Michigan State University Athletics
Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
Assistant Coaches Press Conference Coverage
10/31/2018 3:04:00 PM | Football
Quarterbacks coach Brad Salem and defensive tackles coach Ron Burton.
MSU Game Notes vs. Maryland |  MSU Depth Chart vs. Maryland
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State assistant coaches Brad Salem and Ron Burton spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon, to review the Spartans' 23-13 win over Purdue and preview this Saturday's game as Michigan State will travel to Maryland to tangle with the Terrapins on Saturday, Nov. 3.Â
Kickoff from College Park is slated for noon and the game will be televised on ESPN2, with Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks and Roddy Jones on the call. The Spartans snapped the Boilermakers' four-game winning streak to improve to 5-3 (3-2 Big Ten) on the season, while the Terrapins (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) are coming off a 63-33 win over Illinois.
Saturday's game marks the 10th meeting between Michigan State and Maryland. The Spartans lead the overall series, 7-2, including a 2-1 record in College Park. The Spartans are 3-1 against the Terrapins since Maryland joined the Big Ten in 2014. After winning the first two Big Ten games against Maryland in 2014 (37-15) and 2015 (24-7), the Spartans fell to the Terrapins in College Park in 2016, 28-17. MSU topped Maryland last season in Spartan Stadium, 17-7. In the first-ever matchup between the two schools, Michigan State shut out Maryland in College Park, 8-0, on Oct. 20, 1944.Â
Michigan State will look to win its 700th game in school history on Saturday. The Spartans own an all-time record of 699-456-44 (.601) and will also be playing in the 1,200th game in school history. MSU is looking to become the 27th school in the FBS to win 700 games.
Michigan State ranks first in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing just 77.4 yards per game. The Spartans limited Purdue to a season-low 62 yards on the ground, marking the sixth time this season MSU has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing. MSU also has only given up 17 rushes of 10-plus yards, which is second fewest in the FBS (San Diego State, 12).
After holding Purdue to a season-low 13 points – the Boilermakers entered the game averaging 35.7 points per game – MSU now ranks among the national leaders in scoring defense at No. 27 (21.0 ppg), which also ranks third best in the Big Ten. The Spartans have limited their opponents to 20 or fewer points four times this season.
Quarterback Rocky Lombardi was named the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after leading the Spartans to a 23-13 victory over Purdue in his first career start last Saturday in Spartan Stadium. Lombardi threw for 318 yards against the Boilermakers and completed 26-of-46 passes, including two touchdowns (11 yards to Darrell Stewart in second quarter; 48 yards to Jalen Nailor in fourth quarter). The 318 yards were the second most by a Spartan QB making his first career start (Ed Smith threw for 324 yards in his first career start at North Carolina State in 1976).Â
Michigan State has suffered a rash of injuries in the first eight games of the season to key personnel. The Spartans tied for the most returning starters in the FBS with 22, but 10 of those returning starters have missed time this season due to injury, including eight on offense, one on defense and one on special teams. Senior wide receiver Felton Davis III will miss the rest of the season after injuring his Achilles tendon in the first half of the Michigan game on Oct. 20, while fifth-year senior punter Jake Hartbarger had already been lost for the season in Week 2 at Arizona State. In addition, redshirt freshman punter Tyler Hunt, who started five games in place of Hartbarger, was also lost for the season after suffering a non-contact knee injury (torn ACL) in practice before the Purdue game. Junior quarterback Brian Lewerke had his streak of 20 consecutive starts snapped as he was regulated to just holding duties against Purdue due to an injury. Sophomore cornerback Josiah Scott, a 2017 Freshman All-American, has yet to play this season after injuring his knee in preseason camp but could see his first action at Maryland. Sophomore wide receiver Cody White has missed the last four games with a hand injury but could also return against Maryland. Fifth-year senior guard David Beedle has missed the last three games after suffering an injury vs. Northwestern on Oct. 6, and sophomore right guard Kevin Jarvis has only played once in the last five games. Senior running back LJ Scott saw his first action in four games against Michigan on Oct. 20 after leaving the ASU game on Sept. 8 with an injured ankle. From the preseason depth chart, 12 of MSU's 24 starters (including specialists) have missed time due to injury.
