Football Quotes (March 31, 2006) – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/31/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 31, 2006
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Jim Heacock, Defensive Coordinatior and defensive line coach
On replacing nine players on defense
“It is going to be very tough. We have to have some guys step and lead. Last year we had a lot of senior leadership now we need some of these younger guys to step up and be leaders.”
On the younger players
“They are all very talented football players. The guys we had last year did everything we asked of them and have really set a fine example for these players. I think the biggest thing for these guys is leadership and some of guys up front are already stepping up.
On coaching defense last year compared to this year
“We are just really stressing the little things a lot more then last year. Most of these guys have played some but we need to get them ready to play every down.”
On the secondary
“We might not have a first team in the spring. There is a lot of talent back there we just need to find the players that are best for our system.”
David Patterson, Senior Defensive lineman
On who to look for this spring
“I guy that has caught my eye is Antonio Smith. He was a walk-on last season but he can really play. He works hard on every play.”
On being a senior
“I just love playing football. I have played a little tackle and a little end and just tried to do whatever the coaches ask of me.”
Joel Penton, senior Defensive lineman
On spring practice
“It is only the second of practice so it is still early. We get into pads tomorrow and then will get to see what everyone can do.” On the young players
“We’re not really rebuilding, we are reloading. The young guys are really stepping up. We can’t really replace the guys we had last season. We just have to find guys that are special and let them play.”
Quinn Pitcock, Senior Defensive lineman
On practice sessions
“We are working on the fundamentals right now. Everyone is just trying to get into the swing of things and take slow progressive steps.”
On his role as a senior defender
Right now, we have our four senior defenders leading everyone else on the team. Our goal is to try to work together and bring out the best in everyone. Even though we lost a lot of great guys, there are so many talented players still around. As soon as we get a chance to go out and play a few games, it will get their confidence up and running.
Jay Richardson, Senior Defensive lineman
On young players
“We need to get the younger players to stop thinking and just start playing because that is when you are at your best. All of these guys have played before. They know what they have to do.”
On teammate Mike D’Andrea’s recovery from knee injury
“He is coming around slowly. He started playing a little too early last season, so this time he is trying to take it easy.”
David Patterson, Senior Defensive lineman
On being a senior defender
“I like being the experienced guy. I can let the young players know what it’s like and help them with any questions they may have.”
On the young defense
“You would be surprised because these young players know a lot. They are hard workers and they know their stuff.”
