Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football Media Day
8/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2008
Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi
On Trevor Anderson…
I think he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the defense. He had a great day yesterday. He plays very similar to Ervin Baldwin so I look for Trevor hopefully to replace him. I think I'll get more excited when he actually gets to play for us.
On Ross Weaver…
He definitely brings depth to his position. He pays attention to detail. I think he has learned a lot from last season and I think that another great preseason could make him a great corner.
On the linebackers…
We're probably a little bit more athletic at that position all around, first team to fourth team. We'll be very young at linebacker but we have lots of talent. We just have to learn to deal with gameday situations.
On the defense as a whole…
Every year you are going to try to be better. It's our defense, it needs to be better and we expect more this year.
On walk-ons…
Coach Dantonio is going to use scholarships for walk-ons and there are a lot of guys out there who don't get scholarships. There are not enough to go around. We hope to get some good walk-ons so we can give them a scholarship. We don't look at the players as walk-on or scholarship.
On Greg Jones in the middle linebacker position…
He's pretty ready. He'll be able to swing both inside and outside. The great thing about our linebackers is that they all pretty much have the same job they just change their alignments. The one thing Jones has got going for him is that he's not a robotic linebacker. He's a very instinctual linebacker to the point that it doesn't matter where you put him, he'll do the same thing.
On facing Rich Rodriguez and the spread offense…
It's not so much the scheme as it is the guys playing for him. It may be hard for some other teams because they may not know what to do but we know kind of what Rodriguez likes to do from playing him at Cincinnati. If you spread out you have a lot of space and you have to find people who can defend that space. You just have to have better athletes out there to defend the spread.
Secondary Coach Harlon Barnett
On the strengths and weaknesses of the secondary…
Strength wise, as an entire unit, a lot of guys have experience and that helps us out. A lot of good recall yesterday at the first of practice and that is because of the guys with experience. As far as we need to work on, we need to make plays on the ball down the field. That is the focus.
On Ross Weaver and his injuries…
He is very important. He is a big corner that can run. Hopefully all of his injuries are out of the way. He has had some unfortunate injuries over the years. His confidence is really going, from the bowl game this year up until now. I expect a lot from him. Not only from Ross [Weaver] but from the entire team. We've had a talk with the entire team about staying healthy and taking care of your body, although I think his two injuries were ones that he couldn't prevent. You still have to take care of your body and to be a championship team you have to be healthy in any sport. Some things you can't control and some things you can.
On plans to use of Ross Weaver…
I see him starting as a field corner for us. If he continues to get better and keep working on the things he needs to work on, I see him starting. I expect him to.
On how the pass rush affects the secondary…
On all levels of football, as far as the pass is concerned, it all works together. Coach Dantonio has talked about putting the puzzle together. Look at the Super Bowl, that is an example. The Giants put pressure on the quarterback without even doing a lot of blitzing which made their secondary better. Secondary is only as good as your front.
Defensive Line Coach Ted Gill
On having good speed on the defensive side…
Being on the defensive side, we have always wanted to have speed. That is the philosophy of our defense. In order to play our defense you have to have speed. We've never had the biggest guys in the world. We have always been in the situation where we wanted to recruit speed and we wanted to have guys that have the ability to run and that were strong. That is something that we recruit and by implementing that within our program it's going to make us even better. It has nothing to do with the offenses that we play because we are going to recruit speed anyway. But we want to try and put guys in places where they are going to make plays, and to make plays you are going to have to run.
On working on technique…
We spend a lot of time on technique. In my area it is very important that our people know that the only way we can get the job done is through technique. We really strive to make them excel. We spend a lot of time in the off-season with Coach Mannie putting those things in. Just starting out yesterday in our practice, just like anything else, you start with the basics. And the basics as the defensive line is to make sure we work on our techniques. We started yesterday with stance and starts and hand placements and all the things we do to make ourselves better.