Junior defensive end Kenny Willekes, who entered the program as a walk-on linebacker for the 2015 season, has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten. Named to the All-Big Ten midseason team by Pro Football Focus, Willekes leads the Spartans in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5) through the first eight games of the season. He ranks tied for fifth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (1.38 pg) and tied for sixth in sacks (0.69 pg). The native of Rockford, Michigan, is MSU's active leader in sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (25.5). He ranks fifth in the FBS among active career leaders with 1.21 tackles for loss per game (Ed Oliver of Houston leads active players with 1.64 TFL/game).Â
Three Spartans were named to the Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten midseason team: senior linebacker Andrew Dowell, junior defensive end Kenny Willekes and senior safety Khari Willis. Dowell ranks second on the team with 55 tackles and three sacks, and is third in tackles for loss with six. Willekes ranks tied for fifth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (11) and tied for fifth in sacks (5.5), while Willis ranks tied for fifth in the conference with nine passes defended (seven pass break-ups and two interceptions).
Michigan State junior cornerback Justin Layne played both offense and defense in the win over Purdue. Layne tallied a career-high four pass break-ups and registered seven tackles in playing 64 defensive snaps against the Boilermakers, and caught one pass for 11 yards and was targeted four times in 16 offensive snaps. Layne began his career as a wide receiver in 2016 before transitioning to cornerback midway through the season.
The following is a select transcript from Wednesday's press conference:
Quarterbacks Coach Brad Salem:
On how he thought Rocky Lombardi looked against Purdue…
Well I thought, you know obviously a great team win to bounce back after the previous week and an opportunity for Rocky to get in game reps, had a couple of games before, but to be able to start and how do you manage that mentally and the different things that come at you maybe that you go through pre-game, but he really did an excellent job with his opportunity.
On the quarterback situation with Rocky Lombardi and Brian Lewerke…
You know what we've always done, we've been very blessed that, in that room, the quarterback room are kids that care about each other, they compete against each other, but they're there to help each other and you saw that on Saturday with Brian, with Rocky, like you did with Tyler (O'Connor) and Damion (Terry) and Connor (Cook) in that situation, so the positive is you've got two quarterbacks who can win games.
On if Rocky Lombardi's performance decreased urgency to get Brian Lewerke back quicker…
I think you look at Saturday, you always waiting for proof, you sort of have an idea of what you think through scrimmages, through a year-and-a-half of scout team or different opportunities, but really until you see game reps, how does a guy really manage that? Rocky did a good job of just being calm, knowing where to go with the football, prepared himself well and really played very well.
On if Rocky Lombardi was more prepared for Purdue due to reps in previous weeks…
He did say that, he said it was fortunate that he had reps the week before because then there's not the nervousness of when you first start. I think too, we've done a good job with both Theo (Day) and Rocky, when you have a seasoned quarterback, then what happens is the reps in fall camp and even last spring, you can give more to those guys and typically sometimes early in a career of a quarterback you give the guy all the reps with the one's. Really Theo and Rocky have gotten a lot of reps through fall camp and even now during fall, just normal season stuff, they kind of split that stuff so I think those experiences have helped both those guys.
On if he noticed a difference in Rocky Lombardi in practice due to those experiences…
Two weeks ago when we knew after the Penn State game, I think the sense of urgency becomes real, you're a snap away and so I think he did everything he could to prepare, played with confidence, threw the ball very well.
On if there is an eagerness to know what you have in your backup quarterback…
I don't think you're ever wishing for an injury, you're hoping for a game situation where you can put him in, maybe get ahead or those type of things. It seems like we really have not had those really in the last six years to play the backup very much, but now that you have that I think what it does for Rocky and for backup quarterbacks is it breeds confidence that 'I can do it' and you just see a different confidence about them after those situations.
