Kevin Sumlin
Kliff Kingsbury
Mark Snyder
Ryan Swope
Uzoma Nwachukwu
Luke Joeckel
Damontre Moore
Jonathan Stewart
Dustin Harris
Ryan Epperson
Texas A&M Football
Quotes & video from A&M media day
*Note: Quotes transcribed in quick, real-time format
Q: When did y'all decide to run the clock?
A: I didn't, I don't know who decided it. You would be surprised, like I said last week, I don't make decisions on everything. Sometimes I find things out too.
Q: Will Christine Michaels performance last year be a factor?
A: I haven't looked at anything. It has no bearing this year. We have approached every game that way. It's no different.
Q: You saw how tough C-Mike was last year? Will that be a factor?
A: I don't think that will have a factor in this years game.
Q: Does he need to work on his blocking?
A: I wouldn't single him out. I think everybody needs to work on it. I think because he hasn't played is why he's singled out. I think your discussion is why hasn't he played. He hasn't not played because of performance, that's not the issue. I think people are drawing more into it than what it is.
Q: Because he is a big powerful back, how much do you need him?
A: We have 3 powerful backs. I've said from day 1 that all three would play. In my estimation, for two reasons 1) Christine hasn't made it through a full season, we need to develop the other backs. 2)They can play too, they're excellent players. The line of questioning is going down the wrong road, It's hard to perform if you're not playing.
Q: What do you expect?
A: Just like the other guys.
Q: Malena start?
A: He started last week, and so he will start this week
Q: Lingering issues
A: No.
Q: Proud of Ben?
A: Can't be shocked.
Q: Trey?
A: He's good. I keep telling him not to hit home runs. You go from high school football to college football. The number of carries you get during a game, you never know the next one could be a HR. We need first downs. You need to be able to follow it up. He's feeling it out. That'll come to him. I've been happy with his progress, in protection, he's gotten better. As a freshmen it's the hardest thing, to learn protection. Being his size, being big enough to handle it. He's a tough guy, upset he dropped the kickoff he still got 30 yards. Those are the things he's working on. We have three good backs, and they're all going to play.
Q: Davis, Wilson, and Hamilton
A: There's a reason they were preseason #8, they have a lot of great skills, big OL, one of the best QB's in the country. Hamilton put 300 on the board last week, so you know he can play. Davis, going back 2 years ago before the injuries is a good RB. They can get after you, there's a reason why. They have some talented guys. Anytime you lose a QB of that caliber, for a game or for whatever, it can throw you off. They're coming in here, they have a lot to prove. A wounded animal can be the most dangerous. SEC game, we're at home. After losing a close one, I think our guys are excited to get back out there.
Q: What would it be like to get that first SEC win?
A: It'll be an SEC win. We have more SEC games.
Q: Will this be the biggest test for the secondary?
A: Probably.
Q: Compared to FL? Driskel?
A: Driskel played very well. People are figuring out he's a good QB. I think our defense played very well.
Q: Pleased with progress?
A: I think we've gotten better. Just by numbers alone. The speed of this game is going to pick up dramatically from last week. We went from 11 from secondary missed tackles to SMU which was a significant drop. This league is different, when the formations get reduced the corners have to make tackles. They physical nature of the secondary is a factor.
Q: Johnny's 13 carries a game, how many were called runs?
A: Half.
Q: Zone reads?
A: Do you want me to give the scouting plan to John L. Smith?
Q: How comfortable are you with him carrying that much on his own?
A: You're looking at 13 plays a game, that's kind of significant. If you're getting 80 plays, that doesn't sound like so much but that's his nature of doing things. Somewhere in every QB statistically in the past has been 5 or 10 a game. That's just the nature of the game.
Q: When y'all watch the tape at the game do y'all just shake your head in amazement?
A: I mean yeah. As a coach you watch differently because you're critical and you try to understand the big picture. What you saw last, and remember where you saw it, and the ability to keep your eyes downfield. It's different when you're on the sideline and you see it live. We don't take anything for granted, there's a lot of things during the game when you watch it and say it's a good play. A lot of times you can't see the little things.
Q: How does Johnny handle critiques?
A: He doesn't have much choice if he wants to play. It's like anything else, human nature when you're in a pressure situation and things get hairy around you, you go back to what you know. Being a QB there's challenges. Any QB that comes into a collegiate program has challenges. You understand your limitations, and develop your limitations not your strengths. The quicker your development happens.
Q: Crowd and the stadium? New entrance?
A: Players love it. The fans like it. I get a lot of emails. Very positive emails. The walk the fans like because they're close and they can see them. Not just the spirit walk. I think it has blended a lot of things that are important. We meet up with the corps and the boot line. It's not just about the football team, it's about the student body and the representatives. It's about the walk and the corps. That's the most exciting part for our players.
Q: Does it get your blood pumping?
A: Yeah, especially when I almost got ran over the first time. The smoke, you can't see. I think the fans enjoy it.
Q: Coach Smith? Previous relationship?
A: He was at Washington State, and then Idaho. About 8 miles away. I've known him for a long time. It's a situation where he wants to win in the worse way possible, and coach in this situation, losing a QB, they're coming in with a lot of pride. They feel like, just reading and listening, they had a lot to prove. So do we.
Q: Margin of error shrink against SEC opponents?
A: It'll shrink dramatically from last week. Since we've only played one SEC game, we can only go from that. We have to take a lot from that. We were disappointed in the outcome. Our young guys drew a lot of confidence from that game knowing FL is a good team. A bunch of guys look back probably are more confident now, since they hadn't been on the field yet. I know a lot of guys are looking forward to this game.
Q: What did they learn?
A: I don't know. I think some things that were concerning we handled very well. We took care of the football. the margin of error, speed of the tackle, it can't be duplicated at practice. The adjustment is the biggest difference.
Q: Dustin Harris. How important is it to have a special teams returner?
