it.

I really wasn't working hard at all compared to what I'm doing now.

So just to learn anything.

If the stamina is a 16, then the answer to like, what do you need it to be to be your best?

Uh, 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.

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 again.

That's just too much on our bodies.

Just everybody like online.

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 the life plan, if you like playing that movie snap to me last year, because I don't know.

I don't know if any of us were really expected to play that movie snap.

Uh, 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.

Uh, 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 is he got that you guys in a second?

Oh, yeah, definitely.

K-Mac is a K-Mac animal.

Y'all, you haven't really seen it yet, but in practice, he shows all the time.

He's just, he's growing right now.

He has to work, I think.

He just has to get, you know, in the playbook and things like that.

You guys are about the exact same size.

Listen, you're both listening to 6th or your free 27.

He's free 26.

Yeah, he's, I kind of look at him like my junior, but you know, K-Mac, he's going to be

a great player.

He's got to develop more and get into playbook.

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 task 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,

they're in all season so they can play.

And I just play, they want to like contribute, like make plays, tackle a sex.

It's a great job.

It's a great job.

It seems like these guys get bigger.

Each one of the freshmen class is bigger or bigger.

Do those guys kind of, those are going to kind of while you're in the cell?

Yeah, they're definitely some big dudes.

And they all work hard.

I've only seen much of some day too when I'm passing on.

But throughout the workouts, they've been working hard, you know, they're determined.

I can say that.

And it looks like they're ready to work with me.

How important is those?

It feels like there's a lot of great defenses there.

You have big athletic defensive tactics.

You can eat up space, but also move, you know, right?

Did it happen?

Is that an inquire that maybe for a great defense?

To have guys like you that have some balls, but also a great feeling?

I think that is definitely.

I think if you look at the last couple of nice and much amazing winners,

like Team up North, they got two good, uh, detaco, two athletic detacos.

Look at Georgia, two athletic detacos.

So I think that's definitely neat if you want to go on that big run and beat those big teams.

If you think about this, they won't defied by the defense attack.

What's Georgia?

Jordan Davis and Daniel Carter.

Let's miss you again.

It's Chris Jenkins.

Couple more questions.

You might as well know how.

I mean, you understand it because you play 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 detacos.

Yeah.

Like in the combine, just now, you see in like those guys, they're moving four to four, seven, eights and things like that.

So we'll see.

And when you think it, when you think about those freakish athletic defensive tackles,

how do you think you fit into that.

The ball of that kind of player.

You watch that and say, yeah, that's me.

Definitely.

I think I'm top notch when it comes to detacos.

But I don't want to, you know, get a big head, but you know, watch it come on.

I watch it do the drills.

I have tape here.

You're like, you're looking like my film.

So I think I'm up there with all those times.

Do you become like an artist who comes to the bad guy's.

I think your legs can't be clean.

I mean, you're going to spring practice.

You're not doing as much a weapon or the weapon.

That's strong.

How do you work on that?

Do you have like a goal?

I don't remember how much you have.

You have a goal in mind.

How many people do you want to have?

I mean, as many as I can have, I think I have more than that.

But I think they've counted.

I think they've counted some of them.

And some of them were just listed.

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 quarterback is

anywhere 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 players.

So it's something that you really, really have to work on.

You can turn that into a half.

It's a theory that's one of the things that you've maybe worked on the most.

You can turn your time here because there are a few guys that I've seen.

Like, oh, that pastor just took the data.

We don't have that.

We don't have that.

We're kind of kind of expected.

I think I just have like a, like, a eye for the ball kind of.

I kind of just look at the quarterback and just, I see him like load up.

I just try to get his ways.

And sometimes he just throws it to me.

I don't know how your advantage is if you have to be a high state quarterback.

You're back down passes.

I mean, they get frustrated by, you know, we're a team, you know, we're just good.

I should lot of a lot of different backs, man.

They just learn to grow for them.

You got to pick your top three backs.

You got to go right now.

One, two, three.

I don't really have a top three, but I'll give you, I'll give you one.

I would say, say, Juan Gibbs and I like McCaffrey auto.

He was injured this year.

I like McCaffrey.

Who's the best back in this drive?

Best back in this drive.

I lead out of the yard.

That's y'all.

That's y'all decision.

Playing well with Howard.

What I'm going to remember most.

We're a Howard man.

He's just such a great lead, such a great leader, man.

It's just like in moments where, you know, usually a lot of players they fold, man.

He was just always calm and relaxed, man.

He just the leader that he was, man.

That's one thing I'm going to remember about him.

What do you think James P.

Yeah, he's shoot.

He's going to be really good, man.

He's on Coach Lock.

I think he got the transfer in as well from West Virginia.

Just that one, two punch with them both as well.

They're going to be really good backs.

And so James P.

Yeah, man.

He's smart the way that he goes about his business, man.

He's mature.

And so, man, he's growing, you know, just as a person and as a player.

And so, man, yeah, definitely Ohio State.

You know, that running back room is in great hands.

It's great.

It's great.

I was riding like that looking at Leo C.

But I'm just having a nice personality and a good coach.

I'll keep that up until they say more.

Yeah.

Coach Heartline, man.

He's full of energy, man.

And he's creative as well.

You know, I'm just learning from him as well.

I'm trying to run more outside the backfield.

It was being able to learn from Coach Heartline.

And so, he's definitely creative at what he does.

And he brings a lot of energy to the team as well.

And so, I think that would do really good.

So, what's your intensity, man?

Just intensity, man.

And intensity of the playoffs.

Every game, man.

It's like the intensity got, you know, higher and higher.

And so, you know, being able, I know in the lead, it's the same thing.

Even if it's not the playoffs, just every game and intensity

it keeps getting higher and higher.

And so, yeah, you just, I know you got to bring it.

You know, each and every day and come in and work.

Just like Ohio State.

You know, I definitely feel like Ohio State.

They definitely do a good job of preparing us for that.

You know, I just remember even before going through this process,

I'll talk to a lot of players before that.

And they told me a lot of just about how much Ohio State prepared them.

You know, for the NFL.

And so, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I know I took a couple of days off after the National Championship.

And then, shoot, right after that, I'm writing sample Florida.

And I'm right to it.

And so, yeah, I think while I trained, I trained at Yo-Murf Performance.

I think it's called the House of Athlete or the Compound now.

They did a good job, man.

They're just bringing us in.

And the way they went about training.

And then, I think, I think, I think, I think, I think,

I think, I think, I think, I think, I think, I think, I think,

I think, I think, I think, I think, I think, I think, I think,

the way they went about training us, man.

They did a really good job.

Do you have any playing dishwasher in here?

The bucking!' Near.

Can you tell me, guys?

How old is this 천

18?

So, there's somebody in the hair desk and you don't care if you're willing for it,

or if you aren't going to straight it then out for it.

So, we could play ball under kanji or something like that.

So, there's absolutely no form.

It's just really nice.

Hey dog, hi.

Do you want to go to really wide?

Yeah, nah man, it's really all about technique

and then it's about mindset as well.

And so I say, it's for the love of my brother,

it's for the love of Will Howard,

it's for the love of the receivers

who I got on the perimeter.

Just making sure, first of all,

my quarterback doesn't get sacked.

And I told Will, I think it was before the first game.

