Student-Athlete Interview Transcript
March 30, 2009
Ryan Nassib, Redshirt Freshman, Quarterback
On being named the No. 1 quaterback:
“Truthfully I was shocked because I didn’t think it would be this early, especially in the first week of Spring ball. I was grateful. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.”
On how he was told:
“Coach Marrone and Coach Spence sat down with the quarterbacks and explained how for the rest of spring ball we needed to keep moving forward. He simply said, ‘Nassib, you’re going to be No.1.’”
On how it chances the dynamic of the quarterbacks:
“It’s still early as of now and the competition is still open. We’re still tight. We’re just going to keep working hard day in and day out.”
On whether he expected to be told so quickly:
“Truthfully, no. I thought maybe the decision would be made at the end of Spring ball. I didn’t know it was going to be the first week.”
On what it means to him to be placed on top:
“I’m excited and it’s really fun. It shows me how hard I need to keep working. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and stay competitive so that when fall comes I’m still in that spot and we’ll get some wins.”
On what he’s done to put himself in this position:
“I just made sure I kept my nose in the playbook because it is a new offense and we’re starting from scratch. I’m just trying to make as few mistakes as possible. I want to take the coaching from the classroom to the field.”
On whether he fits the new offense:
“I think I fit it really well. Coach likes to throw the ball and I like to throw the ball. It’s a win-win for me.”
On how he’s been throwing the ball:
“I think I’ve been throwing it all right. It’s a lot easier when you have good receivers. I think I’m throwing it pretty strong and trying to hit my targets. I’m trying to learn the offense and get the balls where they need to be.”
On what he does from now until August:
“Basically I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. Keep working hard each day. I just want to get it done.”
On feeling any pressure today after the announcement:
“Not really. I started to have fun with it. Football is fun and going out there is fun, so I don’t feel any pressure.”
On it being different at practice today as opposed to last week:
“It definitely was. When I heard them calling the ones in, I didn’t think about it and just stood there. I then realized that I’m the No. 1. Once I got in the swing of things it felt good.”
On what type of quarterback he is:
“I like to throw the ball. I like to let the receivers make plays. I like to do what I can to get wins.”
Marcus Sales, Sophomore, Wide Receiver
On Ryan Nassib being named the starting quarterback:
“We all knew the position was open and all the quarterbacks competed. It was just a good competition and there’s still competition going on. They’re just going to keep on competing.”
On having worked with Ryan in the past:
“He has tremendous talent. He can throw the ball really fast and we need to adjust and start making harder catches.”
On feeling more comfortable with a year under his belt:
“I’m starting to feel more comfortable on the field. I just have to adjust to the plays and the change in game speed and the new coaches.”
On how he needs to adjust:
“The biggest thing is getting all the symbols for the play calls and knowing where to lineup. You have to know alignment assignment on every play.”
On the new coaching staff:
“It’s a tremendous change. It’s more fast-paced. He demands a lot from us. We’re just going to keep competing.”
On whether the change in quarterbacks changes team chemistry:
“I don’t think it breaks up the chemistry of the team. We just have to get used to Ryan. Every quarterback has a different style.”
Lavar Lobdell, Senior, Wide Receiver
On Ryan Nassib in the huddle:
“It was work as usual. He attacked it and is trying to get better. He’s just trying to take command of the offense and get better one day at a time.”
On what he’s seen from him after practice:
“He’s really just learning the offense like the rest of us. He’s trying to get all the techniques down and learn as a much as he can from Coach Spence and be a good leader.”
On how things are going for him at practice:
“It’s still early in the spring so we still have a lot to learn. I’m just trying to take it all in stride and get in and do as much extra work as I can.”
Andrew Robinson, Senior, Tight End
On whether the decision to switch positions was painful:
“Painful wouldn’t be the word to describe it. I feel a sense of relief and rejuvenation in my football playing career. I think this is going to work out for the best. I really feel that way.”
On whether there’s a sense of sadness on the change:
“It’s a sense of relief and moving on to a new chapter in my career. I have a year left and I’m going to give it everything I have to play as many special teams that I can and get on the field as a tight end.”
On if it’s that he just wants to play and win:
“That’s what it comes down to. When it comes down to it, when it’s your last year, you want to win first and have fun second. You just want to experience everything you can with the teammates you care about.”
On whether last season took something away from him that he never got back:
“That could be a possibility. I’m trying not to dwell on that too much. Last season was last season and I learned from it for sure. Now I’m moving onto a new chapter in my football playing career. I’m happy and excited about it.”