On Rocky Lombardi inspiring excitement on the sidelines…
I think part of it too, our team rallied, you look at it, it was the quarterback, the center, the right guard, the left guard, the receiver to your right and the receiver to the left. Guys had to step up, you've got a center who was a walk-on redshirt freshman and so that was part of it; that is part of Rocky's nature too, I think you play to your personality and he's very competitive and our guys get to know all of our players and the neat thing about this group is they care about all of them, they get excited for guys to play and so we've obviously had that opportunity with guys that have backed up and then now their number's been called and really a lot of guys in our program have responded on both sides of the football.
On how Rocky Lombardi's strengths align with Brian Lewerke's…
They're similar in ways in how they throw the ball accurately and get the ball out. Rocky will probably run you over more than try to make you miss, maybe that's one of the major differences I guess (smiling).
On how difficult it is on the quarterback for guys all around them to get injured…
It's hard and from a timing sense if you think on the perimeter with receivers or you've got new lineman and the cohesiveness of that. The thing we've done and Brian has done through the whole thing is just stay positive. Those are things you can't control in a football season and I think our team has handled it well.
On the status of Brian Lewerke this week compared to a couple weeks ago…
This was the best Tuesday of the last three weeks as far as what he did yesterday and what he's capable of doing.
On if the coaching staff has to prevent Brian Lewerke from trying to do too much too soon…
Happened yesterday, and so you're trying to do a pitch count a little bit with him and he wants to get in there and get the reps, just to get back into rhythm, but we'll just kind of play it out through the week.
On if the injury affected Brian Lewerke's ability to hold on kicks…
As long as he can catch (laughing).
On what it was like having Brian Lewerke on the headset against Purdue…
I think the game slows down so much and he's signaling and we're kind of sharing that with all of us that do that, but just being able to see something and then comment to Rocky when we come together between series or even if he's off on the sideline. I think there's a real comfort there with those two guys and Brian will kind of share something maybe that we're not just because he's been stood in the position and understands what he's thinking in a certain situation.
Defensive Tackles Coach Ron Burton:
On Gerald (Owens) and Naquan (Jones) being underrated...
No doubt. Those guys are averaging about 20 plays a game right now, and I wish we could get them more, but our two starters want to be in there as much as they can. They have been a factor in number one in making sure we play strong all the time and when you're on the field being able to give maximum effort. Those guys have come in and put themselves in position technically to gain those reps and last weekend they had half a sack a piece and some pressures and some ball disruptions so it's been good.Â
On Maryland rushing attack and unique play that makes them so effective…
Well, I think it starts with their personnel, four tailbacks. Number one, being able to keep them fresh and athletic and being able to run. Number two, their quarterback that makes them go and then their backup quarterback. We haven't even started to talk about their veteran offensive line, number one, and their wide receivers. So the complete group of 11 that's on the field is a big part of that, but I think it's the athleticism of the group that keeps you on your toes, because they all can run the ball and they all can catch it.Â
On ultimate test of disciple…
Well, you just said that. That's most definitely it. It's a challenge just like we had last week and that's why we're preparing for all the inside outside zones and the ability to run jet sweeps and all the different personnel that can do it. I mean whoever's in the game gets an opportunity. They move those guys around and it is a great challenge and we make sure we have to be disciplined and create great leverage on the field with our defense.
On last time they played against Maryland and their running success in that game and the key players coming back and if that is something that lingers and adds any extra motivation to this year's trip…
Well you brought it up but it's always in the history number one. Number two, we've had young guys that were in that situation so some of the first time some of them had been on the field. I think we had some redshirt freshmen and some true freshmen on the field including our middle linebacker, Joe Bachie. So, no doubt, and they'll be able to understand the experiences and grow from that but knowing what they did and did not do but it was a great start for some careers in that group right there. About four or five of our players were freshmen.Â
On Raequan Williams' differences/improvements over the years…
Well, number one the understanding of his position and what his intel there with the strengths and weaknesses of the position that you play. Number two, him understanding better what he can do with his bigger frame. Playing with better pad level, always a key for him, and utilizing his hands and understanding what the offense is trying to do to you more now and that has come with experience and now he can play that much faster so you get to see his athleticism a lot more.
