North Carolina State University Athletics
Tuesday's Practice Quotes for Coach Amato
8/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 12, 2003
Tuesday's Practice Quotes from Coach Amato
"This was our ninth practice. On the odd number days we emphasize run, even numbers we emphasize pass. We'll keep that scheme going all the way through. It was pretty spirited today. The offense did a lot better today on the goal line. That was the first fully live drill we've done out there since we've started practice. It was a 50-50 split on the offense and the defense, which was good to see for the offense because during spring practice they were intimidated. It's all a part of growing up."
What's different about T.A. McLendon compared to a year ago?
"We know basically what we have and he knows what he's doing, so he's not thinking. Last year, everything was think, think, think. He is in much better shape than he ever thought he could be in after going through the nine-week summer program. I told him earlier today that I'm really pleased with the way his intensity has been in practice. He's really worked hard and he hasn't tried to get out of anything. He's matured."
How eager are some of the guys to hit now that they're wearing full pads?
"They've been wanting to hit each other without pads on. On that side of the ball (defense), it's a good thing we do have those kinds of people and it wears off on everyone else. I think what our offensive line did last year for our offense [with physical play], I think our defensive backs are doing this year for our defense. That sounds crazy, but you've seen drills out here the first couple of days, there's an awful lot of competition out here and people are getting physical in what they're doing. I think it wears off on everybody."