A: I think it's important anywhere. We try to do that anywhere. It's just as important that the other 10 guys understand the importance. WE have had more production form some guys who didn't play against FL. Askew, Kenric, Williams, now know it's important. When you have a guy like Dustin who led the country last year in a quiet way, and Trey Williams the team needs to know the importance. It's easy to play with a ball in your hand like a WR, but if you're not contributing in every offensive snap how are you going to help us win? We have had a number of guys buy into that. There's more into it than just return. That goes into it.
Q: Kick off return new rule? Are y'all hesitant?
A: Not if he goes to the 30 like he did last week. There's different philosophies out there. See if you can get tackled inside 25. Kick it out whenever we can to start at 25. There's a lot of different things going on from a schemes standpoint. Trey's job is to catch the football and not worry where he's at. Eazy tells him to stop or not based on where's he's at in the end zone.
Q: Deshazor move to safety?
A: Hasn't changed anything. Developed depth. Swing safety. Gives us a look at the back end. We aren't worried about who's playing safety and who's playing corner. More flexibility.
Q: Best combination?
A: I don't think it's the best combination it's who you play. Playing teams that are more run orientated, than your corners are more covering guys. The more interchangeable parts we have, and second level of defense and linebacker, than the more flexible you are as a team without substituting.
Q: Populous in the Kyle Field new project?
A: Loud as possible. Make Kyle Field louder, whatever we can do acoustically to drop the field or bring the fans closer. Make the impossible possible and make Kyle Field louder than it is.
Q: Last nights game?
A: I did not even see that. I've heard about it.
A: Yes.
Q: C-MIke going and rolling?
A: We want to get him more involved as we go, so we'll see if that happens.
Q: Improve his blocking?
A: Not so much blocking, we need to get on the same page. We need to call plays that are fit for him.
Q: Have you studied other offensives of running QBs?
A: We did some research this off season, and we play to our personnel.
Q: In a perfect world, how many times will you call for Johnny to run?
A: I don't have a number, we don't want to have him hit a lot we do what we need to do to win.
Q: Back to C-Mike have you felt that he has been frustrated?
A: I just want to get him more involved in the offense.
Q: Johnny taking hits?
A: It's part of the game, but you're not going to take that away from his game. We have to let him be him.
Q: Coaches call short passes, do y'all let him run to be confident?
A: We just let him do him, but we're growing together, a young QB, the thing I've been most impressed with him is his competitiveness.
Q: What are some of the biggest adjustments for Trey?
A: Protection is big, route running, but I've been pleased with how he's picked it up thus far.
Q: Did you watch last years tape? C-Mike?
A: Yes. He's a great talent, no doubt. We're going to try and get him more involved.
Q: C-Mike what he brings?
A: Work ethic, he gives everything he has and he's a great example.
Q: What from Arkansas will pose a problem?
A: The front 7, change up their looks a bunch.
Q: johnny more comfortable with receivers but it looks like he's starting to get more looks from other guys
A: He really hasn't played much but he's going to keep growing and keep getting better.
Q: How impressed with you have you been with Johnny?
A: He's been doing great protecting the ball, every snap, staying within the system and staying within himself.
Q: Letting loose a little bit
A: Yeah but that'll be when he starts getting more comfortable.
Q: Has his success made him more confident?
A: No, he is who he is, he was confident to begin with. He expected to beat FL by himself. We need to keep him playing well.
Q: Showers played well, SMU?
A: He needs to do what he does, and make the average play.
A: Just about everyone got on the field for defense.
Q: What are you going to do to not come up short.
A: We're not worried about them. We're worried about us. We were extremely good at 1st down and 3rd down. We had some issues on the passing game. Thus far I've been pretty pleased. I think our third down rate and getting off the field has been great.
Q: Key to third down success
A: Tomorrow's practice will be all third down. I'm a big believer to get off on third down. We want to get as many touches as possible. Very crucial.
Q: What %
A: 65%, and we're in the 80's. We're doing good.
Q: Safety?
A: Tony Hurd at Safety. We're going against some big WR.
Q: With the combinations how much are you trying to mix and match
A: It'll change weekly. I truly believe you have to be multiple today in football. You can't have one structure and one personnel package. You have to be versatile/multiple and dual teach kids.
Q: Howard Matthews?
A: He did good! I was very pleased. I've been pleased with him for about two weeks.
Q: Steven Terrell?
A: I don't know what happened but he was at practice.
Q: Second down passing, but what can you see of Arkansas's passing?
A: We have a stiff challenge. The QB impresses me. He takes a pounding and has tremendous touch. They have two really good RB's. I really like number 33. They're big up front on the OL. WE have a challenge in front of us.
Q: Hamilton?
A: He took what Rutgers gave him, it'll be good for our guys.
Q: Do you look at last years tape? Espeically with Wilson had a record breaking game?
A: We look at it for personnel sake, but schematically and structurally...no. We have to move the ball and we can't give up touchdowns.
Q: Davis?
A: He's a good player. They have good players across the board.
Q: Do you think they want to get out of Little Rock?
A: I don't know.
Q: Aa a coach have you ever wanted to get out of your town?
A: Yes.
Q: One fear?
A: The deep ball.
Q: Wilson's fearless.
A: He's tough. Not as tough as KK but he's tough.
Q: What do you do to correct post bound
A: Stay on top of Receivers, someone else will play corner.
A: I thinks it's one of those games thats real personal. We haven't beaten them. We're hungry to win, after talking to the seniors especially. We have to be critical with ourselves at practice and do the best that we can do.
Q: Did you like playing at Texas Stadium?
A: I think it's a good stadium. When we go there it's like we have a monkey on our back. I much rather play at Kyle Field, with the 12th man behind us. It's somewhat an advantage having the fans behind us.
Q: What are your thoughts on Christine Michael?
A: I think Christine will do some good things on Saturday. He'll practice hard and he loves the game. He has to stay focused and do the little things. He need to do the little things, watch film. I'm excited for him.
Q: What does Christine add to the team?
A: He plays a huge role in our offense. It's hard to stop Christine Michael. He's a competitor and we really need him.
