Cornerbacks and Safeties Talk Fall Camp
8/24/2022 10:21:11 AM | Football
Ohio State cornerbacks and safeties met with media after practice to discuss team progress.
How much do you talk about understanding the game and rout tree rather than just manning out?
“All the time. It’s about understanding football knowledge and IQ. You see offense’s these days are very sophisticated so you have to be able to play the game upstairs. We have to be able to understand the game of football and football situations.“
What were your initial impressions of Jordan Hancock when you first got the chance to see him?
“He’s still learning a lot of it but, when you’re passionate about the game and love to do it you have the chance to get better everyday and that’s what’s he’s doing”
How is this team different than last year?
“I feel like our bond together is stronger, this whole off season we did a lot of bonding. This group together we really love each other and we ride for each other.”
How are you different than a year ago?
“I’m a lot more confident this year. My job is to be specific with my details in the game and take care of the details. From there everything will take care of itself.”
“I’m building way more confidence than I’ve ever had before. I feel really good right now. Just getting the repetition that I’ve been getting. I’m getting more reps so I think that’s played a big role.”
On Denzel’s role with the defense last year:
“Seeing somebody in our grade start as a freshman it just gives us the confidence we can do that as well. If he can do it we can do it. All is one.”
How do you make the decision for who gets on the field?
“I’m going to play the very best players. They’re all interchangeable, each and every young man in that room knows that. The guys that have earned the right, day in and day out, who have put in the work will play. Competition makes us all better. Iron sharpens iron.”
What does being a coach mean to you?
I’m a teacher and I want to make the game as simple as possible. I put in a lot of early mornings and late nights to be the best teacher I can be. All I need is an open mind and an open heart and I’ll pour everything I’ve got into them.
“Competitive excellence is huge. So when your number’s called to go make a play you have to go make a play. We all practice hard but when your number’s called it’s on you to make that play.”
Confidence of the defense:
“As time goes on, as you get out there with your guys and spend more time together you get more comfortable and build more trust within the system and within the defense.”
On adjusting to Coach Knowles defense:
“It can be a challenge with a new system and a new defense but I feel like myself and the others in the room have done a great job with it.”
On how important having an older guy as a mentor
“It’s very important. I had Jordan Fuller, he was an excellent big brother. Just how he detailed he was at the game, and how locked in he was in the the meeting rooms and film. Now I try to help young guys with that.”
On coming back to the game after being out for a year
“I’m very excited, I’m more anxious than anything. I’d say my mental focus is different… Mentally I’m stronger, I feel like I’ve learned a lot more, and I can see a lot more.”
What makes Ohio State different in the way you guys train like game day is tomorrow?
“When you come to a school like Ohio State that’s what you should expect everyday is almost more competitive than gameday in my opinion. Every day in practice you have to treat it like it’s game day”
What has returning to fall camp been like?
“With this team the excitement never ended. We’re all ready to put our talents to the test especially on the defensive side”
On playing at a new position at outside corner
“I feel really good having Coach Walton helping me, someone who’s been in the NFL and knows the ins and outs. Then Coach Eliano who’s one of the best in the business at the safety position. Being able to get those reps from those really coaches has been helpful.”
What dose it mean to be named a captain?
“It was an honor, I’m truly honored I think it’s a testament to how my teammates feel about me. I have a responsibility to them now as a captain. I think leadership is about talking the talk but, walking the walk”
Do you think you’re leading by example?
“We got multiple guys who are leaders I’m not doing it by myself. We can all lean on each other”
