Aug. 30, 2005
San Diego State Weekly Football Press Conference Quotes
Aztec Athletics Center
Head Coach Tom Craft
General Comments:
"Our (fall) camp has gone very well. We've had a tough camp. We've really got some things defined as far as players are concerned at various positions, and we've been very healthy. For the most part, we feel good about going into the season and going into the first game."
On UCLA:
"It has been a one-sided series. But if we were going to play somebody like them, I'd like to play them right now in the very first game. They're a very talented football team. I think it's no secret that we've got contain Maurice Drew. We're not going to stop him; he's an outstanding running back. Marcedes Lewis is also a weapon for them. We would anticipate him not only being a tight end, but being flexed out in the slot or wide receiver position. (Quarterback) Drew Olson is very capable. He's experienced and been in the offense. So they have experience on that side of the ball that can make things tough.
Defensively, they're very athletic and very fast, and they present a big challenge for us. Overall, it'll be a very good first football game, and they'll be one of the better teams we're going to play.
We've been preparing for this game for a long time. The one thing that we can control is our effort, our organization and our discipline. It's a total focus on our part, and we're excited about the opportunity. It would be a great win for us and our program if we could upset UCLA."
On future non-conference schedules:
"We would like to adjust our non-conference schedule. That was one of the first things (I asked myself) when I came here was, `how can we make adjustments?' A lot of these games are in their last years, (for instance) the Ohio State game. We've played Colorado, Arizona State, and we've played UCLA every year. We've got some of the games changed, but to my liking, I'd like to see us play teams that we can really match up with because I do respect the Mountain West Conference tremendously. I think that's the direction that we need to go. I know our athletic director (Jeff Schemmel) believes the same thing. So I see that in the future here at San Diego State. But I think (this game) is an opportunity for us. We're excited about playing UCLA.
Three years ago when they (UCLA) came in and played us, it was a mismatch. They shoved us around. They had us outmanned and had better team speed. We had a hard time finishing the game. It really made an impact on me about where we were with this program, and I think we've closed the gap over the last couple of years, so it should be an interesting game here Saturday night."
On the team's use of running backs against UCLA:
"We've got three who we're planning to go into the ball game with. Lynell Hamilton is the starter, and then we go to Brandon Bornes and Michael Franklin - in no particular order. I think there's going to be a situation where Michael's influence will become apparent in the game. Brandon does so many different things for us. He can be a fullback, an H-back and a tailback. Lynell has to get significant carries in the game to get into his rhythm and flow. (Hamilton) is one of those players who gets better the more times you give him the ball. We've got to get all three of them involved in some capacity, but it will start with Lynell."
On Darren Mougey's role:
"Kevin (O'Connell) is our starting quarterback, and that (decision) is completed. He's the guy we're going to go through the season with, and we anticipate the whole season barring injury. But, we do want to play Darren Mougey. Darren is an exciting young player, and if we can do some things that take advantage of Darren's athletic ability, we're going to do it. Certainly, we would do it in this ball game, so you can anticipate seeing Darren in the ball game, and probably every ball game. But, we want Kevin to be our starter right now, and he's improved significantly since he's been taking more reps in practice."
On special teams improvement in camp:
"I think our punting has been much improved in camp. Michael Hughes has done a great job handling that for us. He was a first-year player as a freshman for us last year, and we went through some pains with him, but he has improved significantly - there's a difference this year. Our long snapper (Tyler Schmitt) was a freshman. I think he's one of the best long snappers in the country, I really do. Our placekicker, Garrett Palmer, has gotten a lot stronger. He's put on 20 pounds and has a stronger leg. That experience for all three of those guys is going to be significant. Then we have some new players. Kyle Conerly was good player for us last year on special teams, so we have to see who will emerge and be a dramatic role player in that area on this year's team."
On the inexperience of the defense:
"We don't have as many inexperienced players as you might think. (Linebacker) Freddy Keiaho has played quite a bit. He's played in different personnel packages on defense, but the fact that he positions himself in place of Kirk Morrison makes it appear like he's a new face when he's really not. Joe Martin is the same way at the other outside linebacker position, and he played significantly last year. Brett Martin played a lot toward the end of last year. Andrew Schantz is a new player at the outside linebacker position, but he's been extremely impressive in spring and fall camp. The defensive line does have some new faces, and we did audition Nick Osborn outside, but we felt he was more athletic and could give us something inside as a defensive tackle. Antwan Applewhite at the outside (position) is very athletic. We have guys who have made plays and have gotten significant playing time. Even though there are some new faces who are starters, a lot of them have played quite a bit of football."
Senior linebacker Freddie Keiaho
On this season's defense without Kirk Morrison:
"We've got 11 guys on the field, one player doesn't make that big of a difference. Kirk made a lot of great plays, but it was with the help of 10 other guys."
On playing against UCLA:
"They're really explosive. They have number 21 (Maurice Drew) who can run the ball and they have that big offensive line. Mercedes Lewis is going to be a real problem down field. He's a vertical line and an extreme talent."
On getting the season started:
"We're sick of practicing against each other. We're ready to test ourselves, test our offense and test our defense. We're anxious to play this game."
Senior defensive lineman Kurt Kahui
On getting the season started:
"I'm just anxious and waiting for that kickoff. I've been waiting six months since the spring for this first game and for the season to come. We're just ready."
On staying focused:
"As of right now, we're just focused, (keeping our) eyes on our keys and we're just trying to work from there. We're not trying to overlook any of our opponents, just work on today, tomorrow, this next game and everything should fall into place."
Sophomore running back Lynell Hamilton
On making his return from injury:
"The day before the game is probably going to be really emotional (just) thinking about the game. Sitting out was really hard for me. This Saturday it's going to be 22 months (since I last played), but it's going to be really exciting."
On getting through the injury:
"It was hard; there was a lot of adversity. My faith in God got me through it. Knowing that I was going to get back on the field was what kept me going."
Sophomore quarterback Kevin O'Connell
On ending UCLA's winning streak:
"We take it as a challenge; it's something that is definitely in the back of our minds. We take everyday as a chance to prepare like we're playing any other game. If we execute and try not to make a lot of mistakes, we should have a good chance."
On taking on the role as the starting quarterback:
"I just take it as a little bit of a different role with the team on the offensive side. Guys are going to be looking to me in the huddle. If anything goes wrong, I need to keep my cool and just let the guys know that everything's going to be fine. It helps to have the reigns at the beginning of the season. I'm excited and I think we have a really good opportunity ahead of us."
On being the underdog:
"UCLA's a great football team, but we have the chance to be a great football team ourselves. If we execute and do the things our coaches tell us, we'll be put in a good situation to compete and that's what we're here to do. In front of a big home crowd for the season opener, we have a great opportunity and we're excited about it."