Q: Is there an adjustment from the first game to now?
A: From the first game we learned a lot. We need to stay focused for four quarters. We learned about our team from the first game. We need to treat each game like any other game. There's obviously stuff we need to clean up on. We need to take care of the mental mistakes and not beat ourselves on the field. We can do really good things on Saturday.
Q: Football in the Sec?
A: It's obviously the best conference in the country. I don't even think that's arguable right now. You have to be on your A game. You can't take a play off, you can't take a quarter off. Best coaches in the league. We just need to execute.
Q: Arkansas defense?
A: Their a fast, big defense. Typical SEC defense. They have to speed, the size. Hopefully with the offense we have we can tear that defense down. They obviously have a good team, good coaches. It's going to be a fun week.
Q: With everything they've been through are y'all ready to expect a lot of intensity?
A: I think so. I think we are fully ready for that. We know they're a good football team, they have good coaches, and they're hungry to win. We can't take this game lightly at all.
Q: How much can you take from this game having played them last year?
A: Every season's a new season, they have freshmen, seniors leaving. They're just like us, guys coming in, guys leaving, coaching changes. We face adversity, teams go up and down. It'll be interesting to see how they adjust to that. We just have to come out and play hard football, it'll be an exciting game.
Q: What do you guys need to do to get the first quarter play like the second?
A: We need to flip the switch a little earlier, and produce what we have been doing in the first quarter. We need to be consistent.
A: It would mean a lot to us. We told the younger guys what it would mean to us. It would mean a lot to this program, to go on and do the things we want in this program.
Q: Thoughts on C-Mike?
A: C-Mike is a guy that definitely brings intensity, and you see that every time he runs the ball. He runs it angry and strong. He gives us a spark that we use and that we need. I expect a great week of practice and a good game from him.
Q: Do you think he was running the ball angry against South Carolina state?
A: I think so. He runs it to hurt people, but that's the competitor in him.
Q: You're 4 touches and 4 touchdowns, do you think you can continue that?
A: Hopefully! That's a good ratio to have!
Q: How many of those were called plays and how many were scrambled drills?
A: I think 2 of them were scrambled drills. He got away from the pressure and was able to make a play.
Q: Obviously this is the second SEC game of the year, pressure?
A: I think so. I think people were worried, but we proved that were physical as well. We're physical in practice, in the weight room, we had a good summer. Hopefully we can keep going.
Q: Special teams can be a difference maker? How much better the punt return team is?
A: They're out there working everyday in practice. It's a competition aspect in practice, they compete every rep. They compete on every drill. They've gotten a whole lot better.
Q: Kick off returns?
A: Kick off returns is the same thing. Coach challenged guys during the week. Guys like Ben Malena, always energized, it just gives us a whole identity to compete on every drill and every play.
Q: You guys are feeling more comfortable with this offense?
A: We definitely have seen Johnny in game like circumstances in practice. Defenders in his face, and he's getting the feel and so are we.
Q: What do you know about Arkansas defense?
A: Tehy're very capable, they're defensive backs. They're speed. We're going to have fun.
Q: Can you look back at your last three games and take anything from it?
A: We can't look back, we can't dwell on the past. We have to go forward with our team, and our season.
Q: How frustrating is it to watch leads slip away? Obviously one game is different than another, but do those games stick out to you?
A: I think so. It adds to our fuel. We look at the Arkansas games and especially the guys that have been here, it adds to our motivation.
Q: What was your take on last nights play?
A: As a receiver. I feel like it would be great to be Golden Tate. Obviously he didn't catch the ball. But Touchdown!
Q: Have you ever had a simultaneous catch?
A: No I don't think so.
A: I think we've gotten better every single week with the running game. Small little things here and there. We watched last years film, but they have a different team and so do we.
Q: What gave y'all a little extra confidence in last weeks game?
A: We kind of went out there and Coach Anderson did a great job noticing what they were doing, the nose guard was going right into Pat.
Q: What have you seen from Jarvis?
A: He has gotten better every single week. Least experienced OL, but he works hard, he cares about being on the field, it's a big week for him.
Q: How bad do you want to win one against them?
A: Going to my home town and losing its hard, I definitely want to get them this year. They have a great front 7 but we want to win. It's a rivalry game.
Q: Do you notice the intensity notch up?
A: Yeah, going up against SC State we saw the excitement, so this week it's the same.
Q: Tape from FL game to help this week?
A: We can lean on the 12th man, they go crazy for us, they keep the energy level high. Arkansas has great speed and size.
Q: What do you think the mindset is up in Arkansas?
A: They want to win games. They have the talent, you can see it on film, we have to be ready to play on Saturday.
A: He's matured a lot and he seems more efficient as a QB.
Q: Last years team, can you get enough pressure on him?
A: I think we had enough pressure on him, but obviously you can never have too much pressure. We will just go back and look at film.
Q: Biggest weapon for Arkansas?
A: Tyler Wilson, he's on the hesiman watch. He can makes plays.
Q: This game for progress development?
A: It's about consistency, if I can do it for another week. Another SEC opponent. Another stepping stone.
Q: How many snaps were you in Saturday?
A: Probably 47.
Q: So you've gotten some rest?
A: They took us out so I did get some rest but I did do 47 straight.
Q: Do you remember what play it was that you got the sack?
A: It was right after he caught that interception, so coach put us back in to see how we handled adversity, and that' when I got it.
Q: Arkansas came into the season with high expectations, kind of like A&M did last year. What do you think their mind set is?
A: TO come out and make a statement, to come out in KYLE FIELD to make a statement. They know they're good, talented receivers, talented QB, they want to make a statement.
Q: What about you guys? Do you want to make a statement?
A: We want to prove that we're not the bottom of the barrel. We want to come out and do our best.
Q: How do you feel about playing at Kyle Field this year?
A: We're at home, the 12th man behind us, which can get rowdy especially when it's close. We aren't at Cowboy stadium which is an advantage.
Q: C-Mikes performace last year. It was an all time performance.