On Raequan saying he can tell when the player blocking him gets tired of blocking him and wearing out opponents during the game…Â
Yes, on both sides of the ball that's for sure. Those late parts of the game or maybe it's the fourth or fifth play of the drive and you can tell whose will is being imposed on, and that happens on both sides of the ball... so most definitely. He has such a great motor and I think that's just one of the strongest keys of this young man. He continues to play, he never wants to leave the field. That's why it's hard to get Naquan and Gerald on the field because those two guys are fronting and right now Raequan has the most reps as a defensive tackle for us right now and it's been strong and he continues to use that motor
On Raequan not being a trash talker and just being quiet…
No, he'll talk about his own play and just what's going on on the field, but he's a communicator about what he sees and he stays pretty focused. Not a lot of trash talking at all from what I understand. Just when he gets to the sideline he'll start laughing and enjoying himself and that's what's been a pleasure, is the balance of the two.
On Raequan making a diving tackle and athleticism…
Yes, most definitely he's up there with a couple of the other guys and again last week versus Purdue, same situation, bursting down the field in a third and fourth down situation versus a jailbreak where you have to re-trace back and create leverage from inside out and he made four plays that way this past weekend.Â
On Raequan at the next level…
Well he's going to have an opportunity to number one. Always looking at the athleticism, the measurables that you see from the height, the weight, the speed. What he continues to do now is gain the experience of what is expected for him at the next level and this will be a great segway for him so he continues to get stronger. He's going to have that opportunity.Â
On plan for Jacob Slade to get more time on field…
Well he's most definitely one of the kids that we'd love to get on the field as much as possible but we have four guys in front of him but he has warranted the opportunity to be on the field and when that times comes and Coach D gives me that thumbs up we're going to put him on the field but he's ready to go. Always touch and feel. The last four games we understand the stat part of that and it's based on what we see on the field and can he help us with his strengths on the field and that's the pass rush and his ability to get to the quarterback.Â
On how Mike and Raequan have graded out…
Yeah, both in points and in winning percentage. They've been winners in every game that we've won and we want  them to continue to do that but they have one basically at a high rate each week in points as far as production points as far and their scores.
On Raequan going to NFL…
No sir, we haven't talked about it at all. Â
Â
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State assistant coaches Brad Salem and Ron Burton spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon, to review the Spartans' 23-13 win over Purdue and preview this Saturday's game as Michigan State will travel to Maryland to tangle with the Terrapins on Saturday, Nov. 3.Â
Kickoff from College Park is slated for noon and the game will be televised on ESPN2, with Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks and Roddy Jones on the call. The Spartans snapped the Boilermakers' four-game winning streak to improve to 5-3 (3-2 Big Ten) on the season, while the Terrapins (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) are coming off a 63-33 win over Illinois.
Saturday's game marks the 10th meeting between Michigan State and Maryland. The Spartans lead the overall series, 7-2, including a 2-1 record in College Park. The Spartans are 3-1 against the Terrapins since Maryland joined the Big Ten in 2014. After winning the first two Big Ten games against Maryland in 2014 (37-15) and 2015 (24-7), the Spartans fell to the Terrapins in College Park in 2016, 28-17. MSU topped Maryland last season in Spartan Stadium, 17-7. In the first-ever matchup between the two schools, Michigan State shut out Maryland in College Park, 8-0, on Oct. 20, 1944.Â
Michigan State will look to win its 700th game in school history on Saturday. The Spartans own an all-time record of 699-456-44 (.601) and will also be playing in the 1,200th game in school history. MSU is looking to become the 27th school in the FBS to win 700 games.
Michigan State ranks first in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing just 77.4 yards per game. The Spartans limited Purdue to a season-low 62 yards on the ground, marking the sixth time this season MSU has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing. MSU also has only given up 17 rushes of 10-plus yards, which is second fewest in the FBS (San Diego State, 12).
After holding Purdue to a season-low 13 points – the Boilermakers entered the game averaging 35.7 points per game – MSU now ranks among the national leaders in scoring defense at No. 27 (21.0 ppg), which also ranks third best in the Big Ten. The Spartans have limited their opponents to 20 or fewer points four times this season.