On Trevor Anderson's impact…
Number one, Trevor knows our defense and that is a plus for us. He has been through two years of our defense and we know exactly what he can do. He will bring a carry over from that. He has great speed, a quickness. He has the ability to rush the passes. He will bring us those essential things that we have always wanted in our structure. Nothing against Ervin Baldwin and Jonal Saint-Dic, because those guys did a great job in our defense only being in it for one year. Trevor who has played in it for a while, knows and understands what we want and he will give us what he want. He will be a guy that the other guys can look at and really get an idea of what we are looking for within our structure.
On the comparison between Ervin Baldwin, Jonal Saint-Dic and Trevor Anderson…
Trevor is a little quicker than both of those guys. He has the ability to use his hands a little bit better than both of them. He is a guy that we have taught a lot to use his hands and he has great body control. So, in comparison to those guys, he will bring a little bit more to the table as far as the technical factor at that position.
Linebacker/Special Teams Coach Mike Tressel
On Ryan Allison moving from wide receiver to linebacker…
As special teams coordinator, I know how tough kids are, and he is as tough as anyone on our football team and he can hit. For that to stand out in a wide receiver is probably pretty rare. He's big, he has had to diet for three years to stay under 220 pounds for him to run the way we needed to run at wide out. We get him off that diet, and bang, he's a linebacker. Bottom line is that we had two solid spots at linebacker and we were trying to figure out that third spot. We knew our depth was better at receiver and it just made sense. So far he's pretty natural. On the depth chart yesterday, Ryan was first.
On depth at linebacker…
They are all going to have a chance with the first group. You know, it's a 12-game season,I don't want the same guys in there on every snap. We are going to mix and match and find the best unit we can for any situation. It's pretty exciting. Every one of them is playing really hard.
Senior Linebacker Ryan Allison
On his role on the team…
I'm definitely excited for the season. I came in as a receiver but I wasn't sure I would stay one. I wish I would have made the switch earlier because the past three years I didn't play as much as I'd like to have. Special teams is fine but it is always nice to have a good solid role on the team.
On switching to linebacker…
The transition was a lot smoother than I thought it would be. I was a little nervous at first but I feel like I am fine now. I blocked a lot as a receiver so I was pretty physical there. Linebacker feels like a pretty natural position for me.
On his competition with Brandon Denson…
Brandon came in with me as a receiver. We are both still learning but I think it is up to the coaches to decide where we are at with each other. The competition is making us both better but we will see what happens at the end of camp.
On what he needs to improve…
I probably need more confidence in the plays on offense. I'm still a little rusty on some things but I'm getting better. During camp I definitely have to show that I know everything really well, but the position is pretty natural to me.
On changing from offense to defense…
It's been a pretty easy transition. I wasn't out there catching a lot of passes in games so my main role was tackling on special teams. I have a little crazy side to me sometimes and its hard to let it out as a receiver. I think being a linebacker fits my personality better.
Junior Defensive End Trevor Anderson
On choosing Michigan State…
I'm happy. My family is happy. I am excited for the first game and actually all of the games. After sitting out for a whole year there is not a game I won't be excited for.
On his expectations for the season…
I'm going to be playing on first string so my first goal is to stay there. I have a couple of personal goals that I want to keep to myself right now but my main goal is to help the team win. We had a lot of great guys playing last year but I think we will be able to fill in.
On his role on the team…
A lot of times I find myself wanting to be a coach and I have to take a step back. It's hard being a leader, especially with the younger guys. But that is the kind of leader I have to be.
On the differences between Cincinnati and MSU…
There aren't really any differences. They are just normal college football teams. The expectations are the same. We are on a bigger campus though.
Sophomore Punter Aaron Bates
On his punting…
A lot of it depends on wind and things like that. My goal on every kick is around a mid four. So a 4.4, 4.5 or 4.6 is a pretty good punt. High four's to low five's is a real good punt. I like to be at least over four for a minimum.
