Michigan State University Athletics
Quotes from Day One at Preseason Camp
8/5/2021 5:36:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Following Michigan State's first practice of preseason camp on Thursday morning, head coach Mel Tucker, running back Connor Heyward, quarterback Anthony Russo, quarterback Payton Thorne and running back Kenneth Walker III answered questions from the media.
Below are quotes from the media session:
Michigan State Football Head Coach Mel Tucker
Opening statement...
Thank you all for being here; it was good to see you out there. It's been a while since I've seen you and since you've been out here, able to check out practice. I know you got about 15 minutes in, but that was good. I feel good about today and what we were able to accomplish. We were efficient, we were effective, we ended a couple minutes early, and guys knew what to do. I really want to give a shout out to (head strength & conditioning coach) Coach Novak and the strength & conditioning staff, they did a great job this summer getting these guys ready for practice, ready to compete. Also to (head football dietitian) Amber Rinestine with nutrition, getting our guys bigger, faster, stronger, I can see that out there, and it's really just about technique, fundamentals, smart, fast and physical. We didn't have the pads on today, it was a lot of full speed work, staying off the ground. I'm looking forward to seeing the film. But again, I really appreciate seeing you all out there, and I look forward to having a great camp.
On feeling at practice this year compared to last year...
It feels like normal, a lot more normal than it was a year ago. Just being able to practice full speed, we were able to get to two spots, we're able to split the squad, get half the guys on one field, the other half of the guys on another field, we have enough guys to do that, and we were able to get better work because we're in better condition. So we played faster, more guys knew what to do, guys knew where to go in the practice, and it just seemed like more normal to what I'm used to seeing out there in a day one practice.
On the integration process with all the new guys and bringing them along over the course of the next month to get ready for the first game...
Coaching is teaching and we have to teach, motivate and develop, continue to connect with our guys. We have the infrastructure here, and so when that precedes the culture, the culture is strong. We have guys here who know what the behavior that is expected, and we work with the new guys, with attention to detail, the sense of urgency, that's the culture of accountability. Those are the things that really make the difference, and so it's a work in progress, but I feel good about where we are right now.
On it obviously being exciting for the players who are back, but what is it like for him today with the first practice...
Day one is great. I mean, there's anticipation, you've got a little bit of the jitters, because you can't wait to see the guys and see them perform as a team; even just to practice as coaches, what we love to do, what I love to do, so to be able to get out on the grass, and actually get it done, it's a very exciting time, and you can feel it from the players. I felt it last night in the meetings, there was the energy in the room and there was a buzz, so it was good.
On how he slept last night...
I slept fast last night. I slept very fast.
On leadership of guys and seeing that in first practice...
I am seeing that, especially from some of the more veteran guys, the older guys coaching up the younger guys on both sides of the ball, and teaching guys how to finish, how to remain focused, be detail oriented. I saw a lot of guys coaching their teammates up and more guys than I've seen in the past.
On the hardest part for the transfers coming in and integrating into the system...
It's usually learning the schemes, learning the scheme and what's expected here, because every place just runs a little bit differently. Once guys understand what to do, and how to do it and why to do it, and while it's important to get it done a certain way, then things start to fall in place.
On how different and difficult is the process and dynamic of getting all the newcomers and transfers in and acclimated and ready to play in a month...
It's not much different, you meet the guys where they are, whatever stage they're at when you get them and go from there. I mean I didn't see a team full of transfers out there from an operational standpoint, I didn't notice a difference in terms of 'these guys know what to do and these guys all know what to do.' I didn't see that, I saw a football team with a lot of new faces, but guys know what is expected, that they know what they are, they know what expectations are, the standard, the culture, and the operation was smooth today, it really was, and we just have to keep gaining ground every day; just marginal gains, aggregation of marginal gains, every guy getting better, and then as a group, we'll get better a lot faster if we can do that.
On building a rep chart up to this point with all the new players and if have set expectations for them or let them play into it and how that works...
We tell them that we're going to play the best players in the tape of practice picks the team, it's all about the tape, and everyone's got a clean slate, it's about what you do next, and it's all about the behavior on and off the field. So we're going to play the best players obviously, so with a rep chart everyone has a starting spot, but it's fluid, and it changes within practice, practice-to-practice, week-to-week. But we need all of them to be ready to go, we need to build depth, and we need as many guys ready to play as possible. It's a team game, you're only as strong as your weakest link, so we're working to develop all of the players, so they can contribute in some way.
