Football: Players Meet with the Media Tuesday – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Rory Nicol, senior tight end
On improving the redzone offense
“We have to be more disciplined. When you get to the redzone, the field shrinks and the defense is able to blitz more and have better coverage. It’s a matter on performing when it comes down to it and we have to get better at it.”
Marcus Freeman, senior linebacker
On improvements for the defense
“Our biggest focus is on creating more turnovers. If we want to be a dominate defense, we have to be able to create turnovers. We need to be able to execute that part of our defense.”
On a potential 800th win for Ohio State on Saturday
“It would put Ohio State in the Top 5 all-time. It shows how much history is here at Ohio State. It is a huge accomplishment and it makes us want to go and beat Ohio University even more. We are all proud to be a part of this team and to be recognized as the team that reached that mark is an honor.”
Ryan Pretorius, senior place kicker
On the special teams
“It was a great way for us to start the season. Everyone did great on Saturday. It was an ideal way for the special teams to start. It is a group effort out there for us. Every week we want to focus on each kick and get all of our times down.”
On it being his senior year
“It has been an amazing experience for me being here. It’s like a fairy tale. I’m blessed to be given the opportunity to be here. I wish I had more years. I just want to help the team win and play the best that I can.”
Brandon Smith, senior fullback
On playing fullback for the first time
“It felt good. It’s a new position for me and I’m excited to start the season off on a good note. I’m a fullback through and through. I’m playing 100 percent now at the position. When they talked to me about it, I wasn’t reluctant to move and was excited to do it. It has worked out well and I’m happy to contribute.”
On Beanie’s injury
“He’s working hard to get healthy and get back on the field. We’ve got guys on this team that can really run and we’re just looking ot get out there and play our best against Ohio.”
Maurice Wells, senior tailback
On preseason injury
“I had a stomach flu the second week of practice. I wasn’t able to eat enough and the heat didn’t help. Also, my back was hurting a bit. I’m feeling 100% now.”
On Terrelle Pryor
“He’s a good player. He handled himself well out there on the field. He didn’t make mistakes and really handled the offense well.”
Shaun Lane, senior cornerback
On Ohio
“They are a great team from what we saw on film. They have a great passing game and the receivers will be a challenge for us. They will definitely bring more to the table against us.”
On the USC game
“We need to first take care of Ohio. If we can’t take of the game on Saturday, USC won’t be relevant. We just want to take it one week at a time.”
Nader Abdallah, senior defensive lineman
On Ohio
“Their offensive line is good and they have really good tight ends. They have guys that can make plays. We have to execute and play our own plays out there on Saturday.”
On the defensive line
“A lot of guys got playing time on Saturday and we are all happy to able to get out there and play. We are getting better everyday and it was a good start for us as a unit.”
Dane Sanzenbacher, senior wide receiver
On his catch against Youngstown
“I got hit pretty hard and didn’t feel that great. It kind of knocked the wind out of me, but I held onto to the ball and that’s all that matters.”
On the depth at receiver
“We obviously have great depth at this position. What it does is create great competition at practice for everyone who wants that third position.”
DeVier Posey, freshman wide receiver
On playing against his brother Saturday
“My mom is going to be really nervous that’s for sure. He definitely tackles better than me and has great athletic ability. I run faster than him, though. He’s an athlete and I’m excited for the game.”
On scoring his first collegiate touchdown
“It was one of the best feelings of my life. With all the excitement from all the fans, it really was a great feeling. It can’t be duplicated. After scoring, it really makes me want to do it again.”