A: He had an amazing game. When things weren't going right we could count on him. Hopefully he can produce another game like that.
Q: Do you look back on film?
A: You can look back at players and see what they did. See what we did right and what we did wrong. Critique ourselves and use it. They have new coaches and new schemes.
Q: How did you feel after last years game?
A: It was not a good feeling. Losing is never a good feeling.
Q: Is there any added pressure because offense takes awhile to get going?
A: No, we just do our job and offense does theirs.
Q: Key to success on third down.
A: We pride ourselves on our third down. We get off the field on third down. We look at what we do right. We want our strengths to be our strengths and weaknesses to be our strengths.
Q: How do you feel when Spence, Kirby, Jonathan are with you?
A: When we are all producing it makes it harder on the OL because they can't slide to one side. All 4 of us up front producing it makes it more difficult because they don't know who to double, and it gives us more one on one opportunities.
A: It would be huge. We have lost to them every year. Especially for the senior class.
Q: Being in the SEC?
A: We want to be respected in the SEC. We want to win one game. We want to be concerned about each game.
Q: Does Wilson look better than he did last year?
A: Wilson had a heck of a game against Rutgers. Anytime a receiver can catch 10 passes and average 30 yards is good. He's looking a lot better, more experience. He looks like a division 1 quarterback.
Q: Coaching change?
A: Their offense is the same.
Q: How hard is it to prepare for a team like this?
A: It's not too difficult. Every week it's stop and run. It's 3rd and long. We get off the field at a remarkable rate. Doesn't matter who's in the game, as long as we control the situations their in we'll have success.
Q: Game at Kyle Field?
A: I'm excited. Even though it's 11 am I'm sure the fans won't care. They'll be loud and rowdy.
Q: Thoughts on Davis?
A: Davis is a great RB, he's a premiere SEC RB, you put him against big times names and he's good. He bursts out on the scene, and he has such a good QB. He's a guy you have to prepare for. We will have to gang tackle him.
Q: Looking at film why hasn't Davis gotten off to a good start?
A: I think he's getting back in the groove from his injury. He needs one key game and he'll be back ready to roll.
Q: Any concerns from these guys coming in and they'll be more intense?
A: We have to make sure we prepare as if they're an undefeated team. We can't think that this isn't a traditional Arkansas team, we have to prepare for a very good team.
A: No I actually wasn't paying any attention to it. I had no idea about the record until it was posted on the big screen.
Q: What did you guys leave out there?
A: Coach came up to me after the SMU of what i was doing wrong and what to fix. I just took that into this game and trusted my blockers and teammates even more. They got the job done, we did.
Q: What makes a good punt returner?
A: Confidence. You can't be scared. That's the most difficult thing to do. It can be scary but you have to be confident. I think I have enough confidence.
Q: Any of the personnel change each game?
A: Different every week. Different look. We don't want to put the same guys every week so opponents can't get a feel. We do a lot of different stuff.
Q: 4/5/6 personnel changes?
A: No 2/3 people, different positions. Just to give people different looks. To see what we need to do. Different schemes.
Q: Are the holes bigger? Are you seeing them quicker?
A: Both. The blockers are doing an outstanding job, sticking with the. The holes seemed bigger, I was able to have much more vision and many more lanes to run through.
Q: Who's going to get Cody Hamilton?
A: We haven't decided that. He's a dynamic player, we've been watching film on him. We've watched film on him, and he's gotten more attention than he needs. We're looking at him big time. He's a dynamic person, dynamic guy.
Q: Look at Tyler Wilson and see how many yards he threw last year. Is there still a sting?
A: The seniors we're taking it personal. Letting all three slip away. It's hard to swallow it. We're going to try and go out on a note of success and being that we have them at home the 12th mans going to help out a lot.
A: No ma'am, I'll be the first to say I've had some lucky bounces this season. I've been fortunate enough.
Q: Do you feel more confident each week that you are getting those rolls?
A: Yeah, the stats are definitely great. Whenever I am connecting with the ball it is traveling. I don't work on those rollers. I'm trying to eliminate those balls on the side of my foot. I'm trying to force fair catches.
Q: So are you ready for the SEC defenses, a lot of punting?
A: In the SEC field position is how you win games, and I'm trying to give A&M good field position to wins some games this season.
Q: What did you do to separate yourself before the season?
A: A big thing was Sumlin wanted coverage punts, 40 yards. In the SEC you don't want to give the punt returner any chances to return the ball, and every game their asking for a net of 39 and I was able to give a hang ball of 40 so they liked it.
Q: Off season to prepare or do anything different?
A: It helped a lot with our new strength coach LJ, and we did a lot of huddles for strength. We had a solid 8 weeks so I got stronger.
Q: Do they still go out and use a stopwatch?
A: Yes ma'am, not necessarily during practice because it's about protection. Get off time and hang time are two main factors.
Q: Engineering athlete and student athlete?
A: Homework. It's a grind. The past three years has been class all day, practice, and do homework. I've managed to balance it pretty well.
Q: Do you like having this game at home?
A: Yes. Jerry World hasn't been the greatest to us. It'll nice to have that home field advantage.
Q: What would you do if you were to face a Dustin Harris?
A: You have to focus, it increases focus. In off season we focussed on the Honey Badger but obviously we aren't playing against him. Hang time punts is key.
Q: Game plan?
A: This year it depends on the rush and the hash. We game plan week to week.
Q: More comfortable picking a direction?
A: Last year was left, but this year I can punt either way. I can hit each way.
Q: Do you like what you've seen on your coverage teams?
A: Our gunners are doing a great job. They've been doing a great job at coverage. I think they'll succeed all season long. It's been good.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I just say working in the industry. I interned with Dev Energy, so probably with them.
Kevin Sumlin
You'll see the coaches wearing a patch this weekend. It's for MD, muscular dystrophy. It's to raise awareness, and I want you guys to know what the patch is about. It's something that the AFCA is very involved in, and so are we. We are extremely proud to be involved in this, and it's something we have deep feelings about. We just wanted everyone to know what the patch was about.Q: When did y'all decide to run the clock?
