Football Press Luncheon: Player Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
The following are quotes by football student-athletes attending the weekly Ohio State football press luncheon.
Doug Worthington, junior defensive end
On Washington
“Looking at the tape, we’ve seen that they are a physical, hard-nosed group of players. They work hard and have a good technique. They are going to come out and play a great game and hopefully we will hit them hard from the beginning. Huskie football is a great tradition and being a part of the Pac-10 means great football. They are looking at this game as a way to get themselves out there [noticed]. Playing Ohio State is going to be a big game for them.”
On the confidence built in the first two weeks for the defense
“It has been a great learning experience. For me, being out there for the first time as a starter, it was a big transition. At the beginning of the season, you have a lot of expectations for yourself and as these two games have progressed, we have been able to calm down, which is important for us young players.”
On how the game will be a defining moment before conference play starts
“This game will be a great battle for us. We have to be more focused. This is going to be a great test for us going into the Big Ten season.”
Jim Cordle, sophomore center
On the noise level at Washington
“The noise affects us a lot on the offensive line. It makes it hard for us to hear the calls. We have been working on coming up with hand signals and systems for our calls.”
On his comfort level after two games
“I have definitely settled down. I was really nervous against Youngstown State. I am more prepared for this game and going on the road makes me less nervous. The long trip settles you down. We are not in school right now so we can focus even more on preparation.”
On the team’s performance against Akron
“Everyone was mad right after the game. You look at the scoreboard and see only so many yards rushing and only so many points. When we watch film after the game it is never as bad as you thought. All of our mistakes were things that we can fix and most importantly, we did make progress from week one. The cohesion of the offense really improved.”
On the offense’s performance against the two previous opponents
“Youngstown State did a good job of stuffing us on the goal line and the last two teams really keyed in on Beanie (Chris Wells). We definitely did not play as well as we could have but we played two really well-coached teams that keyed in on our offense.”
A.J. Trapasso, junior punter
On the noise of Husky Stadium
“It is going to be loud and we know that going in. It could affect us but we are getting prepared for that. We are practicing with loud music on game-winning kicks so we will be ready.”
On leading the Big Ten in net punting average
“We are only two games in and we still have not played a Big Ten game yet so there is a long way to go. We have some great punters in our league and I hope to be in the same place at the end of the season.”
On the trip to Washington
“I am afraid of flying. On the way out there I will just try to sleep or listen to music. I am excited to get out there, though. I have never been farther west of Tempe, (Ariz.) so I’m excited. I hear it is just beautiful.”