I was like, I got your brother.

It's like, I said, man, I'm not gonna let you get hit.

And so I don't know if I gave up a sack, I'm not sure that,

but I know if I did, I haven't given up too many.

And so, man, it's for the love of my brother's, though, man,

making sure that the ball get in their hands,

the guys on the outside and making sure they get fed.

Do you have to hit the practice field later today?

What is something you've been working on right now?

We need to try and win.

In my game, you can't really work on this.

In all season, I feel like it's more so,

you got to put the pads on,

you got to go through some inside run, maybe.

It's really just continuing to run through tackles.

And so that's, I feel like that's one of the areas

in my game, I want to continue to get better.

I feel like I did a good job of that in my senior year.

And so I just want to continue to build on that.

So you get what I'm saying?

Yes, I did.

Yes, I did.

So people try to look like, I'll let you RL there.

Get back to nursing.

I can better look better.

I did meet with New Orleans as well.

I never got that comparison, actually.

I know I have a Camera shoe, yeah, man.

I have a Camera, great back, man.

Just what he does and those 101 matchups, he's dangerous, man.

He's so smooth.

He's so smooth as well.

I'm not going to lie, he's smooth.

Yeah.

Inside zone from stack, being able to hit that thing downhill.

And I'll say the next one is probably just

an option out of the backfield.

And man coverage, you're getting on that line backer.

And so.

You have the perfect performance.

It's how you're supposed to be.

And that pressure is on the back.

Like I said.

Yeah, I say the man, the biggest thing

is the way that he carries himself, man, and the way that,

man, he approaches the game.

He comes in with the mindset, he's going to work every single week.

Every practice, he's working hard.

Even shoot, I don't know.

I think he had a, every game was a good game for him, man.

But still, man, he always has the mentality

of the mindset that he's going to come in each and every day.

He's going to continue to work and get better, man.

And so he's definitely, man, he's going to be a special player,

man.

He really is.

Man, a lot of ups and downs, man, it's just how

you respond to adversity.

And I feel like that's something that God has definitely

helped me to do better.

Is this, I have something to lean on now.

I remember before I met him, going through those adversity,

I had nothing to run to.

You can run to people, but they still can't.

It's not too much.

They can't truly help you.

I feel like the only person that can truly help you

is your relationship with Jesus Christ.

And so being able to lean on him, he gives you,

in those moments, where it's tough, where it's low.

And when you're behind the scenes and you're going through things

that people don't know about, he gives you that peace and comfort.

Even in those moments, man, where it's so hard that you can't

explain, it's like, man, I'm going through this,

but how am I still filled with this internal joy?

How do I have so much peace in this situation?

And so that's something that only Jesus Christ can give you.

And so.

You know, the back of the firm, Peterson Power and Judgment

is through our effectiveness.

Which aspect of each of those other individuals

that you run to follow from being around power to end?

Man, those guys have such a great mentality, man.

I just really love their mentality, especially Q as well.

You know, I talked about Will Howard, his leadership,

but Quinshaw mentality, man.

That boy just, yeah, that boy just gifted.

You see, sometimes he put in a situation where he looked like,

he should have a negative five yards.

And as soon as you know it, he either run it through somebody,

step on him somebody, and shoot it, it's a game to 10.

And so.

Do some of the things he does, he just realizes

two different guys.

Yeah.

Shoot, I think.

Yeah, man, I think it's just like, he's just gifted, man.

Too beyond it.

He's just gifted.

You know, he's a big back.

You know, he's strong.

And so, you know, he's able to do those things.

And so, yeah, man, it's definitely, you know,

I look at his game and I want to, you know, at the same time,

I want to learn from Quinshaw.

You know, I want to look at his game and it's like, man,

where can I get better at as well?

You know, that's the type of player I am.

I'm always looking to get better, man.

I'm always looking to grow as a player.

Julian Sand.

Oh, yeah, he's going to be a great, but he's going to be

a great quarterback, man.

He's so, so accurate.

And so, he's definitely, man, I know Coach Day

is definitely going to get him right.

Just, you know, continuing to grow as a leader,

continuing to grow as a player.

And so, he's going to be really good for a high state.

Thanks for watching.

I appreciate it.

I'm going to show you something.

He's, I know just a quarterback position.

I feel like, you know, the quarterbacks in the past,

they've definitely been vocal.

And so, I feel like that's something that they're definitely

going to ask Julian Sand as well.

It's to be that vocal leader and lead the offense

and lead the team.

Shoot, man, he has a build like JK Dobbins.

And I kind of see them, you know, similarities

in their game as well.

And I know JK Dobbins, he was a great running back.

I feel like he's not talked about his none.

A lot, but man, his career here, you watch his highlights.

His, his great.

I remember before I recruit, before I committee here,

I remember watching JK Dobbins highlights like every,

every one of his years here, like four or five times.

And so, man, he was such a great back.

And I feel like, you know, when I see JK Dobbins,

when I see James people, I see similarities to both of their games.

I feel like they play the same.

And so, appreciate you all.

Y'all be going.

I think I'm just a tacky everyday, really the same way.

It's taking advantage very well.

Physically, how different are you?

Weight wise, body wise on that from the year ago.

I think I got a lot bigger.

I'm like 240, I'm like 244 right now.

Last year, I played at like 236, 237.

What does it feel like at 244?

Or maybe I'll be able to feel like a,

almost a different machine out there.

Yeah.

What does it feel like to be running around out there?

Like you are, but with more, more bad.

I just feel like I'm like, like, more downhill,

like stronger, like I'm taking all the bloods better.

It's a big, yeah.

Is it daunting?

Maybe that's not the correct term.

But to think you're going to be playing much more than you did

even last year.

And you played quite a bit last year and stuff.

What do you have to get straight in your head

about being on the field that much more?

Just got to get ready to just play 30 more snaps.

So.

But are you, are you, how would you describe

how much you're looking forward to it from an 8-stand point?

Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

I'm ready for it.

My, I'm ready for it.

The Texas opener, it's a rematch, but it's not really

two different teams compared to the last time you all

played and stuff.

How has that enhanced this camp for you and this team getting

ready for the, we're an opener of that magnitude?

Yeah, with an opener like that, we've been,

we've been emphasizing it a lot.

We know we got coming, so we know we got to do it.

We've been preparing for it.

How are we going to do this, probably, with you?

Yeah.

I'll be asking for a ride.

I think Riley ready to play right now.

He advanced freshman, like he ended up here in the book.

He stood in like he advanced.

And his measurements was crazy.

Like he saw it like the saw it like to him.

Or like you said, you're ready.

Like you know, you're ready.

What was that process like during last season?

Could you feel yourself becoming more and more ready for whatever

the team needed for you?

Yeah, because that's pretty much what my role was.

Just whenever I was needed, I had to step up.

So I feel like that's what built me into me being

able to say I'm ready for this year.

When you say ready, is it more a physical thing?

Is it a mental thing?

When I say ready, I think it's pretty much like everything

physically, mentally, mostly.

I think I'm there.

A different is that feeling this year,

a bandwagon, because it's not the best thing to have.

Asked I one more time.

How different is that responsibility?

That should be that you should be emotional.

Call that.

If it was last year, you knew you were a whole way.

I feel like it's a way bigger responsibility

with me having to step up this year.