Quarterback Rocky Lombardi was named the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after leading the Spartans to a 23-13 victory over Purdue in his first career start last Saturday in Spartan Stadium. Lombardi threw for 318 yards against the Boilermakers and completed 26-of-46 passes, including two touchdowns (11 yards to Darrell Stewart in second quarter; 48 yards to Jalen Nailor in fourth quarter). The 318 yards were the second most by a Spartan QB making his first career start (Ed Smith threw for 324 yards in his first career start at North Carolina State in 1976).Â
Michigan State has suffered a rash of injuries in the first eight games of the season to key personnel. The Spartans tied for the most returning starters in the FBS with 22, but 10 of those returning starters have missed time this season due to injury, including eight on offense, one on defense and one on special teams. Senior wide receiver Felton Davis III will miss the rest of the season after injuring his Achilles tendon in the first half of the Michigan game on Oct. 20, while fifth-year senior punter Jake Hartbarger had already been lost for the season in Week 2 at Arizona State. In addition, redshirt freshman punter Tyler Hunt, who started five games in place of Hartbarger, was also lost for the season after suffering a non-contact knee injury (torn ACL) in practice before the Purdue game. Junior quarterback Brian Lewerke had his streak of 20 consecutive starts snapped as he was regulated to just holding duties against Purdue due to an injury. Sophomore cornerback Josiah Scott, a 2017 Freshman All-American, has yet to play this season after injuring his knee in preseason camp but could see his first action at Maryland. Sophomore wide receiver Cody White has missed the last four games with a hand injury but could also return against Maryland. Fifth-year senior guard David Beedle has missed the last three games after suffering an injury vs. Northwestern on Oct. 6, and sophomore right guard Kevin Jarvis has only played once in the last five games. Senior running back LJ Scott saw his first action in four games against Michigan on Oct. 20 after leaving the ASU game on Sept. 8 with an injured ankle. From the preseason depth chart, 12 of MSU's 24 starters (including specialists) have missed time due to injury.
Junior defensive end Kenny Willekes, who entered the program as a walk-on linebacker for the 2015 season, has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten. Named to the All-Big Ten midseason team by Pro Football Focus, Willekes leads the Spartans in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5) through the first eight games of the season. He ranks tied for fifth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (1.38 pg) and tied for sixth in sacks (0.69 pg). The native of Rockford, Michigan, is MSU's active leader in sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (25.5). He ranks fifth in the FBS among active career leaders with 1.21 tackles for loss per game (Ed Oliver of Houston leads active players with 1.64 TFL/game).Â
Three Spartans were named to the Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten midseason team: senior linebacker Andrew Dowell, junior defensive end Kenny Willekes and senior safety Khari Willis. Dowell ranks second on the team with 55 tackles and three sacks, and is third in tackles for loss with six. Willekes ranks tied for fifth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (11) and tied for fifth in sacks (5.5), while Willis ranks tied for fifth in the conference with nine passes defended (seven pass break-ups and two interceptions).
Michigan State junior cornerback Justin Layne played both offense and defense in the win over Purdue. Layne tallied a career-high four pass break-ups and registered seven tackles in playing 64 defensive snaps against the Boilermakers, and caught one pass for 11 yards and was targeted four times in 16 offensive snaps. Layne began his career as a wide receiver in 2016 before transitioning to cornerback midway through the season.
The following is a select transcript from Wednesday's press conference:
Quarterbacks Coach Brad Salem:
On how he thought Rocky Lombardi looked against Purdue…
Well I thought, you know obviously a great team win to bounce back after the previous week and an opportunity for Rocky to get in game reps, had a couple of games before, but to be able to start and how do you manage that mentally and the different things that come at you maybe that you go through pre-game, but he really did an excellent job with his opportunity.
On the quarterback situation with Rocky Lombardi and Brian Lewerke…
You know what we've always done, we've been very blessed that, in that room, the quarterback room are kids that care about each other, they compete against each other, but they're there to help each other and you saw that on Saturday with Brian, with Rocky, like you did with Tyler (O'Connor) and Damion (Terry) and Connor (Cook) in that situation, so the positive is you've got two quarterbacks who can win games.
