Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Cowboys Meet with Media Following First Spring Practice
March 09, 2020 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State football team held its first practice of the 2020 spring practice period Monday, working out for two hours at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center. Coach Mike Gundy and several other Cowboys talked with media after practice. Some of their comments:
Coach Mike Gundy
Opening Statement:
"We're obviously back at it. It's an exciting time for us from the standpoint of, we get to be back on the field; the fun part of what we do. No pads, but it's good to be out there and moving around. We do a lot of individual time and a lot of special teams. We try to get some really quality teaching and coaching since we don't have contact in practice. Lots of seven-on-seven and one-on-ones with our skill guys. It's fun to get back out there. The players have had a fantastic offseason. I've been very impressed with them and I think they're in excellent shape right now. Their attitudes are good, I like the cohesiveness of our group. Leadership is really good. It's an exciting time for all of us. We practice again Wednesday and Thursday and then they'll be off for spring break. When we come back we get to go full pads. Just looking forward to getting back out there with the team."
On the promotion of Kasey Dunn and hiring of Tim Rattay:
"Kasey was a really good fit for the situation we are in now, tied in with bringing Tim in to coach quarterbacks. His experience and relationship with our returning players is a big number. It's a real comfort for me in elevating him. As we went through this process, I wanted to make sure we could get a quarterback coach who's a really good technician and could bring our guys along and improve that position. That's how we ended up with Kasey in charge and Tim coaching quarterbacks."
On the new dynamic within the coaching staff:
"The fit was good based on returning players we had. I'm very comfortable with the system we're going to run. We're not going to change much. We do a little bit based on who the quarterback is. So we don't need to vary and get away from who we are. Kasey is a perfect fit, We're able to keep guys together. Once I felt like I had a good shot at getting Tim, it made me a lot more comfortable. The timing is good for all parties involved."
On Tylan Wallace's recovery:
"He's doing good. Guys that are as athletic as Tylan, and some of these other guys, are ahead of schedule. Now he just needs to stay on course and not try to do too much. He'll be fine. He'll be up and going before long, but we just don't want him to get ahead of himself."
On Collin Clay:
"He's fit in real well. We recruited him and then he committed to Arkansas early. We stayed in touch with him during that time. When he contacted us, we had had a prior relationship and it worked out well to get him back here. After the coaching change they had over there, we're glad he's on our team."
Offensive Coordinator Kasey Dunn
On being named offensive coordinator:
"It came down to Coach Holder just talking and not letting the door shut. Everything started to unfold with Sean [Gleeson] and that opportunity came again. Coach Holder was pretty adamant about just hanging in there and seeing what happens, and then I met with Coach Gundy. Ultimately, as we know, everything just kind of fell into place."
On his first practice as offensive coordinator:
"We have a little headset that I wear to call plays, but outside of that it wasn't that different. We are just trying to make sure we are on the same page, getting plays called and getting everybody lined up and in position on the field from drill to drill. There's a little bit of coordination there, but outside of that it's the same stuff."
On changes in his day-to-day:
"It's just making sure that everything is lined up for our meetings as a staff. There are also meetings for our offensive unit, so when I come in everything has to be lined up and ready to go. It's the same thing you do with the wide receivers just on a bigger scale. It's not all that hard really, but we'll find out come fall. So far it has been pretty smooth sailing."
Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
On if he's ever had a defense with 10 returning starters:
"I probably have, but you know, we have such short memories like we always tell you as coaches, so I don't remember. We have a shot to be good this year, and that's all I'm thinking about."
On Jarrick Bernard as a cornerback:
"He had a great day. Probably coming out of day one, I thought he was extremely impressive. I think he's going to have – it's one day – but the kid has over 2,000 snaps of experience, and now you're moving to corner and he has such long arms, he's willing to compete and has got a short memory. He just looked good out there today. He really stood out."
On if Jarrick Bernard at cornerback is an experiment:
"No, it's not an experiment. I did it a lot at different places. I always tried to put nickel, what we called strike, in the spread and put him at corner because it is like a third corner. I think it's good training for them. We're hopeful he will take the job. Then you have some smaller, quicker guys to go against the slot in (Tanner) McCalister and Thomas (Harper). I think at face-value that could be our best lineup, but those guys have to prove themselves."
Quarterbacks Coach Tim Rattay
On his first day:
"It was good. It was good finally getting out there and actually getting to practice and watch those guys throw around. You spend so much time in a meeting room leading up to it, it's good to get out there and actually watch them throw and move around. Now, I've got some stuff that you can teach and coach off of."
On how much he's gotten to know the guys before the first practice:
"It's been good. The downfall is, Spencer (Sanders) is really the only one that there is much tape on to watch. A lot of the other guys haven't played yet, so there was some practice stuff that I could watch on those guys. Most of those guys, they are kind of just new. So, this has been good just going out there. Like I said, once you go out there and work with them, now you really know what they need to get better at and improve on. I thought it was good."
