College Football: A conversation with Brad Wright

Sat down with Bobcats head football coach Brad Wright yesterday to talk about spring practice, quarterback play and his opinion on the 2010 schedule.

Wright on the Maroon vs. Gold scrimmage: "Quarterbacks came out and played the best that they played. Our defense had a bunch of hustle and a bunch of hitting, but they lacked that intensity — that definitely needs to change.

Wright on the play of the quarterbacks during the Maroon vs. Gold scrimmage: "We're a long way from being a good football team with our quarterbacks. What they did do was manage the offense, with exception of the last play of the game (an interception). They took decent care of the football and got the ball to where it needed to be. They played into our strengths, which was putting it in the hands of the wide receivers."

Wright on what Tim Hawkins needs to improve to become a better quarterback: "Tim needs to learn to use his running ability better instead of sitting back and thinking 'I have to make the throws.' He doesn't use his speed enough. Tim's got to get the mental part down, especially in the passing game. There are four or five routes being run and he has to know what looks good against what coverage shows up on that play."

Wright on what Eric Soza needs to improve to become a better quarterback: "Eric needs to learn the playbook. In the fall, he was running the scout team offense. He was running the opposing team's offense. He has to learn a whole new offense and he’s done a good job of it so far."

Wright on when he expects the quarterbacks to be completely ready: "We have two more practices, fall camp, four non-conference games and then hopefully by then, they'll have it down."

Wright on any surprises so far during spring practice: "I'm the happiest right now, if he continues to progress, about Ralston Dews. If he keeps at it, he's going to be a force. On offense, Dexter's done a good job of running downhill and we have to get him running behind his shoulder pads a little better. I've been excited about him."

Wright on the 2010 schedule: "You know, it's nice to not play one game, have an off week and then have to play 10 in a row. We're going to play some teams we haven't seen or played in a while, so it should be a challenge."