During Tuesday's media luncheon, Texas State head coach Brad Wright was asked about the status of senior running back Karrington Bush and redshirt sophomore quarterback Tim Hawkins. Here is the audio of what he had to say.
Texas State head coach Brad Wright (8-31-10) by Tyler Mayforth
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
College Football: Notes from Tuesday's media luncheon
- Texas State will bring three running backs with it to Houston for Saturday's game — Dexter Imade, Frank Reddic and Corey Petro. Karrington Bush will not make the trip.
- When quizzed further about Bush's absence, Bobcats head coach Brad Wright replied, "Karrington Bush will not make the trip."
- Wright said he is confident Imade, Reddic and Petro will be able to handle the load against the Cougars.
- Texas State defensive coordinator Fred Bleil said Houston's offense will be the toughest he's game-planned against in his (now) three years with the Bobcats.
- Bleil said Texas State needs to match "Southland Conference speed with Conference USA speed" and induce turnovers to keep up with the Cougars.
- Bleil said he and his staff aren't necessarily copying any team's game plan for Houston, but he liked what Air Force did to the Cougars in the Armed Forces Bowl.
- Air Force held Houston quarterback Case Keenum to 222 yards through the air and picked him off six times.
- As an addendum — The second Bobcat Live Chat of the 2010 season will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m. Note the change in time.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
College Football: One week until kickoff
Not too much news to report today since Texas State just held a walkthrough this morning and didn't scrimmage, but there are only seven days until the Bobcats open the 2010 season.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
College Football: Wrapping up the first Bobcat Live Chat
Here is the transcript from the first Bobcat Live Chat. Be sure to join us next Wednesday night if you missed out.
College Football: How about a Live Chat?
We'll hold the first live chat of the 2010 season tonight at 7 p.m.
To access the chat, please click the link below and you'll be well on your way. We look forward to discussing the upcoming season with you, our readers.
First Live Chat of the 2010 Season - Click Here
To access the chat, please click the link below and you'll be well on your way. We look forward to discussing the upcoming season with you, our readers.
First Live Chat of the 2010 Season - Click Here
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Just a bit of housekeeping (Part 2)
- The first live chat of the season will be held tomorrow night at 7 p.m. To join the conversation, check back here for the link tomorrow afternoon. We had a bunch of people participate last season, so join in on the fun!
- Be sure to send me an e-mail with video requests and such. I'll do my best to facilitate each request.
- Countdown to kickoff: 12 days.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
College Football: Observations from Saturday's scrimmage (8/21)
If you wanted to see how far redshirt sophomore quarterback Tim Hawkins progressed since his poor spring, Saturday morning's scrimmage wasn't for you. Hawkins looked confused and struggled throughout the 90-play warm-up.
While Hawkins took between 50-60 snaps Saturday morning, only a handful of those plays turned into big gains for the Texas State offense (two passes). Hawkins connected with Corey Scott on a mid-range pass, found Da'Marcus Griggs deep after the defense bailed the offense out with an offsides call on third-and-short and handed the ball to senior running back Karrington Bush who made several defenders miss.
Otherwise, Hawkins had an unremarkable stint.
He should have took advantage of the opportunity to impress the coaches without freshman Tyler Arndt breathing down his neck (Arndt missed the scrimmage due to a family emergency), but the redshirt sophomore failed to capitalize. Hawkins backed down in the face of pressure and forced passes where there wasn't an opening.
The Bobcats' defense, however, looked stout. The front four knocked the offensive line on its heels, the linebackers looked fluid in their movements (whether it be against the run or in coverage) and the secondary batted down countless weak passes.
Back to Hawkins, though, Texas State head coach Brad Wright said after the practice Hawkins is "without a doubt" the starting quarterback for the team. Wright also went on to say Hawkins' mistakes were a product of his inexperience and "...learning what he can and can't do and what he can and can't force in there."
With two weeks remaining until the season opener, it's time for Hawkins to speed up his learning curve or it's going to be a rocky season.
While Hawkins took between 50-60 snaps Saturday morning, only a handful of those plays turned into big gains for the Texas State offense (two passes). Hawkins connected with Corey Scott on a mid-range pass, found Da'Marcus Griggs deep after the defense bailed the offense out with an offsides call on third-and-short and handed the ball to senior running back Karrington Bush who made several defenders miss.
Otherwise, Hawkins had an unremarkable stint.
He should have took advantage of the opportunity to impress the coaches without freshman Tyler Arndt breathing down his neck (Arndt missed the scrimmage due to a family emergency), but the redshirt sophomore failed to capitalize. Hawkins backed down in the face of pressure and forced passes where there wasn't an opening.