On players not knowing who starters are and if that creates a healthy competition at practice...
It should, I mean, competition is what it's all about, we want our practices, ultimately, to be harder than the games, and so you have to compete to get on the field, you have to compete in the weight room. I mean, everything is a competition, we have a lot more competitive roster right now, so you have to be at your best more often in this type of environment, and so it really helps that we have more capable players that can compete and get on the field and play for us.
On what positions he's keeping eyes on along with the quarterback position...
I'll take a close look at the linebacker position and in the secondary with the defensive backs, we have so many new guys there and I like what I saw so far, and obviously, the offensive line, to see the pad level, the hand placement, the technique, see how much power we're able to generate, even without the pads on and things like that. There are some newcomers that were not here in spring ball, that I was able to see them for the first time, really, in a practice format. But the linebacker and the secondary positions are where we have the most new players.
On if he kept an eye on the quarterbacks and what did he see today from them...
I always, always keep a close eye on the quarterbacks, you've always got to follow the ball, right? I saw a competitive group that knows what to do, and it's just about consistency and performance. Really, that's what it's about just being consistent, running the show, leadership, I believe your quarterback has to be your number one competitor, and I saw that today, so we have a healthy competition there.
On outside of all the transfers if quarterback is top concern right now coming into camp...
The objective of the camp is to get better, and build your team and prepare for the first game, and so that's where our focus is, and that's at every position, offense, defense and special teams. We're growing, we're gaining ground, we're developing and things will shake out more as we go
Redshirt senior running back Connor Heyward
On the differences of today compared to the start of fall camp last year…
Obviously, knowing that we're going to have a season, it's not up in the air. So everybody's decided, everybody's working. And we've had a true summer, so that's helped us…The first day of camp is always tough, but there was a lot of good highlights out there, I think, offensively, and a lot of guys on defense were flying around as well.
On the number of new players on the team and the number of new faces….
It's like a new team, yeah, there's a lot of new guys, but I feel like the competition's going up, there was a lot of good guys that we lost, but, you know, I think Coach Tucker and the rest of staff has made a lot of good additions, the running back room is deep, and the competition brings out the best in everybody.
I feel like this is the closest the team's been since my freshman year when we went 10-3, the transfers, everybody kind of meshes together and everybody gets along and the team camaraderie is at an all-time high, and we're all just excited to get to work every day. The running back meeting rooms are fun, (running backs coach) Coach Peagler, (offensive analyst) Coach Reed, make it fun, and just the guys, the young guys, Donovan (Eaglin), Davion (Primm), Jordon (Simmons), kind of look up to me, Ken (Kenneth Walker III) and Elijah (Collins) and Harold (Joiner) is kind of new, but we're just all excited. And today was a great day and a great stepping block and hopefully we can build on today.
On pressure he feels to lead a new team…
I don't think it puts any pressure on anyone, it doesn't put any pressure on me. I've always been somebody to help the guy next to me, whether I'm competing with you, or whether you play a different position. I kind of see myself as somebody that knows the offensive playbook pretty well. My roommate's Anthony Russo, so whether I'm with him or I'm with (Noah) Kim, we can talk ball and just sit down and talk X's and O's and how this play might work and how Russo might see a play like this or how Payton Thorne might see a play. So that's how I kind of see it.
Graduate quarterback Anthony Russo
On the sense of excitement for the first day of practice…
The excitement for me personally is through the roof. I know spring ball, kind of get my feet wet, being here a little bit was definitely exciting. But being able to have the whole summer around these guys, get to know them more, get to know the playbook more and the whole offense and all that and then be able to come out here and kind of show the work that I've done all summer, my excitement is through the roof. And I know seeing the way that these guys are running around today, seeing the smiles on these guys faces and stuff, I know they're excited the same way.
On how much he feels like he still needs to learn…
I think it's light years from where it was in the spring. I took the entire summertime to go back to watch all the spring cut-ups myself, of the other quarterbacks, of the offense as a whole. And then after that, just going through the entire playbook, install by install over and over again. Coach Johnson always says, 'Learning the same thing over and over again, you can't get bored with that process.' And I think all summer long I just devoted my summer to, obviously getting stronger and faster, even better, but the mental part because I knew after the springtime, that was the biggest thing for me was, making sure I had this offense mastered. I came out here today super confident and just had to continue preparing, like I had been all summer for each practice and I think it will continue to go well.
