Quotables
Dvon J-Thomas, DT, R-Sr+
On the identity of the team…
A: Our toughness and our effort, in all aspects. Never changing who we are, regardless of the situation. There’s a lot of teams out there that allow the situations to dictate who they are when it comes to Saturday. When it comes to defense, offense and special teams, our biggest focus is being consistent in who we are and how we approach every situation.
On what he looks to improve after returning for a sixth year…
A: Honestly, my play recognition. Trusting my eyes, trusting myself. In years past, I’ve understood and seen things, but I haven’t really trusted myself to play it out the way it should’ve been played. I think that will be the biggest change this year. I’ve learned to trust myself beyond anything.
Jaylen Reed, S, Sr.
On the versatility of Abdul Carter…
A: It brings a lot of versatility to the table. Abdul already has reps at linebacker and then using his best ability, to rush the passer. I feel like that’s Abdul’s best trait and then using that at d-end is going to bring a lot of explosiveness. We can use different packages and formations to trick the offense and use Abdul in his best form.
On where he will line up on the field…
A: I’m going to start at safety and I’m going to play Lion too. I’m going to do both. They’re going to use my versatility as much as we can so we can get the best players on the field. With the three-safety look, with me at Lion, we’re trying to bring in Zakee Wheatley so we can have the best 11 at all times. Having me, KJ [Kevin Winston Jr.] and Zakee flowing off each other is going to be a great thing. I have no problem with moving from safety to the Lion position, going back and forth, it doesn’t matter to me as long as we have the best 11 on the field to help us go 1-0.
Tyler Warren, TE, Sr.
On Drew Allar’s leadership…
A: This year, he’s got a year under his belt. He’s got more confidence and he’s been more vocal and I can tell he’s willing to speak up and say more things, which he has the right to. We’ve all got a lot of respect for him. Just having that as a quarterback. And Beau [Pribula]. Beau’s another guy at the quarterback position that people have a lot of respect for him and he’ll speak up and say things. Those two have a strong presence back there and I think it will only help propel the offense forward as we keep going into camp.
On the development of Ty Howle as tight ends coach…
A: I think he’s one of the most prepared and on-point coaches I’ve been around. He gets us stuff like two days in advance that sometimes the quarterbacks are like, “where’d you get that?”. I can’t say enough about Ty. He didn’t come in not knowing about tight end. I’m sure as soon he got the job, I’m sure he knew what he wanted to do. I can’t say enough about Ty. I’m glad I’ve got to work with him as long as I have. He’s helped me out a lot. He helped Brenton [Strange] and Theo [Johnson] out a lot. He’s had some great tight ends come through and he’s got some good young guys in the room now, so I’m sure it’s going to keep going and he’ll keep doing great.