But I kind of go about it the same way.

Like last year, I was intentional with everything I did.

I feel like this year, it's going to be the same thing.

It's probably a little bit more.

For somebody who's hungry for them,

it's probably the same thing.

And what work?

How's everybody working?

I say, scrab my game.

I say, when you think of me, you would think of like a bullet,

like a silver bullet.

I don't really a bullet.

I'm always on the ball.

That's how I like to play and think.

What you really want to one body, man?

No, I ain't got to be my nickname, but.

So I'm saying that the beat that's all.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

You want to one body?

Yeah, that's it.

What was it?

A couple of questions for Patricia's style and how it's free.

I mean, how does that fit you?

And what are you going to show me about it,

and how it's like, in that kind of style?

Oh, I think it fit me because I don't know.

I just like the defense.

I feel like we got, like you said, we got a lot of freedom.

And we're moving around a lot of the terms.

It's like, no, I don't know.

I don't really not answer that.

That's OK.

Does it?

You can go on your instincts a little bit more, maybe?

And it's not so thinking of it too much.

I don't even know if I say that, because there's

a lot of thinking going on.

But it's like, I just like it's defense.

I like Patricia's defense.

I like what you got going on.

What was it, Sadwin?

CJ left the ring.

Yeah.

Uh, now I wanted to much sad.

I was kind of like happy for him.

Like, yeah, that's what you want.

Want me to send that?

No.

No.

All right.

No, that's my dog.

I'm going to say it.

Kind of missing a little bit, but yeah, I'm happy for him, though.

Well, don't thank you.

Go ahead.

One last question.

Coach Daze talked a lot about the guys who played

some last year, but maybe weren't the starters and the hunger

for that wasn't maybe your national championship

you guys will win your own.

How much do you feel that is a guy who certainly contributed

last year, but will be in this bigger role

and a lot of some of your classmates?

Yeah, I do feel like, um, yeah, I do feel like I did

win the Natty last year, but like you said, my role wasn't

same as how's going to be this year.

So yeah, I definitely want to want to go get another one.

Experience that, like, feeling maybe on the field,

a lot more place.

That's it.

Great.

Oh, Bill, thank you very much.

You trust fans every week.

And we're pretty sure we look at it.

It's kind of a two dream of growing up.

So it's been sweet.

Next, would you like to add another all?

That's like this?

That has a bunch of high-level guys everywhere.

Yeah, you have to be really optimistic.

Right, yeah, it's awesome.

I mean, I saw a dog a few times today, and I was just like,

oh, it's a touchdown, you know?

If you can see, you can probably know just more walking to the ends

that you do.

You just go up in the ball.

So it's fun to play with guys like that.

And, you know, just opens up the offense as I have to.

So it's a lot fun.

What's the answer to the struggles in the rental

and the push-off?

Yeah, I think we just need to kind of have some little things.

I mean, it's one of two things every time.

So we definitely got to figure that out

and clean it up as we go.

Back to you, we talked about the talent.

If you guys had an all-men, you have those reds on the struggles.

How do you say?

I say, I'm down there, no, I'm just telling you that.

I'm down here.

You know, you're really strong.

Yeah, I mean, these guys take steady.

I mean, we know what we're capable of.

And there's days that we're still confident

on what we can do and we stay confident.

So, for today's talk about the versatility

you want us to see all over the field,

but especially with the tight ends.

Just how fun is it being?

What's the like being part of an all-men?

All kinds of that, you know, ask you to do so many different things.

Have so many different formations and things like that.

Yeah, no, it's fun.

I mean, rolling in and out with those guys,

you're all fun.

Caz, man, Caz is fun.

So it's been fun to do a lot of different things

and a lot of new things that, you know,

I'm just used to doing a lot better.

So I'm excited about that.

Like you're standing here, like,

you're not coming to the whole world.

It's such a good thing.

Yeah, I think I've become a lot better.

I mean, going to this is Gats every day.

Our defense and some real business stuff.

You have no option but to look at it.

So it's been fun.

When you're out there,

what's your last question?

Going up there, I think you guys did last year.

Oh, yeah, I mean, we have this four-inch

kind of stuff.

We have a lot of improvement to make.

And I think we're excited about that.

I think we can do this after this five weeks.

Well, for you, what's the biggest lesson?

Biggest lesson.

Or six.

Six.

You're going to stay even cooler.

Don't get too high.

I mean, there's going to be ups and downs.

But you've got to say you want to say that.

When you're out there with JJ, does it

amazing you some of the things that he does?

Yeah, I mean, you see that we did a practice session.

So honestly, now I see it.

Like he doesn't really amazing as much,

because he's just seen every day.

But he does.

He's a special talent.

He's really playing as much.

So I just wanted to get more experience under my belt.

So I can bring younger guys with me, because I've been through a lot.

One of those younger guys, we're seeing it out here.

It's the first time I've scored all year last year.

What have you seen from Lil?

Because I kind of felt like last year, we all forgot about it,

because he was hurt.

Now he's running almost a second man out of five.

You and Ty.

What have you seen in the next three days?

Well, as a workhorse, he goes, stay quiet.

You go work hard.

And that's all I love about him.

The focus is he don't really talk much.

He's going to get the job done, do a job right.

Rarely has any mistakes.

So what would be a successful season?

A national championship?

Ring, win, all the games we don't want to lose anything.

We got a mindset that we can't be beat.

We just got to go show it.

I'm saying, that mindset different.

Seems like you guys expect a national championship every year,

this year even more so.

You guys all come back for this.

You guys have all decided like that.

I'm not putting it that way.

Is that the case?

Can you feel the difference?

Or is there not really any difference?

It's just the same for me.

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 going home,

and we're not trying to go home.

Finish 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.

You guys could have won that game against them.

Does that tell you anything about like that, hey,

you guys want to win a national championship,

but you played to the 59th minute

with the team that won the national championship last year,

like you're that close.

So I'm saying, we just work harder.

That's kind of a coach who makes a saying,

nobody cares, just work harder.

Like those won't play Georgia.

It's the same thing.

Last play, they went on the win in 90.

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, it's frustrating.

But you can't change the outcome.

You can't really dwell on it.

You just got to come back and work harder,

do things better than you did last year,

and hopefully the outcome will change.

As soon as you get older, you kind of learn.

I thought I was working hard,

and then you always find out there's a little more

that you could have been doing.

Yeah, definitely.

I mean, that's what growing up is basically in college.

I thought, freshman year, I was working.

It's hard as I could, but now I look back at it.

I really wasn't working hard at all,

compared to what I'm doing now.

So just to learn anything.

If the stamina is a 16, then the answer to what

is what do you need it to be to be your best?

Uh, 80, 85?

I mean, I can, it's all on me.

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.

Get in shape.

You know, the idea of a

extension of 16 and 17 and 17 and 17

is a little bit more.

I think I'm going to go that out there.

I think I definitely can last.

I was just, you know, we got to get the young guys

that come along with us.

We can't play 50 snaps again.

That's just too much on our bodies.

Uh, just everybody's like, oh, line, D line.

We got to get those younger guys to play.

You know, get the guys to play.

I think I'm going to go that out there.

I think we, I definitely can last.

I was just, you know, we got to get the young guys

get that pieces on the D line and O line and everywhere else.

