Head Coach Bobby Petrino
Q: Coach, tell us what we saw today?
A: “We got some heat and some humidity and we needed that. Its been too easy on them so far because of the easy weather. We had a good hard work out. It was a physical work out and we did a lot out there. I think we are getting better. We got to keep working at it.”
Q: Are you focusing on anyone in particular heading into the season?
A: “We are geared up for the Minnesota game. We have to worry about just one, the opener, and go on the road in front of a loud crowd. That’s really our only focus. We are going to prepare for some of the preseason and go through a routine on our preparation. The main game of our focus is on Minnesota.”
Q: How do you prepare the team for the loud crowd?
A: “We are going to have to play some music and make some noise while also getting inside and letting that go. We really need to be able to communicate by using signals or silent cadences for the offense. As for the defense, we need to be able to make sure they can get lined up properly despite the noise.”
Q: Are there any rookies really wowing you right now?
A: “I am happy about our rookies. I think they are doing a good job. Jamaal Anderson has come back in better shape and is able to play faster and recognize formations better. Both our second round picks, Justin Blalock and Chris Houston are doing a nice job of competing to get a job. Our third and fourth round picks are doing well, with Laurent Robinson at receiver and Stephen Nicholas at linebacker. We are going to count on all those guys to contribute and play.”
Q: Are we going to be able to see them during preseason?
A: “Certainly. They need the experience.”
Q: Will there be enough room for Kurt Quarterman?
A: “Kurt’s competing and he is doing a nice job for us. He is big, physical and he may be a step ahead because he knows the system, or at least the majority of the system. He just has to keep going and continue practicing hard, one day at a time.”
Q: With how hot it is today, how do you make sure the tempo is where you want it to be?
A: “We love the heat and we need to be in it more. More heat, more humidity. We really need to push them. One thing we tried to do today is get the coaches off the field, let the players stay out for eight straight plays, move the ball and make it more like a game. A lot of times in camp you start looking around at your coach after every play. We need to get them out on the field to learn how to play and handle the tempo. I think that is what we tried to get them to do today. We have a long way to go.”
Q: “What are your expectations of Ben Nelson coming right out of the ArenaBowl yesterday?
A: “We would like to see what he can do. He is tall, fast, and catches the ball well. It will be fun to see how well he does out here.”
Q: What’s shaping up to be the toughest competitive positions on the team?
A: “Everywhere. It’s early and they are all competing. We have some guys on the offensive front competing for starting jobs and some are competing for depth. I think the receivers are doing a nice job of coming out and competing. Also, on defense, in the secondary and the linebackers; those guys are doing a great job as well. Up front we need to get a couple guys off the injury list and really get out there and get some more competition.”
Q: Did today have a business feel atmosphere in terms of fans and entire environment?
A: “I was very impressed last week with how our players blocked everything out and went to work. I thought they did a real nice job. Also, they worked hard at it. We had good meetings and we were focused at practice. It was probably a relief for all of them to just get out on the field and get back to work.”
