Oklahoma State University Athletics
Quotes From The OSU Spring Game
April 14, 2008 | Cowboy Football
Orange and White Spring Game
Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On the overall performance in the scrimmage
"It was a good day for us and seems that we finished the day without any players getting injured, which is important for us. From this point on, we need leadership. We need guys to perform well over the summer. This becomes the most intense time for the team as they will be training in the summer with coach Glass. We had a great spring. We finished strong, and we are just looking forward to seeing the guys improve over the summer."
On the play of the Oklahoma State defense
"I was really excited to watch the defense including some of the young guys get pressure on the quarterbacks. It's nice to see that because we haven't that kind a pressure in a couple of years at OSU. There were a couple of times that protection wise we weren't very sound offensively. Sometimes that happens when you switch your offense up."
On the impact the JUCO players had on the Cowboy defense in the spring
"I think Swanson Miller has gotten in shape and has played better. He still needs a summer to lose 10-15 pounds. I like his aggressiveness and how he runs to the football. Once Jeremiah (Price) develops more in the weight room, I think he will be a decent pass rusher. Maurice (Gray) made some great strides in the last 6-8 practices, and Lucien Antoine is a guy who performed well early on in the spring. Antoine really brings some intensity to our defense."
On Jamie Blatnik and Richetti Jones
"I was excited to see Jamie (Blatnik) get around the corner a couple plays as well as Richetti (Jones). Jones used a power rush on Brady Bond, who has played in 12-15 games in his career, which was good to see."
On the play of the Oklahoma State offense
"I thought Kendall Hunter made some nice runs by making people miss in space. Zac (Robinson) played well and obviously Dez (Bryant) made some plays."
On the play of Beau Johnson in the spring
"I've been impressed with Beau Johnson with his ability to understand our offense and play with poise. We saw that today. I saw a side of him today that I was excited to see. He really stepped up and made some plays in front of a good crowd.
Defensive Coordinator Tim Beckman
On the improved defense
“The kids are buying into the system, they've had over a year and a couple months in the system now, so we need to have marked improvement.”
“We understand where we need to get to and we've got a long way to get to that thing we're talking about, but we're making our strides and taking it day by day and we're trying to get better day by day.”
On the defensive ends
“I think the ends have really responded. We've got some depth there. They've had a good spring so we're looking for some good things from the ends.”
Ugo Chinasa
On the Cowboy Defense:
“We've proven a lot – as you can see; 9-7 as the spring game score. We're putting pressure on the quarterback. The secondary's done well. The linebackers are filling holes. We're doing great.”
“We have more talent this year than we had last year. We've got a lot of pass rushers this year; a lot of people that can stop the run; we're going to be good next year.”
On how the defense played in the game
“It gives us confidence to go into next season against Washington State and stop one of the best offenses in the country. It builds our confidence up.”
Derek Burton
On the defensive line
“For having as many guys come in as we did and teaching them the defense, I feel really good about our defensive line coming up for the season.”
Zac Robinson
On the backup quarterbacks:
"The backups have improved so much this spring. They both have a good arm and are both very accurate. Both guys can make some plays and know the offense. "
On the Spring Game:
"It is tough when they split up the squads, but I thought it was alright. We got down toward the end zone a couple of times, and just couldn't punch it in. "
On the Defense:
"The difference is night and day. Even from the Indiana game to now it is different. They all know what's going on. All the new guys look more comfortable."
On the Running Backs:
"Both running backs are big-play backs. Beau and Kendall can break a big one at any minute. It shouldn't be different from last year."
Alex Cate
On the Running Backs
"Some of the younger guys have been playing really well. You always miss Dantrell. They are both really good, different backs, but really good."
On the Spring:
"We think we had a really good spring on both sides of the ball. The defense has really stepped it up. Offense always has things we need to work on, but it is looking pretty good this spring."