On if Rocky Lombardi's performance decreased urgency to get Brian Lewerke back quicker…
I think you look at Saturday, you always waiting for proof, you sort of have an idea of what you think through scrimmages, through a year-and-a-half of scout team or different opportunities, but really until you see game reps, how does a guy really manage that? Rocky did a good job of just being calm, knowing where to go with the football, prepared himself well and really played very well.
On if Rocky Lombardi was more prepared for Purdue due to reps in previous weeks…
He did say that, he said it was fortunate that he had reps the week before because then there's not the nervousness of when you first start. I think too, we've done a good job with both Theo (Day) and Rocky, when you have a seasoned quarterback, then what happens is the reps in fall camp and even last spring, you can give more to those guys and typically sometimes early in a career of a quarterback you give the guy all the reps with the one's. Really Theo and Rocky have gotten a lot of reps through fall camp and even now during fall, just normal season stuff, they kind of split that stuff so I think those experiences have helped both those guys.
On if he noticed a difference in Rocky Lombardi in practice due to those experiences…
Two weeks ago when we knew after the Penn State game, I think the sense of urgency becomes real, you're a snap away and so I think he did everything he could to prepare, played with confidence, threw the ball very well.
On if there is an eagerness to know what you have in your backup quarterback…
I don't think you're ever wishing for an injury, you're hoping for a game situation where you can put him in, maybe get ahead or those type of things. It seems like we really have not had those really in the last six years to play the backup very much, but now that you have that I think what it does for Rocky and for backup quarterbacks is it breeds confidence that 'I can do it' and you just see a different confidence about them after those situations.
On Rocky Lombardi inspiring excitement on the sidelines…
I think part of it too, our team rallied, you look at it, it was the quarterback, the center, the right guard, the left guard, the receiver to your right and the receiver to the left. Guys had to step up, you've got a center who was a walk-on redshirt freshman and so that was part of it; that is part of Rocky's nature too, I think you play to your personality and he's very competitive and our guys get to know all of our players and the neat thing about this group is they care about all of them, they get excited for guys to play and so we've obviously had that opportunity with guys that have backed up and then now their number's been called and really a lot of guys in our program have responded on both sides of the football.
On how Rocky Lombardi's strengths align with Brian Lewerke's…
They're similar in ways in how they throw the ball accurately and get the ball out. Rocky will probably run you over more than try to make you miss, maybe that's one of the major differences I guess (smiling).
On how difficult it is on the quarterback for guys all around them to get injured…
It's hard and from a timing sense if you think on the perimeter with receivers or you've got new lineman and the cohesiveness of that. The thing we've done and Brian has done through the whole thing is just stay positive. Those are things you can't control in a football season and I think our team has handled it well.
On the status of Brian Lewerke this week compared to a couple weeks ago…
This was the best Tuesday of the last three weeks as far as what he did yesterday and what he's capable of doing.
On if the coaching staff has to prevent Brian Lewerke from trying to do too much too soon…
Happened yesterday, and so you're trying to do a pitch count a little bit with him and he wants to get in there and get the reps, just to get back into rhythm, but we'll just kind of play it out through the week.
On if the injury affected Brian Lewerke's ability to hold on kicks…
As long as he can catch (laughing).
On what it was like having Brian Lewerke on the headset against Purdue…
I think the game slows down so much and he's signaling and we're kind of sharing that with all of us that do that, but just being able to see something and then comment to Rocky when we come together between series or even if he's off on the sideline. I think there's a real comfort there with those two guys and Brian will kind of share something maybe that we're not just because he's been stood in the position and understands what he's thinking in a certain situation.
Defensive Tackles Coach Ron Burton:
On Gerald (Owens) and Naquan (Jones) being underrated...