On what he expects this season…
I expect a lot of improvement in all aspects of my kicking. Team wise, our goal is a January bowl game. To get that we have to get about nine wins or so, and that's a good mark to shoot for. Last year we were just about as close to being 11-1 to being 7-5, so you don't know how something is going to play out.
On training camp…
Even though camp is three weeks long, it feels like it's about three months long with all the things we do. I think we see a lot of improvement. I hope to come out of camp kicking at my peak, and after 28 practices hopefully getting a lot better.
On the first game of the season against California…
I'm pretty excited. I think it will be fun going out there. Obviously it's the ABC 8:00 game so it's big time, primetime, the whole country will be able to watch it. We'll be in a nice stadium and they have a good tradition and it will be a big game to start the year with."
Senior Cornerback Kendell Davis-Clark
On the transition from last year to this year…
We have a lot of things to do. Last year, we got back on track, but this year we still have to improve ourselves. We know as a team, we have to come together and do better than last year. We have unfinished business. We proved ourselves last year, but everyone remembers you from your last game. We have a whole new season.
On extremely competitive practices…
It got really competitive, but that is how you get better. We try to make things really competitive so then we will know what it's like.
Junior Linebacker Adam Decker
On opening camp yesterday…
There are a lot guys coming back, so I feel like we came out running and more knowledgeable. It wasn't a very slow day with a lot of teaching, so it was an overall good first day, but we still have a lot of work left to do.
On the linebacker personal…
We have a couple new guys, as far as linebackers go, but we also have a fair amount of guys returning. I think we have a good knowledge of the defense and now we are just focusing on improving ourselves over the next couple weeks, rather than learning so much.
On linebacker core's expectations…
Most importantly, we just want to be a strong core together. We have a lot of depth, and a lot of guys the coaches can trust when they put them in there. We just want to try and find a good mix of all of us that can be productive and be strong overall as a core. That is what will make us the most successful over the course of a full season.
On the defense as a whole…
As a defense I wouldn't call it pressure from the offense, but you can almost call it an excitement. You know that if you can come out and play well as a defense we will have a good chance to win a lot of ball games. Just like it was last year, we were in all those games, and if we finished a little better, we could have had an overall better record. There is just an excitement because you realize that there is some potential there to win a lot of games, and be good as a defense.
Sophomore Linebacker Eric Gordon
On his improvements from last season…
The thing that has improved the most is mainly my knowledge and instincts. My hands have gotten better and it helps me in getting around blockers easier. My weight fluctuates a lot, but my weight in the weight room has increased a lot, but I am still not where I need to be.
On having one year of starting experience…
This last spring I felt great and this fall I feel even better. The experience that I gained last season really seems to be paying off a lot as this season starts.
On the linebacking corps overall…
I think that we can be one of the best around. We are all fast no matter who it is. Between myself and all of the other linebackers, our unit is kind of scary in my opinion. It is going to take a lot of focus and discipline. A lot of the little things that we have done can help. In our defense, little things can make big plays, so if we get those down we can have a lot of success.
On how the success of the linebackers impacts the entire defense…
The linebackers need to know what the defensive line is doing and what the secondary is doing. So, everything goes between us. We get calls from the secondary and give calls to the line. It is a very important role in our defense. If you are only stopping the run, then a team will pass. Teams will notice that, so being able to do everything is really important.
On game-planning for the Big Ten running backs…
I think we just need to play our defense and stick to our schemes. We just need to play tough and if we stick to what we do best and play physical, we should be able to stop a lot of guys.
Sophomore Linebacker Greg Jones
On strength training over the summer…
For me it was a great help. There are some techniques I use for warm-ups to help me loosen up that Coach Mannie showed me. I'm always looking for new ways to get warmed up and get ready for the game. I think the strength training was a great help.
On the losses last season…
I think when the entire team realizes we were that close, had we not made the mistakes we made or we made the plays we could've made, we could've won those close games. When a team recognizes that, it's when everyone starts to come together to try and focus on how we can push past what we were doing wrong.