On how he slept last night and the excitement for the first day of practice….
I slept a little bit. Me and Connor Heyward are roommates, so we kind of went through the practice script together today and said, 'We're going to bed' and maybe an hour and a half later, I got up to use the bathroom, he was still awake, I was still awake. So we went through the install again together. We were up still, so we went through it again together. We just kept talking about how excited we were to get back here. The summer is a true grind with the lifting and the running and all that, so being able to come out here and play football again and be out here with all of our brothers is, is what is what we've been working for all summer. And we were super excited for it.
On how his being roommates and friends with Connor Heyward has helped him on the field…
I think it's huge, both on and off the field. I think the field, he sees some things differently than I see from his perspective. And I can kind of pick his brain on those things, he can pick my brain on little things. But when we're lined up in the backfield together, you know, I might be looking at one side, and he might see a blitz from the other side and tell me. It's just little things. And we'll watch the film together so we can see those things. But having him on the field is huge. Off the field as well, I'm not used to being at a big school or college town like this. And since I got here, Connor kind of took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and showed me kind of the do's and don'ts here and all these different things about Michigan State and showed me the true culture of this place. That was super important to me and I'm forever grateful for what he's done for me and will continue to do for me.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Payton Thorne
On the first day of camp…
I was very excited to get out here. You know, it's finally here. Day one. I can say that I did not sleep great last night. I was a little too excited for today. I was actually surprised at that. But, I'm obviously very excited to get going with all the new guys. We've got a lot of new faces out there and a lot of really good players. So it was a good day today so far. I think we finished early, so we're moving around good. I thought the guys were moving in a good tempo. And having pretty good execution is super for day one, that's stuff that we've been working on for a long time. Obviously, I've been working on chemistry with the new guys, the new receivers, throwing a lot, and getting to know those guys. I feel positive about where we're at right now.
On the importance of playing as a team….
You have to work together for the common goal. And that's to win championships, and we've got championship banners standing up right behind me. So I think that if we can work together as a team, that's better for everybody. And you know, a position like quarterback where only one guy plays, it's good to have other guys around you that are pushing you, and that bring out the best in you. And then in the end that's also good for the team. I also think that competition is good, and working together to get to where we want to go is something that's important.
On the responsibility of being a veteran leader…
I feel confident in my position, I feel confident in my abilities. I know I put the work in up to this point. I can look back on my life, and I've competed for a job before. A few times, actually, so I can lean on those experiences and what I've learned from those. I'm just trying to go day by day here in the fall, focus on today. When tomorrow comes I'll focus on tomorrow. I'm feeling good with where I'm at. But there's still a lot of work to be done. I'm excited for the rest of the fall.
We focused on details this whole offseason and getting to the point where we are confident in our execution –and we know we're going to execute. You've got to get to that point where it's not a question if we're going to execute it's we ARE going to execute, I don't care who we're playing. I think that we've done that this offseason; we're moving in the right direction and we got guys that are that are getting us better in a lot of different areas. I'm looking forward to continuing this fall camp and getting moving here in the fall.
On working with a large amount of new players and bringing them along as a leader on the team…
I think that's the job of the whole team really to get together and move in the right direction. I think there's around 30 new guys or something like that. So, just getting to know everybody, and learning what guys like, how guys work, stuff like that is important. Because like I said earlier, we're all moving in one direction. So if we can get everybody, no matter where they're from, moving in that direction, I think we're going to be in a good place.
On having familiarity with playing last year if that helps give him a leg up or if the slate is wiped clean...
I think it's like a clean slate for everybody, it's nice to have that in my back pocket, to have that prior game experience and to be able to have played with Coach Johnson calling the plays, and to have been on the sidelines with the guys, be able to play with the teammates around me prior to this year. That's something that I value, when I look back on it, I learned a lot last year. So I would say that that's a good thing to have, but at the same time I've got to put last year behind me and focus on this year. So that's something I'm going to do moving forward.
