Aug. 16, 2003
SDSU Head Football Coach Tom Craft
Family Day Scrimmage - August 16, 2003
Overall comments on the team's performance:
"I think our scrimmage was typical of a first scrimmage. We're not where we want to be at, but I don't know if there is anyone in the country who is. The things that we saw today was that we're a little bit overwhelmed with all of the different dynamics of a game situation, but I thought that at the start, the special teams were crisp and sharp. We cleaned some things up in those areas.
"Defensively, we were good at times. I'm not comfortable with the hitting on both sides yet, but I think we broke their legs down pretty good this past week and we will improve in that area. By in large, we're not in very good shape, yet. We're a long way away in terms of conditioning and where we have to be leading up to a first game.
"We need to sort out our back-up positions. I think we're starting to define our lead roles at certain positions, but how long they're going to be in lead roles - an extended period of time - will depend on decisions we make after our next scrimmage.
"For the most part, we were overwhelmed in certain situations of the game due to a little bit of a lack of experience in some areas, but for the most part, I'm pleased that we didn't get anybody hurt."
On any standout performances:
"Jeff Shoate has had a wonderful camp. Marviel Underwood has done very well. Matt McCoy has played outstanding, which you saw today. You saw that Kirk Morrison made some plays. Up front, it's a variety of people and inside, Brook Miller has just done a great job.
"On the offensive side, I think you saw a glimpse of Lynell Hamilton. He had a nice little run and he's strong and I think he has functional speed. I don't think that he's someone who has great speed right now, but I think he may be a guy who is hard to catch once he gets out in the open.
"Offense is a lot harder, particularly early in the season, to come along. When you're running your offense on a daily basis against your defense, it's almost like you're the scout team for the defense. They see the same combinations and the same play patterns over and over. We weren't out to try to beat our defense, we were trying to put forth the different emphasis that happen in a game and see how we handle it. We didn't handle some of those very well and got tired and made some fundamental mistakes, which we'll clean up. This next scrimmage, will be shorter and you will see less of the starters for a period of time."
Player Quotes
Family Day Scrimmage - August 16, 2003
Lynell Hamilton
On his 49-yard TD:
"I give it to my offensive line. They were blocking all day, and they did a great job on that play."
On first experience with college football:
"It was kind of intense. On the first play, I was trying to figure out my holes and got hit really good, which kind of woke me up. Now I am ready for college ball."
On preparing for first scrimmage:
"I had a good night sleep and got up in the morning ready to play. I prepared all of yesterday and today for this just to see what college ball is really like, with the hitting and stuff, but I think I came out and did pretty well."
On competition for the starting running back position:
"We are really competing, but it is good competition. We have been working together, practicing together and learning the plays together, so it is more like a family with the running backs. We are going to put the best out there and we all are okay with whoever is going to be out there first."
Kirk Morrison
On defense in the scrimmage
"A lot of the guys really responded. I am pretty happy with the performance and everybody getting out here and playing together. We have had enough practicing, so it was nice to get out here and play around and have fun."
On preparation for their first game:
We still have a lot of work to do. We are not where we should be at. Eastern Washington is going to come in fired up and we have to be ready to play. They are going to be a good football team. If we keep working and executing the way we can, I know it is going to be a good game.