The Bobcats' defense, however, looked stout. The front four knocked the offensive line on its heels, the linebackers looked fluid in their movements (whether it be against the run or in coverage) and the secondary batted down countless weak passes.
Back to Hawkins, though, Texas State head coach Brad Wright said after the practice Hawkins is "without a doubt" the starting quarterback for the team. Wright also went on to say Hawkins' mistakes were a product of his inexperience and "...learning what he can and can't do and what he can and can't force in there."
With two weeks remaining until the season opener, it's time for Hawkins to speed up his learning curve or it's going to be a rocky season.
Friday, August 20, 2010
College Football: Polling your feelings toward conference realignment
With mid-major conference realignment heating up just two weeks from the start of the season, Texas State finds itself in an interesting position. So, we ask...
College Football: A conversation with freshman QB Tyler Arndt
Sat down with Texas State freshman quarterback Tyler Arndt yesterday after practice to talk about his progression since the first day of practice and other topics.
Here is what Arndt had to say...
On his progression through the first 12 days of practice: "It's a learning experience. Everybody goes through it when they're a freshman. The main thing is to come out here and have fun and learn from your mistakes."
On the biggest difference between high school and college football: "Going to a completely different offense has been tough. In high school we were a terminology offense and now to a number system at Texas State. Plus, you need to learn where you're protected and where you're not. I'll get it down as I get reps."
On his feeling once UTEP transfer QB Andy McCloud left the program: "Andy is a good guy, but it's open competition and some guys handle it better than others. His heart wasn't really into it, but it opens the door for us other three."
On splitting time with Tim Hawkins running the No. 1 offense: "It means a lot for the coaches to have that faith in me to put me in that situation. It's an experience. It's fun. You're in there with the big boys now and you have to step up and perform to your ability just like they are."
Here is what Arndt had to say...
On his progression through the first 12 days of practice: "It's a learning experience. Everybody goes through it when they're a freshman. The main thing is to come out here and have fun and learn from your mistakes."
On the biggest difference between high school and college football: "Going to a completely different offense has been tough. In high school we were a terminology offense and now to a number system at Texas State. Plus, you need to learn where you're protected and where you're not. I'll get it down as I get reps."
On his feeling once UTEP transfer QB Andy McCloud left the program: "Andy is a good guy, but it's open competition and some guys handle it better than others. His heart wasn't really into it, but it opens the door for us other three."
On splitting time with Tim Hawkins running the No. 1 offense: "It means a lot for the coaches to have that faith in me to put me in that situation. It's an experience. It's fun. You're in there with the big boys now and you have to step up and perform to your ability just like they are."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
College Football: Talking expansion (Part 3)
Here is what Texas State head coach Brad Wright had to say following Thursday afternoon's practice about potential realignment plans involving the Bobcats.
On if he heard the news and his initial reaction: "Someone told me a little about it earlier and I think it's a great thing for us to be mentioned. As far as the details go or anything like that, I only know as much as I was told before."
On the role of the football program through this process: "Football is always going to be the program that's going to be noticed the most, no matter what part of the country you're in. So with that said, we just have to keep doing what we're doing to continue pushing this program in a winning direction."
On if he heard the news and his initial reaction: "Someone told me a little about it earlier and I think it's a great thing for us to be mentioned. As far as the details go or anything like that, I only know as much as I was told before."
On the role of the football program through this process: "Football is always going to be the program that's going to be noticed the most, no matter what part of the country you're in. So with that said, we just have to keep doing what we're doing to continue pushing this program in a winning direction."
College Football: Talking expansion (Part 2)
Just got off the phone with Texas State Director of Athletics Dr. Larry Teis. Here are the highlights of our conversation...
On the importance of Texas State being mentioned by WAC commissioner Karl Benson without Benson being prompted a question directly about Texas State: "It shows what we've done here as a university as a whole. When we came out with The Drive, it was to get people aware of Texas State. We’ve done that."
On his relationship with Benson: "I've known Karl since 1992. We have a positive relationship in both a personal and business sense. We both know what we're trying to accomplish."
On whether his relationship with Benson will help Texas State possibly get into the WAC: "It goes back to the presidents and Board of Directors. It has nothing to do with athletic directors and coaches, but I assume that the six or however many teams are left are going to put a roadmap together with Karl leading the charge."
On when he last spoke with Benson and what the conversation was about: "It was about a month ago. We talked about a number of things from our families to expansion. I also wanted to check to see the openings in his teams' schedules with Boise State leaving the conference."
On how Texas State can continue getting in prospective conferences' viewpoints: "We have a good thing here. It's just getting people out to the games to see what we're doing up close."
Calls requesting an interview with WAC commissioner Karl Benson haven't been returned.
