Q: How are things going so far in camp?
A: They're going good. I'm just working my butt off. Just trying to make everything positive and give it 100%.

Q: There's a lot of interest in the D-Line especially with all of the departures in the offseason. Everyone is expected you to have a big role this year. What are your expectations going into the year?
A: My expectations are to give 100% on the field, do my job, and win games.

Q: What kind of differences have there been from year 1 to year 2 with Ted Roof and Coach Pelton?
A: There's been big differences in the defense's mentality. It's more fierce now, it's more aggressive, and we're just rising up to the occasion.

Q: It looked like today you spent a lot more time in the 4-3 as opposed to the 4-2-5. Is that true just because you're playing our offense?
A: Yes, basically we're just playing against what we have in front of us. If it's the triple option we'll switch up our defensive play.

Q: How much have you leaned on Adam Gotsis? Has he been a good leader for you all?
A: Yea, he has. He has helped me tremendously to get better. Obviously being from another country it's been a good connection.

Q: How much prep have you done for other teams so far? Have you just been focused on fundamentals at this point?
A: Yea, we've been going through a lot of stuff and making sure we know what we have [going into] the season. We've practiced against the triple option and [prepared] for what we'll see this season.

Q: What are you weighing now?
A: 292

Q: How is camp going so far?
A: It's going good. Everyone has camp legs and is a little tired. Overall as a team everyone is flying around out there and really enjoying themselves. I feel like as a team we're closer this year on and off the field than we were last year or past years.

Q: What did you think of today's scrimmage? It seemed like you were a jack-of-all-trades lining up at A, B, and QB.
A: It was interesting. Coach Johnson met with me this summer and said he wanted to get me the ball a lot more because I'm physical in short-yardage situations. He's trying to put me in wherever I can fit in and get me the ball. I think that pretty much speaks to my game; I'm versatile. So hopefully that turns out pretty good for us this season too.

Q: Obviously the A-Back [position] is more in your wheelhouse probably since you played it the last couple years. Do you have a preference?
A: Not really. I just want the ball in my hands and I want the team to win. I feel like with the ball in my hands we have a great chance of winning because I'm tough to tackle.

Q: How far along are you guys this year compared to last year at this time?
A: I think we're probably further along even though we have a new quarterback in Justin Thomas. Justin was new to the offense when he came in but he impressed me. When he came in I was still at quarterback. He impressed me with his knowledge of the game and how calm he was as a quarterback. You never really see him rattled. At the A-Back position we have a lot of seniors. A lot of people don't think we have depth at the D-Line, but I feel like the core guys that we have are going to hold it down.

Q: There's a lot of talk about the hurry-up. We saw it in the spring a little bit, we've heard about it in the offseason, and we saw it for maybe one or two series today. How much have you all worked on that so far?
A: We've worked on that every day, every practice. Every practice we work on the hurry-up, oh my goodness, especially at the end of practice. I feel like it helps [practicing] when we're tired because it makes us be more mentally focused. I think it's going to be a big factor when we run it this season because a lot of defenses are probably not going to be able to get lined up and get their calls. We're going to know what we're supposed to be doing, so I'm looking forward to running it during the season.

Q: Last year coming in to camp the offensive line was banged up. This year you have 3 or 4 different lines coming in. They're all fresh and you're running them through. Have you noticed a difference in how well they're doing?
A: Yea, I think the O-Line as a whole has progressed in knowing the calls and who they're getting. That's one of the big things with our offense. Playing A-Back and B-Back and knowing the different calls that the linemen have to make, and I see they're making the right calls because that's what I see too. It's reassuring knowing that the line is making the right calls and blocking the right people. I'm really looking forward to this year. I'm really excited.

Q: Last question for you - Last night there was some late-breaking news in the Ed O'Bannon and the NCAA trial. Have you all heard anything about that, the outcome, or do you have any sort of opinion on what that means?
A: No, we haven't heard anything about it. I haven't heard anything about it.

Q: How's practice going so far?
A: It's been a good few days. We've been in shells and helmets for most of the time. It's been pretty productive so far. We should get a good look on Monday when everyone puts the pads on.

Q: How are you and Justin splitting snaps right now?
A: Justin is with the 1's. I'm with the 2's. Occasionally I'll go over with the 1's and Matthew Jordan will work with the 2's.

Q: What's it like working behind a healthy O-Line?
A: Oh man, it is awesome. We have a ton of depth there. Shaq and Trey Braun are really taking control and making sure the new guys know what they're doing. That helps Justin and I a lot. We feel way more comfortable going up to the line. We don't have to check a play to a better position outside since we're more balanced. It helps us a lot.

Q: Paul Johnson has compared you to Josh Nesbitt. How does that make you feel?
A: Josh did a great job and he was very successful in this offense. To be compared to him is a great compliment.

Q: Have you watched any of his tape?
A: Oh yea, we watch it all the time. I even look back at bios online, including Coach Johnson's from his days at Navy. Josh is a fun player to watch.

Q: We're all familiar with Zach Laskey as he's been in the program quite a while. How are the rest of the B-Backs looking so far?
A: Matt Connors - he knows what he's doing every play and is a real physical guy. Donovan Wilson - he's one of the hardest workers on the team. Then C.J. Leggett, the new kid, he did a lot in High School. He's probably ahead of the learning curve right now. He is very willing to learn and he's up to speed on the physical side of things. If we can get him up to speed with the playbook then I wouldn't be surprised to see him play.

Q: What are you personal goals this year?
A: I would like to play, of course. Overall I hope to develop some kind of leadership role. And ultimately, I just want to win.

Q: Like Josh Nesbitt you have a reputation for playing well in the trash as Paul Johnson alluded to in his press conference 30 minutes ago. As you're moving around in there who is the guy you least want to see coming the other direction right at you on our team?
A: Adam Gotsis is not one to mess around with. Jabari is not fun to mess around with. Quayshawn as well. I would prefer they not be there, but if they're there, they're there.

Q: How are things going with the WR group so far?
A: We've probably been more on the same page than we have been at any point this year. Darren Waller, DeAndre, and Michael Summers - those are our big 3 that we're looking to this year in terms of making big plays. They are big guys. Justin and I have worked with them a lot this summer running routes. Those are going to be our big-time players. We're going to need that as that balances our playbook. If you can throw it out wide 3-4 times a game they're going to be looked at to make a play.

Q: Are there any new players that are standing out?
A: C.J. is standing out. Qua Searcy is looking pretty solid as a receiver. He's a little small but he's got great hands and runs good routes. C.J. will be the big-time guy there. He's here to work and he comes out with his game-face every single day. Zach and Matt have done a great job coaching up C.J. to be game-ready.

Q: The D-Line lost a lot to graduation and during the offseason. How are they looking so far?
A: We'll get a better look at that Monday when we go to full pads. It's an opportunity for some guys to step up. With a leader like Adam [Gotsis] on defense, he'll make sure those guys are ready. It doesn't matter who we have - guys will be ready to step up.