So we can last that long.

Speaking of that,

I'm not going to snap.

If you like playing that many snaps again last year,

because I don't know if any of us were really expected

to do that next time.

Ah, yeah, I did.

Unless we were like winning by like a line.

I thought like there are no mom's, you know, I can go sit

down or something, but we're playing them big games like, you know,

Notre Dame too, those kind of games.

I of course I want to be because I know I can contribute.

And I won't want to put that on anyone else.

When I know I get the job.

What stands out about Kaden McDonald is he got the key.

You guys in a second.

Oh, yeah, definitely.

K-Mac is a K-Mac animal.

Y'all you haven't really seen it yet,

but in practice, he shows all the time.

He's just, he's growing right now.

He has to work, I think he just has to get, you know,

in the playbook, things like that.

You guys are about the exact same size.

Listen, you're both listening to 6-3, you're 3-27,

he's 3-26.

Yeah, he's kind of look at him like my junior,

but you know, K-Mac, he's going to be a great player.

He's just got to develop more in getting the playbook.

So really a lot on you older guys,

there's that large group of young guys

and then there's these seniors in the back.

Is that part of your task 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,

earn all season so they can play.

And I just played, I don't want to like contribute,

like make plays, tackle his sex.

It seems like these guys get big.

Each one of the freshmen class is looking very, very good.

Do those guys kind of,

those are going to kind of while you're in the cell?

Yeah, they're definitely some big dudes.

And they all work hard.

I'm going to be seeing much of some of the day too,

when I'm passing on.

But throughout the workouts, they've been working hard,

you know, they're determined.

I would say that.

And it looks like they're ready to work with me.

I'm supporting this, though.

It feels like there's a lot of great defenses

that you have big athletic defensive tackles

who can eat up space, but also move, you know, right?

That is that.

Is that an environment maybe for a great defense?

To have guys like you that have some balls,

but also a great team.

I think that is definitely,

I think if you look at the last couple,

not some championship winners,

like team of North, they didn't know they got two good,

detackled, two athletic detackles.

Look at Georgia, two athletic detackles.

I think that's definitely neat

if you want to go on that big run and beat those big teams.

If you think about that,

they won't defied by the defense tactics actors.

Like what's Georgia?

Jordan Davis and Dylan Carter.

What's Michigan is Chris Jenkins.

Couple more questions.

What is running like how?

I mean, you understand it because you play it,

but I feel like sometime 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

more and more of these like freakish detackles.

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 about this freakish attack,

how do you think you fit into that old,

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 detackles,

but I don't want to, you know, get a big head,

but you know, watch the come on.

I watch it do the drills.

I have Tate here, you like to look at my,

my film.

So I think I'm up there.

Do you become like a artist?

Think of ways.

I mean, you're going to bring practice.

You're not doing as much a weapon.

That's how you work on that.

Do you have like a goal?

I don't remember how many that last year.

You haven't got a goal.

How many do you want to have?

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 some of them were just listed.

But I think we work on drills matching the hand.

I think that goes big.

And what we do is a D line, you know, just affecting the quarter

of the against.

Anyway, you can.

It's just great for the defense.

You know, just that little thing you cover in 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.

You can do that with what you do.

It's a experience.

That's one of the things that you can maybe work on.

You can do it in your time here.

There are a few guys that I've seen.

Like, oh, that pass through the back.

We don't have to ask this.

We kind of kind of expect it.

I think I just have like an eye for the ball kind of.

I kind of just look at the quarterback.

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 hear it.

If you want to be a high state quarterback.

I mean, they get frustrated by, you know, we're a team.

We're just getting ready.

I should lot of different backs, man.

They just learn to grow for them.

You got to pick your top three backs.

You got to go right now.

One of the two.

I don't really have a top three, but I'll give you one.

I would say, say, Juan Gibbs.

And I like McCaffrey.

Although he was injured this year.

I like McCaffrey.

I appreciate it.

Who's the best backman?

Best back in this drive.

I lead out of the yard.

That's y'all decision.

Playing with Will Howard.

What I'm going to remember most.

We're a Howard, man.

He's just such a great leader.

Such a great leader, man.

It's just like in moments where, you know, usually a lot of players they fold, man.

He was just always calm and relaxed, man.

And he just the leader that he was, man.

That's one thing I'm going to remember about him.

What do you think James P.

What do you think James P.

What do you think James P.

Yeah, he's, he's going to be really good, man.

He's on Coastal Lodge.

I think he got the transfer in as well from West Virginia.

Just that one two punch with them both as well.

They're going to be really good backs.

And so James P.

was, man, he's smart the way that he goes about his business, man.

He's mature.

And so, man, he's growing, you know, just as a person and as a player.

And so, man, yeah, definitely Ohio State.

You know, that running back room is in great hands.

Yeah.

Coach, Coach Hartline, man.

He's full of energy, man.

And he's creative as well, you know.

I'm just learning from him as well, you know.

I'm trying to run more outside the backfield.

It was being able to learn from Coach Hartline.

And so, he's definitely creative at what he does.

And he brings a lot of energy to the team as well.

And so, I think they'll do really good.

Just the intensity, man.

And since the other playoffs, every game, man, is like the intensity got, you know, higher and higher.

And so, you know, being able, I know in the lead, it's the same thing, even if it's not the playoffs, just every game and intensity

it keeps getting higher and higher.

And so, yeah, you just, I know you got to bring it, you know, each and every day and come into work.

Just like Ohio State, you know, I definitely feel like Ohio State, they definitely do a good job of preparing us for that.

You know, I just remember even before going through this process, I'll talk to a lot of players before that.

And they told me a lot of just about how much Ohio State prepared them, you know, for the NFL.

And so, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I know I took a couple of days off after the National Championship and then shoot right after that.

I'm writing sample Florida and I'm writing to it.

And so, yeah, I think while I trained, I trained that your performance.

I think it's called the House of Athlete or the Compound now.

They did a good job, man.

They're just bringing us in and the way they went about training us, man, they did a really good job.

The Bucking Nears, you know what I have in it.

Tampa, Tampa, nice.

It's a nice city, man.

Really nice.

The 40, the broad and the vert.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, man.

It's really all about technique and then it's about mindset as well.

And so, I say, you know, it's for the love of my brother.

It's for the love of Will Howard.

It's for the love of the receivers who I got on the perimeter.

Just making sure, you know, first of all, my quarterback doesn't get sacked.

And I told Will, I think it was before the first game.

I was like, I got your brother.

It's, I said, man, I'm not going to let you get hit, you know.

And so, I don't know if I gave up a sack.

I'm not sure that, but I know if I did, I haven't given up too many.

And so, man, it's for the love of my brothers, though, man, making sure the ball

getting their hands, you know, the guys on the outside and making sure they get fed.

You had to hit the practice field later today.

What is something you've been working on right now when you need to?

In my game.

You can't really work on this, you know, in all season, I feel like it's more so.

You know, you got to put the pads on.

You got to go through some inside run, you know, maybe it's really just continuing to run through tackles.

And so, that's, I feel like that's one of the areas in my game.

You know, I want to continue to get better.

I feel like I did a good job of that in my senior year.

And so, I just want to continue to build on that.

Yes, I did.

Yes, I did.

So, people trained all to look like now, but tomorrow, you get back in nursing.