On the importance of Texas State being mentioned by WAC commissioner Karl Benson without Benson being prompted a question directly about Texas State: "It shows what we've done here as a university as a whole. When we came out with The Drive, it was to get people aware of Texas State. We’ve done that."
On his relationship with Benson: "I've known Karl since 1992. We have a positive relationship in both a personal and business sense. We both know what we're trying to accomplish."
On whether his relationship with Benson will help Texas State possibly get into the WAC: "It goes back to the presidents and Board of Directors. It has nothing to do with athletic directors and coaches, but I assume that the six or however many teams are left are going to put a roadmap together with Karl leading the charge."
On when he last spoke with Benson and what the conversation was about: "It was about a month ago. We talked about a number of things from our families to expansion. I also wanted to check to see the openings in his teams' schedules with Boise State leaving the conference."
On how Texas State can continue getting in prospective conferences' viewpoints: "We have a good thing here. It's just getting people out to the games to see what we're doing up close."
Calls requesting an interview with WAC commissioner Karl Benson haven't been returned.
College Football: Talking expansion (Part 1)
With the recent news of Fresno State and Nevada accepting invitations to join the Mountain West Conference and BYU wanting to go independent in football, talk of expanding the Western Athletic Conference is heating up.
If Fresno State and Nevada do leave and BYU goes independent, the WAC would be left with six football-playing members (Hawai'i, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Utah State).
Benson held a conference call Thursday afternoon to answer questions about the future of the WAC.
Benson opened the call by stating, he is "...immediately going to look at both current FBS and Football Championship Subdivision schools who have expressed interest..." in joining the WAC.
While no one directly asked Benson what schools he is targeting, Benson eventually mentioned Texas State as a school "...that has shown tremendous potential and that has a plan in place."
Benson then said later that, as a state, Texas becomes an important player in the WAC's plans with Louisiana Tech needing a bonafide travel partner.
All of this news is playing right into the hands of Texas State. More on it as it develops.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
If Fresno State and Nevada do leave and BYU goes independent, the WAC would be left with six football-playing members (Hawai'i, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Utah State).
Benson held a conference call Thursday afternoon to answer questions about the future of the WAC.
Benson opened the call by stating, he is "...immediately going to look at both current FBS and Football Championship Subdivision schools who have expressed interest..." in joining the WAC.
While no one directly asked Benson what schools he is targeting, Benson eventually mentioned Texas State as a school "...that has shown tremendous potential and that has a plan in place."
Benson then said later that, as a state, Texas becomes an important player in the WAC's plans with Louisiana Tech needing a bonafide travel partner.
All of this news is playing right into the hands of Texas State. More on it as it develops.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Tim Hawkins)
Texas State quarterback Tim Hawkins has come a long way in a matter of six months.
Back in March, Hawkins looked to be the second-best option at quarterback behind redshirt freshman Eric Soza. In the Bobcats' scrimmages, Hawkins looked uncomfortable in the pocket and lacked any semblance of timing with his wide receivers.
People inside the program questioned his commitment to improving as a quarterback and even went as far as putting him third on the depth chart behind Soza and a heralded freshman who had yet to throw a pass in college (Cuero QB Tyler Arndt).
Hawkins kept fighting and soon the cards started to fall in his favor. Soza transferred out of the program and Hawkins was left as the top quarterback entering summer workouts.
With his new-found billing, Hawkins went to work in the summer and attacked 7-on-7 workouts with vengeance. Hawkins spent countless hours on the practice field with his wide receivers and slowly began to look like the quarterback of the future.
Then, in August at Media Day, Texas State head coach Brad Wright bestowed Hawkins as the No. 1 quarterback entering fall camp. Wright went as far as to say, "I've been asked one million times this offseason about who our replacement for Bradley George will be and I can tell you right now, it's Tim Hawkins."
So here is what Hawkins had to say at Texas State Media Day.
On what it meant to hear Wright name him the No. 1 quarterback: "Just hearing those words gave me confidence. Just because he said that now, it could change three weeks from now, but I just need to continue doing what I have been doing to be successful and show people I deserve that spot."
On if he deserves the role as No. 1 quarterback: "I don't know. It's not for me to decide. I mean, there is a fine line between confidence and cocky, so I have confidence going into the fall that it's my spot if I don't half-ass every practice."
On what he proved to himself or his teammates from the spring to summer: "A lot of people say I can't throw the ball, but I can throw the ball better than I can run the ball. I didn't get an opportunity to throw the ball a lot last year, but when I did, I thought they looked pretty good."