Junior running back Kenneth Walker III
On what has been the biggest surprise to him in the last seven months…
For me, it's the strength staff and the way we were able to develop. We did before and after pictures, and we got to see our speed and our strength improve and all that. That was a real surprise to me. I had felt like I was already as fast and as strong as I could be. But when I got here, I got even stronger. So that was a really big surprise. I give all credit to the strength staff.
On learning the ropes at MSU and the history of great running backs here…
Before I came to Michigan State, I didn't know much about Michigan State. I knew we played them (at Wake Forest). I knew they got a chance to play in the (Pinstripe) Bowl in 2019. But coming in here, I didn't know a lot about Michigan State, but I was able to go back and watch a lot of YouTube. So I went back and watched a lot of highlights, I watched the Rose Bowl and to 2015 with Darien Harris.
On what made the transition easier as a transfer player…
When I first got here it made it so much easier to be surrounded by so many good people. It made it feel like home. It made me feel like family from the staff and from the players. In the spring, a big thing for me was learning the plays, in the spring I was able to learn the plays, so when I come into here for camp it makes things a lot easier, and I can play fast and play comfortable. I feel like I'm pretty comfortable already, but I wanted to get more comfortable to the point that I don't have to think about it at all. And I feel like coming to camp now, I was excited. I was anxious to get out here and have the first day, to get it out the way, but also excited to come out here with my teammates and compete.
On team bonding and welcoming him onto the squad, especially among the running backs in the running back room…
I feel like we bond really well. I feel like it's a great bond where we compete and make each other better, but we also help each other, as in if one person messes up, we critique him and vice versa; if I mess up, they'll be able to critique me.
Some of the guys that have been here in the past really helped and other transfers get comfortable with being here. Personally, when I first got here, it was like everybody already had open arms. They didn't treat me like competition. They actually treat me like a brother. It feels like I've been here before and I've already been around for years. The guys have been willing to help me learn; if I have questions about the plays or anything, or whatever I needed, like finding places on campus or something.
On his expectations for the upcoming season…
I feel like we need to all come together as a team, not just for me personally. If I don't have my teammates, I don't have anything, so I feel like it's not just an individual thing, it's more of a team thing and building that chemistry and the bond with all of us together. And that's a big goal for me. I want to be a leader, make sure I'm able to lead; not like yelling at everybody, but making sure we uplift each and every individual.
Below are quotes from the media session:
Michigan State Football Head Coach Mel Tucker
Opening statement...
Thank you all for being here; it was good to see you out there. It's been a while since I've seen you and since you've been out here, able to check out practice. I know you got about 15 minutes in, but that was good. I feel good about today and what we were able to accomplish. We were efficient, we were effective, we ended a couple minutes early, and guys knew what to do. I really want to give a shout out to (head strength & conditioning coach) Coach Novak and the strength & conditioning staff, they did a great job this summer getting these guys ready for practice, ready to compete. Also to (head football dietitian) Amber Rinestine with nutrition, getting our guys bigger, faster, stronger, I can see that out there, and it's really just about technique, fundamentals, smart, fast and physical. We didn't have the pads on today, it was a lot of full speed work, staying off the ground. I'm looking forward to seeing the film. But again, I really appreciate seeing you all out there, and I look forward to having a great camp.
On feeling at practice this year compared to last year...
It feels like normal, a lot more normal than it was a year ago. Just being able to practice full speed, we were able to get to two spots, we're able to split the squad, get half the guys on one field, the other half of the guys on another field, we have enough guys to do that, and we were able to get better work because we're in better condition. So we played faster, more guys knew what to do, guys knew where to go in the practice, and it just seemed like more normal to what I'm used to seeing out there in a day one practice.
On the integration process with all the new guys and bringing them along over the course of the next month to get ready for the first game...
Coaching is teaching and we have to teach, motivate and develop, continue to connect with our guys. We have the infrastructure here, and so when that precedes the culture, the culture is strong. We have guys here who know what the behavior that is expected, and we work with the new guys, with attention to detail, the sense of urgency, that's the culture of accountability. Those are the things that really make the difference, and so it's a work in progress, but I feel good about where we are right now.
On it obviously being exciting for the players who are back, but what is it like for him today with the first practice...
