Liam Evans Spring Media Day 3-6-24

  • 6 months ago
Sooners' kicker and former Moore (OK) standout Liam Evans speaks to reporters on March 6, 2024.
Transcript
00:00 At this point?
00:01 Field goal range, somewhere in the 50s probably, in game.
00:08 That's probably the max.
00:10 I'm just working on, I've been getting stronger in the weight room, faster, more explosive.
00:17 Just working on that.
00:18 Do specialists go through the same off-season training that linebackers and offensive tacklers do?
00:26 Yes sir, we do all of the running, workouts with the team.
00:31 Does Jerry Schmidt take it easier on kickers than he does?
00:33 No sir.
00:34 He doesn't?
00:35 No sir.
00:36 What's it been like with Schmidt?
00:37 Oh man, he's been tough, but he makes us better.
00:40 He does a great job of doing that.
00:44 Certainly sir.
00:45 Thank you.
00:46 How nice is it being able to stay close to home and get to play for a school that's been so close to you?
00:51 It's awesome.
00:52 It's one of the best parts about being here, being so close to my family and friends.
00:58 Being able to play for this great school, it's a huge blessing.
01:02 What are you looking forward to the most about playing in the SEC?
01:06 That's a big time conference.
01:10 Kicking is definitely important in that conference.
01:13 Probably the most important out of any conference.
01:16 Games are close and won by a matter of three points.
01:22 That's going to be a big deal.
01:24 I'm just going to work on being my best to help the team win.
01:27 Is it more of a mental game for you?
01:30 The mental aspect is a huge, huge part of it.
01:34 You've got to have a good mental state to be kicking well.
01:38 I'd say that's possibly more--there's probably more mental--it's probably more mental than physical sometimes.
01:49 I'm definitely working on that, having a good mindset and staying positive and just trying to be my best.
01:57 How do you calm your nerves and make sure your head is in the right space?
02:02 I'd say the biggest thing is just breathing, take deep breaths, try to calm down.
02:08 You know what to do. Don't think about what you're doing.
02:11 Just let your muscle memory do everything.
02:14 That's how I kick my best. No problem.
02:18 There's a handful of other veteran kickers in that room.
02:20 How's it been getting to interact with them?
02:22 Have they helped anyone taking you under their wing or anything like that?
02:25 Yes, sir. They've all been great.
02:27 I've gotten to bond with them a little bit over the last eight weeks, I think.
02:32 It's been great just learning under them, learning what it's like to be here.
02:37 Obviously, you guys have a new special teams coach. How's it been getting to know him?
02:40 He's been great. I met him probably two weeks ago.
02:44 He's a great guy. He's dedicated to his job and his players.
02:48 He's going to do a great job.
02:50 How's the transition from high school to college in general been?
02:53 It's definitely a new thing for me, but I feel pretty in the rhythm now.
02:59 The first couple of weeks was a little rough transition-wise,
03:05 but now I'm in the rhythm of things.
03:10 Do you think it helps that you stayed closer to home?
03:12 Does that help you in that transition?
03:14 Yes, sir. Definitely. It's a blessing to be so close to home, my family and everything.
03:20 You're anticipating them coming out to a lot of games this year?
03:22 Yes, sir. Everyone.
03:24 Do you have any games circled on the schedule?
03:28 I'm not sure. Alabama is a big game.
03:35 I'd probably say Tennessee or Alabama.