Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Sideline Report: Otis Wiley
9/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 6, 2006
In his first career start, sophomore Otis Wiley had an immediate impact on the Michigan State defense, making a team-high 12 tackles and three pass break-ups in the Spartans' 27-17 win over Idaho last Saturday.
Q: His thoughts on making 12 tackles in his first start last Saturday against Idaho.
A: It was a good game, but I know I have to get better. That game is in the past. Eastern Michigan will come out on fire in the next game. We're going to have to do better. I'll have to create more and assist on more tackles; and just be there with the ball at the right time.
It does feel good knowing that I'm fit for the job and that the coaches trust me. They believe that I can get the job done, which is a good thing.
Q: His thoughts on the importance of communication with fellow safety Nehemiah Warrick:
A: It's very important because if we're not on the same accord, maybe he'll mess up and not make the tackle or maybe I'll mess up. We have to be on the same page and pressure anything.
Q: How the team is preparing for Eastern Michigan?
A: We're just studying the film hard, adjusting to the quarterback. They have shown great speed on certain plays. We're just adjusting to the run and the pass.
Q: Talk about making big plays, like stopping Idaho on third-and-9 in the second quarter.
A: I just had to get a break on the ball. I have to swat it down, intercept it or hit the receiver hard, so he won't catch it and get the first down. We needed to find a way to get off the field.
Q: What is your favorite play to make?
A: Sack. Sacks are great. You get to hit the quarterback hard and impact field position.
Q: Talk about being the only player on the team from Flint's Carmen-Ainsworth High School while three come from Flint Northern.
A: Sometimes we joke around. Northern has some better players than Carmen-Ainsworth. They're from the city and I'm from the suburbs type of thing, but it's all just jokes. We know we're all on one accord and one team.
Q: How does walking through Spartan Stadium's tunnel compare to playing at Notre Dame or other historic venues?
A: It's an adrenalin rush at Spartan Stadium, with the band right there next to the locker room. At Notre Dame, it's kind of a different atmosphere because we're getting booed when we take the field because we're not wanted there. It's a different rush when playing on the road.
Q: What's the biggest difference between preparing to come in the game off the bench and starting?,/i>
A: As a starter, I need more knowledge. Last year, I had a small role, so I just studied my small part and I caught on real quick in that role as a nickel safety. Now as a formation safety, there are always new things coming at you. You have to learn, adapt and adjust.
Q: Why did you pick the jersey No. 21?
A: Really, it was closest to 20 - my high school number. However, the more I thought about it, the 2 is the Father and the Son and the 1 is the Holy Spirit, so it's a nice thing that ties into my Christianity.
Q&A conducted by Joe Guistina, MSU Sports Information intern