Day one is great. I mean, there's anticipation, you've got a little bit of the jitters, because you can't wait to see the guys and see them perform as a team; even just to practice as coaches, what we love to do, what I love to do, so to be able to get out on the grass, and actually get it done, it's a very exciting time, and you can feel it from the players. I felt it last night in the meetings, there was the energy in the room and there was a buzz, so it was good.
On how he slept last night...
I slept fast last night. I slept very fast.
On leadership of guys and seeing that in first practice...
I am seeing that, especially from some of the more veteran guys, the older guys coaching up the younger guys on both sides of the ball, and teaching guys how to finish, how to remain focused, be detail oriented. I saw a lot of guys coaching their teammates up and more guys than I've seen in the past.
On the hardest part for the transfers coming in and integrating into the system...
It's usually learning the schemes, learning the scheme and what's expected here, because every place just runs a little bit differently. Once guys understand what to do, and how to do it and why to do it, and while it's important to get it done a certain way, then things start to fall in place.
On how different and difficult is the process and dynamic of getting all the newcomers and transfers in and acclimated and ready to play in a month...
It's not much different, you meet the guys where they are, whatever stage they're at when you get them and go from there. I mean I didn't see a team full of transfers out there from an operational standpoint, I didn't notice a difference in terms of 'these guys know what to do and these guys all know what to do.' I didn't see that, I saw a football team with a lot of new faces, but guys know what is expected, that they know what they are, they know what expectations are, the standard, the culture, and the operation was smooth today, it really was, and we just have to keep gaining ground every day; just marginal gains, aggregation of marginal gains, every guy getting better, and then as a group, we'll get better a lot faster if we can do that.
On building a rep chart up to this point with all the new players and if have set expectations for them or let them play into it and how that works...
We tell them that we're going to play the best players in the tape of practice picks the team, it's all about the tape, and everyone's got a clean slate, it's about what you do next, and it's all about the behavior on and off the field. So we're going to play the best players obviously, so with a rep chart everyone has a starting spot, but it's fluid, and it changes within practice, practice-to-practice, week-to-week. But we need all of them to be ready to go, we need to build depth, and we need as many guys ready to play as possible. It's a team game, you're only as strong as your weakest link, so we're working to develop all of the players, so they can contribute in some way.
On players not knowing who starters are and if that creates a healthy competition at practice...
It should, I mean, competition is what it's all about, we want our practices, ultimately, to be harder than the games, and so you have to compete to get on the field, you have to compete in the weight room. I mean, everything is a competition, we have a lot more competitive roster right now, so you have to be at your best more often in this type of environment, and so it really helps that we have more capable players that can compete and get on the field and play for us.
On what positions he's keeping eyes on along with the quarterback position...
I'll take a close look at the linebacker position and in the secondary with the defensive backs, we have so many new guys there and I like what I saw so far, and obviously, the offensive line, to see the pad level, the hand placement, the technique, see how much power we're able to generate, even without the pads on and things like that. There are some newcomers that were not here in spring ball, that I was able to see them for the first time, really, in a practice format. But the linebacker and the secondary positions are where we have the most new players.
On if he kept an eye on the quarterbacks and what did he see today from them...
I always, always keep a close eye on the quarterbacks, you've always got to follow the ball, right? I saw a competitive group that knows what to do, and it's just about consistency and performance. Really, that's what it's about just being consistent, running the show, leadership, I believe your quarterback has to be your number one competitor, and I saw that today, so we have a healthy competition there.
On outside of all the transfers if quarterback is top concern right now coming into camp...
The objective of the camp is to get better, and build your team and prepare for the first game, and so that's where our focus is, and that's at every position, offense, defense and special teams. We're growing, we're gaining ground, we're developing and things will shake out more as we go
Redshirt senior running back Connor Heyward
On the differences of today compared to the start of fall camp last year…
Obviously, knowing that we're going to have a season, it's not up in the air. So everybody's decided, everybody's working. And we've had a true summer, so that's helped us…The first day of camp is always tough, but there was a lot of good highlights out there, I think, offensively, and a lot of guys on defense were flying around as well.
On the number of new players on the team and the number of new faces….
It's like a new team, yeah, there's a lot of new guys, but I feel like the competition's going up, there was a lot of good guys that we lost, but, you know, I think Coach Tucker and the rest of staff has made a lot of good additions, the running back room is deep, and the competition brings out the best in everybody.