A: I didn't, I don't know who decided it. You would be surprised, like I said last week, I don't make decisions on everything. Sometimes I find things out too.
Q: Will Christine Michaels performance last year be a factor?
A: I haven't looked at anything. It has no bearing this year. We have approached every game that way. It's no different.
Q: You saw how tough C-Mike was last year? Will that be a factor?
A: I don't think that will have a factor in this years game.
Q: Does he need to work on his blocking?
A: I wouldn't single him out. I think everybody needs to work on it. I think because he hasn't played is why he's singled out. I think your discussion is why hasn't he played. He hasn't not played because of performance, that's not the issue. I think people are drawing more into it than what it is.
Q: Because he is a big powerful back, how much do you need him?
A: We have 3 powerful backs. I've said from day 1 that all three would play. In my estimation, for two reasons 1) Christine hasn't made it through a full season, we need to develop the other backs. 2)They can play too, they're excellent players. The line of questioning is going down the wrong road, It's hard to perform if you're not playing.
Q: What do you expect?
A: Just like the other guys.
Q: Malena start?
A: He started last week, and so he will start this week
Q: Lingering issues
A: No.
Q: Proud of Ben?
A: Can't be shocked.
Q: Trey?
A: He's good. I keep telling him not to hit home runs. You go from high school football to college football. The number of carries you get during a game, you never know the next one could be a HR. We need first downs. You need to be able to follow it up. He's feeling it out. That'll come to him. I've been happy with his progress, in protection, he's gotten better. As a freshmen it's the hardest thing, to learn protection. Being his size, being big enough to handle it. He's a tough guy, upset he dropped the kickoff he still got 30 yards. Those are the things he's working on. We have three good backs, and they're all going to play.
Q: Davis, Wilson, and Hamilton
A: There's a reason they were preseason #8, they have a lot of great skills, big OL, one of the best QB's in the country. Hamilton put 300 on the board last week, so you know he can play. Davis, going back 2 years ago before the injuries is a good RB. They can get after you, there's a reason why. They have some talented guys. Anytime you lose a QB of that caliber, for a game or for whatever, it can throw you off. They're coming in here, they have a lot to prove. A wounded animal can be the most dangerous. SEC game, we're at home. After losing a close one, I think our guys are excited to get back out there.
Q: What would it be like to get that first SEC win?
A: It'll be an SEC win. We have more SEC games.
Q: Will this be the biggest test for the secondary?
A: Probably.
Q: Compared to FL? Driskel?
A: Driskel played very well. People are figuring out he's a good QB. I think our defense played very well.
Q: Pleased with progress?
A: I think we've gotten better. Just by numbers alone. The speed of this game is going to pick up dramatically from last week. We went from 11 from secondary missed tackles to SMU which was a significant drop. This league is different, when the formations get reduced the corners have to make tackles. They physical nature of the secondary is a factor.
Q: Johnny's 13 carries a game, how many were called runs?
A: Half.
Q: Zone reads?
A: Do you want me to give the scouting plan to John L. Smith?
Q: How comfortable are you with him carrying that much on his own?
A: You're looking at 13 plays a game, that's kind of significant. If you're getting 80 plays, that doesn't sound like so much but that's his nature of doing things. Somewhere in every QB statistically in the past has been 5 or 10 a game. That's just the nature of the game.
Q: When y'all watch the tape at the game do y'all just shake your head in amazement?
A: I mean yeah. As a coach you watch differently because you're critical and you try to understand the big picture. What you saw last, and remember where you saw it, and the ability to keep your eyes downfield. It's different when you're on the sideline and you see it live. We don't take anything for granted, there's a lot of things during the game when you watch it and say it's a good play. A lot of times you can't see the little things.
Q: How does Johnny handle critiques?
A: He doesn't have much choice if he wants to play. It's like anything else, human nature when you're in a pressure situation and things get hairy around you, you go back to what you know. Being a QB there's challenges. Any QB that comes into a collegiate program has challenges. You understand your limitations, and develop your limitations not your strengths. The quicker your development happens.
Q: Crowd and the stadium? New entrance?
A: Players love it. The fans like it. I get a lot of emails. Very positive emails. The walk the fans like because they're close and they can see them. Not just the spirit walk. I think it has blended a lot of things that are important. We meet up with the corps and the boot line. It's not just about the football team, it's about the student body and the representatives. It's about the walk and the corps. That's the most exciting part for our players.
Q: Does it get your blood pumping?
A: Yeah, especially when I almost got ran over the first time. The smoke, you can't see. I think the fans enjoy it.
Q: Coach Smith? Previous relationship?
A: He was at Washington State, and then Idaho. About 8 miles away. I've known him for a long time. It's a situation where he wants to win in the worse way possible, and coach in this situation, losing a QB, they're coming in with a lot of pride. They feel like, just reading and listening, they had a lot to prove. So do we.
Q: Margin of error shrink against SEC opponents?
A: It'll shrink dramatically from last week. Since we've only played one SEC game, we can only go from that. We have to take a lot from that. We were disappointed in the outcome. Our young guys drew a lot of confidence from that game knowing FL is a good team. A bunch of guys look back probably are more confident now, since they hadn't been on the field yet. I know a lot of guys are looking forward to this game.
Q: What did they learn?
A: I don't know. I think some things that were concerning we handled very well. We took care of the football. the margin of error, speed of the tackle, it can't be duplicated at practice. The adjustment is the biggest difference.
Q: Dustin Harris. How important is it to have a special teams returner?
A: I think it's important anywhere. We try to do that anywhere. It's just as important that the other 10 guys understand the importance. WE have had more production form some guys who didn't play against FL. Askew, Kenric, Williams, now know it's important. When you have a guy like Dustin who led the country last year in a quiet way, and Trey Williams the team needs to know the importance. It's easy to play with a ball in your hand like a WR, but if you're not contributing in every offensive snap how are you going to help us win? We have had a number of guys buy into that. There's more into it than just return. That goes into it.
