Coach Larry Johnson and Defensive Line spoke to the Media
8/20/2024 2:00:00 PM | Football
On coaching a veteran defense
“I think the joy is the fact that those guys are older guys now and have someone to look up to. A year ago we didn't have that. We didnt have a guy to set the bar. Now Jack and JT, they’ve really done a great job setting the bar for the younger players. Thats the bonus point. Now you can lean on the veterans.”
On Jack Sawyer and being named captain
“He has been phenomenal. He really has been different. I can see it in a lot of ways. He’s focused and really locked in. He wants to be a great player and everyday he has to feel that. It's the way you practice. To be a captain and a local guy, that’s pretty special.”
On how to keep his confidence
“It’s definitely a mental struggle. Teaching my mind to not let the little parts of the game or something that held me back before keep holding me back in the future. I think my support system has been great. My family and my teammates, they’ve all reached out and given me the resources I need to stay mentally enthused and motivated because I understand my ability and what I can do on the field.”
On what he thinks this defensive front will look like in the future
“It’s hard to frame it because I’m not there yet. I hope we’re known for doing our job and playing at a violently high level, each and every snap going as hard as we can. If that's who we are, then I think we can hang our hat on that for sure.”
On Jack Sawyer being named captain
“I’ve been roommates with him. I have high praises for him. Jack has been a tremendous leader inside and outside of the d-line room. For him and two of our guys be named captain, that speaks volumes. He’s going to continue to lead and push us. I'll continue to push him, we'll have hardhat days, and continue to work.”
On “violent” being more of the team mantra this year
“With all of us coming back, we knew something had to change and the mentality had to. The people that came here and spoke to us and Coach Day have been preaching to us that’s just been the mentality we wanna play with not to the point where we’re getting out of our technique but, you know, staying in that mode. It’s just, there’s a new bar to reach every day and Coach Day is expecting greatness out of us, so I think that’s how it is right now.”
On how he has stepped up as a leader this year
“Just being able to share my experience. I think being an older guy, a lot of younger guys look up to the older guys. Being able to share my experience, teach young guys, and pass off wisdom that I have makes me a better player and helps me be a better leader.”
On being called a sleeping giant
“I think it applies to me just because I don’t talk too much, but I just let my play do what it does. I don’t have to say much, but I’m going to have you feel me while I’m on the field.”
On having JT and Ty back
“Those are my guys. I came in with them. I want to leave with them and I want to win something together with them. I’m glad we all made the decision to come back. I think it will help this team greatly and help us greatly in the future.”
On where he is better as a player
“I think I’m better everywhere. I’m not trying to be big headed but I’ve taken a big step since last year and I think the whole D line has. I’m ready to show that next Saturday. “
