Tuesday News Conference Quotes
8/26/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 26, 2008
Head Coach Ralph Friedgen
On this Saturday's game versus Delaware:
"We have a really, really tough game coming up this weekend. Any time you play a team that's played in a championship, a national championship game, you need to really focus in on it and we need to give it our attention. They have 14 players who have transferred from Division I-(A) schools, so they're not going to be in awe coming in here. They're going to come in very confident, as they should be."
On his thoughts regarding Delaware's offense and defense:
"Offensively, they were ranked No. 6 in the country last year in total offense; they averaged over 460 yards a game. They only had 12 turnovers which was also sixth in the country. They have a very talented offense. I guess their one question mark, and we don't know a lot about it, is their quarterback situation. (Delaware) coach (K.C.) Keeler hasn't really announced that yet. Defensively, I've been pretty impressed, as well."
On Maryland's quarterback situation:
"I think they've all improved. Right now, I'm going with Jordan Steffy, but I'm looking very hard at Chris Turner and Josh Portis will have his package. I'm pleased with their development right now."
On his team's defensive line depth:
"That's one of my main concerns; I have a few concerns right now. Losing Travis Ivey, who will not play this game, is a concern of ours. If we get another injury or two, we could have a problem."
On Maryland's kick returners:
"Danny Oquendo will be our punt returner and right now I'd like to say, just from looking at what I saw yesterday at practice, we'll probably go with Torrey Smith as our kickoff guy. It's very close between him and Kenny Tate."
On preparing for a season for which he will not serve as offensive coordinator:
"People say I'm much more relaxed. Offensive coordinator James Franklin has been a tremendous help. I'm very impressed with how hard he works and the way he approaches everything with our staff and with our players. He's allowed me to get more involved with other elements of our game, which was very difficult for me to do the last two years because I was so immersed in the offense and head coaching responsibilities. I've been in the defensive room and have given some thoughts there. I've also been very much involved with special teams and I'm also involved in the offense. I'm not going to be looking over every decision that's made. I hired people and I'm going to let them do their jobs."
On Maryland's running back situation entering the season:
"I think it can be one of our strengths. Da'Rel Scott has been in a game before, but Morgan Green hasn't and Rashad Henry hasn't. We've got some guys that I'm sure are going to have some butterflies. I think we might have a little more speed than we've had in the past, but I don't know if we have the size."
Senior Running Back Cory Jackson
On Delaware's defense:
"Delaware has good coverage, and they look like a solid defense right now."
On Maryland's running game:
"The running game is a little different. (Running back) Da'Rel Scott has that extra gear and can really break [a run] outside."
Senior Defensive Back Kevin Barnes
On the start of the 2008 season:
"I have been waiting for this game since losing to Oregon State last year [in the Emerald Bowl]. Losing the last game of last season left a bad taste, and I'm just ready to go now."
On learning from the Delaware game:
"The game against Delaware will let us know where we are as a team. Once we come out and play an opponent [Delaware] that has great talent, then we will see where we are as a team and where we should go from there."
On Maryland's defensive strategy for the Delaware game:
"Our weakness last year was stopping the run, so that has to be a priority. But Delaware is a team that likes to throw the ball a lot, so we need to set our game plan with the team that we are going to play."
On Maryland's focus for the Delaware game:
"We are not thinking about their classification as Division I-AA. They have plenty of talent on their team."
Senior Defensive Lineman Jeremy Navarre
On the start of the 2008 season:
"We want to get this season going in our home stadium. We want to get the fans pumped up for the season and send a message to them that we are serious this year."
On his position switch from defensive end to defensive tackle:
"I am very comfortable at the defensive tackle position. The move has gone well for me, and I've worked hard at it. I feel playing defensive tackle fits me more. You need to be more aggressive, and there is a shorter route to the quarterback."
On not underestimating an opponent:
"Division 1-AA, Division 1-A - there is no difference. We have to come out for this game against Delaware and send a message and play our best football. If you ever underestimate anybody, they can beat you in a heartbeat."
Senior Offensive Lineman Dane Randolph
On the Terps offense:
"Our passing game is going great. Our running game needs to improve. We have been working very hard on the running game the past few days."
On not underestimating Delaware:
"We are not taking Delaware lightly, not at all. Delaware has the potential to beat a lot of other teams, just like Appalachian State."
On importance of the Delaware game:
"It is very important to win this first game. We need the momentum of this first game to start us off for the season and carry us through the rest of the season."
Senior Linebacker Chase Bullock
On the Delaware offense:
"They have a very good offense. They like to spread out the opposing defense. They will be a tough challenge."
On the importance of the Delaware game:
"It's going to be a tough game, and everyone needs to come out ready to play. It is going to be an interesting matchup."
On the Terps defense:
"We are playing together as a team and have very good team chemistry. We are going to be a very tough defense. We are going to be aggressive, and a lot of opposing teams are not going to expect that."