I can be better than you before.

I did meet with New Orleans as well.

I never got that comparison.

Actually, I know I have a Camera.

Sure, yeah, man, I have a Camera.

Great, great back, man.

Just what he does and those 101 matchups, he's dangerous, man.

And he's so smooth.

He's so smooth as well.

I'm not going to lie.

He's smooth.

Yeah.

Inside zone from stack, being able to hit that thing downhill.

And I'll say the next one is probably just an option route out of the back.

And man, man, coverage, you're getting on that line backer.

And so.

Great.

What do you have?

What do you mean to be here?

Make up a few years, Jeremiah.

Do you have the current, of course, you will sit down with these how you're supposed to do this?

What we do is, and you have pressure.

So, what do you think you do?

Like I said, you know?

Yeah, I say to man, the biggest thing is the way that he carries himself, man.

And the way that, man, he approaches the game.

He comes in with the mindset, you know, he's going to work every single week.

You know, every practice, you know, he's working hard.

You know, even shoot, I don't know, every good, I think he had it.

Every game was a good game for him, man.

And so, but still, man, he always has the mentality to mindset that, you know, he's going to come in each and every day.

He's going to continue to work and get better, man.

And so he's definitely, man, he's going to be a special player, man.

He really is.

Man, a lot of ups and downs, man.

It's just how you respond to adversity.

And I feel like that's something that God has definitely helped me to do better.

It's just, I'm not having something to lean on now.

You know, I remember before I met him, you know, going through those adversity.

I had nothing to run to.

You know, you can run to people, but they still can't.

It's not too much, they can't truly help you.

You know, I feel like, you know, I feel like the only person that can truly help you is your relationship with Jesus Christ.

And so, being able to lean on him, you know, he gives you, in those moments, where it's tough, you know, where it's slow.

And when you're behind the scenes and you're going through things that people don't know about, he gives you that peace and comfort.

You know, even in those moments, man, where it's so hard that you can't explain.

It's like, man, I'm going through this, but like, how am I still filled with this internal joy?

You know, how do I have so much peace in this situation?

And so, that's something that only Jesus Christ can give you.

And so,

the back of the firm, the human's power and justice, the human's power.

Which aspect can be to those other individuals that you run to, and from being around power to heaven?

Um, man, those guys have such a great mentality, man.

Am I just really loved their mentality, especially Q as well.

You know, I talked about Will Howard, his leadership, but Quincham mentality, man, um,

that boy just, yeah, that boy just gifted, you know, you see, you know, sometimes he put in a situation where he looked like, you know, he should have a negative five yards.

And as soon as you know it, you know, he, the running through somebody, still farming somebody and shoot, it's a game to 10.

And so,

Do some of the things that he does, he just realizes two different things.

Yeah.

Um, shoot, I think.

Yeah, man, I think it's just like, he's just gifted, man, to be honest.

He's just gifted, you know, he's, he's a big back.

You know, he's strong and so, um, you know, he's, he's able to do, he's able to do those things.

And so, um, yeah, man, it's definitely, you know, I look at his game and I want to, you know, at the same time, I want to learn from Quincham.

You know, I want to look at this game and it's like, man, where, where can I get better at as well?

You know, that's the type of player I am.

I'm always looking to get better, man.

I'm always looking to grow as a player.

What's your last speech?

Julian San.

Oh, yeah, he's going to be a great, but he's going to be a great quarterback, man.

He's so, so accurate.

And so, um, he's definitely, man, I know Coach Dez is definitely going to get him right.

Just, you know, um, container, grow as a leader, container, grow as a player.

And so, he's going to be really good for a high state.

Thanks for the fight, guys.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Uh, he's, I know just the quarterback position.

Um, I feel like, you know, the quarterbacks in the past, they've, they've definitely been vocal.

And so, I feel like that's something that they're definitely going to, um, ask Julian San as well.

It's to be that vocal leader and lead, um, and lead to offense and lead to steam.

Thanks, guys.

Thanks, guys.

Thanks for the fight.

Thank you.

Sure, man.

He has, he has a bill like JK Dobbins.

And, um, I kind of see them, you know, similar, similarities in their game as well.

And I know JK Dobbins, he was a great running back.

Um, I feel like he's not talked about his, not a lot, but man, his career here, you watch his highlights is, is great.

I remember, um, before I recruit, before I committed here, I remember watching JK Dobbins highlights like every, every, um, one of his years here.

Like four or five times.

And so, man, he was such a great back.

And, um, I feel like, you know, um, when I see JK Dobbins, when I see, um, James people, I see similarities to both of their games.

I feel like they play the same.

And so, appreciate you all.

Yeah, I'll be going.

Appreciate you all.

Yeah, I'll be going.

This.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I got coming in last year I knew the road so I just tacked Eric Dave really the same way.

It's taking a van very rough.

Physically, how different are you?

Weight wise, body wise on that from the year ago.

I think I got a lot bigger.

I'm like 240.

I'm like 240-4 right now.

Last year I played it like 236-37.

What does it feel like at 244 or a belt?

It feels like a almost a different machine out there.

What does it feel like to be running around out there like you are?

With more than a more bad.

I just feel like I'm like like more downhill, stronger.

Like I'm taking all the bloods better.

It's a big move.

Is it daunting?

Maybe that's not the correct term.

But to think you're going to be playing much more than you did even last year.

And you played quite a bit last year instead.

What do you have to get straight in your head about being on the field that much more?

You just got to get ready to just play 30 more snaps.

How would you describe how much you're looking forward to it from an age standpoint?

I'm looking forward to it.

I'm ready for it.

The text is open.

It's a rematch.

It's not really two different teams compared to the last time you all played and stuff.

How has that enhanced this camp for you and this team getting ready for the where an opener of that magnitude?

Yeah, with an opener like that, we've been emphasizing it a lot.

We know we got coming.

So we know we got to do what we prepared for it.

Already just broadly.

I think Riley ready to play right now.

He advanced freshman like he in the book.

He stood in like he advanced and his measurements crazy.

Like he saw like the saw line to him.

Or like you said you're ready.

What was that process like during last season?

Could you feel yourself becoming more and more?

Ready?

So every team needed to do it?

Yeah, because that's pretty much what my role was.

Just whenever I was needed, I had to step up.

So I feel like that's what built me into me being able to say I'm ready for this year.

When you say ready, is it more a physical thing?

Is it a mental thing?

When I say ready, I think it's pretty much like everything physically, mentally, mostly.

I think I'm there.

A different is that feeling into your band life?

That's possible.

Asked a little more time.

How different is that response ability?

That's just the emotional story.

It was last year.

You knew you were a home player.

I feel like it's a way bigger responsibility with me having to step up this year.

But I kind of go about it the same way.

Like last year I was intentional with everything I did.

I feel like this year is going to be the same thing.

It's probably a little bit more.

And what work?

How's everybody working?

I say, describe my game.

When you think of me, you think of like a bully, like a silver bullet.

I don't really know what it's like.

That's how I like to play a thing.

I don't think I'm going to be my nickname.

I'm not saying that the deep.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

That's it.

How does that fit you?

And what are you and your work about?

The playing in that kind of stuff?

I think it fit me because I don't know.

I just like the defense.

I feel like we got, like you said, we got a lot of freedom.