Texas State defensive back Darryl Morris on Hawkins during the summer: "He was always texting us, 'Hey, come out to 7-on-7. I'm going to be out there throwing if you want to cover.' It got kind of ridiculous after a while because it was constant, but that's the type of leadership you want to see out of a quarterback."
Texas State defensive end Ron Jackson on Hawkins' work ethic: "He works hard. A lot of people don't understand that about him because he's always joking around but he gets in the weight room and works. He gets out on the field and throws for two or three hours a day and then comes back for 7-on-7. I know a lot of people are doubting who is going to be the quarterback since we lost BG and we have Tyler (Arndt) coming in and they always want to tout the next big thing, but all the work Tim did this summer isn't going to go to waste."
Back in March, Hawkins looked to be the second-best option at quarterback behind redshirt freshman Eric Soza. In the Bobcats' scrimmages, Hawkins looked uncomfortable in the pocket and lacked any semblance of timing with his wide receivers.
People inside the program questioned his commitment to improving as a quarterback and even went as far as putting him third on the depth chart behind Soza and a heralded freshman who had yet to throw a pass in college (Cuero QB Tyler Arndt).Hawkins kept fighting and soon the cards started to fall in his favor. Soza transferred out of the program and Hawkins was left as the top quarterback entering summer workouts.
With his new-found billing, Hawkins went to work in the summer and attacked 7-on-7 workouts with vengeance. Hawkins spent countless hours on the practice field with his wide receivers and slowly began to look like the quarterback of the future.
Then, in August at Media Day, Texas State head coach Brad Wright bestowed Hawkins as the No. 1 quarterback entering fall camp. Wright went as far as to say, "I've been asked one million times this offseason about who our replacement for Bradley George will be and I can tell you right now, it's Tim Hawkins."
So here is what Hawkins had to say at Texas State Media Day.
On what it meant to hear Wright name him the No. 1 quarterback: "Just hearing those words gave me confidence. Just because he said that now, it could change three weeks from now, but I just need to continue doing what I have been doing to be successful and show people I deserve that spot."
On if he deserves the role as No. 1 quarterback: "I don't know. It's not for me to decide. I mean, there is a fine line between confidence and cocky, so I have confidence going into the fall that it's my spot if I don't half-ass every practice."
On what he proved to himself or his teammates from the spring to summer: "A lot of people say I can't throw the ball, but I can throw the ball better than I can run the ball. I didn't get an opportunity to throw the ball a lot last year, but when I did, I thought they looked pretty good."
Texas State defensive back Darryl Morris on Hawkins during the summer: "He was always texting us, 'Hey, come out to 7-on-7. I'm going to be out there throwing if you want to cover.' It got kind of ridiculous after a while because it was constant, but that's the type of leadership you want to see out of a quarterback."
Texas State defensive end Ron Jackson on Hawkins' work ethic: "He works hard. A lot of people don't understand that about him because he's always joking around but he gets in the weight room and works. He gets out on the field and throws for two or three hours a day and then comes back for 7-on-7. I know a lot of people are doubting who is going to be the quarterback since we lost BG and we have Tyler (Arndt) coming in and they always want to tout the next big thing, but all the work Tim did this summer isn't going to go to waste."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
College Football: Texas State gets some work done in the trenches
During fall workouts, some of the most-spirited and highly-contested battles occur in the trenches between offensive and defensive linemen. Here are a few from last week's practice...
Monday, August 16, 2010
College Football: Injury updates
- Texas State learned it would be without Navy transfer running back Marcus Curry in 2010 as the junior ruptured his Achilles tendon during Saturday's scrimmage. Curry undergoes surgery Thursday and will redshirt.
- The Bobcats also hope to get favorable news about offensive lineman Jon Vernon. Vernon suffered a high-ankle sprain during the scrimmage and sat out Monday's practice. Texas State will continue to monitor Vernon as the week progresses.
- Sophomore running back Frank Reddic sat out the scrimmage as well as Monday's practice as he is still battling symptoms from a mid-week concussion. Reddic should return as soon as the symptoms are gone.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
College Football: An interview with Navy transfer Marcus Curry
Texas State already had depth at running back, but when Navy running back Marcus Curry came knocking, the Bobcats' coaches couldn't turn him away. Curry brings a blend of power and speed to Texas State and should make an immediate impact.
Edit: Curry was lost for the season Saturday morning during the first fall scrimmage. He ruptured his Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery Thursday.
Edit: Curry was lost for the season Saturday morning during the first fall scrimmage. He ruptured his Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery Thursday.
Friday, August 13, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Marcus Clark)
Marcus Clark is an ideal linebacker in Texas State's scheme.
Clark is stout enough to handle the inside run, quick enough to keep up with an opposing tight end or wide receiver down the field and smart enough to learn defensive coordinator Fred Bleil's complicated blitz packages.
