Student-Athlete Quotes from 2002 Football Media Day
On having a young offensive line:
“The talent we have here is just as good as anywhere.”
On building cohesiveness within the offense:
“We just have a different way of putting it together. In order for us to be a national contender, we have to find other ways to put it together and that’s what we’re in the process of doing.”
On the upcoming season:
“We’re taking a hard look at what we need to do to come out of the shadows (nationally), because this program deserves more respect.”
Clifton Smith, Senior Linebacker, Captain, All-America Candidate
On the defense and replacing last year’s contributors:
“We have a lot of really good impact freshmen and younger players. When we get on the field, it’s going to be very exciting to see how they play and react to things.”
On the media’s preseason predictions:
“It doesn’t really matter to this team who on the outside is doubting us. We know what this team can do. We’re going to try to carry last year’s momentum that we had in the postseason and take it into this season.”
On the expectations of the defensive unit:
“Ever since I’ve been here, it’s been, ‘Defense. Defense. Defense.’ We just have to go out there and do what we’ve been doing.”
On the offense:
“Even though they are young, they have a lot of talent. I see them producing a whole lot this year. There are a lot of guys who want to play and show what they are capable of doing.”
On the preseason BIG EAST ranking :
“At this point, I don’t think anyone on this team cares. I, personally, don’t care. That’s why we play football. If they want to rank us third, they can rank us third. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”
Senior Punter Mike Shafer
On personal goals:
“My expectations are to win every game, have a substantially higher punting average and to kick touchbacks.”
On being nominated for the Ray Guy Award:
“It’s great because it gives Syracuse a lot of recognition. It’s a very prestigious award. But first, I’m just going to try and help the team. I just take one kick at a time and try and do my best. You’re only as good as your last kick.”
Senior Offensive Lineman Erik Kaloyanides
On developing chemistry among a new offensive line unit:
“Because the five of us have not played a game yet, it’s somewhat of an issue. But it’s not a huge question mark and we’re not concerned about it. We did pretty well in spring ball. We worked real hard over the summer, building chemistry, doing drills together and watching film together. We’re quite confident that chemistry won’t be an issue.”
Junior Tight End Lenny Cusumano
On the offensive line:
“We lost a lot of starters from last year. We’ve replaced them with young, strong, fast guys who will move around a lot of people all year. We’re going to make a positive statement.”
Junior Quarterback R.J. Anderson
On the expectations for the year:
“We like it when our backs are against the wall. We have guys who have played in big games, games that counted. We’re excited about having a young team. We are ready to compete.”
