Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A With T.J. Duckett
8/2/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - What are the differences between high school and college?
The practices are more intense than in high school. Every minute you are doing something. You just have to be ready to go and not think about what is going on. Don't worry about how tired you are and don't worry about if you are sore. Just think about what your job is to do on that play.
What are your expectations for this first year?
Basically I just want to play and learn as much as I can. If I get a chance to play I'm going to go out and do my best. Hopefully, I can make things happen. I just want to win.
Any expectations for playing on offense?
Wherever I fit in. I don't know where they plan on using me or where I am going to end up. If the opportunity is there for me to play offense, then I will take it.
Would you like to play both offense and defense?
I want to learn linebacker first. Once I get that down, I can move over to the other side of the ball. I'm not trying to learn a thousand things at one time.
Are you intimidated by some of the expectations people have for you?
No. I'm my own person and I'm going to play my own style of football. I don't know what it's going to be like because I've never played college football before. I don't know what's going to happen. I'm just going to do my best.
Which linebacker position are you best suited for?
Either one of the two outside backers is probably where I'll play. I don't really see myself too much in the middle. I feel comfortable at SAM or WILL.
Did you learn anything at your first practice?
I learned a lot. We put in a couple of defenses today and ran a couple of offensive plays. I had fun with it. Today was basically more of a fun day, for me at least. A lot of the stuff I've learned by coming to camp here two years in a row. I've also been here six weeks this summer so I learned a little bit. Now, it's just putting it all together as a team. I enjoyed it.
Were you teaching some of the other guys?
No. I am probably the one asking the most questions. I want to make sure I'm doing everything right. Even if I do know what I'm doing, I'll ask the linebacker next to me just to make sure I'm doing the right thing. Just to double-check everything.
Do you see this team taking off this year?
I see us playing great ball. This year and many years to come I see us playing great ball. I think this is the best time to start at this program. It's going to go up from here. There's nothing else to say about it, I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
What are your impressions of last year's team?
Beating Ohio State and beating Notre Dame, the potential is there. It's just a matter of using it every single game. Once that happens, then the sky is the limit.
Have you spoken with some of the defensive veterans?
I've become friends with a lot of them since I've been here. They've told me what different games were like and tactics they've used in different situations, wrestling with big linemen and taking on the fullbacks. Everyone has taught me a little bit. I really can't say that one person has taught me more. Everyone has taught me something to do in certain situations.
With so many starters back on defense, how does that help you out?
It allows me to relax a little bit. I don't have to worry about learning everything just so I can step in and play. It gives me a chance to make sure I know everything thoroughly. That way, when I get my shot I'm going to take it and not have to worry about maybe I don't know what's going to happen and maybe I do. I'll definitely know I'm doing the right thing and make it happen.
What did you do in the spring and summer to prepare for fall ball?
I ran track this past summer and that was a lot of the conditioning. Then I moved up here early, which was even more conditioning. I've been running, lifting and learning. That's basically it.