Last year, Clark led the team with 95 tackles (39 solo) and finished one-half tackle shy of the team lead in tackles for a loss (Travis Houston paced the Bobcats with 8.5). Clark also hauled in one interception and registered two sacks.
Clark, a soon-to-be four-year starter on defense, will be looked upon once again to be a leader. Here is what Clark had to say during Texas State Media Day.
On what the team lacked in 2009: "We weren't mentally tough -- especially during that Southeastern Louisiana game, we lost that because we lost our focus. They were down 24 and they came back to beat us. We want to have that fight from the first quarter until the fourth."
On what the loss to Southeastern Louisiana taught him about the team: "It showed that we could fight back. It didn't look good at that game, but from that game on, we had that focus. Our only loss was to McNeese State and that wasn't a bad loss. We didn't lose focus. The better team won."
On how he wants to improve as a leader: "I am going to go 100 percent all the time. That's the hardest thing for somebody to do, but I'm used to it now. I feel I'm mentally strong enough to do it, so I want the rest of the team to be at my level."
On being named a Preseason All-SLC Second-Team Defensive Back: "It's a great honor and at first I thought (the SLC) knew something I didn't because they put me as a defensive back, but once I asked Coach (Brad) Wright, he told me they couldn't put me in as a linebacker so they wanted to find room for me somewhere. Better to be mentioned than not at all, I guess."
Clark is stout enough to handle the inside run, quick enough to keep up with an opposing tight end or wide receiver down the field and smart enough to learn defensive coordinator Fred Bleil's complicated blitz packages.
Last year, Clark led the team with 95 tackles (39 solo) and finished one-half tackle shy of the team lead in tackles for a loss (Travis Houston paced the Bobcats with 8.5). Clark also hauled in one interception and registered two sacks.
Clark, a soon-to-be four-year starter on defense, will be looked upon once again to be a leader. Here is what Clark had to say during Texas State Media Day.
On what the team lacked in 2009: "We weren't mentally tough -- especially during that Southeastern Louisiana game, we lost that because we lost our focus. They were down 24 and they came back to beat us. We want to have that fight from the first quarter until the fourth."
On what the loss to Southeastern Louisiana taught him about the team: "It showed that we could fight back. It didn't look good at that game, but from that game on, we had that focus. Our only loss was to McNeese State and that wasn't a bad loss. We didn't lose focus. The better team won."
On how he wants to improve as a leader: "I am going to go 100 percent all the time. That's the hardest thing for somebody to do, but I'm used to it now. I feel I'm mentally strong enough to do it, so I want the rest of the team to be at my level."
On being named a Preseason All-SLC Second-Team Defensive Back: "It's a great honor and at first I thought (the SLC) knew something I didn't because they put me as a defensive back, but once I asked Coach (Brad) Wright, he told me they couldn't put me in as a linebacker so they wanted to find room for me somewhere. Better to be mentioned than not at all, I guess."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Just a bit of housekeeping...
- "College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Marcus Clark)" will run tomorrow instead of today.
- The first live chat of the season should be either next week or the week after. Please let me know what you'd prefer so we can have a lively discussion.
- Be sure to send me an e-mail,with what videos you'd like to see during the 2010 season and beyond.
College Football: An interview with the Bobcats' No. 1 NG Prestin Brown (VIDEO)
Texas State felt it landed its nose guards of the future in consecutive signing classes (2008 and 2009). The Bobcats lost Wellington DeShield to graduation in 2008, but signed Tyler Lee prospect Ralston Dews in February and then Prestin Brown the following year.
After Texas State's short-term option (Garrett Hood) ran out of time, the Bobcats turned the reins over to Dews and Brown.
Dews was unable to stay academically eligible, so it left Brown as the only nose guard on the team with considerable experience. Brown packed on weight this offseason in preparation for his new role and is ready to get to work.
After Texas State's short-term option (Garrett Hood) ran out of time, the Bobcats turned the reins over to Dews and Brown.
Dews was unable to stay academically eligible, so it left Brown as the only nose guard on the team with considerable experience. Brown packed on weight this offseason in preparation for his new role and is ready to get to work.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Adley Eshraghipour)
Imagine showing up to your first day of college football practice and finding out you weren't going to play the position for which you thought you were being recruited.
If you're Adley Eshraghipour and you're reading this blog (let me first say, 'Welcome'), then you already know what I'm talking about.
For all of those who aren't Eshraghipour, this is what he had to say at Texas State's 2010 Media Day.
On being recognized as a member of the Preseason All-SLC Second Team: "It feels great, I'm not going to lie, but it surprised me. I didn't expect it and to be honest, when I got here, I didn't expect to play defense. I started rolling with it and being All-Conference is awesome."
