10/28/2026 8:34:00 PM | Football
How the energy has been this week while trying to decide on which quarterback will start:
“I feel like practice has been good. Energy’s been good in practice. The confidence is good. “
When asked how the freshmen have performed this year:
“I think the freshmen that have played have been key contributors. Legend [has] strung together a few good weeks here, so hopefully we can get him some opportunity. Cincere has really done some good things.”
When asked if he’s been spending more time with the quarterbacks:
“I've tried to be around the quarterbacks as much as I possibly could here the last couple weeks. Whether it was a meeting on the field, doing everything I can to help build them up and support them and prepare them.”
On the growth he’s seen from Chris Henry Jr.:
He’s just consistent. He keeps stacking days and he doesn't say much, but he goes about his work like a pro. So I'm proud of him and how he's come along."
On how the bye week has prepared them for USC:
“Just feeling a lot more healthy — for all the guys, really. We’ve have two weeks to prepare for USC, so we should be out there flying.”
On how he and Jeremiah Smith have been preparing for a new quarterback:
“Yeah, I think it’s just been getting in reps with them. Either one of them will be fun because they both have great arms. So for us, it’s just getting in the right spot and making a catch.”
On how the defense has stepped up this past week:
"I think it all starts with the defense. The defense has to step up, not really change what you're doing, but be more intentional with preparation and stuff like that. We've got to rally behind whoever is starting."
On Coach Patricia allowing freedom amongst the defense:
"Whoever is out there, he gives us freedom to make calls. Whether that's changing the front or creating pressure with outside backers, you just make the call."
On Cincere Johnson:
"I think he's getting super comfortable. That comes as playing progresses. They've been giving him more reps in practice, as well. I think the coaches are starting to trust him a little bit more here and there and will give him an opportunity when the time comes."
