Freshman Football Players Learning, Working Hard – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 15, 2001
Football head coach Jim Tressel’s first recruiting class has spent the last couple of days adjusting to the college game. The players have been getting their feet wet and learning about the Ohio State program. Practices thus far have been for the freshmen class only. Upperclassmen report on Thursday and will join the freshman for practice starting Saturday.
Coach Jim Tressel
On his freshman at practice today
“We just kept throwing concepts at them. When you only have one guy in line you get every repetition and it wears on you fast.”
On the upperclassmen reporting
“The tempo will be extremely different. They’ll be a lot more speed, a lot more intensity, and a lot more repetitions. Then we’ll take another step up when we put the pads on.”
Ryan Cook OL, 6-7, 305, Martinsville, Ind./Martinsville
On adjusting to the college game
“Just getting used to the different speeds and learning different things. It’s a lot different than high school. We’re all trying to learn as fast as we can.”
On the arrival of the upperclassmen
“We’re going to have to get used to it. It’s their ballgame too. Hopefully we’ll all work together to get better.”
On fitting in with the other freshman
“I’ve known a lot of them pretty well. I’ve played with some of them in the National All-Star game in Dallas. I think some of them (the Ohio players) are a little closer, but it’s okay. Everyone comes from different places.”
Ryan Hamby TE, 6-4, 225, Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller
On his first impression of the college level
“It’s a lot harder than high school, I can tell you that. It’s tough, but I like it so far.”
On possibly having a chance to play
“I’m just going to go out there and work my hardest. I’m definitely going to give it a shot. It’s hard to say right now because it’s just us. I have to wait for the big guys to come in to see how I really do.”
Angelo Chattams WR, 5-11, 185, Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne
On the return of the upperclassmen
“I’m sure the intensity is going to go up. I’m kind of waiting for the upperclassmen to return so I can learn from them and take less reps. It’s tough right now with only two receivers because you take every rep.”
On learning the playbook
“It’s pretty overwhelming once you get it. It’s huge, but (assistant) coach (Joe) Daniels, our wide receivers coach, takes his time and breaks everything down. So it’s coming to us, slowly but surely.”
On returning kicks
“I want to return kicks, but I’m not to fond of punts. That (2-yard) halo doesn’t protect much you you’ve got someone like Mike Doss running at you.”
Chris Gamble WR, 6-2, 180, Sunrise, Fla./Dillard
On catching passes from Coach Tressel
“He’s got a pretty good arm and a little bit of accuracy.”
Lydell Ross TB, 6-0, 210, Tampa, Fla./Gaither
On adjusting to the college game
“It’s starting to sink in and I’m getting a lot more comfortable. Just being around the players, it’s starting to come together.”
On the anticipation of the upperclassmen
“I’m ready for the upperclassmen to come in so I can compete and compare what I have to what the other running backs have. I’m really eager to see what kind of skills they have so I can see where I stand.”
Andree Tyree DL, 6-3, 280, London, Ohio/London
On the return of the upperclassmen
“I think the intensity level is going to increase which is going to want to make everyone go quicker and faster. You’re going to have those other guys pressuring you to pick it up and to make sure you’re doing your best. We’re definitely going to have to show these guys we can play.”