On his reaction to the coaches telling him he'd play defense after spending 99 percent of his high school career on the offensive side of the ball: "I got up here and asked if that bald guy (Bobcats assistant head coach/co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Ben Norton) was going to be my coach and he looked at the defensive line coach looked at me and said, 'No, I'm your coach.' It caught me by surprise because I hadn't been told and I just got to the school, but it was fine."
On the biggest difference between an offensive and defensive mindset: "I'm not focused on keeping someone from getting to the ball any more. Right now, I'm trying to take the ball from the other team. It took me a few days to get used to it my first year, but now it's a lot of fun."
On the defensive line in 2010: "We had a lot of people graduate or transfer, but those guys who are still here and their backups are just as good, if not better. Our D-line is set and we're excited."
On the team's potential in 2010: "We're all hungry and ready to turn that potential into something. We had a little meeting, all of the leaders, and one thing we talked about was we have two back-to-back winning seasons, but that's not enough. We want to go back-to-back-to-back."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature Preseason All-SLC Second Team LB/DB Marcus Clark.
If you're Adley Eshraghipour and you're reading this blog (let me first say, 'Welcome'), then you already know what I'm talking about.
For all of those who aren't Eshraghipour, this is what he had to say at Texas State's 2010 Media Day.
On being recognized as a member of the Preseason All-SLC Second Team: "It feels great, I'm not going to lie, but it surprised me. I didn't expect it and to be honest, when I got here, I didn't expect to play defense. I started rolling with it and being All-Conference is awesome."
On his reaction to the coaches telling him he'd play defense after spending 99 percent of his high school career on the offensive side of the ball: "I got up here and asked if that bald guy (Bobcats assistant head coach/co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Ben Norton) was going to be my coach and he looked at the defensive line coach looked at me and said, 'No, I'm your coach.' It caught me by surprise because I hadn't been told and I just got to the school, but it was fine."
On the biggest difference between an offensive and defensive mindset: "I'm not focused on keeping someone from getting to the ball any more. Right now, I'm trying to take the ball from the other team. It took me a few days to get used to it my first year, but now it's a lot of fun."
On the defensive line in 2010: "We had a lot of people graduate or transfer, but those guys who are still here and their backups are just as good, if not better. Our D-line is set and we're excited."
On the team's potential in 2010: "We're all hungry and ready to turn that potential into something. We had a little meeting, all of the leaders, and one thing we talked about was we have two back-to-back winning seasons, but that's not enough. We want to go back-to-back-to-back."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature Preseason All-SLC Second Team LB/DB Marcus Clark.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (D.J. Hall)
Road grader. 2010 Preaseason All-American Offensive Lineman. Avid reader.
Believe it or not, all of those phrases apply to Texas State junior D.J. Hall.
Read on to find out what Hall had to say at the Bobcats' 2010 Media Day.
On being recognized by several publications as one of the best offensive linemen in the FCS: "It feels good, but at the same time, you can't focus on it. You have to think about your teammates. You have to put them first because if the whole team does well, then you look good."
On what he's improved on since his first start to now: "I've definitely gotten more physical. I also know the offense way better than my first year. I'm a lot more confident."
On how important it is to him to be physical: "It all starts with us. If we're soft, we're not going to be able to run the ball nor will the quarterback have enough time to throw a pass or anything. We set the tempo."
On if he's worried about how the offensive line will mesh with a few new faces: "We're strong and solid. We meshed really well in the spring and it's definitely going to carry over into the season."
On where his mind is going into this season: "I'm thinking about the University of Houston. That's where my focus is. My long-term goal is to win every game and be conference champion, but my short-term goal is to focus on the next game. I know — and I'm sure my teammates feel the same way — that we're ready to knock someone into place who thinks they're better than us."
On his passion outside of football: "Reading. I have an entire bookshelf full of books I read back at my house."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature Preseason All-SLC Second-Team DL Adley Eshraghipour.
Believe it or not, all of those phrases apply to Texas State junior D.J. Hall.
Read on to find out what Hall had to say at the Bobcats' 2010 Media Day.
On being recognized by several publications as one of the best offensive linemen in the FCS: "It feels good, but at the same time, you can't focus on it. You have to think about your teammates. You have to put them first because if the whole team does well, then you look good."
On what he's improved on since his first start to now: "I've definitely gotten more physical. I also know the offense way better than my first year. I'm a lot more confident."
On how important it is to him to be physical: "It all starts with us. If we're soft, we're not going to be able to run the ball nor will the quarterback have enough time to throw a pass or anything. We set the tempo."
