Penn State Captains Speak

by KevinHD on Jun 20, 2008 6:54 AM EDT in Football

The 2008 captains spoke to the media yesterday. Clichés were plentiful. The mandatory weight room comments were given, and the media, of course, started the whole show off by asking about the often under-reported "off the field troubles":

"I think right now all the stuff that happened last year, and all the trouble that we go into, that's behind us," Williams said

That's the right answer both from a PR perceptive and, well, it's the right answer. Football, please. I want to talk about football...

While the rest of the team was in high school, this group of seniors experienced first hand the level of excitement that can be created in Happy Valley when a few big games are won. I'm of course talking about 2005, and they are, of course, doing everything they can to try and recreate what was a pretty special season:

"We'll try to bring back that same work ethic," Gaines said. "Bring back that same work habit. Bring it to this season and build on what we have now."

Speaking of 2005, I often get the impression that Williams was heavily influenced by Michael Robinson. While the mentor/quarterback was a little more candid about his confidence (ie mentioning his championship expectations in the huddle rather than to the media the day before a bowl game), Williams confidence is needed no matter what form it shows up in.

"People that have been on great teams, they'll say it's really not what you do in the weight room, not what you do in the locker room, it's what you do off the field with your teammates," Williams said. "How your chemistry is off the field."

There must be some type of class they teach in journalism school where they demand non-substantive quotes be backed by some kind of quasi-relevant, often awkward example. Enter text messaging:

Williams said either he or potential starting quarterbacks Darryl Clark and Pat Devlin will schedule impromptu passing drills via text messages three or four times a week as well.

Zook's influence on the conference is apparently much bigger than I realized.

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My Question is..

what was the reason that same work ethic wasn’t there the past 2 seasons?

I hope these impromptu text messages lead to an on field rapport that makes a difference on the scoreboard. Maybe Morelli wasn’t that type of leader, and maybe Clark and Devlin are more alike than people think. Either way, I just keep getting more excited about what could be a great season.

They said, "I don't know his name, but he aims like Wayne Gretzky"
That's funny, 'cause I don't play hockey, I play HORSE on the mic and watch them all copy-Cannibal Ox

by OMEGAMAN on Jun 20, 2008 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

Derrick Williams

I hope DW has a GREAT season. The more I read about him, the more I think he’s all class, a real Penn State guy. From coming to Penn State when the team stunk, to helping recruit players from MD, to keeping his nose clean. Even that picture of him high-fiving the fans. He represents what Penn State is about – pride, loyalty, honor.

by NJ lion on Jun 20, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

I think he could

have a big year. In 2005 we ran a pretty good spread, and he flourished. Plus he seemed to be playing better late in the season. I hope he lights it up.

by psuphiman80 on Jun 20, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

D Will

I have a lot of classes with Derrick and he’s a great guy. In class he’s always answering questions and is hilarious in class. Last year, the monday after the Notre Dame game, he was in one of my classes and i thanked him for running back that punt and he said thanks and then we talked for a little bit. Cool guy. It was funny because one of my other teachers is from canada and has nnnoooo idea about PS football. Morelli was in one of my classes and he hardly ever came to class. One day she was talking to him and was like… are you an athlete? what position do you play? do you even start? i busted out laughing and had to bite my tongue. anyways… D Will… class act… not only on the field, but off the field as well!!

For the Glory of Old State

by PSULion29 on Jun 20, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions