Football Quotes (8-5) – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/5/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2002
Kenny Peterson
Sr., DT Canton, Ohio (McKinley)
On the defensive line:
“We want to dominate this year. We have the athletes and talent to do just that. It is up to us to execute our assignments and keep playing hard.”
On going up against the offense:
“The offensive line is getting a lot better. They are going to be a good group once the have time to gel. The veterans are stepping up and a couple of freshmen are looking really good as well.”
On two-a-days:
“The hardest part is waking up in the morning after being tired and going to bed late. It is rough physically and mentally, but I guess that means we are doing it right.
“You always have to stay on your toes with coach Tressel. He’ll throw a curve ball at you and put you on the spot if he sees you starting to take it easy.”
Will Smith
Jr., DE Utica, N.Y. (Proctor)
On the defensive line:
“We are probably one of the stronger units on the team with the experience and depth we have coming back. The linebackers and the safeties are strong as well with Mike (Doss) and Donnie (Nickey). Those guys have been starting for three years. So I think the defense as a whole is going to be strong. Not just the defensive line.”
On comparing this defensive line to other Ohio State greats:
“I think we would have to wait until after the season to compare us to the other top defenses. We haven’t accomplished anything yet.”
On his expectations:
“Last year we lost a lot of games that we should have won. We were up in a lot of games but couldn’t hold on to the lead. That’s an area we have to improve on as a defensive unit. We have to be able to finish teams off at the end. We have a lot more experience than last year and I think there is better chemistry this year after a year with the new coaching staff.” On the freshmen class:
“They are all doing pretty good. Like most freshmen, most of them just need a little work and more reps to get used to the speed of the college game.”
Tim Anderson
Jr., Clyde, Ohio (Clyde)
On the defensive unit:
“I think we are considered one of the strengths of this team. We have a lot of experience and a lot of depth on the defensive line. “That is always an added bonus when someone can come in off the bench for you that you have a lot of confidence in and give you a breather. Personally, I just want to want to lead any way that I can.”
“We’re making good progress. I’m really happy with where the defense is at. We still have a lot of work to do, but so far everything is going fine.”
On switching to full pads Wednesday:
“Football is contact and hitting is hitting. It won’t be much different than what we’re doing now. The only difference will be tackling guys all the way to the ground. But I am looking forward to it.”