On if he's worried about how the offensive line will mesh with a few new faces: "We're strong and solid. We meshed really well in the spring and it's definitely going to carry over into the season."
On where his mind is going into this season: "I'm thinking about the University of Houston. That's where my focus is. My long-term goal is to win every game and be conference champion, but my short-term goal is to focus on the next game. I know — and I'm sure my teammates feel the same way — that we're ready to knock someone into place who thinks they're better than us."
On his passion outside of football: "Reading. I have an entire bookshelf full of books I read back at my house."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature Preseason All-SLC Second-Team DL Adley Eshraghipour.
College Football: Texas State gets ready for the upcoming season (VIDEO)
Texas State held its third fall practice Tuesday morning as the offense and defense went head-to-head for the first time since spring.
Monday, August 9, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Darryl Morris)
Other than wide receiver, another position coaches at Texas State are excited about in 2010 is the secondary. The Bobcats return 10 defensive backs including Iowa State transfer Drenard Williams who sat out 2009 due to a shoulder injury.
In Williams' place last year, it was crucial another cornerback stepped up for Texas State. Well, that's where Darryl Morris found his niche.
It wasn't easy for Morris, as he was tested early and often in games. Morris didn't back down as he amassed 26 solo tackles (40 total) and led the team with six pass break-ups.
The Bobcats hope Morris continues to blossom into the role of a shut-down defensive back. Here is what Morris had to say at the 2010 Texas State Media Day.
On the Bobcats' first game of the season against Houston: "We know U of H is going to throw it around, but we're going to be ready. I know our coaches are going to have a good scheme, we're going to watch plenty of film and it's just going to come down to us going out there and executing."
On what it means to face Case Kennum, a Heisman-worthy quarterback so early in the season: "It's more than you can ask for. I don't want to go out there and play against the worst. We're not scared of anybody, no matter how good a team is. We'll go out there and play with the best of them. Not one of these guys [Morris points around the room] are scared. We're just ready to have some fun."
On seeing all of the improvements to Bobcat Stadium (West Side Expansion and new FieldTurf): "It means that we're only going up as a program and we have people believing it too. When I'm back home in San Antonio, I see more and more stickers and stuff on the back of cars that say 'Texas State' or 'Texas State Alumni' and that's good."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature preseason All-America offensive lineman D.J. Hall.
In Williams' place last year, it was crucial another cornerback stepped up for Texas State. Well, that's where Darryl Morris found his niche.
It wasn't easy for Morris, as he was tested early and often in games. Morris didn't back down as he amassed 26 solo tackles (40 total) and led the team with six pass break-ups.
The Bobcats hope Morris continues to blossom into the role of a shut-down defensive back. Here is what Morris had to say at the 2010 Texas State Media Day.
On the Bobcats' first game of the season against Houston: "We know U of H is going to throw it around, but we're going to be ready. I know our coaches are going to have a good scheme, we're going to watch plenty of film and it's just going to come down to us going out there and executing."
On what it means to face Case Kennum, a Heisman-worthy quarterback so early in the season: "It's more than you can ask for. I don't want to go out there and play against the worst. We're not scared of anybody, no matter how good a team is. We'll go out there and play with the best of them. Not one of these guys [Morris points around the room] are scared. We're just ready to have some fun."
On seeing all of the improvements to Bobcat Stadium (West Side Expansion and new FieldTurf): "It means that we're only going up as a program and we have people believing it too. When I'm back home in San Antonio, I see more and more stickers and stuff on the back of cars that say 'Texas State' or 'Texas State Alumni' and that's good."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature preseason All-America offensive lineman D.J. Hall.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Daren Dillard)
Texas State wide receiver Daren Dillard has slowly put together a strong collegiate career.
As a redshirt freshman, Dillard was former quarterback Bradley George's third option behind Cameron Luke and Mishak Rivas. Dillard hauled in 25 passes for 433 yards and five touchdowns.
In 2009, after Luke graduated and Rivas was hampered by injuries, Dillard stepped up to become George's red-zone target. Four of Dillard's six touchdowns last season were from inside the 20-yard line as George often looked his way when the second-year wide receiver was matched up against a smaller defensive back.
Now, a year later, Dillard is an established veteran for the Bobcats and will be looked at to help break in a new quarterback.
Here is what Dillard had to say at Texas State's 2010 Football Media Day...
On what quarterback impressed him during the summer: "Tim Hawkins did. He got a lot better with his reads and accuracy than in the past. I'm not saying it was bad before, but he got a lot better. A lot of people think Tim just has his feet, but if he continues to step up his reading game and accuracy, he's going to be a good quarterback."
