Buckeyes Football Chats with the Media
1/30/2024 11:40:00 AM | Football
On working with Coach O’Brien
“He seems very relatable, someone I could get along with really well. He’s done some really great things at some really big places; just the experience he brings that I will be able to feed off of.”
On if he can see himself playing more running offense
“Yeah, I feel that the type of plays Coach Day and Coach O’Brien run fit my type of build and the type of player I am. Where I am coming from is a very run-heavy kind of offense, especially for the quarterback, which I was very happy to do. I am excited to be here where I can be a pocket-passer but also use my legs when I need to.”
On playing another year of college football instead of declaring for the draft
“I wasn’t ready to leave college yet, I still had more I wanted to accomplish. And the biggest thing is I felt like I could come compete here for a National Championship and that above anything else was the biggest thing.”
On why he decided to transfer to Ohio State
"Well, I think growing up Ohio State isn't just a school you hear about at that certain moment, you know, with all the accolades they've had, all the great players that have come through here. Some of my favorite running backs have played here, so you know, it's always a school you've looked at growing up, and I think with me being in the portal, it was a great situation to be in."
On the timing of his transfer announcement
"I think just at that moment, you know, it was just, I was like, okay, let's make it happen at this point. Especially when the team up north won, I was like, this is where I wanna be."
On what he's learned about Columbus and the Big Ten
"It's very passionate. The fans here are very passionate. Everywhere you go, they have Ohio State on, they talk about the football team all day, they know everything. So I think the community here is very welcoming, very passionate fans and everyone here is involved for sure."
On what it’s like being a Buckeye
“It’s a dream come true. Ever since I’ve been young it’s been a dream to play at the highest level and now that I’m here I’m pumped for this opportunity.”
On why he came to Ohio State
“As soon as I hit the portal I had a lot of attention. I connected really easily with all the coaches here and I knew this was home.”
On how Ohio State uses tight ends
“I love to block and catch passes and I think Ohio State uses their tight ends in aspects that makes it a really good opportunity for me.”
On what prepared him to play as a true freshman
“The development I had as a kid. I’ve been training with my dad and brother since I was 4 or 5 years old. I don’t want to say I was built for this but at the end of the day I’ve been doing this since I was a kid so there’s really been no change.”
On What’s it’s like getting accustomed to Ohio State
“Everybody around here around the facility has made it a smooth transition. It’s definitely a change but it’s been a smooth transition because the people around here are so good.”
On why he came to Ohio State over others
“I just love the program here. I love coach Walton and what the people had to say around here. I believe in Coach Day and I believe in this team.”
On adjusting from Alabama to coming to Ohio State
“I had the advantage of being at Alabama for 4 years. I love Alabama I have two degrees from Alabama. That’ll always be my Alma mater. We play this sport to be professionals and for my benefit I thought the change would be good. It’s going to be a fun new adventure.”
On what position he may play
“I’ve started over 20 games at center. But, I’m open to doing whatever it takes to help this program win football games.”
On what he’s learned about Big Ten Football
“It’s tough hard nosed football from what I’ve gathered so far. It’s been fun to talk to guys and hear about their experiences and talk about my experiences, both the good and the bad.”