I feel like this is the closest the team's been since my freshman year when we went 10-3, the transfers, everybody kind of meshes together and everybody gets along and the team camaraderie is at an all-time high, and we're all just excited to get to work every day. The running back meeting rooms are fun, (running backs coach) Coach Peagler, (offensive analyst) Coach Reed, make it fun, and just the guys, the young guys, Donovan (Eaglin), Davion (Primm), Jordon (Simmons), kind of look up to me, Ken (Kenneth Walker III) and Elijah (Collins) and Harold (Joiner) is kind of new, but we're just all excited. And today was a great day and a great stepping block and hopefully we can build on today.
On pressure he feels to lead a new team…
I don't think it puts any pressure on anyone, it doesn't put any pressure on me. I've always been somebody to help the guy next to me, whether I'm competing with you, or whether you play a different position. I kind of see myself as somebody that knows the offensive playbook pretty well. My roommate's Anthony Russo, so whether I'm with him or I'm with (Noah) Kim, we can talk ball and just sit down and talk X's and O's and how this play might work and how Russo might see a play like this or how Payton Thorne might see a play. So that's how I kind of see it.
Graduate quarterback Anthony Russo
On the sense of excitement for the first day of practice…
The excitement for me personally is through the roof. I know spring ball, kind of get my feet wet, being here a little bit was definitely exciting. But being able to have the whole summer around these guys, get to know them more, get to know the playbook more and the whole offense and all that and then be able to come out here and kind of show the work that I've done all summer, my excitement is through the roof. And I know seeing the way that these guys are running around today, seeing the smiles on these guys faces and stuff, I know they're excited the same way.
On how much he feels like he still needs to learn…
I think it's light years from where it was in the spring. I took the entire summertime to go back to watch all the spring cut-ups myself, of the other quarterbacks, of the offense as a whole. And then after that, just going through the entire playbook, install by install over and over again. Coach Johnson always says, 'Learning the same thing over and over again, you can't get bored with that process.' And I think all summer long I just devoted my summer to, obviously getting stronger and faster, even better, but the mental part because I knew after the springtime, that was the biggest thing for me was, making sure I had this offense mastered. I came out here today super confident and just had to continue preparing, like I had been all summer for each practice and I think it will continue to go well.
On how he slept last night and the excitement for the first day of practice….
I slept a little bit. Me and Connor Heyward are roommates, so we kind of went through the practice script together today and said, 'We're going to bed' and maybe an hour and a half later, I got up to use the bathroom, he was still awake, I was still awake. So we went through the install again together. We were up still, so we went through it again together. We just kept talking about how excited we were to get back here. The summer is a true grind with the lifting and the running and all that, so being able to come out here and play football again and be out here with all of our brothers is, is what is what we've been working for all summer. And we were super excited for it.
On how his being roommates and friends with Connor Heyward has helped him on the field…
I think it's huge, both on and off the field. I think the field, he sees some things differently than I see from his perspective. And I can kind of pick his brain on those things, he can pick my brain on little things. But when we're lined up in the backfield together, you know, I might be looking at one side, and he might see a blitz from the other side and tell me. It's just little things. And we'll watch the film together so we can see those things. But having him on the field is huge. Off the field as well, I'm not used to being at a big school or college town like this. And since I got here, Connor kind of took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and showed me kind of the do's and don'ts here and all these different things about Michigan State and showed me the true culture of this place. That was super important to me and I'm forever grateful for what he's done for me and will continue to do for me.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Payton Thorne
On the first day of camp…
I was very excited to get out here. You know, it's finally here. Day one. I can say that I did not sleep great last night. I was a little too excited for today. I was actually surprised at that. But, I'm obviously very excited to get going with all the new guys. We've got a lot of new faces out there and a lot of really good players. So it was a good day today so far. I think we finished early, so we're moving around good. I thought the guys were moving in a good tempo. And having pretty good execution is super for day one, that's stuff that we've been working on for a long time. Obviously, I've been working on chemistry with the new guys, the new receivers, throwing a lot, and getting to know those guys. I feel positive about where we're at right now.
On the importance of playing as a team….
You have to work together for the common goal. And that's to win championships, and we've got championship banners standing up right behind me. So I think that if we can work together as a team, that's better for everybody. And you know, a position like quarterback where only one guy plays, it's good to have other guys around you that are pushing you, and that bring out the best in you. And then in the end that's also good for the team. I also think that competition is good, and working together to get to where we want to go is something that's important.
