Iowa quarterback interview
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00:00 >> What class did you have?
00:06 >> Creative writing.
00:07 >> How was it?
00:09 >> It was all right.
00:11 >> You out here someday?
00:15 >> What's that?
00:15 >> You want to be out here someday?
00:16 >> It was a recommendation.
00:20 >> 21, what was your closest experience
00:27 to what you see Saturday in the news?
00:28 What do you remember about that environment?
00:31 >> I just remember it being just an awesome game.
00:34 We came up a little short, but to be honest,
00:38 I loved playing in that game.
00:39 I love playing in rivalry games, and, you know,
00:42 I just can't wait to experience, you know,
00:45 the Cyhawk rivalry for the first time.
00:48 >> If you guys win this game, I believe Kirk Ferris is 200th win,
00:52 what would that mean to you to lead to that victory?
00:54 >> I mean, that'd be awesome.
00:56 I think, you know, that is just an unbelievable feat
01:00 that a head coach can reach, and, you know,
01:02 we definitely try to play our best for Coach Ferris,
01:07 and I didn't even know that.
01:08 That's insane.
01:10 >> How's the squad feeling?
01:11 >> It's getting better.
01:13 Yeah, I think it's just going to be something
01:14 that we're just going to have to manage through.
01:16 You know, it's just some games are going
01:18 to feel better than others, and, you know,
01:21 I'm just doing everything I can to just get as healthy
01:23 as I possibly can for Saturday.
01:24 >> If you were to go back to where you were with the quad
01:28 last Tuesday with this much time before the game,
01:32 do you think your quad's feeling better than that
01:33 or about the same or where?
01:35 >> I mean, I just think some things do feel
01:38 a little different at times, so I don't really --
01:41 I'm not really necessarily comparing to what I was before.
01:44 I'm just trying to see how close can I get, you know,
01:47 just to be as healthy as I can for Saturday, honestly.
01:52 >> What do they tell you, like, as far as, like,
01:54 "Don't run" or do you, like --
01:57 How much are you willing to scramble?
01:58 How much do you feel like you can scramble if you need to?
02:02 >> I mean, I don't think I'm at 100%,
02:06 but I definitely am trying to get as close as I possibly can
02:09 to make sure I can, in whatever I'm able to do,
02:13 we'll just kind of see how I feel Saturday
02:15 and just however I feel will --
02:20 I mean, I just have to go out there
02:21 and do what I can to help the team win.
02:23 >> Would you say it's affecting your ability
02:24 to throw the ball deep at all?
02:26 >> No. No, definitely not.
02:29 >> After watching the film, just how do you reflect
02:31 on what you did on Saturday?
02:33 >> I think really just watching the film
02:36 is kind of exactly how I felt after the game, honestly.
02:39 I just felt like we came up short a little bit.
02:41 We definitely left a lot of plays out there as a team,
02:43 and there were some things that, you know,
02:45 we were really looking forward to going to the film
02:48 and trying to get better,
02:50 and there were some things that I was able to see in my game
02:54 that I can focus on for this week.
02:56 >> What are some of those?
02:59 >> What are those?
03:00 >> Yeah, what are some of those?
03:01 >> I'll worry about those.
03:04 I mean, I don't want to show anyone.
03:07 If there's -- you know, there's some things
03:09 that I was able to see, you know.
03:13 I mean, I didn't have any turnovers or anything,
03:14 but there's some definitely ways
03:16 that I could have played better,
03:18 and that's what I'm focusing on for this week.
03:20 >> I think we got 10 tight end catches the other day.
03:24 Obviously, that seemed to be a positive thing for you guys.
03:27 How -- was that just open all day?
03:29 Did they leave that open,
03:31 or is that just how good those guys are?
03:33 >> I think it's a combination of all of it.
03:34 We are all aware of how talented those guys are,
03:37 and we're going to do everything we possibly can
03:40 to get them the ball because whether it's,
03:42 you know, them making contested catches
03:45 or just really when the ball's in their hands,
03:47 their ability to, you know, have yards after catch,
03:51 I think, you know, based on the game plan, you know,
03:56 we knew that they would get a lot of touches,
03:57 and I think that will be a reoccurring theme this year.
04:02 >> So you left a few plays out that didn't feel
04:04 like you were too far off.
04:06 >> Oh, no. I mean, we were right there.
04:08 I think, you know, this is -- it was just --
04:12 you know, it was our first game, you know,
04:13 and no one was expecting it to be completely perfect,
04:16 but, you know, we definitely,
04:20 based on the way that we've been practicing
04:21 and the way we've been moving the ball,
04:23 I think, you know, a lot of the guys,
04:25 when, you know, you don't execute to 100%,
04:27 guys are going to want to do that as a competitor.
04:30 So going back and watching the film, that's how we felt,
04:33 and, you know, we're just doing everything
04:35 we possibly can to clean those things up.
04:37 >> Give me a heads-up about this Iowa State defense,
04:40 a little bit of a different front,
04:41 but what are you kind of seeing on film?