On why he came to OSU:
"Obviously, the tradition. The opportunity to come, in asking and talking to other coaches that have worked here or knew Coach Gundy, there was nothing but positive things. Obviously, the history of the offense and quarterback play speaks for itself here. When the opportunity came up and Coach Gundy offered me the job, I jumped at it. I thought it was a great opportunity and I'm excited to be here."
Quarterback Spencer Sanders
On his chemistry with Coach Dunn:
"Coach Dunn is like a father to me. He reminds me of my grandpa. We just have that connection together. I know he is going to get my tail when I mess up, and I look forward to it because I want to be a better player. Our connection is probably the tightest I have had since I have been here. I have been through three OC's. I really look forward to this year."
On how he spent the offseason:
"It was great. I worked my tail off, and I know the team worked their tails off as well. I will keep doing whatever I can do to push myself and make this team better."
Offensive Lineman Ry Schneider
On the first spring practice:
"The first day was good. We were able to watch film and get a lot cleaned up. It's good to be out there again."
On the goals he has for himself:
"I just want to help the team overall perform better. We hope to reach that goal of the Big 12 Championship and maybe even further."
On preparing in the offseason:
"This offseason I just wanted to push myself knowing that I am going to be that guy, and I needed to push myself even more. I work hard not only to be the best that I can be, but to be the best I can be for my teammates and the guys next to me."
Defensive Tackle Cameron Murray
On practice:
"It's been good. Off-season finished up last week. It was a good experience and it was my last one. Trying to go out with a bang and really working. I'm trying to put up the numbers up that I want in the weight room. I just have to keep moving forward and get better every day."
On the team's energy:
"I feel like the D-line group especially has been a closely-knit group this whole off-season and we have some veteran guys that played last year that are now having a bigger role this year. Just sticking together, working every day and doing the best that we can do. It's been a good experience."
On improvements for the offseason:
"I want to work on being more consistent. I feel like I had a pretty decent year last year and made quite a few plays. I just want to build on that and work on some of my technique issues as far as my hand placement sometimes and staying square. I'm working on a lot of that this year and trying to build on what I did last year."
Cornerback Jarrick Bernard
On the team's energy:
"Everyone's pumped up and excited because we know we can have a big year. We just have to trust in each other and trust in what coach is doing. Everybody's excited and ready to go."
On personal goals for the 2020 season:
"I'm just trying to maximize my potential, get better from last year and learn from my mistakes. Just get better."
On the team's goals for the 2020 season:
"Of course, we're trying to win a championship. We're just trying to keep getting better, because you can always keep getting better. You never want to regress. You always want to progress. We're just trying to get better overall."
Coach Mike Gundy
Opening Statement:
"We're obviously back at it. It's an exciting time for us from the standpoint of, we get to be back on the field; the fun part of what we do. No pads, but it's good to be out there and moving around. We do a lot of individual time and a lot of special teams. We try to get some really quality teaching and coaching since we don't have contact in practice. Lots of seven-on-seven and one-on-ones with our skill guys. It's fun to get back out there. The players have had a fantastic offseason. I've been very impressed with them and I think they're in excellent shape right now. Their attitudes are good, I like the cohesiveness of our group. Leadership is really good. It's an exciting time for all of us. We practice again Wednesday and Thursday and then they'll be off for spring break. When we come back we get to go full pads. Just looking forward to getting back out there with the team."
On the promotion of Kasey Dunn and hiring of Tim Rattay:
"Kasey was a really good fit for the situation we are in now, tied in with bringing Tim in to coach quarterbacks. His experience and relationship with our returning players is a big number. It's a real comfort for me in elevating him. As we went through this process, I wanted to make sure we could get a quarterback coach who's a really good technician and could bring our guys along and improve that position. That's how we ended up with Kasey in charge and Tim coaching quarterbacks."
On the new dynamic within the coaching staff:
"The fit was good based on returning players we had. I'm very comfortable with the system we're going to run. We're not going to change much. We do a little bit based on who the quarterback is. So we don't need to vary and get away from who we are. Kasey is a perfect fit, We're able to keep guys together. Once I felt like I had a good shot at getting Tim, it made me a lot more comfortable. The timing is good for all parties involved."
On Tylan Wallace's recovery:
"He's doing good. Guys that are as athletic as Tylan, and some of these other guys, are ahead of schedule. Now he just needs to stay on course and not try to do too much. He'll be fine. He'll be up and going before long, but we just don't want him to get ahead of himself."
On Collin Clay:
"He's fit in real well. We recruited him and then he committed to Arkansas early. We stayed in touch with him during that time. When he contacted us, we had had a prior relationship and it worked out well to get him back here. After the coaching change they had over there, we're glad he's on our team."
Offensive Coordinator Kasey Dunn
On being named offensive coordinator:
"It came down to Coach Holder just talking and not letting the door shut. Everything started to unfold with Sean [Gleeson] and that opportunity came again. Coach Holder was pretty adamant about just hanging in there and seeing what happens, and then I met with Coach Gundy. Ultimately, as we know, everything just kind of fell into place."
