Ohio State Player Quotes – 11/9/2015 – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 9, 2015
Raekwon McMillan, sophomore linebacker
On his play this year and whether he feels more comfortable on the field
“I wouldn’t say comfortable, I would say confident. I’m out there making calls on the field and pointing things out as I see them. Last year I was more timid on the field, but this year I feel more confident in what I’m saying.”
On whether or not expectation are weighing on the team at all
“We’re still a very loose team. We know we have to go out there and have fun with it, because if you’re not then you’re all tense and you can’t play the way you’re capable of playing. I don’t feel like we’re tense, I think we’re pretty loose. We do have fun, but we always lock in when it’s time to do our job.”
On the state of the defense
“We’re steadily getting better every week. I think that was one of our goals at the beginning of the season, to progress every week and be playing your best football at the end of the season. I think we’re working toward playing our best football at the end of this season. Our defensive backs are some of the best in the nation, and our front four are always putting pressure on the quarterback. We’re all working together to build one cohesive unit that plays at the top level.”
Jalin Marshall, sophomore wide receiver
On the difference between last season and this season after winning a championship
“We have the targets on our back this year because we won a championship last year, so teams are trying to beat us every week. This year it’s harder week to week because we do have that target.”
On where he feels he’s at as a player at this point in the season
“If I can keep being consistent and keep making big plays for the team, then I can be that guy who can make a big play and turn up the tempo a little bit when the team needs it.”
Billy Price, sophomore offensive lineman
On what J.T. Barrett’s message to the team prior to Saturday’s game
“Just to play the way we know we can play. At times you can overcomplicate things trying to be perfect, but you can’t do that. You just have to go out there and play, practice how you want to play, and just go with it.”
On the strength of the offense
“We have a lot of confidence in our guys all across the board. From the wide receivers to the tight ends, lineman, and running backs; if we block and execute every play, then we have the confidence to just line up and play.”
On the difference between week one and now after offseason coaching changes
“I think early on in the season things were a little chaotic having everyone settle into their roles within the coaching staff. Now I think things have settled down and we have more confidence now that we’re getting into our groove again. So he (offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Ed Warinner) puts a lot more trust in us to make the necessary adjustments.”
Vonn Bell, junior defensive back
On how much freedom he has with his style of play
“I have a lot of freedom. The coaches put me in a position to make plays for the team. They just told me to go out there and do what I do, to bring that spark and passion that I have for this game.”
On this weekend’s opponent, Illinois
“I think it’ll be another challenge for us. They can throw the ball a little bit and they can really run. Their offense has been putting up some major yards in the Big Ten. So we need to keep getting better, hold everyone accountable and make sure everyone does their job.”
Darron Lee, sophomore linebacker
On the difference between last season (The Chase) and this season (The Grind)
“Working hard is a grind. It’s a long season, being 15 games. I don’t really feel pressure, the only pressure is to get better every week. At this point last year we already had a loss, so we were chasing our championships in November. Obviously the end results turned out well.”
On preparing the younger players for the future
“As a leader, you’re entitled to help bring up the younger guys and show them the way. I think the best mark of a leader is to leave this place better than you found it. That’s a goal I would have for any young guy, to leave the place better than it was when I was here. Helping them learn the ropes and what not to do, that they need to go out and work hard every day. That’s something I think they’re starting to catch on to; I have a lot of faith in this group.”
On the defense up to this point in the season
“We’re coming along. We still have work to do. We can’t let up big plays like we did in the fourth quarter, that’s how you lose games. Eliminating penalties is something we need to do, especially in crucial parts of the game.”