We're moving around a lot of the time.

I don't know.

I don't really know how to answer that.

That's okay.

You can go on your fan stakes a little bit more, maybe.

That's not so thinking of too much.

I don't even know if I say that because there's a lot of thinking going on.

I just like his deep.

I like how the three are deep.

I like what he got going on.

I was a sad one.

CJ left me.

Yeah.

Now I wanted to much sad.

I was kind of like happy for him.

That's what you want.

No.

No.

That's my dog.

I'm kind of missing a little bit.

I'm happy for him.

Well, don't think.

Go ahead.

One last question.

Coach Daze talked a lot about the guys who played some last year, but maybe weren't the

starters and the hunger for that wasn't maybe your national championship.

You guys will win your own.

How much do you feel that is a guy who certainly contributed last year, but will be in this bigger

field and along the summer year, your classmates?

Yeah, I do feel like.

Yeah, I do feel like I did win a national championship, but like you said, my role wasn't

same as how it's going to be this year.

So yeah, I definitely want to go get another one experienced that like feeling maybe on

the field, a lot more place.

Sorry.

Oh, Bill, thank you very much.

Thanks.

I'll take quarterback.

I'll take quarterback.

He's very smart.

He doesn't really take too many chances.

He knows what he wants to do.

He goes through as well.

That's a good time to go back.

I'm going to go back a little bit later.

I've been very talented here.

I have to see him as well.

I'm going to have you find me on the field.

What is it about the Hamilton?

I don't know.

They back to those two places, and then off the cap to work in the first time around.

I think you just get me right into this.

You know, it's not a lot.

You put the process like to address that and how different it is.

You just ask the name and that's fell.

You guys probably won't be able to play if you mention the quarter of 4x guys.

What's the advantage of this?

It seems over on the outside like it's pretty.

It's just a pretty much the way what was it like.

This is really good.

You know, what are these things that you've sort of changed over?

Maybe some of the lost things.

Yeah, he's just, you know, very simple and trusting the guys.

You know, he's got so much trust in the coaches.

You know, make the right, you know, to change his, of course,

to be in the test position, it's possible.

I think they just died.

I think for us, we just had a block there and just accomplished the,

the plan and whatever players called, whatever maybe,

just go out there and execute it.

I don't think we appreciate it.

Execution is just a lot.

It's really been motive.

I think we called it.

As long as everybody's mindset is,

has one mentality, which is, you know,

just go getting, you know, make sure you know your game.

I think that changes the mindset of everybody on the suitable.

You know, you're right on the big changes in you all.

As they were arguing.

Take the horse.

I mean, at first, like, you know, it was a tough loss.

So, you know, as they ain't, it felt like everything was big.

But then when you kind of just take your time to look at everything,

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 Letterman Raw?

Yeah.

JT, I know you get to watch a little bit of video of Caleb

and Lathen and Jordan.

What stands out about that group from your vantage point?

Oh, they're respected.

They're relentless, man.

I mean, Lathen, Caleb, and, I mean, everybody in that BIA core,

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, the script is 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're going to mean 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

and then we have each other's backs and just trust one another.

And, man, I think that that performance is going to be off the charts.

Well, for the right, Kelly and Stitz, that we have.

DT, how would you describe the mentality of the defense right now

getting this opportunity for a remastered 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 at stake right now, you know, 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 to play in 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 lost your mind in that ballroom?

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 hit deep.

I understand it.

Man, we still, we 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.

By 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.

After all, right?

Letterman, right?

Hey, Jay, what did you see from Ken?

You know, the last couple of weeks,

was there like a push from him?

And there were many conversations with him.

You could see like he's playing some special ball in Tennessee.

Yeah, I mean, that's my boy.

He's in the R2X club too, but, you know,

Keata, I mean, every time there's 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, I just want to put this back.

Dylan gave us obviously a very elusive and a talented,

and he's not very tall.

And 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,

knowing who you're playing against.

Like you said, he's a, he's surely 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 Knowles and understand how we can just

eliminate that.

One question about you and Jack.

I mean, your personality seems to be a little different.

You're more on the quiet side.

Yeah.

How are we?

You've played together four years, both five-star 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, I'm quiet.

But you know, once we're on that field, we're like the same person.

We'll do anything for this team.

You know, we'll die for our players and we'll give everything we got.

Room together for four years, correct?

Yeah.

Fall camp.

Every room.

Yeah, sometimes go over there.

So over there.

Yeah.

There's the neat one who's the messy one.

Uh, we have our share of days when we, when I'm neat, he's neat.

Or, you know, we might both be messy, but we do a good job.

No problem.

Yeah.

Oh, I'd probably say I would better pick the Jack though.

Tony Gertman, Buck I Hell.

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 in that game?

So you don't have any preconceived notions of what you're going up against

offence on the offensive 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, 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,

for the past game.

We got a couple calls on Zoom that will 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 won't be a time.

Yeah, no problem.

I want 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 adversities

to where you are, are 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 are a lot of things we can take away from all the wins and losses.

From those wins, we understood that, hey, we can be the best defense in the country.

And from those losses, we understand that there are still things that need to be fixed.

And I think when you take all that in at once,

that comes out to the common goal or the common talker,

which is, there are 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 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 is that the season went on, we had to understand that,

you know, we have to know what's going on in the back can, we have to know what's going on,

the linebacker crew to understand what plays we have,

Ruma Freeta.

And I think once we understood that and got a better understanding of everybody's job,

I mean, it showed this play because everybody knows we each other's doing.

It's not like the linebacker knows 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 on,

you know, if they're blitzing how they can get to the quarterback and, you know, if I'm dropping,

playing quarterbacks by 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 DeZoe knows how to play corner-bedded and 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.

Yeah.

So, yes, of course, when we have will that when he's firing, it's ultimately going to help our whole team.

But that's the kind of mindset that we have for everybody is that we all need to be doing our part,

doing our job.

And ultimately we have the guys, we have the talent.

And so you'll look at the scoreboard and like we're at.

Scott, you will let you have a couple of Zoom questions and you have them there?

Yes, sir.

Our first question is going to come from Michael Cohen.

Michael, go ahead.

Do you want to instead of trying to throw that first punch early in games, there's different ways you could try and do it to do so vertically in the passing game aggressively?

Like where does that come from?

Is that a coach day message, a coach Kelly message, somewhere else just to attack in that way in particular deep down the field repeatedly?

Yeah, I think that's just our entire identity as an offense.

I think, yeah, definitely coach day, coach Kelly, they kind of install that mindset is that we're not going to hold back.

We're not going to hold back.

We're not going to hold back.

We're going to come after them.

And sometimes coming after your offense or sorry, coming after your defense doesn't always look like taking a 50 yard, 60 yard shot down the field.

Sometimes that's just we're going to run the ball right at you.

And so I think it's, yeah, that's just kind of the mindset behind it.

We're going to come right after you guys despite how it looks.

It might be a vertical throw or it might be, it might be running in between the tackles, but the whole message stays the same is that we're going to be dominant.

We're going to be the proactive ones that we're going to throw the first punch.

Next one is going to come from Dan Hope.

Dan, go ahead.

Gee, you mentioned that you guys need to upgrade every week.

How do you guys make sure you keep that same edge you've had?