On training to help with long games…
This year we had a lot of guys in the weight room getting stronger, and I felt faster. As long as everyone's pushing forward and has the goal in mind, we're always going to have that extra left for overtime and the fourth quarter.
On his decision to come to Michigan State…
I went back home this past weekend. My mom, dad and I went out to eat and we talked about it, looked back on it. It was a great decision and I'm really glad to be here. I don't regret anything about it.
Senior Defensive Tackle Justin Kershaw
On the team's performance in the Champs Sports Bowl…
Obviously we didn't play good enough because we lost the game. We had that game in our hands and if we would've done a few more things differently it could have been a win. I'm sure there were some loose balls on the ground that we could have got, missed interceptions, even missed coverages. I thought we played good, but we can take that last game from last year and build on it. We had a lot of close games like that so it's the small things.
On what role speed plays in the team's defense…
Our defense is focused on speed. I think if you have a fast defense you can play better, attack more and put a lot of pressure on the offense. It means a lot and the coaches really emphasize speed. If we know what we're doing, we can play fast and cause a lot of havoc out there.
On what the defense has done during the offseason to improve speed…
We just run and do drills. The seniors have taken upon themselves to go with the younger guys and do drills. We do drills that will make us quick. The biggest thing for a d-line is getting off the ball. That will help you out tremendously. That's one thing we're totally focused on.
On summer training…
I put on about 20 pounds from this time last year. I still feel like I can move and I feel stronger, so I think it will help me out being able to stand the season. You get beat up out there so I think it's going to be better.
Senior Defensive End Brandon Long
On the confidence gained from his bowl experience…
It was good for my confidence. As much as the pressure being put on me was hard, it made me a much better player. I am thankful for that. I did well I feel, and it has made me a better player as an individual. I went out and proved that I could perform on a national stage. My confidence and my technique has only gotten that much better.
On this year's defensive line …
Trevor Anderson, he is going to be a phenomenal defensive end. (Justin) Kershaw is the anchor for the d-line. He has been doing a great job as he always does. We have some new guys, but we are confident in them. I don't see much of a drop-off from last year, but we are going to step-up and fill all the holes in the d-line. I see just as much speed and athleticism, and a better understanding of the defense. Trevor experienced this defense with Cincinnati, and I have been here for two years now. I would say that as far as athleticism, we are just as capable.
On Trevor Anderson…
He has helped me quite a bit. He has been in the system a little bit longer than I have, so it was good to be around him and learn things from him. He is an intelligent guy and he is a great player.
On his playing time…
You learn pretty quickly that playing every down is not possible in college. I want to take as many snaps as I can, but when I can't, I know that there is someone who I won't have to worry about. I think that is definitely possible this year.
Junior Cornerback Ross Weaver
On the attitude that cornerbacks must have…
When I get confident, that is when I play the best and I feel like I can do anything. Coaches have told me that as well. I think I have developed a little swagger this year just being out there and feeling comfortable and confident. That is the attitude you need to have to be a corner. That comes from practice, if someone catches a ball on you, you get mad and come back and play harder. When you see coaches hang their heads, that is like a father telling you to do better. That makes you want to be a better player.
On hitting hard and playing hard…
That's what it's all about. Like Coach Narduzzi says, 'everyone has a plan until they get hit.' That's part of the game, I think that it helps, not just being able to cover, but coming up to hit someone with authority is important because you can help your teammates out.
On his appreciation for being a Spartan…
It means opportunity, being thankful for your family and being thankful to be a member of Spartan Nation. I have learned a lot of things here, going through injuries, and through that I have met a lot of people and learned that we are a family. That's what being a Spartan is to me is, trusting you family. Being here, I have learned to trust so many different teammates and coaches. Coming together is what being a Spartan is all about. We need to fight for each other; there are no individuals out there, just a team.
