Michigan State University Athletics
Grid Insider: Preseason Camp Quotes
8/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State football team is gearing up for its second scrimmage of preseason camp to be held this Saturday afternoon. After Thursday's practice, the media had a chance to meet with quarterbacks coach Dave Warner, linebackers coach Mike Tressel and several players, including linebacker Jon Misch and fullback Jeff McPherson.
Quarterbacks coach Dave Warner
On the backup competition:
It's too early to tell, it's wide open. Both those young guys (Kirk Cousins and Nick Foles), along with Connor Dixon, know that this is a very important week. We need to make some decisions as to who the number two quarterback is going to be, who the number three is. Basically I've communicated to them that no later than Saturday we need to be making those decisions, if not sooner.
On a freshman as backup quarterback:
I think any place you would prefer not to do that. I think that is standard throughout college football, but they are very talented. When we recruited them we told them they would have an opportunity to win that spot, and we're giving them every opportunity. Now whether they are ready for it or not, that remains to be seen.
On background music playing at practice:
That is one of the things that puts those quarterbacks in even a tougher situation, just with communication in the huddle. We have to prepare those guys for away games, where crowd noise is an issue. That's Coach Dantonio's approach - he's going to give guys every situation that they may come across.
Linebackers coach Mike Tressel
On any personality differences among the linebackers:
It's not even an issue because they are all good people. There are no trouble makers - everyone's on time, everybody does what they're asked, everybody pats each other on the back. So different personalities, yes, but everybody has the same goal, definitely. There is nothing I've had to do, which makes it great.
On freshman Greg Jones:
He can run, and he can use his hands extremely well. When he's blitzing, people can't get their hands on him. His hands are just quicker. People can't block him very well. He just finds a way to make plays.
On the inexperience of the linebackers:
I'll always say we need a lot of work. You're never going to have 11 All-Big Ten first-team members on a defense, ever. ... But I do know this: our safeties are unbelievable, our middle linebacker is unbelievable, and we have a couple of strong guys up front that are unbelievable too. So playing with a couple of young outside linebackers, if they do things right and do things fast like we've talked about, we'll be fine.
On Josh Rouse:
He is a lot more physical, he is playing with a better base. He has a better understanding of what lineman are going to come off on him, and when, so he can get square, get low. In the spring, he was running to the ball, but he was always so upright that the lineman came dinged him in the ear, and he goes tumbling. He is playing a lot lower, with a lot better leverage right now, a lot more physical.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Jon Misch
On linebackers Coach Mike Tressel:
I like how upbeat Coach Tressel is and I like that he is a very positive person. He is a very positive coach, and he always tells you what you are doing right. However, he will always tell you how to fix what you are doing wrong. I really like how he is always telling you what your good attributes are. He is very good at making you feel good about how you're doing out there, so you're not getting down on yourself.
On playing strong side linebacker (SAM) instead of weak side (WILL):
I had that idea too (playing weak side), and the only thing I could come up with is that I am a very downhill player, and I like to attack the run. People will think that is weird because I am such a small person, that I would like to run into lineman, which I actually kind of do. But that is the only thing I could come up with is that I am a very aggressive player, and I just like to get after it on the run.
On his fast start:
Really I have to give it to my brother, because I would just call him anytime that I had problem with something, and he would be like `you know, relax, it's your first year out there, they are not really expecting a lot out of you, and this is what you have to do... ' So I just really attribute it to him.
Junior fullback Jeff McPherson
On receiving a scholarship:
I was really happy, that's what I was hoping for. After the position meeting Coach (Dan) Enos let me know that Coach Dantonio wanted to put me on (scholarship). He was pleased with how I was doing, wanted me to keep up the hard work, and said that I have a role on the team.
On recruitment offers:
None, I wasn't really recruited. I came and visited here for one game with my dad. The only other schools I was looking at were Purdue and Grand Valley. I think my dad might have been looking at some other schools. For the most part, every other school had the same thing to say, that I was a preferred walk-on. This is where I wanted to come anyways, so I am happy where I am at.
On his expectations:
When I first came in, I just wanted to do whatever I could do to get on the field, hopefully at special teams early. Then I had more opportunities, grew a little bit, so as years went by I just had higher expectations. I am not sure if the fullback position has exceeded my expectations. I know that is what I wanted to do. As soon as they told me I was moving there, I thought I might have a chance. I guess that was something I was shooting for.
