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Coach Wannstedt Day 3 Press Briefing
Aug. 6, 2008
Head Coach Dave Wannstedt Training Camp Day 2 Quotes August 6, 2008
Impressions from Day 2:
"After two days, a player who's been encouraging and working and making progress is Chris Jacobson. He's an offensive lineman we really haven't talked about. We're optimistic about Chris and we really haven't had him in the mix. If things keep progressing, he will be in the mix. We moved Wayne Jones to center. We have not put the ball on the ground with these young guys. Last year we were averaging about four fumbles a day because of young kids and inexperience. It's been encouraging. The disappointing thing this afternoon was that we had a couple of interceptions on offense. I don't think any of the quarterbacks really came out here and made some plays, which were the same plays we ran this morning. You'd think that hearing the corrections from this morning, they'd come out and be sharper, but that didn't happen today. Elijah Fields showed up this afternoon, made a couple plays. That's encouraging. He's been working real hard."
On looking forward to Day 3:
"So tomorrow we put the shoulder pads on. That will be a nice shot in the arm for us. We've had enough of practicing out here in T-shirts and helmets. It won't be tackling, but it'll be closer to real football. We need that. We're ready.
"The run game becomes real (with pads on). Out here we're saying `don't hit anyone, don't hurt him.' We'll go full speed with pads on. Pass rush, full speed. One-on-one blocking between the offensive linemen and defensive linemen. Tomorrow at this time we can truly be able to start separating. There won't be much change with the wide receivers and the defensive backs. It will drastically change with the linemen."
On the health of T.J. Porter, Derek Kinder and Doug Fulmer:
"T.J. twisted his toes. He's fine. There's nothing serious with him. Derek Kinder was just a little bit sore. We rested Doug. He had a good day yesterday and we rested him today a little bit."
On Jabaal Sheard's progress:
"So far he's been outstanding, even with Doug Fulmer coming back. He's been one of the most impressive guys from January to August -- in the offseason program, lifting, running, quickness. He's off to a fast start. I'm real excited about him."
On the defensive line:
"If you have any chance to play great defense you have to have guys up front that can make plays. It's kind of strange with the guys that we have, looking at where they came from and what positions they played in the past. (Rashaad) Duncan may have been the only true defensive lineman. I think that philosophy gives us the results and the quickness and the athleticism that we need to be effective. Every place I've been, we've had guys like this. We've played with guys that were undersized and athletic. These guys aren't undersized."
On Pitt's younger linebackers:
"I love those guys. After two practices, Nate Nix has improved from the spring and Brandon Lindsey is about 15 pounds lighter. Tristan Roberts and Max Gruder, too. We've got some young guys that are real exciting. They can run and give their all and they're really eager to learn. Greg Williams picked up right where he left off. It's an exciting group. Hopefully we won't have to play many of them. They can stay healthy and get a little bit of experience as we go along." |
 
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