Oklahoma State University Athletics
Quotes from Monday's press luncheon
September 12, 2005 | Cowboy Football
Monday, Sept. 12, 2005
Press Luncheon
Mike Gundy Quotes
On Donovan Woods playing defense
“Right now we are switching him to safety or linebacker, depending on where he fits in best. He will spend some time with coach Bedford and try to make a decision on where he fits in best in our defensive scheme. When you are 6-2 and weigh 235 pounds, and are as fast and strong as he is, there are a lot of places you can play. Right now we are getting him ready to play defense, but I am not saying we will not play him at wide receiver.”
On Donovan's mind set
“He has to become a different player conditioning wise. When you play quarterback, it is not the same as playing another position physically. Delivering blows, instead of trying to avoid them, will be his biggest adjustment. As far as knowing the schemes, I think he will be further a long than people think. He played quarterback so he knows where defenses are at and what they do.”
On Arkansas State
“Arkansas State has a good running back. I watched its game this morning and he is very good. He is somewhat scary. He is 205 pounds, runs hard, makes good cuts, he gets into space and accelerates. They have a good scheme on offense. I think its coordinator does a nice thing with mixing things up. They do a lot of different personnel groupings. Its quarterback is somewhat active. He is not a runner, but he is not just a pocket guy. He moves around and makes some plays. It has a receiver who is fast and it takes shots down field.”
On the defense
“I am excited about the way our defense is playing. Hopefully, we can continue to play that way. We are developing an attitude on defense. We want to be aggressive and we want to fly around. We want to force turnovers. We want to take it to the other team. As the season progresses, we will find out exactly where we are. I like the attitude.”
On special teams
 “I feel good about our special teams. I am thrilled to death with what Matt Fodge and Sunshine (Bruce Redden) have done. You are talking about two guys who were not even playing college ball last year. Fodge has been very good at downing the ball inside the 10 yard line. Up until you get to about game five: it is special teams, defense and turnovers. That is who wins and loses.”
Bobby Reid, redshirt freshman quarterback
On being named the starting quarterback
“It's been a goal I set out to achieve, and I've finally achieved it. Now I'm ready to get out there and play.”
On if there will be any jitters
“I got the first game jitters out, but I get jitters before every game. That's just the type of player I am.”
On attempting to win his first game while continuing the team's unbeaten streak
“I'm just ready to play. Whatever happens, happens. I've just got to be prepared.”
Donovan Woods, sophomore safety
On changing positions
“I haven't been there long, so I'm just excited to get out there and learn what's going on and make some plays.”
On the media circus surrounding the QB race since the spring
“It's been a whirlwind, but it's in God's hands. Everything in the spring through the first two games have all been in the plan. I just thank God for the opportunity and for giving me another opportunity to continue my career.”
On possibly laying a hit on brother D'Juan at practice
“I think we've hit each other enough that we're to the point where we don't have to do that anymore, but hopefully we'll come across each other once and say some words then laugh about it later on down the line.”
On the chance to go into conference play undefeated
“We're trying to win all of our games. If it's non-conference or conference, we want to win it. If we're playing against Arkansas State in thumps, we want to beat them. We just have to come out and continue to play well, get better in some areas and continue to put “Ws” in the win column.”
On if he'll play offense in the future
“It all depends on the coaches. However they want to handle it, I'm sure they'd discuss it with me, and then we'd come up with something.”
Tommy Devereaux, sophomore receiver
On starting the season 2-0
“We're happy about being 2-0, but there are things we need to improve. We want to execute things better. It'll all come around though before we start conference play.”
On Arkansas State
“We haven't watched a lot of film yet, but I watched a little on their defense. They are going to be the best team we've played so far. We've got to step it up so we can get ready for conference play. We've cut it close the last two games, so we really need to execute against them.”
Charlie Johnson, senior offensive lineman
On Arkansas State's defense
“Their scheme is similar to what Florida Atlantic ran. They've got some bigger guys up front. It will be a challenge for us.”
On wrapping up non-conference play
“These next two weeks are going to be critical. We still have to get better. We've got a game and then an off week to get better before conference play.”
Jamar Ransom, senior linebacker
On the defensive progress
“The defense is just being aggressive and working hard, trying to continue to get better. We are trying to get better for Big 12 play, but we can't overlook Arkansas State because I hear they're pretty good.”