On what he needs to improve to be the go-to receiver: "A lot of people think all I can do is catch the deep ball, so I need to work on my short routes a little bit."
On what he'd give up if he could be promised today Texas State would win the National Championship: "Sleeping. I love to sleep, but if we could get that ring, I'd be out at the field every single day at 4 a.m. catching passes and working out."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature defensive back Darryl Morris.
As a redshirt freshman, Dillard was former quarterback Bradley George's third option behind Cameron Luke and Mishak Rivas. Dillard hauled in 25 passes for 433 yards and five touchdowns.
In 2009, after Luke graduated and Rivas was hampered by injuries, Dillard stepped up to become George's red-zone target. Four of Dillard's six touchdowns last season were from inside the 20-yard line as George often looked his way when the second-year wide receiver was matched up against a smaller defensive back.
Now, a year later, Dillard is an established veteran for the Bobcats and will be looked at to help break in a new quarterback.
Here is what Dillard had to say at Texas State's 2010 Football Media Day...
On what quarterback impressed him during the summer: "Tim Hawkins did. He got a lot better with his reads and accuracy than in the past. I'm not saying it was bad before, but he got a lot better. A lot of people think Tim just has his feet, but if he continues to step up his reading game and accuracy, he's going to be a good quarterback."
On what he needs to improve to be the go-to receiver: "A lot of people think all I can do is catch the deep ball, so I need to work on my short routes a little bit."
On what he'd give up if he could be promised today Texas State would win the National Championship: "Sleeping. I love to sleep, but if we could get that ring, I'd be out at the field every single day at 4 a.m. catching passes and working out."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature defensive back Darryl Morris.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
College Football: Quotables from Media Day (Frank Reddic)
Texas State sophomore running back Frank Reddic didn't know he'd be called upon so much last season. Reddic, who planned to redshirt, was fourth on the depth chart at the beginning of fall camp and then moved up to third by the start of 2009.
Once Karrington Bush went down with an injury in the first game of the season, former Bobcats co-offensive coordinator Travis Bush told Reddic it was time to get his feet wet.
Reddic scored a touchdown against Angelo State and went on to reach pay dirt five more times in 2009. He carried the ball 53 times for 206 yards with a long of 24.
In 2010, Reddic will be one of the featured running backs in the Texas State offense.
On seeing his name at the top of the depth chart: "It feels great. I didn't take a look at it before, but knowing how much the coaches respect me gives me a lot of confidence."
On how playing as a true freshman last season will help him in 2010: "It made the transition a little easier and got the worry out of my mind if I was ready to play. Now I know the speed of the game and how to read defenses. Overall, it's another year of football knowledge in my head."
On the team being picked third or fourth in the Southland Conference: "To us, that really doesn't matter. What matters is what we do on the field on Saturdays and how we show up. At the end of the season and when the playoffs come around, they'll know about us."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature wide receiver Daren Dillard.
Once Karrington Bush went down with an injury in the first game of the season, former Bobcats co-offensive coordinator Travis Bush told Reddic it was time to get his feet wet.
Reddic scored a touchdown against Angelo State and went on to reach pay dirt five more times in 2009. He carried the ball 53 times for 206 yards with a long of 24.
In 2010, Reddic will be one of the featured running backs in the Texas State offense.
On seeing his name at the top of the depth chart: "It feels great. I didn't take a look at it before, but knowing how much the coaches respect me gives me a lot of confidence."
On how playing as a true freshman last season will help him in 2010: "It made the transition a little easier and got the worry out of my mind if I was ready to play. Now I know the speed of the game and how to read defenses. Overall, it's another year of football knowledge in my head."
On the team being picked third or fourth in the Southland Conference: "To us, that really doesn't matter. What matters is what we do on the field on Saturdays and how we show up. At the end of the season and when the playoffs come around, they'll know about us."
Check back in tomorrow for more quotes from Texas State Media Day. Tomorrow, the Cats' Cradle will feature wide receiver Daren Dillard.
College Football: Take a look at the Texas State preseason two-deeps
Without further ado, here are the 2010 Texas State Football Fall Preseason Two-Deeps as released by the Bobcats Saturday afternoon at their annual Media Day luncheon.
A few interesting notes — Tim Hawkins is the No. 1 QB, Frank Reddic is the No. 1 RB and Prestin Brown assumes the role as No. 1 NT.
Click on the link below to download and view the roster.
2010 Texas State Football Fall Preseason Two-Deeps
A few interesting notes — Tim Hawkins is the No. 1 QB, Frank Reddic is the No. 1 RB and Prestin Brown assumes the role as No. 1 NT.
Click on the link below to download and view the roster.
2010 Texas State Football Fall Preseason Two-Deeps
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