Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Football Report, August 17
August 17, 2013 | Cowboy Football
Aug 17, 2013
STILLWATER - The Oklahoma State football team scrimmaged for approximately two hours Saturday in the Sherman Smith Training Center. After the scrimmage, head coach Mike Gundy and members of the team spoke to the media:
Head Coach Mike Gundy
Opening statement:
"We had another really good scrimmage. Competition was good. Our attitudes were great. Conditioning was good. It was a sound scrimmage and we didn't really have very many penalties, which I was pleased with. There were good plays on both sides of the ball. Players competed and we had a good day. I really like where our team is. I like their cohesiveness and I like their attitude. They're in really good shape right now so I'm pleased with the way that camp has ended. We're going to give them a couple days off and we'll be back at it on Tuesday."
On if this scrimmage was better than last week:
"I thought last week was really good to be honest with you, and I thought this was really good."
On what he is most satisfied with:
"I'm really pleased with just about everything out there. It's been good. I can't think of anything that I would consider being dissatisfied with. We always need to practice and continue to improve, but I'm pleased."
On what improvement he'd like to see:
"Not anything that is worth talking about. Obviously we still have some young players at key positions and we have to get them as much experience as possible. There's not really anything that concerns me at this time."
On any standout players at today's scrimmage:
"I don't know. I watch more of the interior part of it. I was pleased with our offensive line and our defensive line. Without watching the tape it would be hard for me to comment on that aspect of the game. "
On if any freshmen have earned playing time:
"We're going to do that in the middle of the week, and this scrimmage will play a big part in that."
On being ranked No. 13 in the preseason Associated Press poll:
"It shows that people now have a lot of respect for Oklahoma State football. The players on this team have worked hard to get to this point and the players before them worked hard to get here. We're pleased that people see us as a quality football program, but obviously you have to go play all the games."
Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer
On where he is at with the defense after today's scrimmage:
"We need to continue to create depth and improve on open-field tackling, we need quicker intensity to the ball and we need players buying in emotionally, this is what we have to do in order to do some good things this year. We just have to keep working on that. I told them after the scrimmage that we have a good thing going on and we have to keep believing and no one can be selfish. If we do that, then we will be okay. "
On defensive ends Jimmy Bean and Sam Wren:
"We look at it as a group, but I see us getting on the edge. I see these guys creating pressure. Jimmy has gotten banged up a little - nothing serious - so we've had to rep a lot of other guys in camp and every day is getting better and better. Sam has been a good surprise. He's going to get a lot of reps and a lot of playing time for us."
On Mississippi State:
"I watch a little bit of them every day so I can chip away at the game plan. A lot of times it comes down to having low pads and being tough. You can't have them out numbered every snap. They do too many good things in their run game. There has to be a point in time where guys have to take care of business and get off a block and make a play. It's a challenge, but they see the film just like we do, so they know what they're in for. It's not going to be a surprise."
Offensive Coordinator Mike Yurcich
On the two minute drill:
"It's a challenge. I think it's a challenge for anybody. Everybody in the whole stadium knows that you're going to run the football. At the same time, you still have to throw the football and you have to make sure you're completing the passes that you do execute. It's a fun drill.
On what stood out to him most about the offense:
"Our situational approach, how we were able to substitute and get correct personnel on the field. Also, understanding the situation and performing well."
On which offensive group he thinks has grown the most over camp:
"I don't know if I can single out just one position. As a unit we've evolved and we've gotten better."
On deciding on a third running back in the rotation:
"I still think it's going to take some time for that to sort out."
Safeties Coach Tim Duffie:
On the competition between Lyndell Johnson and Shamiel Gary:
"I think it's very competitive, but the good thing is that we have a lot of depth at that position. I wish all of them were juniors instead of seniors. Lyndell had a good camp and I think he is going to have a great season. Hopefully as a group, we can do well and win as a team this year."
On Shamiel Gary's progression:
"I think for one thing, his attention to detail is better. A lot of times he is very competitive and competing for a lot of balls. I am just impressed with how he comes to practice every day and works to improve to keep getting better."
Receiver David Glidden
On fall camp:
"It's going well. Everyone is practicing at a high tempo with great enthusiasm to get ready for August 31st."
On getting closer to the first game:
"It's two weeks away now. Each time you wake up, it's closer, so you get that game day feeling."
On Tracy Moore identifying him as a breakout player via Twitter:
"It feels good. It's good to have teammates recognize that you're putting in the effort and giving it all you've got every day. Having the credibility from a guy like that who has made so many plays feels great. That feels great, but at the same time I haven't done anything in regards to the season."
Receiver Tracy Moore
On the group overall:
"From day one, there's been stuff we need to improve on but at the same time it's not like we are a bunch of inexperienced guys. We have guys with a lot of experience that help out the younger guys."
On the season coming up in two weeks:
"I'm really trying not to get nervous. Obviously I am, but it's really hard to try to control my emotions."
Running Back Jeremy Smith
On today's scrimmage:
"Everybody is out there competing, which is a really great thing. This two-a-days is one of the best I've been a part of especially because of all the freshman talent that we have. We have a lot of good freshmen and we are ready."
On doing the little things such as substituting:
"We always practice that, even when we do walk-throughs. It's really important to get that down, especially playing an SEC defense. We have to move fast so when we do that we will have them on their toes."
With the younger guys coming up to take Joseph Randle's place:
"They're all coming along. They are better than what we expected. All of them are good, even the freshmen. They aren't afraid of anything. I think we're good. You have to move on from Joe Randle being gone."
Linebacker Caleb Lavey
On today's scrimmage:
"I felt pretty good. We moved around real well. Both sides of the ball made big plays. I felt like it was a pretty good day."
On making bigger plays:
"The way our defense works , it puts me in the position to make big plays and allows me to get more tackles and more coverage. I have a chance to make good plays this year and hopefully I can capitalize."