On the responsibility of being a veteran leader…
I feel confident in my position, I feel confident in my abilities. I know I put the work in up to this point. I can look back on my life, and I've competed for a job before. A few times, actually, so I can lean on those experiences and what I've learned from those. I'm just trying to go day by day here in the fall, focus on today. When tomorrow comes I'll focus on tomorrow. I'm feeling good with where I'm at. But there's still a lot of work to be done. I'm excited for the rest of the fall.
We focused on details this whole offseason and getting to the point where we are confident in our execution –and we know we're going to execute. You've got to get to that point where it's not a question if we're going to execute it's we ARE going to execute, I don't care who we're playing. I think that we've done that this offseason; we're moving in the right direction and we got guys that are that are getting us better in a lot of different areas. I'm looking forward to continuing this fall camp and getting moving here in the fall.
On working with a large amount of new players and bringing them along as a leader on the team…
I think that's the job of the whole team really to get together and move in the right direction. I think there's around 30 new guys or something like that. So, just getting to know everybody, and learning what guys like, how guys work, stuff like that is important. Because like I said earlier, we're all moving in one direction. So if we can get everybody, no matter where they're from, moving in that direction, I think we're going to be in a good place.
On having familiarity with playing last year if that helps give him a leg up or if the slate is wiped clean...
I think it's like a clean slate for everybody, it's nice to have that in my back pocket, to have that prior game experience and to be able to have played with Coach Johnson calling the plays, and to have been on the sidelines with the guys, be able to play with the teammates around me prior to this year. That's something that I value, when I look back on it, I learned a lot last year. So I would say that that's a good thing to have, but at the same time I've got to put last year behind me and focus on this year. So that's something I'm going to do moving forward.
Junior running back Kenneth Walker III
On what has been the biggest surprise to him in the last seven months…
For me, it's the strength staff and the way we were able to develop. We did before and after pictures, and we got to see our speed and our strength improve and all that. That was a real surprise to me. I had felt like I was already as fast and as strong as I could be. But when I got here, I got even stronger. So that was a really big surprise. I give all credit to the strength staff.
On learning the ropes at MSU and the history of great running backs here…
Before I came to Michigan State, I didn't know much about Michigan State. I knew we played them (at Wake Forest). I knew they got a chance to play in the (Pinstripe) Bowl in 2019. But coming in here, I didn't know a lot about Michigan State, but I was able to go back and watch a lot of YouTube. So I went back and watched a lot of highlights, I watched the Rose Bowl and to 2015 with Darien Harris.
On what made the transition easier as a transfer player…
When I first got here it made it so much easier to be surrounded by so many good people. It made it feel like home. It made me feel like family from the staff and from the players. In the spring, a big thing for me was learning the plays, in the spring I was able to learn the plays, so when I come into here for camp it makes things a lot easier, and I can play fast and play comfortable. I feel like I'm pretty comfortable already, but I wanted to get more comfortable to the point that I don't have to think about it at all. And I feel like coming to camp now, I was excited. I was anxious to get out here and have the first day, to get it out the way, but also excited to come out here with my teammates and compete.
On team bonding and welcoming him onto the squad, especially among the running backs in the running back room…
I feel like we bond really well. I feel like it's a great bond where we compete and make each other better, but we also help each other, as in if one person messes up, we critique him and vice versa; if I mess up, they'll be able to critique me.
Some of the guys that have been here in the past really helped and other transfers get comfortable with being here. Personally, when I first got here, it was like everybody already had open arms. They didn't treat me like competition. They actually treat me like a brother. It feels like I've been here before and I've already been around for years. The guys have been willing to help me learn; if I have questions about the plays or anything, or whatever I needed, like finding places on campus or something.
On his expectations for the upcoming season…
I feel like we need to all come together as a team, not just for me personally. If I don't have my teammates, I don't have anything, so I feel like it's not just an individual thing, it's more of a team thing and building that chemistry and the bond with all of us together. And that's a big goal for me. I want to be a leader, make sure I'm able to lead; not like yelling at everybody, but making sure we uplift each and every individual.
Players Mentioned
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QB
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QB
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RB
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