Michigan State University Athletics
Grid Insider: Preseason Camp Update, No. 2
8/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2007
Coach Dantonio Video (All-Access)
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio spoke to the media on a variety of topics before Tuesday's practice, including the team's performance in the first scrimmage, the play of linebacker Eric Gordon, the battle for the No. 2 quarterback position and the improvement of the wide receivers. Watch video of Coach Dantonio through MSU All-Access. After practice, several coaches and players met with the media to give updates on preseason camp.
Secondary Coach Harlon Barnett
On any surprises:
I see a bunch of guys working really hard, doing some really good things. Chris L. Rucker is having a really good camp. He is a good young corner; he is going to be a special player. Ross Weaver is really coming along, from day one in the spring to this 10th or 11th day of practice in the summer, he has continued to improve each practice out. As well as Ashton Henderson, those guys are really improving. I am assuming, depending at how you look at certain guys, Kendell Davis-Clark is doing an excellent job.
On comparing Nehemiah Warrick on tape, to what he is seeing now:
Early in the year last year, he started well, and then he started to fade a little bit toward the end of last year. A couple of different things happened: he got hurt, getting recurring stingers; and he might have been a little confused on some of the things they were doing, so those two things hindered his play ... He is playing a lot better. He is not getting those stingers anymore. The guy just flies around to the ball now. He will knock your head off, and we all think he's going to be a really good player, and have a really good year.
On Otis Wiley's leadership:
You kind of saw it developing. Otis is the same every day - great personality, a great young man, and he works hard everyday. He comes with a positive attitude every day, and he is a good leader back there, as well as Nehemiah and Travis (Key). Some of the older guys, they are good leaders.
On Chris L. Rucker:
He makes plays on the ball every day, being interceptions, pass breakups, things like that. He can run, he has good size, and he is not afraid to tackle. He is just showing up every day and making plays on the ball more than anything.
Freshman running back Andre Anderson
On the depth chart:
Coach has been real good about that. He has made it very clear that Javon (Ringer) and Jehuu (Caulcrick) are going to be the two primary backs, but he has been really good about letting the other three running backs, me, A.J. Jimmerson, and Ashton Leggett, switch off and rotate, and basically see who can go out there and perform. I like the rotation, it's been going well. I like the way the coach is handling it.
On transition from high school to college:
The biggest transition for me from high school to college would definitely be the speed of the defensive linemen. If you don't see a hole left to right, you're not able to necessarily take it outside and beat the defensive lineman like you would be able to do in high school.
On choosing Michigan State:
I think it was definitely the right decision. The first thing would be the position that I am in at this school. It was very positive coming in - I had two older running backs, and then there was kind of a gap between. I have been able to learn from those two. ...Javon has taken me under his wing and has been helping me learn the plays, and things like that. I think the position I am in being able to come in, and learn from someone like Javon and Jehuu who have played here and have played in the Big Ten, can help me a lot.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Eric Gordon
On his play in the first scrimmage:
I think our defense did well; we went out and did what we were supposed to. We're trying to make fewer and fewer mistakes each time we scrimmage and practice. It was just a good time to prove ourselves since we scrimmaged.
Reaction to depth chart position:
I don't know, I have just been working hard, and it just came out that way. Now I am just trying to keep it. I found out about my position pretty much right before everyone came to camp and then I talked to Coach (Mike) Tressel about it. I was really excited, it's always been a dream for me to come out of that tunnel, and given the chance to start in a game is unbelievable, so I have just been trying to work and keep my position.
On growing up a Michigan State fan:
My grandpa (Donald Dohoney) was actually an All-American here (in 1953). I have bled green since I was born. I did come to a game once in a while, but when I started getting recruited I got all the recruiting tickets, so then I came to a lot of the games when I was getting recruited by Michigan State. I just like green better. ... I have actually turned most of my family into Spartans.
