Tony Rojas | LB | So.
Q: How different was your second spring compared to your first?
A: I would say I definitely got more confident from last season, not just spring ball, but just going into the season too. The whole process I say my confidence just got higher. The guys really know what they are doing, and they just make the job way easier. For me, just confidence is really my biggest thing right now. I feel like it's way higher than last season.
Q: What has that change been like going from Manny to Coach Allen? And your position in his defense?
A: It hasn't really changed as much. The difference is just more nickel and more of a two-back look. We played some nickel during third down situations last season, but really it's the majority of every down with Tom.
Drew Allar | QB | Jr.
Q: How do you think the flow went with the first-time using iPads and headsets?
A: It was definitely a learning experience with the first-time with headsets because in practice I can hear him talking behind us if the headset cuts out. I think the headset communication today was really cool and to just actually get in Beaver Stadium – the first time we've been able to this spring. It was really good to get in there and just drive on that. Obviously, me and Coach K have dialogue with that stuff, things that we liked, things that we didn't like and just continue to have an open dialogue with that stuff. I think we laid a really good foundation this spring and it's our job as players to continue that.
Q: How did it go for you playing for the first time in Beaver Stadium this spring?
A: Overall, I think it went pretty good. I think we had a good day offensively. It's just going to be a lot of learning on tape. I think the positives outweigh the negatives that we did have on the field today, but they are really easy and simple to fix and correct.
Liam Clifford | WR | R-Jr.
Q: Omari is a guy that has come up, where do you think he is now?
A: Another guy that works hard and grew throughout the spring. He has progressed a lot over the spring because of the competition in our room. He is extremely athletic and really fast. The dude is going to make plays. I'm excited to play with him in the fall.
Q: What can we expect from the wide receiver room going into the fall?
A: The bottom line for our receiver room is just to make the plays that come to us. Not only in the pass game, but in the run game as well - making perimeter blocks. The thing that people don't really see when there is a big throw down the field the reason is because the running back picks up the blitz or picks up a big protection. We take pride in the receiving room. We are doing that favor for the running backs and the run game as well. Just catching the ball and making plays – doing the things receivers are supposed to do.
Abdul Carter | DE | Jr.
Q: How has playing in Philadelphia prepared you for playing at Penn State?
A: Iron sharpens iron. I was playing against the best in high school and now I am playing against the best at Penn State. It's next level.
Q: What has been the best thing about you moving to defensive end? What have you learned about yourself?
A: I love challenges. I love trying taking on new things and that's what I am doing right now.
Amin Vanover | DE | Sr.
Q: Coach mentioned being very proud of your journey specifically, how would you describe your personal journey?
A: I've been very coachable throughout my journey. At first I was definitely a slow learner, but as the years go on I'm starting to pick up more and learn from the older guys. It's been a great journey so far.
Q: As a player, how different are you now compared to how you were a year ago at this time?
A: I'm more comfortable now. I have been getting more reps, and the more practice I get helps me get prepared for the season ahead.
Cam Miller | CB | Jr.
Q: What's it like having Tom Allen here and seeing his influence on the team?
A: It has been very similar to last year. He brings a great energy to the team and I'm excited to see him in this role.
Q: What is it like to be a leader among the new defensive backs while still building on what you established last year?
A: It means a lot. It's helpful to hear their perspectives and knowledge coming from different places, such as the SEC. They haven't been here too long, but we're starting to build great relationships with each other.
Kobe King | LB | R-Jr.
Q: Aside from staying healthy, what is your hope for next year's season?
A: This year I want to make it to the National Championship, but I want everyone to make it to that point without getting injured. We also emphasize guys having fun being together collectively so we can go a long way.
Q: Have any of the younger guys stood out to you both today and at spring practice?
A: All the new guys have really stood out to me. They're taking a chip on their shoulder to learn things a different way and learn from the veteran players. We're pushing these guys every day and they are very talented. They take pride in their role, and it's been a new year with a new coach for them to take pride in.
Audavion Collins | CB | R-So.
Q: What's different now for you in year two in the program versus a year ago and year one?
A: I've been hanging out more with the guys, and being more attentive to detail. Overall, I'm just putting more in more work and studying more. I've been super locked in.
Beau Pribula | QB | R-So.
Q: You came here in December your freshman year, what's the value of an early enrolled athlete?
A: There's so much value. You come into college as a high school student. You're not alone playing football and doing workouts, but you're also shown how life works. It's such an advantage.
Kaden Saunders | WR | R-So.
Q: James hammered home it's easier to improve the passing game this summer, why is that?
A: We have so much time to be able to be outside to track the ball with the sun. Just running routes in timing with the quarterbacks. Time and details - that's going to be big this summer.