You don't get complacent when you've played as well as you have the last two games?

Yeah.

I think that's everybody's job in here.

And I think a special, a special emphasis on our coaching staff that they have a responsibility to make sure from top to bottom that this thing stays like a run well.

Ran, oiled machine.

And I think they do a great job at that.

One thing that don't allow us to do around here is get complacent or to be comfortable with wins.

Although, you know, Coach Dada is a great job.

He tells us all the time, you know, to, whenever we win these games, he says, enjoy this win for 24 hours.

You know, be able to feel it.

It's important to celebrate your victories.

But when you come back in your 24 hours later, run it the next week.

It's too competitive out here.

Playing out of how it's going to stay, you can't lose football games.

The whole goal is to celebrate the victory.

But, you know, get your head down and get right back to work.

Whether you win or you lose or whatever it looked like last week.

To get your head back down and get back to work and show up for Tuesday practice and get ready to roll again.

Our final one from Zoom is going to come from Kurt Bulls.

Kurt, go ahead.

Hey, gee.

I don't know if you even watched the Texas gamer or what to their tape.

Obviously, it blew a 16 point lead.

The way you guys are riding high and dominating, do you feel like that gives you an edge in confidence in this game?

And do you think you all play a more physical brand of football to Texas?

No, I wouldn't say that we find our confidence in anything that an opponent would do.

Like I mentioned a moment ago, we, all of our confidence and all of our motivational, all of our motivation comes internally.

We don't look at an opponent and say, you know, they blew a 16 point lead.

Or, so we're going to give us more confidence that, you know, how much more can we do?

Or we're not going to look at team that maybe just blew out another team and maybe be a little bit more timid because this is going to be a good team.

I think a lot of our motivation and a lot of our drive comes from what happens internally in this building.

I don't care what anyone says.

You can show it before games. You can take your shirt off.

You can try to flex your muscles and, you know, look however you want to look.

But when you cut on the tape, ultimately what you put in this week and throughout the week preparation and what you did this whole entire year is what's going to show up on Saturdays.

The raw raw stuff, the, you know, the false motivation that may come from, you know, what happened week prior to that team.

That's all, that's all meaningless.

What really is important is what did you do that week to prepare to be ready for competitive excellence on Saturday.

And so that's the mission around here is to make sure we're doing our due diligence.

We're putting the work in necessary to show up on Saturday to be confident and dominant.

We have time for a few more questions here locally.

The whole shearant WBNS.

What's it going to be like going up against Quenures and what was your relationship like with him when he was here?

Yeah, I briefly met.

It was good happening here. He was definitely a cool guy.

We never, he wasn't here long enough for him and I to be very close.

But obviously, you know, when you line up on the other side of the field, it's, there's no, you know, friendships in that moment, you know, where they're to win a game.

And so, I think, I don't think it really makes a difference if, you know, who's that quarterback?

And I don't think that's something that we're going to be thinking about.

But obviously, you know, after the game or, you know, it's going to be exciting to play against, you know, someone that you know, but ultimately, it doesn't really matter who's in their uniform.

So, you know, we're going to, our goal is to come after them regardless of who they are.

Now, over the left, Noah Weiss, go through the flattered.

How have you seen Will change on the field and off the field for the moment, you first met him?

Yeah. Will has, you know, continuously became more of a confident leader.

He's somebody that I've seen take tremendous strides in his faith and his servant leadership.

And it's just been amazing to be a part of and amazing to witness.

I think he's just been continuously growing to be more comfortable and confident.

And this is all of just one year.

I mean, I could only imagine if he were to have two years here and what he would be able to accomplish.

But it's just been amazing to be around him.

He's grew to be one of my better friends on this team.

And, you know, I'm assuming I'm speaking off all of the buck I nation that we're excited to have him.

There were been ones, both of us this past.

G you and everyone in your class.

That ups and downs and previous years you've fallen short of your goals.

I know you're focused on the moment.

But are you guys savoring this?

That maybe the disappointments have made this even more special, even within this year?

Yeah. Yeah.

I ride on my high black every game, Romans 8.28.

And we know that all of things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.

And I'm just a firm believer that everything that we have been through as a team, all the hurt, all the hardship, all the tears, all the shame, everything we've been through has ultimately led us to where we are today.

And I have confidence in that.

And that's why I'm not a big believer in getting too high or getting too low.

When I lose games, I try to stay, you know, as even kill as possible.

Same way when we win games.

Because I ultimately just have the faith and the ability to know that the Lord is working all of these things.

And the Lord is working all of these things together to make us better.

So these moments, I think, through hardship, I believe that makes people closer.

And so I think as a result of the things that we have been through, you're looking at a very tight knit team.

And so I'm just excited for what the future holds for us.

You need to learn to shame.

And, you know, like losing a game is not a crime.

It's just a disappointment.

Is that the kind of pressure that you guys feel here that when you lose, it's not just a loss?

It's shame?

Yeah, it's important right here.

Especially at the Ohio State University, from the time that you sign up here, you know exactly what you're getting into.

And our coaching staff does a great job of making sure when it's time to, you know, after you go through a whole spring, summer and off season,

that by the time we get to game one, you know exactly what you're up for.

And so losing is absolutely unacceptable around here.

And there can be a bit of shame to maybe even show yourself in public because of a loss that you've had.

But again, my point being is that despite the things that we have been through, I'm a firm believer that there has to be a certain amount of faith that you have trust that all of these things are working for moments like this.

And, you know, even in my, I don't know how this might sound, but even in my personal life regardless of even what happens in the future from today moving forward,

I will continue to keep the faith that that's working for my good, whether it's making me a better father one day in the future, a better husband one day in the future.

However, that may look, I believe in how the faith that the Lord is working all things together for the good of those who love him.

A couple more questions. Do you have a Birmingham podcast?

Yeah, I, you're starting to go down the road. I was just going to ask about it anyway because it's the transformation you as a person.

So, I think, obviously everyone. Can you imagine yourself three years ago, being the person you are now and now leaving you, I say, whenever it happens, whether it's one week or three weeks from now?

Like with the legacy that you're leaving here, is it something that you would have ever imagined about yourself?

No, man. No, I think there's, I think what has taken place in my life and the lives of other people on this team.

And I know that this, I'm here to talk about football, but it's a true testament of the Lord that I serve.

He's taken my heart and he's made me new. His word promises that he'll take your heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh, that he will soften you and making you more into his image when you take on your cross and know him.

And I think that's exactly what has taken place in my life. And just when I look back on my journey and the things that I've been through, even that question that you just asked me, it kind of made me a little emotional just because when you said that for whatever reason, I just thought back just some years ago when I, when I headbutted that, you know, guy from Team North and just the amount of public ridicule that I received from that and the anger that I've received in that.

You know, that's just one thing that was blown up big, but there were other things that were going on that maybe like that was a behavior pattern that I maybe I had and I just look at what the Lord has done in my life and not just myself, but other guys on this team.

It's just been amazing to say the least. And I'm able to stand here confident and say the things that I do because of the revelation that he has given me that he is true and that no matter what happens on this field.

That there's a place that I can call home with a relationship with him.

It's an interesting juxtaposition of you were on, you were on the way to being like the bad example.

Yeah.

Like, don't, here's a guy with all this opportunity and took this path and you took it and changed it.