04:43 >> Absolutely. I think they're a really well-coached team.
04:45 They are obviously the majors in the defense that they run.
04:49 They are very confident,
04:50 and they know that scheme extremely well.
04:53 So I think just going and looking at them,
04:57 it's definitely a different look for anyone that we'll play,
05:00 but I think, you know, it's our job to find the holes in it,
05:04 and, you know, as the week continues,
05:06 we're just going to do everything we can
05:07 to make sure that, you know,
05:10 we're just putting ourselves in the best position to win.
05:12 >> You talked a little bit after the game
05:13 about the offensive line protecting you really well.
05:17 What allowed that, I guess, in week one,
05:20 do you think kind of that chemistry to work so well?
05:23 >> I think a lot of it has to do with our defense.
05:25 I think we practice against just an unbelievable defense,
05:30 so the fact that, whether that's the scheme or the personnel,
05:33 I think, you know, that definitely helps
05:35 our guys get prepared.
05:36 We have all kinds of dudes on the defensive side of the ball,
05:39 whether it's D linemen or linebackers
05:41 that are rushing and have the opportunity
05:43 to rush to pass or in practice,
05:45 so I think the looks that we've been getting in practice
05:48 totally helped us out and made the game easier
05:50 for those guys, honestly.
05:51 >> Going off that, how much of a luxury is it for you
05:54 as you're recovering to have that extra time
05:56 in the offensive line?
05:58 >> I mean, it's huge.
05:59 I think, you know, whatever my state is,
06:01 I think any time a quarterback gets more time,
06:04 they're going to, you know, they're going to enjoy that,
06:06 so I think, you know, they gave me all kinds of time last game,
06:12 and, you know, that was their first game, too,
06:15 so they're going to continue to get better,
06:16 so I think as, you know, we obviously saw some things
06:20 that, you know, we could get better at,
06:22 but I also think there were a lot of good
06:24 that came out of that game and some things
06:26 that we could really build on, and definitely the O-line's
06:28 pass throw was one of those things.
06:30 >> You mentioned on Saturday that you wanted to see the team
06:34 have some adversity, respond to it in a game situation.
06:37 It's now been three days, and you've had some practices.
06:40 How have you seen them respond to that adversity in practice,
06:43 and how has that sort of changed
06:46 the dynamic of practice so far?
06:51 >> I don't think we're too focused on what happened
06:54 last game at this point.
06:55 We're more focused on what are we doing to beat Iowa State,
06:58 so that's really our main focal point for this week.
07:02 You know, we're just looking ahead,
07:04 and we're looking to, you know, do what we can,
07:06 but I think, you know, that's what the schedule is on Sunday
07:09 and Monday is kind of cleaning those things up.
07:12 That way we're able to progress.
07:14 >> We've been hearing some interesting stories
07:15 from some of your teammates about the CyHawk game,
07:18 Torrey and Taylor telling us about some little kids
07:20 giving them a finger during the game, things like that.
07:23 Any crazy stories that you've heard from your teammates
07:24 about the CyHawk rivalry?
07:26 >> I've heard just plenty of middle-finger stories,
07:28 honestly, so I'm pretty excited
07:31 to get in that environment.
07:33 >> When you look at your pre-staff,
07:35 when you look at pre-staff protection against Iowa State,
07:38 because they are so varied in how they present their 3-3 look,
07:44 what's communication like right now with you in the line,
07:48 and how important is that
07:50 considering what they're capable of doing?
07:52 >> Well, the communication has to be the --
07:56 I mean, that has to be one of the most important things
07:58 when it comes to being a quarterback,
07:59 and in the O-line.
08:03 I think so far this week,
08:04 we've done a really good job of that.
08:06 We have made our adjustments in some of the things
08:08 that some of the tendencies that we're able to see
08:10 and some keys that we're able to help us play,
08:15 and for us to protect not just the pass, but the run, too.
08:18 And I think so far, the coaches have done
08:21 a really good job of preparing us,
08:23 and I think the rest of us are just really looking forward
08:26 to how close can we get to knowing as much
08:30 as we possibly can about this defense before we play it.
08:32 >> Can you compare one more about your quad?
08:35 How did it feel Friday night compared to, say, Sunday morning?
08:39 Did you feel like you were taking another step
08:41 in the recovery process,
08:42 or did the game make you feel sore?
08:44 >> I mean, it definitely felt a little more sore after the game,
08:48 but so did the rest of my body.
08:51 I didn't take any huge hits,
08:53 but I think after any game,
08:57 you're going to feel your best going into the game,
08:59 and you're probably going to feel your worst
09:01 after the game that entire week.
09:03 So just like any game, that's just kind of how it felt.
09:06 >> So you didn't feel like you took a step back
09:09 in terms of recovery?
09:11 >> I don't think so.
09:16 I'm just playing.
09:20 I'm just doing everything I can to play.
09:22 I don't want to be on the sidelines.
09:24 So whatever it is, I just want to help my team out.