Q: Kick off return new rule? Are y'all hesitant?
A: Not if he goes to the 30 like he did last week. There's different philosophies out there. See if you can get tackled inside 25. Kick it out whenever we can to start at 25. There's a lot of different things going on from a schemes standpoint. Trey's job is to catch the football and not worry where he's at. Eazy tells him to stop or not based on where's he's at in the end zone.
Q: Deshazor move to safety?
A: Hasn't changed anything. Developed depth. Swing safety. Gives us a look at the back end. We aren't worried about who's playing safety and who's playing corner. More flexibility.
Q: Best combination?
A: I don't think it's the best combination it's who you play. Playing teams that are more run orientated, than your corners are more covering guys. The more interchangeable parts we have, and second level of defense and linebacker, than the more flexible you are as a team without substituting.
Q: Populous in the Kyle Field new project?
A: Loud as possible. Make Kyle Field louder, whatever we can do acoustically to drop the field or bring the fans closer. Make the impossible possible and make Kyle Field louder than it is.
Q: Last nights game?
A: I did not even see that. I've heard about it.
Kliff Kingsbury
Q: Look at the tape, any improvements in the run blocking?A: Yes.
Q: C-MIke going and rolling?
A: We want to get him more involved as we go, so we'll see if that happens.
Q: Improve his blocking?
A: Not so much blocking, we need to get on the same page. We need to call plays that are fit for him.
Q: Have you studied other offensives of running QBs?
A: We did some research this off season, and we play to our personnel.
Q: In a perfect world, how many times will you call for Johnny to run?
A: I don't have a number, we don't want to have him hit a lot we do what we need to do to win.
Q: Back to C-Mike have you felt that he has been frustrated?
A: I just want to get him more involved in the offense.
Q: Johnny taking hits?
A: It's part of the game, but you're not going to take that away from his game. We have to let him be him.
Q: Coaches call short passes, do y'all let him run to be confident?
A: We just let him do him, but we're growing together, a young QB, the thing I've been most impressed with him is his competitiveness.
Q: What are some of the biggest adjustments for Trey?
A: Protection is big, route running, but I've been pleased with how he's picked it up thus far.
Q: Did you watch last years tape? C-Mike?
A: Yes. He's a great talent, no doubt. We're going to try and get him more involved.
Q: C-Mike what he brings?
A: Work ethic, he gives everything he has and he's a great example.
Q: What from Arkansas will pose a problem?
A: The front 7, change up their looks a bunch.
Q: johnny more comfortable with receivers but it looks like he's starting to get more looks from other guys
A: He really hasn't played much but he's going to keep growing and keep getting better.
Q: How impressed with you have you been with Johnny?
A: He's been doing great protecting the ball, every snap, staying within the system and staying within himself.
Q: Letting loose a little bit
A: Yeah but that'll be when he starts getting more comfortable.
Q: Has his success made him more confident?
A: No, he is who he is, he was confident to begin with. He expected to beat FL by himself. We need to keep him playing well.
Q: Showers played well, SMU?
A: He needs to do what he does, and make the average play.
Mark Snyder
Q: How many saw the field last game?A: Just about everyone got on the field for defense.
Q: What are you going to do to not come up short.
A: We're not worried about them. We're worried about us. We were extremely good at 1st down and 3rd down. We had some issues on the passing game. Thus far I've been pretty pleased. I think our third down rate and getting off the field has been great.
Q: Key to third down success
A: Tomorrow's practice will be all third down. I'm a big believer to get off on third down. We want to get as many touches as possible. Very crucial.
Q: What %
A: 65%, and we're in the 80's. We're doing good.
Q: Safety?
A: Tony Hurd at Safety. We're going against some big WR.
Q: With the combinations how much are you trying to mix and match
A: It'll change weekly. I truly believe you have to be multiple today in football. You can't have one structure and one personnel package. You have to be versatile/multiple and dual teach kids.
Q: Howard Matthews?
A: He did good! I was very pleased. I've been pleased with him for about two weeks.
Q: Steven Terrell?
A: I don't know what happened but he was at practice.
Q: Second down passing, but what can you see of Arkansas's passing?
A: We have a stiff challenge. The QB impresses me. He takes a pounding and has tremendous touch. They have two really good RB's. I really like number 33. They're big up front on the OL. WE have a challenge in front of us.
Q: Hamilton?
A: He took what Rutgers gave him, it'll be good for our guys.
Q: Do you look at last years tape? Espeically with Wilson had a record breaking game?
A: We look at it for personnel sake, but schematically and structurally...no. We have to move the ball and we can't give up touchdowns.
Q: Davis?
A: He's a good player. They have good players across the board.
Q: Do you think they want to get out of Little Rock?
A: I don't know.
Q: Aa a coach have you ever wanted to get out of your town?
A: Yes.
Q: One fear?
A: The deep ball.
Q: Wilson's fearless.
A: He's tough. Not as tough as KK but he's tough.
Q: What do you do to correct post bound
A: Stay on top of Receivers, someone else will play corner.
Ryan Swope
Q: After losing three years, what would beating Arkansas mean to the seniors?A: I thinks it's one of those games thats real personal. We haven't beaten them. We're hungry to win, after talking to the seniors especially. We have to be critical with ourselves at practice and do the best that we can do.
Q: Did you like playing at Texas Stadium?
A: I think it's a good stadium. When we go there it's like we have a monkey on our back. I much rather play at Kyle Field, with the 12th man behind us. It's somewhat an advantage having the fans behind us.
Q: What are your thoughts on Christine Michael?
A: I think Christine will do some good things on Saturday. He'll practice hard and he loves the game. He has to stay focused and do the little things. He need to do the little things, watch film. I'm excited for him.
Q: What does Christine add to the team?
A: He plays a huge role in our offense. It's hard to stop Christine Michael. He's a competitor and we really need him.
Q: Is there an adjustment from the first game to now?
