Football Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 30, 2001
Head Coach Jim Tressel
“I would just like to thank everyone for supporting us and taking so much interest in our young people and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
On the questions he hopes spring practices will answer
“We want to have a good handle on the talents of our players, what they can do. We want to feature as many players as we can, especially our seniors. We’ll also find out how interested they are in building a team and how willing they are to play the roles the team needs them to play. Everything is important. We are looking to get better at everything and to get better every day.
“We’ve asked a lot of these kids as far as working hard, coming together and caring for one another.”
On differences between Ohio State and Youngstown State
“The biggest difference is in the operation. At Youngstown State, you’re the head coach, the director of football operation and the athletics director. You can’t have that here.
“Otherwise, it has been the same. We’re still only allowed to put 11 players on the field. The time investment also has been the same. These are young people who want to be part of something special. I know these guys are interested in doing something special in 2001.”
Special Teams Coach Ken Conatser
“It’s great to be here. Special teams are going to be the heartbeat of this football team. You win with people and we plan to put the best people out there to cover punts and kickoffs. These kids have responded very well to whatever we’ve tried to accomplish in the kicking game.
“It’s great whenever the coach is involved and taking interest in every area like Coach Tressel has been. We’re trying to take the best of everything and put it all together.”
Coach Tressel on special teams
“If we’re going to be national champions, it will be special teams that will make the difference.” Defensive Coordinator Mark Dantonio
“I’m very excited to be here. This is the only job I would have left Michigan State for. Ohio State always has had a great tradition when it comes to defense and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.
“The first thing we want to do is stop the run. As far as what we will ask our players to do, it will be to give a great effort, have great toughness and know what to do. It doesn’t take any ability. We’re going to establish who the players are, who can tackle, get off blocks, defend blocks. We have to find out who the big-play guys are, who can produce on the field. We want to win and allow 13 points or less. We must be good turnover-wise and play well on third down.
“We’re very excited. I think our players have responded positively in winter conditioning. When you get after these Ohio State players, they respond. They have learned to be competitive, it shows through in their attitudes. Ohio State is a great place, it always has been.”
Coach Tressel on defense
“The champions of the Big Ten will be the teams that play the best defense.”
Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman
“How can we contribute to this team as an offense? By ending every possession with a kick, whether it is an extra point, field goal or a punt. We must eliminate turnovers, penalties, mental mistakes and lost-yardage plays. We have to fight for field position. We have to score at least 24 points. That doesn’t seem like very many in today’s college game, but Ohio State (over the last 10 years) has won 95 percent of the games in which we have scored 24 points. We need to control the ball, run or pass. Other teams can’t score when we have the ball. Finally, we need to execute.
“The spring is the time to find out who we can trust to be a tough, physical player game after game. We’re anxious to get started and see what some of these guys can do. They’re working very hard. You can see the physical toughness in some, while others have a ways to go.
“As we move into the spring, we have to see how the young receivers perform. We have to give them opportunities. We want to create a big enough package on offense that we can put in and pull out based on our personnel. The bottom line is, what can the players on the field handle and execute in the heat of a ballgame? I want everyone to feel like they can come out and compete for a job.
“These first three days, we have to throw a lot of things at them and start all over again with the pads so guys have a chance to show us how they can play. As spring progresses, things can change. Every day we evaluate how things are going.”
Coach Tressel on offense
“It’s been fun watching them. The key to offensive planning is finding out what our players do well. We must feature the talents of our offensive players.”
Joe Cooper
“I’m proud of this team and how we’ve handled the offseason workouts. We’ve really brought it together, and I’m excited about spring ball. Defensively, we want to step it up a level. You can’t win a national championship in the spring but you can lose it.
“I know my time is limited, so I want to take advantage of every moment and have fun. All three starting linebackers are back this year. The linebackers should be the toughest guys out there. We need to keep our focus on the field. Everyone has to play their part, there are no super stars.
“The TEAM has been our big focus. You can’t win if you’re playing as individuals. The changes have been hard but this coaching staff has been very supportive. They know what the players are going through and they’re there to help us. The best 11 guys are going to play. It’s our job as players to get ourselves mentally and physically prepared. We all know we can play.”
Jamar Martin
“This is my last go around. I’m really looking forward to the new coaching staff and new experiences. I’m going to stay focused and try to be a leader. I’m hoping things will continue to grow and gel from day to day toward the national championship we want. I’ll do whatever I need to do for the team and not just focus on individual statistics. I want to be an all-around player and do what a fullback needs to do.
“The main difference this year is the atmosphere and the new taste for Ohio State football. The new coaching staff is really hands on, which is good for the team and helps us in terms of our discipline. As a senior I need to be calm and help lead the team. A lot of people are saying this is the hardest we’ve ever worked, this is the most we’ve ever done. But that’s what we need to do to get better. Coach Tressel has really emphasized the team concept and that has helped us.”
Steve Bellisari
“We have a very good nucleus, a lot of guys who can step up and make big plays.
“I almost feel like a freshman again with the new staff and all the new plays. I’m going to have to prove myself. I’m starting with a clean slate and will have to battle for my position like everybody else. I’m going to have to gain respect.
“The three things I have to focus on are eliminating turnovers, making the big plays and making good decisions.
“When the new coaches came in, they didn’t even have to speak, they had our attention. The team aspect starts with the coaches. We build off their energy and excitement. There have been a lot of questions but everyone has really stepped up and worked hard to pull everything together. We have something to prove to these new coaches and we want to win. The only way we can show them that is if we work harder.”
“I have a lot to learn. I still plan on being the quarterback but I’m going to have to earn it. I see a lot of guys who are really eager to play. They want to be there and they’re willing to work hard. They come early and stay late.”
Coach Tressel on the quarterback position
“The person who can make good decisions, eliminate turnovers and make big plays for this team will be our quarterback. I know Steve is capable of all of those things, but he’s showed us that the team is the most important thing and that’s a good place to start. The quarterback position is the most visible one and I believe you are going to see good things.”
