Buckeyes Meet with Media Tuesday – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
COLUMBUS – During a break from their two-a-day schedule Tuesday, offensive coordinator Jim Bollman, fullback Trever Robinson, tight end Rory Nicol, linebacker Larry Grant and safety Anderson Russell met with the media at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Ohio State Football Quotes Aug. 14, 2007
Jim Bollman, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach
On the offensive line
“Kirk Barton and Alex Boone have stepped up as leaders with experience. Steve Rehring did not come in were he wanted to but he is getting there. Jim Cordle has been excellent. Right now we have about seven to eight guys that will likely be in our rotation this season. It is like the old saying competition makes the world go round.”
On Jon Skinner
“He has got a knee injury but he’ll be back early in the season. He was wearing the braces so it was not as bad as it could have been.”
Larry Grant, senior linebacker
On camp
“Fall camp has been going real well. The younger guys are picking things up fast. The coaches are putting more in every day.”
On the attitude of camp
“Everyone is really hungry. Everyone that was out in Arizona knows that we are 0-1 in 2007. That has just made everyone work even harder.”
On the linebackers
“At linebacker right now we have about six guys that could start for a lot of teams. We are all going to see a lot of playing time so we just have to just work together to get better every day.”
Rory Nicol, junior tight end
On camp
“Camp has been going well. There has been a lot of good hitting and yesterday we had our first two-a-day and we have really been fighting the heat.”
On the offensive line
“Nothing is going to get done unless you have some good guys up front. Jim Cordle has been doing very well. Even though he has not seen a lot of playing time he has a lot of mental reps. He is going to continue the tradition of Ohio State having a really smart guy at center.”
On sophomore running back Chris Wells
“Beanie has been doing a great job. He is one of many guys that have really stepped it up in camp.”
On surprises on the team
“The thing we all thought was how we were going to have to replace not only some great athletes but also great leaders. There have been a handful of guys who have stepped up into leadership roles. There will be times during this season when we’ll hit some adversity and we’ll need some great leadership.”
On experience in the offensive line
“Those guys up front are the most important guys. Without the guys up front nothing will happen. It’s great to see so many of them coming back with experience and knowing how to do things the right way.”
On the tight ends’ role in the offense
“The tight end position has been competitive this year. It’s our job to go out there and practice our hardest and hope the opportunities come. When those opportunities come we have to make the plays. I think we have talent at tight end and we’ll see more productivity this year.”
Anderson Russell, sophomore safety
On his 2006 season-ending knee injury
“It was real emotional for me because that was really the first time I wasn’t able to play in my entire career. It was just one of those things you have to go through. It’s made me appreciate it a whole lot more, knowing that it can all end at any moment out there. I just don’t take anything for granted now.”
On sitting out spring ball
“That was really frustrating because I felt like I could go out there and play but the coaches wouldn’t let me. In hind sight it was the right call, but at the time it was hard.”
On being in competition for a starting spot
“I knew when it happened it would be a long road back and nothing would be given to me. I knew I would have to work hard and prepare mentally for this season. The toughest part has just been getting back to game speed and getting conditioned for the season.”
Trever Robinson, senior fullback
On the role of the fullback at Ohio State
“I think this year we’ll be more of a running offense, where last year we threw the ball around a lot. I think we’ll see a little more action this year, hopefully able to get in there and be a lead blocker on some more plays.”
On the excitement of the first game
“It’s very exciting. The game is two weeks away now. We prepare all through the winter and through the spring and summer and now I’m anxious to get to the first game.”