On his first practice as offensive coordinator:
"We have a little headset that I wear to call plays, but outside of that it wasn't that different. We are just trying to make sure we are on the same page, getting plays called and getting everybody lined up and in position on the field from drill to drill. There's a little bit of coordination there, but outside of that it's the same stuff."
On changes in his day-to-day:
"It's just making sure that everything is lined up for our meetings as a staff. There are also meetings for our offensive unit, so when I come in everything has to be lined up and ready to go. It's the same thing you do with the wide receivers just on a bigger scale. It's not all that hard really, but we'll find out come fall. So far it has been pretty smooth sailing."
Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
On if he's ever had a defense with 10 returning starters:
"I probably have, but you know, we have such short memories like we always tell you as coaches, so I don't remember. We have a shot to be good this year, and that's all I'm thinking about."
On Jarrick Bernard as a cornerback:
"He had a great day. Probably coming out of day one, I thought he was extremely impressive. I think he's going to have – it's one day – but the kid has over 2,000 snaps of experience, and now you're moving to corner and he has such long arms, he's willing to compete and has got a short memory. He just looked good out there today. He really stood out."
On if Jarrick Bernard at cornerback is an experiment:
"No, it's not an experiment. I did it a lot at different places. I always tried to put nickel, what we called strike, in the spread and put him at corner because it is like a third corner. I think it's good training for them. We're hopeful he will take the job. Then you have some smaller, quicker guys to go against the slot in (Tanner) McCalister and Thomas (Harper). I think at face-value that could be our best lineup, but those guys have to prove themselves."
Quarterbacks Coach Tim Rattay
On his first day:
"It was good. It was good finally getting out there and actually getting to practice and watch those guys throw around. You spend so much time in a meeting room leading up to it, it's good to get out there and actually watch them throw and move around. Now, I've got some stuff that you can teach and coach off of."
On how much he's gotten to know the guys before the first practice:
"It's been good. The downfall is, Spencer (Sanders) is really the only one that there is much tape on to watch. A lot of the other guys haven't played yet, so there was some practice stuff that I could watch on those guys. Most of those guys, they are kind of just new. So, this has been good just going out there. Like I said, once you go out there and work with them, now you really know what they need to get better at and improve on. I thought it was good."
On why he came to OSU:
"Obviously, the tradition. The opportunity to come, in asking and talking to other coaches that have worked here or knew Coach Gundy, there was nothing but positive things. Obviously, the history of the offense and quarterback play speaks for itself here. When the opportunity came up and Coach Gundy offered me the job, I jumped at it. I thought it was a great opportunity and I'm excited to be here."
Quarterback Spencer Sanders
On his chemistry with Coach Dunn:
"Coach Dunn is like a father to me. He reminds me of my grandpa. We just have that connection together. I know he is going to get my tail when I mess up, and I look forward to it because I want to be a better player. Our connection is probably the tightest I have had since I have been here. I have been through three OC's. I really look forward to this year."
On how he spent the offseason:
"It was great. I worked my tail off, and I know the team worked their tails off as well. I will keep doing whatever I can do to push myself and make this team better."
Offensive Lineman Ry Schneider
On the first spring practice:
"The first day was good. We were able to watch film and get a lot cleaned up. It's good to be out there again."
On the goals he has for himself:
"I just want to help the team overall perform better. We hope to reach that goal of the Big 12 Championship and maybe even further."
On preparing in the offseason:
"This offseason I just wanted to push myself knowing that I am going to be that guy, and I needed to push myself even more. I work hard not only to be the best that I can be, but to be the best I can be for my teammates and the guys next to me."
Defensive Tackle Cameron Murray
On practice:
"It's been good. Off-season finished up last week. It was a good experience and it was my last one. Trying to go out with a bang and really working. I'm trying to put up the numbers up that I want in the weight room. I just have to keep moving forward and get better every day."
On the team's energy:
"I feel like the D-line group especially has been a closely-knit group this whole off-season and we have some veteran guys that played last year that are now having a bigger role this year. Just sticking together, working every day and doing the best that we can do. It's been a good experience."
On improvements for the offseason:
"I want to work on being more consistent. I feel like I had a pretty decent year last year and made quite a few plays. I just want to build on that and work on some of my technique issues as far as my hand placement sometimes and staying square. I'm working on a lot of that this year and trying to build on what I did last year."
Cornerback Jarrick Bernard
On the team's energy:
"Everyone's pumped up and excited because we know we can have a big year. We just have to trust in each other and trust in what coach is doing. Everybody's excited and ready to go."
On personal goals for the 2020 season:
"I'm just trying to maximize my potential, get better from last year and learn from my mistakes. Just get better."
On the team's goals for the 2020 season:
"Of course, we're trying to win a championship. We're just trying to keep getting better, because you can always keep getting better. You never want to regress. You always want to progress. We're just trying to get better overall."
Players Mentioned
CB
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DT
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DT
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QB
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OL
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WR
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