09:28 >> You just heard from the Michigan State fans.
09:30 How did you respond to them?
09:32 >> I mean, I remember it being a loud game,
09:34 and I just remember it being --
09:38 It's not as much about the fans as it is just the on-field stuff,
09:42 because two teams that really dislike each other,
09:48 those are fun games to play in,
09:49 and the intensity is definitely high.
09:51 So I think this game will have a similar feel,
09:55 but I also think that this will have a special feel as well.
09:58 So, like I said, I'm just super excited
10:00 to be a part of this game and to just give it my all.
10:05 >> Kay, it seemed like the offense was working best
10:07 when you were looking to stretch the field,
10:09 and you just basically threw it up,
10:10 let the playmakers kind of get in a position
10:12 to be able to make plays.
10:13 Is that going to be the key to kind of getting the run game
10:16 going a little bit more as well,
10:17 and do you prioritize trying to stretch the field
10:20 maybe a little bit more than Iowa showcased last year?
10:23 >> I think really just the situations
10:26 that we were put in from the coverage
10:28 that Utah State was giving us kind of forced us
10:31 that we needed to push the ball down the field.
10:32 They were giving us a lot of pressure looks,
10:35 and they were leaving some isolations on the outside.
10:38 So I think the best thing for us, you know, as we --
10:43 You know, we kind of switched it up a little bit
10:45 was to try and take advantage of our isolations,
10:49 because we're confident in the guys
10:50 that are running those routes and catching those footballs.
10:53 So I think --
10:55 I mean, we're just going to do everything we can
10:56 to move the ball,
10:58 and whether that's stretching the ball downfield
11:00 or, you know, dicing it up, like, underneath,
11:04 that's just what we're going to try and do.
11:06 >> I know you're a competitive guy.
11:07 Do you like talking trash during the game?
11:10 Do you kind of let play speak for itself?
11:11 How do you approach that?
11:13 >> I'm a little bit of both.
11:14 I don't know.
11:16 We'll just --
11:18 Yeah, I don't know.
11:19 I just like to have fun out there, honestly.
11:22 >> Might be a dumb question, but with your condition,
11:25 is it easier to start out in shotgun
11:28 than it is under center,
11:29 just because you have to retreat and move and squat?
11:33 >> See, some of that stuff doesn't really affect me,
11:35 honestly.
11:37 I think, you know, no, it's just kind of the --
11:42 I just run the play that Brian tells me.
11:46 >> Is there any of those things where you really don't know
11:48 when it's going to hurt until you try something,
11:51 like when you're under duress
11:52 and maybe something you don't normally do,
11:54 then you do it and then you realize,
11:55 oh, yeah, it's still there.
11:56 Is it kind of like you learn as you go with an injury like this?
12:00 >> Well, I think just because it's like a manageable injury
12:03 that you're just consistently seeing how much you can push it.
12:06 So I think whatever that is, I'm just, you know --
12:11 When it gets to the game, like, I can't really think about it
12:14 or else, you know, I won't be as focused.
12:16 So I just try and get those kind of things out of the way
12:19 during the week to see, like, what are --
12:21 if I have any limitations.
12:23 Otherwise, I'm just going to go out there and play.
12:26 >> Your 30 passes on Sunday, I think that's the fourth most
12:28 you've had as a starter between Harvard and here.
12:31 Did it almost feel necessary, though,
12:32 just having that much time off,
12:34 being able to go a little higher in the league than you have?
12:37 >> I had no idea that that was a stat,
12:41 but, I mean, as a quarterback,
12:44 you enjoy throwing the football,
12:45 so I think, yeah, it was fun throwing it.
12:49 And it's just -- you know, honestly, just the most fun
12:51 was just really just getting back out there on the field
12:54 for the first time in a long time
12:55 and being with, you know, a really awesome team.
12:58 So just to be out there was just really the things
13:01 that I really enjoyed about the game.
13:03 >> What's the confidence level coming into Saturday?
13:06 >> I mean, we're very confident.
13:07 We're confident in not just this game,
13:09 but just where this team is at.
13:11 I think we've really focused on what can we do better as a team
13:15 to get better every single day,
13:17 really since the beginning of January.
13:19 And we haven't been looking ahead at anything,
13:22 but the main focus right now is Iowa State,
13:24 and based on the amount of work that we've put in,
13:26 we feel prepared.
13:28 I think confidence comes from your level of preparation,
13:31 so we'll continue to gain more confidence throughout this week,
13:34 and I'm sure going into the game,
13:36 we'll feel very confident.
13:37 >> What's your -- what's your opinion
13:39 on the secondary?
13:41 I'm sure you've looked at more than just the other day.
13:46 And just the style of play with the three teams
13:48 saying things a little different.
13:51 >> Yeah, I mean, they're a solid unit.
13:52 Like, I have complete respect for this defense,
13:56 and I think any team who plays this defense
13:58 needs to respect it because not just from a schematic standpoint,
14:02 they also have really good personnel, so.