Gopher Football
Bryan Cupito
On game preparation:
“¦ With our running game, people try all kinds of different things. I’ve probably watched every game at least three times, so I see things that I may not have picked up during the season, but I definitely see now. I think next year when that defense comes again I’ll be able to recognize it right away.
On the coaches higher expectations of the passing game:
“¦ Well, Coach Browing’s expectations probably aren’t as high as mine. I have real high expectations for the passing game with all the receivers back, Matt Spaeth’s being back at tight end and Laurence Maroney back at running back.
On the growth of the passing game:
“¦ We had 7 on 7 two times a week this whole offseason, something we didn’t have last year. It’s something different that we tried and it worked out well. Laurence Maroney, Jared Ellerson and all those guys came every time and we developed a lot more confidence with the passing game. It showed me a lot about how dedicated they are; it was exciting.
On becoming more of a leader:
“¦ Last year was a learning experience. You’ve got to handle criticism a lot differently than you’re used to. I’ve had time to watch all the games and learn about the season, so I think I’ve matured a lot on and off the field over the past few months. My leadership role will be a lot different than it was last year. I’m looking forward that that and I have confidence in everyone around me. We’re all back together, so we have high expectations for the season. I’m just excited to get going again.
On studying film with QB coach Tony Peterson:
“¦ The one thing that sticks out is me just needing to make the play, really. A couple times I might have audibled into the right play, but just didn’t make the throw. In the Michigan game, if I would’ve hit Ernie Wheelwright on the deep pass at the end the game is over right there. Making the plays is basically what we’ve talked about the whole time. He thinks the biggest year for a quarterback is from the first season to the second season. My expectations are probably a lot higher than anyone here, so I’m just excited to get going.
On throwing the ball to the running backs:
“¦ I think the big thing last year that we didn’t do was get Marion Barber the ball in the passing game. I’m excited to get things started again while realizing the things we didn’t do last year. But these are things that I definitely see now and I think that we’ll pick up on this year. Throwing the screen is pretty hard because a lot of teams don’t blitz against us because they’re scared of the run. I think we’ll definitely try more swing passes this year.
On Laurence Maroney’s attitude as the feature back:
“¦ Laurence is more than excited right now, and I’m excited for him because he’s a great player. I know he can carry the load by himself. It’s going to be a lot different without Marion because he was such a great player, but I have so much confidence in Laurence. I think it’ll show how good he is, and he’ll have the chance to do it every play rather than rotating series. When Laurence gets tired and needs a break, I think Gary Russell can definitely come in and make plays. I think he’s already proved that he’s pretty good. He has some hard shoes to fill with Marion being gone, but I think he can do the job.
John Pawielski
On the defense this season
“¦ Yeah, we’re excited. There’s a lot of anticipation for this coming year. Spring is a great way to get a first step in to try and set the tone for the defense in the next year. A lot of the talk is about how good the offense but, but as a defense we’re definitely trying to take the next step and get up to the next level, so this spring will be a good test to see where we’re at. We need to have the confidence to make the plays on 3rd down this year.
On his recovery from the broken leg:
“¦ It was a long winter you know, rehabbing was tough. But I feel great; I’m 100% and ready to go for spring ball.
On the linebackers playing in front of him:
“¦ Competition is a great thing. There’s a lot of talent there, a lot of speed, and a lot of athleticism so it should be fun to watch. They’ll definitely push each other and I think the best player will come out on top.
On the strong safety spot:
“¦ Both Terrance Campbell and Brandon Owens are tremendous athletes. “Stick” has already proven that he can play at a Big Ten level, and B.O. is just the type of phenomenal athlete that you need to figure out how to get on the field. Either guy who wins the spot will be fun to play next to.
On Mason’s involvement with the defense:
“¦ During the bowl practice he was a lot more into it with our defense. It’s fun for the guys to see him down there working and yelling at us and I think it makes them work harder for him.
On senior leadership:
“¦ You just have to take leadership as it comes. I’ve always considered it to be more actions than a position and how you carry yourself. Then you just hope the young guys will follow you. I’m not really a vocal type of leader, so I’ll just try to lead by example back there; try and be the quarterback of the defense is kind of how I look at it. I’ll try and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing, make sure they’re lined up right, and try to get everyone to react rather than think so much.
On the attitude of the defense:
“¦ At this level, you need the mindset to go along with the athleticism and everything else. We feel like we have the players to compete and do what we want to do, it’s just the mindset & the attitude; the swagger in our step that we need.
Talk about the Gopher Football Team on the Gopher Football Message Board.