And I just, I just think it's fascinating.

No.

But we don't talk too often.

No, no.

Is he just in the world, you know, five or six years?

No, not at all.

No, no, no.

No, man, but you're absolutely right.

And again, I say it again and I emphasize it that it's just a true testament of Christ.

And I just encourage everybody that's even whether in the room or watching it, that if you may, you may feel like you're that protocol.

You're that one who's felt like you straight away too far and there's no way that a Lord can forgive the Lord that you're talking about can forgive the things that I've done.

I just want to encourage you that there's no sin that you've committed that can outweigh his justice and outweigh his grace that he has for you and the love that he has for you.

And so I think there was intentional the things that I went through to get to where I am now to maybe shine that light on somebody else.

Good work from Columbus here.

Joey Coppen, Columbus, this path.

Texas has passed defense just to go to the living big plays and getting interceptions.

What is stood out about that back end when you watch some of my films?

Yeah.

I think just for a couple days of how to watch them on film, I think top to bottom, they look like a pretty good team.

It looks like they do a good job all the way around.

They look again, they look good, but these are the moments that you live for.

These are the moments that the reasons why you come here to a house date.

We've reached all the time to like when you come here, you play for games where you play against someone.

We call these match-up games where you're almost playing against yourself.

And when you're playing against yourself, that means you're not just going to be bigger.

You're not just going to be stronger.

You're not just going to be faster.

And so the question comes down to, well, if I'm not bigger and stronger or faster and we kind of look the same, then what's going to make me win?

And I think ultimately the answer to that question is all the intangible things that you work on throughout the season.

The things that kind of you can't really see on the outside.

The grit that you may have in your heart.

The distance that you're willing to go to win the game.

The skill that you have acquired throughout the season.

All of the intangible things are going to be on display this weekend.

And we'll see either them or ourselves who has put more into the intangibles to win these kind of games.

Any final questions? Tim May, Letterman Rowe.

Yeah, as you've been speaking here, gee, I'm just thinking of other teams I've covered in the past.

Really good teams and stuff.

And one guy one time tell me there was almost like a home in the background when you're in this building and stuff of like work being done and things like that.

And you kind of, you have a feel for the spiritual aspect of this team also and stuff.

Do you feel that special home or where we want to call it about this team at this moment?

Without a doubt, without a doubt, I said it a few times in an interview post-game.

And I'll say it again, there was a moment that we were able to share after coming off of that loss against Team of North.

We had a player-led meeting where we were able to catch out some of the differences what we think is going wrong.

There was just a moment to be very vulnerable with each other as brothers.

There was some frustration that was going on and ultimately at the end of it in this room actually.

We stood in here all 100 plus guys and we locked in arms. We put arms around each other.

Actually, when you looked around in that moment, there were actually a few guys that were even tearing up just because of the powerful moment that it was and we were able to pray together.

And I think ever since that moment moving forward, I wouldn't even say it's just from that moment.

I kind of knew all along, but I believe that there's something very special about this team.

And I think people are getting ready to witness the special ability that this team has.

I've received many, a lot of ridicule and coming after losses of just how people may say things like they.

I miss real football players. I'm tired of these Christian athletes on the field.

I miss the real gritty football players. And I think here moving forward, people are going to be able to witness the strength of the Lord that we serve.

Your day is going on my back here. The toughest team wins bottom line.

You feel that in your heart too. The toughest team finally wins these games.

Yes, yes. I think there's an accumulation of a lot of things. There's being tough, having discipline, not getting dumb penalties, having great technique.

Again, when you get these matchup games, it's all the intangibles that you can't really see. I'm not just going to walk out in the field and just have confidence that I'm bigger than them.

And I'm stronger than them like we can and maybe some other games. That's just not how it works.

And so it's going to come down to all the intangibles. Am I more disciplined? Am I not going to hold on this play?

Am I going to make the catch when the ball comes to me? Am I going to uplift my teammates? Am I going to be positive tomorrow?

Or are we going to be a cancer on this team? You know, all those little things are all what goes into winning these kind of games.

And like you mentioned, toughness. And so we hang our hat on that. And that's the goal is to go out there and be tough and put all these things together and get a win at Down in Texas.

Thank you very much.

Certainly. Thanks, Dustin.

I can each play at a time no matter what the score is and doing it to the best of your ability.

What ails this offense the most?

I think just saying I had the chance and getting past those third downs, converting on the third downs.

I mean, that's where we got to be better at. And within the day, we got to put him in zone.

We're not doing that. We're not doing our job.

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 he's got to trust that and they'll be there for us for sure.

Coach Stins has been here for highs and lows over the many, many years. He's been with this program now.

What sort of his message to your group right now or when you're turning to him, what is he saying as far as how to get through this?

Yeah. So I think it's just really just coming and attacking every day as you would regardless.

And staying even through hardship and attacking it the same way every day.

That's really all you can do. And you just get a little better every day and see where it takes you.

The way things are already we're setting up, but then also we chase some assignments that's calling the game on Saturday.

It seemed like tight ends are going to be a big part of this as you guys are trying to pull out.

And what role do you think you guys are going to have in trying to get this offense?

Yeah, I think we 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 asked 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 that everyone trusts is going to do his job at a high level.

I think we have Hudson's a good leader too as well. Obviously he's a quarterback so he takes on that leadership role.

I think we just have a good amount of leaders throughout the offense.

We were told George might be fairly close to getting back what would mean to get him back in the mix with the Titans.

Yeah, it'd be great. I mean George is a great athlete so having him out there can only help.

We're really excited about him and what he can do on the field so it'd be great.

That's a great question. A lot of the information and a lot of things before during the time of those older players are a lot different than the knowledge and information that we have now.

We're able to treat concussions and also back then is like if you got a concussion they were sending you right back into the game.

Now it's a lot different. We got a protocol and it gives your brain time to heal and everything.

I think things are setting plays now where it's a lot better than before and that time where we're making problems later on.

That's why I'm not really too concerned about it.

You can then recommend it to you.

Say it again.

I just wanted to get into a new helmet.

I mean people have a refer to they also don't know our team meeting has said how there's a number of helmets are better than other helmets right now.

So I just wanted to check those out and see what they are.

Is this concussion any more severe than the others you had?

No, that's one of the other things. I mean I'm not going to give a whole seminar on concussions over here.

But no, it's not necessarily more severe. Each concussion like just what I learned.

Each concussion is its own specific concussion.

And you gotta give that time to heal and then once that's healed and ready to go once you get back out here you're good.

So it's not like concussions are building on top of each other.

Like you give it time to heal.

But I think like before what guys were getting trouble with the long time ago is like they get a concussion not fully healed and they go right back out there and playing.

Denzel, can you see a side or maybe part of it?

Can you just reflect on how you've grown since showing up here in fairly 21?

Is it a player person who are making it?

Yeah, I've been here for a little while now.

I've been enjoying every second of it. I always came in trying to be a captain and trying to lead these guys as best as I can.

And I definitely feel that I've grown vocally and just trying to help build the team up and build myself up.

So I'm just trying to do anything I can to help this team.

How about in a concussion situation like this? You're so close to your mom and your brother.

Do you have to sort of involve the family's decision on how to get back out?

Yeah, definitely. They came down with me.