No doubt. Those guys are averaging about 20 plays a game right now, and I wish we could get them more, but our two starters want to be in there as much as they can. They have been a factor in number one in making sure we play strong all the time and when you're on the field being able to give maximum effort. Those guys have come in and put themselves in position technically to gain those reps and last weekend they had half a sack a piece and some pressures and some ball disruptions so it's been good.Â
On Maryland rushing attack and unique play that makes them so effective…
Well, I think it starts with their personnel, four tailbacks. Number one, being able to keep them fresh and athletic and being able to run. Number two, their quarterback that makes them go and then their backup quarterback. We haven't even started to talk about their veteran offensive line, number one, and their wide receivers. So the complete group of 11 that's on the field is a big part of that, but I think it's the athleticism of the group that keeps you on your toes, because they all can run the ball and they all can catch it.Â
On ultimate test of disciple…
Well, you just said that. That's most definitely it. It's a challenge just like we had last week and that's why we're preparing for all the inside outside zones and the ability to run jet sweeps and all the different personnel that can do it. I mean whoever's in the game gets an opportunity. They move those guys around and it is a great challenge and we make sure we have to be disciplined and create great leverage on the field with our defense.
On last time they played against Maryland and their running success in that game and the key players coming back and if that is something that lingers and adds any extra motivation to this year's trip…
Well you brought it up but it's always in the history number one. Number two, we've had young guys that were in that situation so some of the first time some of them had been on the field. I think we had some redshirt freshmen and some true freshmen on the field including our middle linebacker, Joe Bachie. So, no doubt, and they'll be able to understand the experiences and grow from that but knowing what they did and did not do but it was a great start for some careers in that group right there. About four or five of our players were freshmen.Â
On Raequan Williams' differences/improvements over the years…
Well, number one the understanding of his position and what his intel there with the strengths and weaknesses of the position that you play. Number two, him understanding better what he can do with his bigger frame. Playing with better pad level, always a key for him, and utilizing his hands and understanding what the offense is trying to do to you more now and that has come with experience and now he can play that much faster so you get to see his athleticism a lot more.
On Raequan saying he can tell when the player blocking him gets tired of blocking him and wearing out opponents during the game…Â
Yes, on both sides of the ball that's for sure. Those late parts of the game or maybe it's the fourth or fifth play of the drive and you can tell whose will is being imposed on, and that happens on both sides of the ball... so most definitely. He has such a great motor and I think that's just one of the strongest keys of this young man. He continues to play, he never wants to leave the field. That's why it's hard to get Naquan and Gerald on the field because those two guys are fronting and right now Raequan has the most reps as a defensive tackle for us right now and it's been strong and he continues to use that motor
On Raequan not being a trash talker and just being quiet…
No, he'll talk about his own play and just what's going on on the field, but he's a communicator about what he sees and he stays pretty focused. Not a lot of trash talking at all from what I understand. Just when he gets to the sideline he'll start laughing and enjoying himself and that's what's been a pleasure, is the balance of the two.
On Raequan making a diving tackle and athleticism…
Yes, most definitely he's up there with a couple of the other guys and again last week versus Purdue, same situation, bursting down the field in a third and fourth down situation versus a jailbreak where you have to re-trace back and create leverage from inside out and he made four plays that way this past weekend.Â
On Raequan at the next level…
Well he's going to have an opportunity to number one. Always looking at the athleticism, the measurables that you see from the height, the weight, the speed. What he continues to do now is gain the experience of what is expected for him at the next level and this will be a great segway for him so he continues to get stronger. He's going to have that opportunity.Â
On plan for Jacob Slade to get more time on field…
Well he's most definitely one of the kids that we'd love to get on the field as much as possible but we have four guys in front of him but he has warranted the opportunity to be on the field and when that times comes and Coach D gives me that thumbs up we're going to put him on the field but he's ready to go. Always touch and feel. The last four games we understand the stat part of that and it's based on what we see on the field and can he help us with his strengths on the field and that's the pass rush and his ability to get to the quarterback.Â
On how Mike and Raequan have graded out…
Yeah, both in points and in winning percentage. They've been winners in every game that we've won and we want  them to continue to do that but they have one basically at a high rate each week in points as far as production points as far and their scores.
On Raequan going to NFL…
No sir, we haven't talked about it at all. Â
Â
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
OG
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
P
/ Football
K
/ Football
OG
/ Football
CB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
CB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DT
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DE
/ Football
DT
/ Football
S
/ FootballMonday, September 28
Saturday, September 26
Thursday, September 24
Monday, September 21