The Ross Report - Ryan Lindley

Christina Ross was a three-year letterwinner for the Aztec softball team from 2006-08. Last month, Ross became the second All-American in program history when she was named to the Easton Second Team. Over her career, Ross twice earned MWC Pitcher of the Year honors and was a three-time all-league selection. Ross is the career SDSU record holder in solo shutouts (23), shutouts (tied - 28) and strikeouts (612), despite playing just three seasons for the Aztecs. Ross is currently interning in the Aztec media relations office.

SAN DIEGO -- Just one day away from making his Aztec debut, Ryan Lindley is scheduled to become just the fifth freshman in school history to earn a start at quarterback when the team takes the field Saturday against Cal Poly. A native of nearby Alpine, Calif., he will be just the second freshman to start in a season-opening contest, joining all-time Aztec great Todd Santos.

Lindley threw for 3,500 yards as a senior at El Captian High School in 2006, but is filling the shoes of Kevin O'Connell, who started each of the last 15 games for SDSU, including all 12 in 2007, before being taken in the third round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots this past April.

Lindley recently spoke with Christina Ross about the upcoming season for The Ross Report.

Ross Report: Ryan Lindley

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On his expectations for the upcoming game against Cal Poly:
I'm really excited. I think the team is really excited. We had a long hard camp and we all want to get out there and start playing games.

His thoughts on training camp:
It was a lot of technique and a lot of coming together as a team with time. It was also a lot of fun. We came together as a group and all became great friends. There are a bunch of great guys on the team.

On what he learned from Kevin O'Connell and what will he use versus Cal Poly:
I think just staying level headed as far as the different things happening during the game. Not everything is going to go your way. You just have to stay calm and stay composed throughout the game no matter what.

On the teams game plan versus Cal Poly:
We just want to put some points on the board offensively. I know the defense is working hard and trying to stop Cal Poly's offense, but for our offense we can definitely put up some points this week. We're working real hard.

On his perspective about being considered a leader on the team:
There are a lot of guys in the leadership roles right now. We have some older guys on the offense like Darren Mougey, Mike Schmidt, Lance Louis, and Tyler Campbell. There are a lot of guys and I just kind of see myself as one of the group. Not "the guy" but maybe just one of four or five guys on the offense right now.

On how coach Chuck Long and Offensive Coordinator Del Miller, have helped him progress within the offensive scheme:
Coach Long and Coach Miller have a lot of experience and they help us out a lot. Their knowledge is probably more than I'll ever know. They have a ton of stuff to teach and I always have my ear there for them to try and hear something.

On his experience playing for the Aztecs having grown up in the area and attending high school at El Capitan:
I'm a home-town-kid so I love San Diego and I love the Aztecs. I've grown up watching Aztec football and Aztec basketball, so I want to see us do good and that's our goal this year is to win ball games.

On his expectations about next weeks game against Notre Dame:
I think guys are excited but we are just looking one game at a time. We have to focus on Cal Poly right now. It's going to be a great experience, but right now we are looking at August 30th versus Cal Poly.

What are your expectations for the season and your personal goals:
I just want to win ball games for us. I think this team talent wise and the kind of characters we have on the team that we can definitely do that. I think a bowl game and a Mountain West Championship are our team goals for this year.