Football Coaching Staff Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Ohio State football coaching staff addressed the media Thursday at Ohio Stadium, answering questions about their position groups and how the Buckeyes look heading into the Sept. 1 season-opener.
Jim Tressel, Ohio State head coach
On the fans
“These are great people. They are so genuine. They may not have a chance to come out on Saturdays, but today they were able to show they are true Buckeyes.”
On the night practice
“It helps break up the monotony of the everyday grind. We play some evening games this year and it lets our kids get out there under the lights, which normally we can’t do.”
On Todd Boeckman
“Todd has spent a lot of time watching some really great quarterbacks come through here. He has a lot of potential and has been building on that since Troy (Smith) left.”
Joe Daniels, Ohio State quarterbacks coach
On the mentality of quarterback Todd Boeckman compared to Troy Smith
“Todd is a lot more serious guy. Troy had a fun-loving, vibrant personality that worked well with our offense last season. Todd is more within himself, more in control of his emotions. I think that’s helped him gain the respect of the players and the coaches.”
On the summer heat affecting the conditioning of the players
“The heat has definitely been a hard obstacle to overcome but our guys have stayed in shape all year around. If they come in looking good, we just have to build on that progress. I think in the end the heat will benefit this team.”
Jim Heacock, Ohio State defensive coordinator
On the safeties
“We have plenty of good players. Right now we have about four guys going for our two starting spots. Kurt Coleman, Anderson Russell, Jamario (O’Neal) and Nick Patterson are all in the mix.”
On going against his brother in the Youngstown State game
“We are really close. The week leading up to the game may be the only time we don’t talk this year. Once the game is over we will be right back to being brothers again.”
Darrell Hazell, Ohio State assistant head coach and wide receivers coach
On the kick returners
“With the kick scrimmage the other day we are starting to get a good idea of who it is going to be. We have a lot of talent and all the guys really want a shot at it.”
On the wide receivers
“When you lose the guys that we did (to the draft) it opens up opportunity for other guys to step up. They are all going to get their chance.”