A: From the first game we learned a lot. We need to stay focused for four quarters. We learned about our team from the first game. We need to treat each game like any other game. There's obviously stuff we need to clean up on. We need to take care of the mental mistakes and not beat ourselves on the field. We can do really good things on Saturday.
Q: Football in the Sec?
A: It's obviously the best conference in the country. I don't even think that's arguable right now. You have to be on your A game. You can't take a play off, you can't take a quarter off. Best coaches in the league. We just need to execute.
Q: Arkansas defense?
A: Their a fast, big defense. Typical SEC defense. They have to speed, the size. Hopefully with the offense we have we can tear that defense down. They obviously have a good team, good coaches. It's going to be a fun week.
Q: With everything they've been through are y'all ready to expect a lot of intensity?
A: I think so. I think we are fully ready for that. We know they're a good football team, they have good coaches, and they're hungry to win. We can't take this game lightly at all.
Q: How much can you take from this game having played them last year?
A: Every season's a new season, they have freshmen, seniors leaving. They're just like us, guys coming in, guys leaving, coaching changes. We face adversity, teams go up and down. It'll be interesting to see how they adjust to that. We just have to come out and play hard football, it'll be an exciting game.
Q: What do you guys need to do to get the first quarter play like the second?
A: We need to flip the switch a little earlier, and produce what we have been doing in the first quarter. We need to be consistent.
Uzoma Nwachukwu
Q: What would this win mean to the seniors?A: It would mean a lot to us. We told the younger guys what it would mean to us. It would mean a lot to this program, to go on and do the things we want in this program.
Q: Thoughts on C-Mike?
A: C-Mike is a guy that definitely brings intensity, and you see that every time he runs the ball. He runs it angry and strong. He gives us a spark that we use and that we need. I expect a great week of practice and a good game from him.
Q: Do you think he was running the ball angry against South Carolina state?
A: I think so. He runs it to hurt people, but that's the competitor in him.
Q: You're 4 touches and 4 touchdowns, do you think you can continue that?
A: Hopefully! That's a good ratio to have!
Q: How many of those were called plays and how many were scrambled drills?
A: I think 2 of them were scrambled drills. He got away from the pressure and was able to make a play.
Q: Obviously this is the second SEC game of the year, pressure?
A: I think so. I think people were worried, but we proved that were physical as well. We're physical in practice, in the weight room, we had a good summer. Hopefully we can keep going.
Q: Special teams can be a difference maker? How much better the punt return team is?
A: They're out there working everyday in practice. It's a competition aspect in practice, they compete every rep. They compete on every drill. They've gotten a whole lot better.
Q: Kick off returns?
A: Kick off returns is the same thing. Coach challenged guys during the week. Guys like Ben Malena, always energized, it just gives us a whole identity to compete on every drill and every play.
Q: You guys are feeling more comfortable with this offense?
A: We definitely have seen Johnny in game like circumstances in practice. Defenders in his face, and he's getting the feel and so are we.
Q: What do you know about Arkansas defense?
A: Tehy're very capable, they're defensive backs. They're speed. We're going to have fun.
Q: Can you look back at your last three games and take anything from it?
A: We can't look back, we can't dwell on the past. We have to go forward with our team, and our season.
Q: How frustrating is it to watch leads slip away? Obviously one game is different than another, but do those games stick out to you?
A: I think so. It adds to our fuel. We look at the Arkansas games and especially the guys that have been here, it adds to our motivation.
Q: What was your take on last nights play?
A: As a receiver. I feel like it would be great to be Golden Tate. Obviously he didn't catch the ball. But Touchdown!
Q: Have you ever had a simultaneous catch?
A: No I don't think so.
Luke Joeckel
Q: System different? Last years game?A: I think we've gotten better every single week with the running game. Small little things here and there. We watched last years film, but they have a different team and so do we.
Q: What gave y'all a little extra confidence in last weeks game?
A: We kind of went out there and Coach Anderson did a great job noticing what they were doing, the nose guard was going right into Pat.
Q: What have you seen from Jarvis?
A: He has gotten better every single week. Least experienced OL, but he works hard, he cares about being on the field, it's a big week for him.
Q: How bad do you want to win one against them?
A: Going to my home town and losing its hard, I definitely want to get them this year. They have a great front 7 but we want to win. It's a rivalry game.
Q: Do you notice the intensity notch up?
A: Yeah, going up against SC State we saw the excitement, so this week it's the same.
Q: Tape from FL game to help this week?
A: We can lean on the 12th man, they go crazy for us, they keep the energy level high. Arkansas has great speed and size.
Q: What do you think the mindset is up in Arkansas?
A: They want to win games. They have the talent, you can see it on film, we have to be ready to play on Saturday.
Damontre Moore
Q: On Tyler Wilson, how much does he look like last years Wilson?A: He's matured a lot and he seems more efficient as a QB.
Q: Last years team, can you get enough pressure on him?
A: I think we had enough pressure on him, but obviously you can never have too much pressure. We will just go back and look at film.
Q: Biggest weapon for Arkansas?
A: Tyler Wilson, he's on the hesiman watch. He can makes plays.
Q: This game for progress development?
A: It's about consistency, if I can do it for another week. Another SEC opponent. Another stepping stone.
Q: How many snaps were you in Saturday?
A: Probably 47.
Q: So you've gotten some rest?
A: They took us out so I did get some rest but I did do 47 straight.
Q: Do you remember what play it was that you got the sack?
A: It was right after he caught that interception, so coach put us back in to see how we handled adversity, and that' when I got it.
Q: Arkansas came into the season with high expectations, kind of like A&M did last year. What do you think their mind set is?
A: TO come out and make a statement, to come out in KYLE FIELD to make a statement. They know they're good, talented receivers, talented QB, they want to make a statement.
Q: What about you guys? Do you want to make a statement?
A: We want to prove that we're not the bottom of the barrel. We want to come out and do our best.
Q: How do you feel about playing at Kyle Field this year?
A: We're at home, the 12th man behind us, which can get rowdy especially when it's close. We aren't at Cowboy stadium which is an advantage.
