Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Cowboys Talk About First Practice
August 02, 2013 | Cowboy Football
Photo GalleryAug. 2, 2013
STILLWATER - The Oklahoma State football team held its first practice of 2013 Friday on the grass fields adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena. After practice, coach Mike Gundy and players visited with members of the media. Their comments:
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On the weather of the first practice:
"It was really nice this morning, but I think we're going to get some heat the next five or six days. The players had a lot of enthusiasm like you expect on the first day."
On when they will use the new Sherman E. Smith indoor facility:
"Since we are playing inside the first two games we'll go in there if we get any rain or lightning. If we were playing outdoors then we would practice in the rain. There isn't a reason to practice in the rain because the first two games will have a cover, and we won't be playing in the rain."
On what he looks at the first day of practice:
"Today I really look at all the little things, like making sure guys are hustling, taking care of their helmets and paying attention. Just the fundamental parts of practice because we don't have any shoulder pads. I do watch movement. I was really excited to watch our D-line and some of the new guys. They moved around well. And you always like to watch the freshmen no matter what position they are. It's just difficult to see O-line and D-line because we don't have pads on. You get to see receivers that can move well and catch, and safeties and corners that back pedal."
On how a tough opener will affect the pace of practices:
"What it forces us to do is be more physical in practice than what we would be or what we have been over the past few years. Then you have to have a feel of what your game plan would be more so than if we had a different opponent. Whether we like it or not, we have to be ready to play and try to hit all cylinders in all three phases. The kicker will be an important part of our game. If you look at the past few years our kicker wasn't really a factor in the first few games. He could not have kicked well and it would have been okay. Everything just has to move a little faster. Our season is extended. We're playing later into the year and getting ready earlier. That has always been a concern for me and we've tried to come up with a plan that we think gives us the best chance to play well early and still make sure we play well at the end of the season."
On if the team being ranked preseason 14 is a fair assessment:
"You never really know. I thought we would be a top-20 team. I thought that when Joseph Randle came out, some people would drop us out of the top 20. I'm not sure anyone really knows anymore. There has been a lot of talk about eliminating polls until week five, but I don't think that will happen. I think we know a lot more after the first month and who has established themselves and deserves to be there. Where you fall right now, I'm not sure. We have enough returning starters for the people across the country that vote to recognize that we have a chance to be a quality team."
Running back Jeremy Smith
On the first day of practice:
"It was actually pretty lovely. We all came out here and did what we had to do. I thought we had great enthusiasm. We were moving around. I think the freshmen will get the hang of it quickly. Overall, it was a good day."
On the team's excitement for today:
"I think everything was pretty exciting, especially getting to see these guys just come out here and compete. Also being excited to just work against each other is pretty big to me. As long as we keep doing that and just stay excited about everything and have fun, then we'll be a pretty good team."
Safety Daytawion Lowe
On the first day of practice:
"I think it was pretty good. The best thing was the weather. We had some pretty cool weather and I think that helped make it a lot better."
On the defense:
"We had a lot to improve on going into the first day. I think we picked it up pretty well from where we left off in the spring."
On preseason rankings:
"We don't really pay attention to that stuff because I know that it's just what people think about us. We haven't done anything yet to give ourselves a ranking. Until we do that, we don't worry about what people are saying."
Linebacker Shaun Lewis
On the first day of practice:
"The first day went really well. We did a good job of competing today as a unit - offense and defense. We got guys out here who have made plays before, so it was easy to compete within the system and get better as a team."
On what he saw from his teammates:
"Guys were out there today making plays and weren't scared of competing on this level. Everybody just did a really good job out here today."
On how he felt:
"I felt good. The defense was really synchronized today and we were all on the same page. I've been lining up with these guys for a couple of years and it was easy to get out there and play fast today."
Wide receiver Josh Stewart
On the new practice facilities:
"We got a look at it during the summer, and I was in awe. Especially about being the first group of guys to use it. It's just a cool feeling knowing that it will be up for years and years after we're gone for the next teams to use."
On highlights from the first day of practice:
"Defense was really swarming and knocking balls down. That's good for us when the defense is doing what they do because we're getting better. We're not in pads but everyone is moving around, and that gives us a good look. We're excited for our defense."
