Buckeyes Chat to the Media Ahead of Maryland Matchup
10/5/2023 11:21:00 AM | Football
On coming back into the Notre Dame game after hurting his ankle
"It was definitely a lot of adrenaline. I think just the moment of the game allowed me to finish."
On the block he made that injured his ankle
"I’m very proud. I think the coaches kind of challenge us as receivers to make those big blocks and outside to spring long touchdown runs."
On if he has a different level of confidence now
“Yes, I've always believed in myself, but I feel like this year has taken a huge jump because I know I can play inside, outside, or any position. So, I'm just happy and I feel like my confidence is through the roof right now.”
On if he has always felt like he could play wherever he is put
“When they [the coaches] put me out there, I just made the most of my opportunity. So wherever they need me, that's where I'll play."
On how Maryland compares to the last couple of opponents
“They're going to test us vertically play action pass and the quarterback can extend plays. So we're going to have to keep him bottled up and just keep our eyes on our receivers throughout the whole play no matter if it's four seconds, or maybe 10 seconds because he likes to use his legs.”
When asked what’s allowing him to make such a big impact in the receiving game
"Coach [Bailey] has been a big help as always. Sean Binckes, our G.A. here, he's an awesome dude. I've really became close to that guy. We’ve developed a good relationship and he’s helped me a lot along the way here."
When asked if he’s always been this tough, given his performance last week
"Probably just the way I was raised. I think that you are who you are, and you are basically what you’ve done. That’s the way I was raised my entire life. Don’t get me wrong, you’re gonna find places where I’m on the other end of that too."
On the play of QB Kyle McCord
“Every week you just see that kid grow up, and get better and better and better. I think you’re going to see a more polished, more experienced product, and that’s what you’re going to keep seeing I think.”
On what it means for the defense to have gotten the ball back for the winning drive against Notre Dame
"It definitely feels good. Coach Day has stressed since winter winning the situations. That’s all we’ve been studying... Just knowing what to expect in those situations and how important it is to win."
When asked what the prime challenge is this week
“The quarterback is really good. They’ll do a good job of moving the ball around, getting out fast, and giving the defense different looks. So I think that's what we've been focused on. Just making sure we're all doing our job, being on the same page, communication, and just making sure we’re doing the little things right when it comes to games like this.”
When asked how physical the Notre Dame game was
“Very, very physical. Hats off to Notre Dame, one of the best atmospheres I've played in. Did a great job with the noise, the lights. But it was super physical. Competing against the offense since camp and since the spring, it's been physical here and that's one thing we pride ourselves on is being physical.”
On Lathan Ransom having 13 tackles and his presence in the secondary right now
“It's just another guy to bring that dog mentality. I feel like we all have that in the backend but he's one of those guys that is going bring it every play, every chance he gets.”
On the strain the secondary feels when a quarterback can extend plays well
“It puts a lot of strain. It’s all about using your eyes, communication, and trusting each other. We know the system so it's a lot easier to just go out there and play. Knowing your steps, knowing your reads, knowing your run reads, knowing your pass reads. It's all of that, you just gotta know your job.”
On Tyleik Williams' performance during the last game
“I would say he really set the tone. If you go back in that first game, he started the game with a TFL. So I’d say he set the whole tone for that game and it was really good just seeing him shine and just improving.”
On where he thinks they need to step up during the next eight weeks
"Just getting off the ball a little bit faster and just start the pursuit. Really just chasing the quarterback going sideline-to-sideline."
On the challenge of containing a quarterback who can extend plays
"You can't open the throw lanes for them and have wide gaps because if you're just rushing the field all day, you're never going to get to him. He's going to be running around all day and I'm pretty sure he's a fast quarterback and he can handle that. He's not going to get really tired. So you just have to have great pursuit angles and get to the quarterback and make him feel uncomfortable the whole game."
On how much of a topic the short yardage has been over the last two weeks
“It's been crucial. I think it's always crucial for short yardage. Obviously Notre Dame, that last play was crucial for that. It’s crucial to execute your technique and not give up anything as an offense linemen.”
On focusing more on short yardage over the past week
“Maybe a little more practice the last week or two. I would say we focus it on the same as we do everything else. We focus on everything short yardage, third down, two minute, and 1st and 10. Everything is crucial.”
On Marvin Harrison Jr. calling him a respected player
"I appreciate that a lot. You know, I work day-in, day-out. It means a lot that I've got my peers like Marvin saying that. Definitely seeing those guys work hard makes me strive to work harder and ultimately achieve greatness."
On if big plays validate his decision to transfer to Ohio State
"It definitely does. But you know, at the end of the day, ultimately, you know it’s God's plan and God's way. I'm just grateful that I was just available to be in that moment."
On how much he watches the replay of his winning TD at Notre Dame
"I watched it a lot. But I will say, more so I watch the video of the team running onto the field because I catch different angles. You just catch something more every time you watch it."
On how he feels about the defense being prepared to face any quarterback
"I feel like we're well equipped. You've got Coach Knowles up in the owl’s nest just cooking up whatever concoction he wants to and then we've got just a bunch of athletic players that can chase people down. So I think it's a perfect combination."
On Chip Trayanum's success as a running back
"It's really no surprise. Everyone [else] was surprised whenever he scored that touchdown for us. But everyone in this facility knew it was gonna happen because he just comes in and he puts the work in every single day, so that's something that we knew was going to happen."
On the physicality of the defensive backs
"It's crazy just how physical they're playing. And I mean, that's fantastic. It's just nice knowing that our defensive backs just love to come down."
On the standard they need to play on
"No explosive plays, dominating the guy in front of you, doing your job, being accountable, and making the routine plays - routinely."
On what stands out about [Maryland's] offensive to him
"Their quarterback. He can extend plays, he throws the ball on a rope. Receivers are solid. But I'm ready to go out there and just have some fun, and do what I know I can do."
On how he stays disciplined as a defensive lineman
"You've just got to contain them - no free rushes. You've got to stick to the game plan and stay in rush lane, don't let them out of pocket."
On how he feels he's done this season compared to last
"I think I done more because I've had more reps, but I honestly don't think I'm near where I should be."
On the last play against Notre Dame
“It was good. We knew it was gonna be a lateral situation. It was six yards away from the endzone so we just had to get them on the ground.”