Q: C-Mikes performace last year. It was an all time performance.
A: He had an amazing game. When things weren't going right we could count on him. Hopefully he can produce another game like that.
Q: Do you look back on film?
A: You can look back at players and see what they did. See what we did right and what we did wrong. Critique ourselves and use it. They have new coaches and new schemes.
Q: How did you feel after last years game?
A: It was not a good feeling. Losing is never a good feeling.
Q: Is there any added pressure because offense takes awhile to get going?
A: No, we just do our job and offense does theirs.
Q: Key to success on third down.
A: We pride ourselves on our third down. We get off the field on third down. We look at what we do right. We want our strengths to be our strengths and weaknesses to be our strengths.
Q: How do you feel when Spence, Kirby, Jonathan are with you?
A: When we are all producing it makes it harder on the OL because they can't slide to one side. All 4 of us up front producing it makes it more difficult because they don't know who to double, and it gives us more one on one opportunities.
Jonathan Stewart
Q: What would a win mean?A: It would be huge. We have lost to them every year. Especially for the senior class.
Q: Being in the SEC?
A: We want to be respected in the SEC. We want to win one game. We want to be concerned about each game.
Q: Does Wilson look better than he did last year?
A: Wilson had a heck of a game against Rutgers. Anytime a receiver can catch 10 passes and average 30 yards is good. He's looking a lot better, more experience. He looks like a division 1 quarterback.
Q: Coaching change?
A: Their offense is the same.
Q: How hard is it to prepare for a team like this?
A: It's not too difficult. Every week it's stop and run. It's 3rd and long. We get off the field at a remarkable rate. Doesn't matter who's in the game, as long as we control the situations their in we'll have success.
Q: Game at Kyle Field?
A: I'm excited. Even though it's 11 am I'm sure the fans won't care. They'll be loud and rowdy.
Q: Thoughts on Davis?
A: Davis is a great RB, he's a premiere SEC RB, you put him against big times names and he's good. He bursts out on the scene, and he has such a good QB. He's a guy you have to prepare for. We will have to gang tackle him.
Q: Looking at film why hasn't Davis gotten off to a good start?
A: I think he's getting back in the groove from his injury. He needs one key game and he'll be back ready to roll.
Q: Any concerns from these guys coming in and they'll be more intense?
A: We have to make sure we prepare as if they're an undefeated team. We can't think that this isn't a traditional Arkansas team, we have to prepare for a very good team.
Dustin Harris
Q: Did you know how close you were to a NCAA record?A: No I actually wasn't paying any attention to it. I had no idea about the record until it was posted on the big screen.
Q: What did you guys leave out there?
A: Coach came up to me after the SMU of what i was doing wrong and what to fix. I just took that into this game and trusted my blockers and teammates even more. They got the job done, we did.
Q: What makes a good punt returner?
A: Confidence. You can't be scared. That's the most difficult thing to do. It can be scary but you have to be confident. I think I have enough confidence.
Q: Any of the personnel change each game?
A: Different every week. Different look. We don't want to put the same guys every week so opponents can't get a feel. We do a lot of different stuff.
Q: 4/5/6 personnel changes?
A: No 2/3 people, different positions. Just to give people different looks. To see what we need to do. Different schemes.
Q: Are the holes bigger? Are you seeing them quicker?
A: Both. The blockers are doing an outstanding job, sticking with the. The holes seemed bigger, I was able to have much more vision and many more lanes to run through.
Q: Who's going to get Cody Hamilton?
A: We haven't decided that. He's a dynamic player, we've been watching film on him. We've watched film on him, and he's gotten more attention than he needs. We're looking at him big time. He's a dynamic person, dynamic guy.
Q: Look at Tyler Wilson and see how many yards he threw last year. Is there still a sting?
A: The seniors we're taking it personal. Letting all three slip away. It's hard to swallow it. We're going to try and go out on a note of success and being that we have them at home the 12th mans going to help out a lot.
Ryan Epperson
Q: Ryan do you work on that bounce?A: No ma'am, I'll be the first to say I've had some lucky bounces this season. I've been fortunate enough.
Q: Do you feel more confident each week that you are getting those rolls?
A: Yeah, the stats are definitely great. Whenever I am connecting with the ball it is traveling. I don't work on those rollers. I'm trying to eliminate those balls on the side of my foot. I'm trying to force fair catches.
Q: So are you ready for the SEC defenses, a lot of punting?
A: In the SEC field position is how you win games, and I'm trying to give A&M good field position to wins some games this season.
Q: What did you do to separate yourself before the season?
A: A big thing was Sumlin wanted coverage punts, 40 yards. In the SEC you don't want to give the punt returner any chances to return the ball, and every game their asking for a net of 39 and I was able to give a hang ball of 40 so they liked it.
Q: Off season to prepare or do anything different?
A: It helped a lot with our new strength coach LJ, and we did a lot of huddles for strength. We had a solid 8 weeks so I got stronger.
Q: Do they still go out and use a stopwatch?
A: Yes ma'am, not necessarily during practice because it's about protection. Get off time and hang time are two main factors.
Q: Engineering athlete and student athlete?
A: Homework. It's a grind. The past three years has been class all day, practice, and do homework. I've managed to balance it pretty well.
Q: Do you like having this game at home?
A: Yes. Jerry World hasn't been the greatest to us. It'll nice to have that home field advantage.
Q: What would you do if you were to face a Dustin Harris?
A: You have to focus, it increases focus. In off season we focussed on the Honey Badger but obviously we aren't playing against him. Hang time punts is key.
Q: Game plan?
A: This year it depends on the rush and the hash. We game plan week to week.
Q: More comfortable picking a direction?
A: Last year was left, but this year I can punt either way. I can hit each way.
Q: Do you like what you've seen on your coverage teams?
A: Our gunners are doing a great job. They've been doing a great job at coverage. I think they'll succeed all season long. It's been good.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I just say working in the industry. I interned with Dev Energy, so probably with them.
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