Media Day quotes from around the Southland
7/24/2014 1:40:00 PM | Football
Student-athletes from each of the Southland Conference's 11 football teams met with reporters Wednesday (July 23) at L'auberge Resort in Lake Charles, La..
Here's what several of the Southland's top players had to say about the upcoming 2014 football season:
SAM HOUSTON STATE
Running back Keshawn Hill
On following All-American Timothy Flanders…
“I've started most of my career, so it's not that different. We lost some outstanding leaders, but it's just natural that as seniors we step up. We're running a different style offense this year, but football is football. Coach (K. C.) Keeler is a proven winner. He has the same goals all the players do.”
Defensive back Michael Wade
On this year's team…
“We're doing some different things this year, but we're on the right track. There's been tremendous enthusiasm this summer with the guys working together. We're here to win. The coaching staff and the players are on the same page. We want to do more than just win a conference championship. We're looking to do well in the playoffs as well.
ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Defensive end Nick Richardson
On playing in the Southland Conference…
"We've had really good teams at other levels of football, and now we have a chance to show that we're an elite team and compete with the best. We want to win. Everybody that signs up to play wants to win. As long as you come out and win, people will notice you, no matter what."
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Wide receiver Dezmin Lewis:
On UCA's new coaching staff…
“We're very excited about this year. I feel like the team has bought in well to the new schemes, bought in offensively and defensively. So now it's just a matter of taking the right preparation steps to get ready for the season against Texas Tech. It really wasn't very difficult for me to get used to this new system, but it is a lot different than our old system. There are a lot of things build in, blocking-wise, quick game, screen-wise, so you really have to understand the play completely so you know what you are doing. Everything is important in every play.”
HOUSTON BAPTIST
Tight end Kenneth Bibbins
On leaving a legacy at HBU…
“I really want to install a work-hard mentality -- always working, always trying to get better -- and just create more of a team and family atmosphere. I feel if I install all of that before I leave, I feel that will be a good thing for this program and the future of the program.
INCARNATE WORD
Quarterback Trent Brittain
On the offense…
“We were young last year and it was still a building year. We got some experience. I think maturity wise we are on the right path. I have a lot of faith in the young guys. We are going to put a lot of pressure on us which is good. We have a few more years to continue to improve and learn what it takes to win.”
LAMAR
Wide Receiver Reggie Begelton
On the team's returning players…
“We have some talent returning, but the special thing about these guys is that they are all staying humble. The records that were set last season don't really mean anything to this year's team. We know that people are going to be geared up to stop us, but we have to keep our heads. We want to continue the forward progress from last season. We are no longer a 'brand new program.' Last year we were competitive in all of our games, but we didn't get the wins we wanted. We now have to start thinking like winners. The next step is to pull out the victories in those close games. “
McNEESE STATE
Defensive lineman Everett Ellefsen
On the upcoming season…
“Very excited for the season to begin. We've been working hard during the offseason and ready to get going. Last year hurt by coming so close to the ring. I saw Southeastern's ring and took a picture of it. I'm going to print it out and place on everyone's locker during camp as a reminder for what happened last year and what we're playing for this year.”
NICHOLLS
Offensive lineman Rafe Plaisance
On learning for last year's season…
“Davin Bovie and I are seniors now, so we've been through a lot since we've been here. You never officially put it behind you, but you can improve on it and use it for next year and that's what we plan on doing. It was a tough way to end the season last year after starting 4-2 and winning our first conference game. That was excellent for us, but we need to learn how to continue that success and finish.”
NORTHWESTERN STATE
Linebacker Imoan Claiborne
On the upcoming season…
“We have a lot to build on, a lot coming back on both sides of the ball and on special teams. We also have a lot to improve upon in all three phases. That's what we've worked on since walking off the field after the SFA game.”
On instant replay…
“You see so many games at the FBS level change due to instant replay. I think it will be a huge plus for our conference. The officials do a great job. This will help them be even better.”
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
Quarterback Bryan Bennett
On the upcoming season…
“We've had great effort on the football field and in the weight room. I'm excited to go out and play some football games and take care of business. We'll go out there, have fun, respect everyone we play and play the best football we can. In our locker room, we've always had high expectations. We go into every day wanting to be great. People on the outside are expecting more from us this year than last year, but for us it is all about us, the team, our relationships with the coaches and each other, and taking care of business the way we know how.”
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
Offensive lineman Byron Williams
On the team's attitude this spring and summer…
“I'm proud of my guys and the team. They showed a relentless amount of effort this summer, showed a lot of commitment. I'm really looking forward to this upcoming season. The commitment these guys have put into this summer with Coach Conque and a good group of coaches on the coaching staff that came here with us. It's going to be really fun. I'm looking forward to it.”