On earning a degree this spring…
It is going to mean a lot. For one, it means that I completed college and that I didn't waste a scholarship. Two, it means that I am not just a football player. After football, there is life. That's what Coach Dantonio preaches every day. It's going to feel good to walk across stage with that degree and I can go on and be successful in life. I don't have to depend on football, because as we all know, one injury can take all of that away. I am not just a football player, I will have accomplished something and I will have plenty of opportunities with the degree.
On the importance of defense as a whole…
It's important for the guys in front of us to play well, just as it is important for us to play well. Just yesterday, Trevor (Anderson) came up to me and asked 'what are you going to do?'' I said 'I'm going to get a pick.' He looked at me and said, 'how are you going to get a pick if I get a sack.' That just shows the trust factor. We need to trust that they are going to play and they need to trust that we will cover our guys so that they know they have time to get a sack.
On adapting the defense to the spread offense…
We need to make sure that we practice everything that we will see in a game. We have a great staff when it comes to breaking down plays and formations. We can look at any computer and see film of anything that we may see that week. They prepare us and we practice so well that that we are ready for anything that will be thrown at us.
On the best part of being a cornerback…
When I line up, I love when people think I can't do something and then I prove them wrong. When you line up with a receiver, you know he's thinking that you can't check him. I love to show people that I got him and that I can hold him down. That's just the attitude that I have. Nothing feels better than getting a pick; besides getting one and taking it in for a touchdown.
Senior Strong Safety Otis Wiley
On switching from free safety to strong safety…
The switch isn't bad. During the season we play both sides. When I found out I was going to be playing the strong side, it wasn't a matter of knowing what to do because I do feel comfortable playing that position. Whatever is best for the team, I will do and is in my best interests.
On preseason accolades from the media…
I've learned not to look at all of the publicity. I just need to know what to do and do it right. On the field, when I am doing something right will help the team and put us in a good position. We are at the safety spot, so if something goes wrong, something bad is going to happen. I am comfortable with all the publicity, but I focus on being versatile at the position.
On defense as an entire unit…
A play lasts for five to six seconds. If our front seven can get to the ball, it makes the quarterback put up a bad ball or have it come out quick. It's better for us to cover the wide receivers for only three to four seconds. It's a lot of pressure on the front seven, but it makes our job a lot easier when they get to the quarterback quickly. That way we can break on the ball fast or make an interception.
On rebuilding the program…
Last season did a lot for the program. We were down in the slums for a while, but the new staff came in and gave us a new perspective. They taught us that we get what we earn. Starting in the camp and winter conditioning, we get what we earn. We have a bunch of guys coming back from last year that know what it takes to get to that point and what it takes to get further. That is really good for the team and it is good for all the young guys to see. It is important that they don't get complacent with where we are and to come out with fire and passion to keep winning.
On making a name for Michigan State…
This being MSU, we need to make our own name and our own mark. In the end, every team blooms in the Big Ten, any team can beat anyone. We are the Michigan State Spartans and we just need to own up to that name and do our part to make it that much better.
On his leadership and possibly being too nice…
No I'm not too nice. I'm a different man on the field, like Batman or the Hulk. You put those pads on and you become a different guy with a different mentality. I'm not saying I'm a totally different man, but I do different things on the field and people look to you to lead by example and that is what I try to do. I just love going out there.
On starting practice…
I see a lot of rust coming off of my bones. We had our mindset in the summer to run and condition, but the first day of practice I just needed to get that rust off my bones. The first day of practice is always a little shaky, but we learn from the first day and we are better the next day and that's how it goes all year.
On summer conditioning…
It was grueling, we worked hard. Through it, our team has grown as a whole and our conditioning test numbers all grew as well. It feels good coming into camp knowing we completed the conditioning program and then we can give fall camp a great effort.
On individual goals…
Compared to last season, I just need to know what to do and be sure and confident about it. I have learned that I just need to stay confident, work hard, play hard every time, don't complain and good things will happen. I just want to create plays for all of my teammates. I want to be a leader and do things the right way.
