Michael Tarquin Spring Media Day
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00:00 >> How early was Oklahoma maybe on your radar in terms of somewhere you would
00:03 maybe wanna go?
00:04 >> Well, I mean, when I first put my name in the portal,
00:07 I was kinda open to any options.
00:08 It'd be my last year, I wanted to make sure I got the decision right.
00:12 But as soon as I started talking to them, it was a no-brainer for me.
00:16 >> What were those maybe initial conversations like once they reached out
00:19 and expressed interest?
00:21 >> Obviously, I had an opportunity to come here, and it's a great opportunity.
00:25 I was ready to go.
00:27 >> What stood out to you maybe about your early conversations with Coach Beaton?
00:31 >> Say that again, I'm sorry?
00:32 >> What stood out to you about those early conversations with Coach Beaton,
00:34 though, in particular?
00:36 >> I mean, he was recruiting me out of high school.
00:39 I think his resume speaks for itself.
00:41 He's obviously a great coach, he's developed a ton of guys.
00:44 And I was really excited for the opportunity to come play for him.
00:50 >> How attractive is not only Beaton Bowe's record of getting guys into the league,
00:54 but getting transfers to come in, like kinda one-year thing, and
00:57 being able to have that success?
00:59 >> It's obviously very impressive.
01:00 And a great opportunity to come in and hopefully do the same thing.
01:04 I couldn't turn it down.
01:06 >> When you look at your first portal experience to this last one,
01:12 what are some of those things that maybe you were more streamlined of,
01:15 I know I need this, this, and that type thing,
01:17 as opposed to the first time you got that request?
01:20 >> I just wanted to make a quicker decision.
01:21 I didn't really want to take as much time with it.
01:24 Obviously, I wanted to make sure I got it right.
01:25 But I didn't want to have a long, drawn-out process.
01:30 I wanted to narrow things down really quick.
01:31 >> What did you know?
01:33 I mean, I know you mentioned Coach Beaton Bowe recruited you out of high school and
01:36 stuff, but how much did you know about Oklahoma just from afar,
01:40 before you got here?
01:42 >> Not really much at all.
01:43 In high school, before I was initially recruited by him, I didn't really know
01:46 much, obviously a very historic program, tons of national championships,
01:51 conference championships.
01:52 Then obviously, Coach B's ability to develop guys and
01:55 put guys in the NFL is very impressive.
01:57 >> He did, yeah.
01:58 >> Yeah, that's about it.
02:00 >> When he recruited you out of high school, did you develop a good
02:04 relationship with him then?
02:05 Did you stay in touch or anything like that?
02:07 >> Yeah, I wasn't able to talk to him when I was coming out of high school, but
02:12 a great relationship, obviously, and
02:13 then being able to resume that and actually play for him now has been great.
02:17 >> What's been the biggest difference coming from California to Oklahoma?
02:20 >> It's gonna be a lot of differences, I mean, obviously.
02:23 There's no traffic for sure, obviously.
02:26 Norman's a great college town.
02:28 It's nice and calm, it's easier to get around, and I've really enjoyed that.
02:32 >> How about the weather?
02:32 Is it- >> Well, it's been good.
02:34 I've never really lived in cold weather before, so
02:36 I've actually enjoyed experiencing it a little bit.
02:40 >> Did that last very long, enjoying the cold weather?
02:42 >> Not really, I wouldn't say so.
02:43 Hopefully, it lasts long, but we'll see.
02:47 >> When you, so many new faces on the offensive line group,
02:51 how much easier is that maybe to get the ground rolling for
02:54 everybody when you pair both the freshmen and
02:56 the transfers to kind of mix that group in together?
02:58 >> Yeah, no, I think it definitely has benefits.
03:01 Even experienced guys, we gotta learn a new system, and the young guys as well.
03:05 And then I think having the young guys get our point of view on things,
03:10 it allows them to grasp it a lot easier too.
03:13 >> Obviously, you played a ton of SEC football.
03:15 Has that been something guys are picking your brand of here?
03:18 >> Yeah, it's both.
03:19 I mean, football's football.
03:21 Obviously, we're going into a really great conference this year.
03:23 I'm really excited about that.
03:24 But it's been good to talk to guys here and learn the system from them.
03:29 And then obviously, I can help them out whenever I need to as well.
03:33 >> With the Stairmaster so far?
03:34 >> Say that again?
03:35 >> Avoided the Stairmaster so far?
03:36 >> Yeah, no, that's not me.
03:37 >> [LAUGH] >> I don't need to.
03:38 >> [LAUGH] >> I don't get partial to that.
03:41 >> Well, there's a lot of new guys on the offensive line in general,
03:45 the high school recruiting class, the transfer class.
03:47 Is that, I mean, was that part of maybe what attracted you to come here,
03:50 that it's a new group and opportunity, things like that?
03:54 >> Yeah, I mean, absolutely.
03:55 I think the team has a really good shot to have a great season.
03:58 I was very attracted for sure.
04:00 And then obviously, the guys in the room have been great.
04:02 Bunch of talented dudes, hard workers, great guys, absolutely.
04:05 >> How do you feel like you've, it's kind of a broad question.
04:07 How do you feel like you fit in to the- >> I think I fit in really well.
04:10 I feel right at home, the guys welcome me in with open arms.
04:14 I feel like I've grasped things really fast, the system and everything.
04:17 I feel really good.
04:19 >> It's workouts, mat drills, stuff like that.
04:20 But what have been your early impressions of Jackson and
04:24 kind of what he brings as a leader?
04:25 >> Jackson's a stud, hard worker, a lot of talent, good arm.
04:28 Really smart kid, he's gonna do a lot of good things this year.