University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Quoting the Panthers: Coaches and Players Review Tuesday's Practice
3/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Pitt Spring Practice #2
Post-Practice Video Interviews
Video: Coach Pat Narduzzi
Video: Defensive Coordinator Josh Conklin
Video: WR Tyler Boyd
Video: RB James Conner
Video: OG Alex Bookser
Coach Pat Narduzzi Quote Sheet
On progress after two practices:
"So far, so good. We have a lot of things to clean up. There was a lack of focus--tempo might have been a little bit faster. We made progress from practice one to practice two. You're looking for attitude and effort on the field. In the classroom, you're looking for attention and their focus to detail."
On if there's an adjustment period for the players:
"I think so. The first practice we had there was an adjustment and today was a little bit better. We still have a way to go. I don't know what it was like before, I just know what we like to do. It's either an adjustment or something they have to figure out."
On watching tape from the initial practice:
"We have to have better motors all of the time. Our guys will figure that out because it's a habit. People are creatures of habit and what they have done before--we need to break that [habit] so we can make them do what we want them to do."
On leaders developing:
"We're going to give our whole team an opportunity to be a leader, whether they're a freshman or senior. I think a few leaders have already emerged. Within our team meetings, we've declared a few leaders."
On if that emerging leadership is encouraging:
"Obviously you want as many leaders as you can. You're only as strong as your leaders are. I'm the head coach, but it's their team. I can lead all I want but really they have to lead."
Defensive Coordinator Josh Conklin Quote Sheet
On the defensive players so far:
"I know they'll come to work, which is a good thing. We challenged them pretty hard today. They need to understand how we operate, function and levels of expectation during practice. That wasn't the expectation on Sunday so we changed that today. I feel like the energy is good and it's just going to be a learning process. I like their work ethic. If we continue to do these things we'll fit the pieces of the puzzle together to put a good product out there on the field.
"Sometimes they don't really understand how to get to the ball and that's just a habit. Getting that trained is a big deal. We're going to get them to run to the football and put the effort where we want to. We have a great staff, so the fundamentals of technique will be coached up. The energy and tenacity that we want to play with, has to happen and has to happen quickly."
On the role of the linebackers:
"I think the nature of the defense, and what Coach Narduzzi had done previously, is that everything is tied in so well. It's an attack at the front along with an attack with the linebackers. Ninety-five percent of the time we want the linebackers focused on the run--`Stop the run.' They have to be physical and they're doing a great job."
On senior corner Lafayette Pitts:
"He's shown me a lot of experience. He's a guy right now that we're trying to challenge him every day to come out and be consistent."
Receiver Tyler Boyd Quote Sheet
On if today was a good practice:
"Yes, for sure. I have to go out there every day with this type of mentality. It's what I love to do--just go out there with a smile on my face and do my job."
On the attitude the coaching staff has brought to the practices:
"It changed the whole environment, atmosphere, and practice tempo."
On if the players respond to this energy:
"The players are going to feed off of each other but if they see the coaches pumped up as well, then it's going to be even more explosive. When you go out there and see the coaches pumped up and trying to get you to play at the best of your ability, then you know that the practice style is going to go way better."
On being a student of the game:
"Even if [Coach Jim Chaney] didn't tell me, I knew I had to be more of a student to the game. Not even just to myself, but to other young players to mature within the system."
On Offensive Coordinator Jim Chaney:
"He's a really cool and laidback guy. He knows everything that he's talking about; he's an intelligent guy. So learning and scheming off of him will improve my game."
Running Back James Conner Quote Sheet
On his mindset going into practice with a new coaching staff:
"My mindset is like I am a freshman again. I try to make a point to everyone and gain respect from everyone: my teammates and coaches. I just stay grounded."
On if Coach Narduzzi spoke with him about taking a leadership role:
"He hasn't brought [Tyler Boyd and me] into his office and give us that specific talk but there's a vibe. Tyler and I know that we're leaders and that it's our job."
On what he's doing to become a leader:
"Lead by example. I have a lot of young guys asking me running back specific questions. I'm just trying to share knowledge and lead by example."
On if he feels pressure to repeat his success:
"Somewhat. But my mindset is just like I'm a freshman, trying to earn a starting job. I never want to be satisfied."
Offensive Guard Alex Bookser Quote Sheet
On transitioning from high school to collegiate play:
"I changed my body and tried to lose my high school fat. I don't know if I did that to the best of my ability, but I tried as hard as I could. Coming into this season, I told Coach Narduzzi that I would play any position that he wanted me to play. They have me at guard right now so I am embracing that as much as I can.
On playing guard:
"I feel like I've done everything that I can so far. I've been watching film a decent amount and I really haven't played guard. It's a newer position for me so there is still a lot of technique I need to get down."
On his physical progress from a year ago:
"I feel a lot stronger. Even just my footwork and the right and strong steps I need to take."
On if he's built to play guard or tackle:
"I always thought I was a defensive lineman. (Laughs) I don't know. It's not up to me when it comes down to it. If they want me to play tackle, I will. If they want me to play guard, I will. It's just about me getting on the field, not about where it is."
On the players' reaction to the coaches' new tempo:
"As a whole, it's extremely energetic. The way they approach practice, lifting, is different. Not to say that our last staff didn't bring energy, this is just a whole different level."
--PITT--
