Today was one of the couple days that freshmen were available to the media, and here's what some of them had to say. More on all these guys in Thursday's Alligator.
Matt Patchan-Defensive lineman:
"Having all the new freshmen here and getting everyone close together in '08 so we can push everybody else and get better as a team so we can win multiple national championships. That's what we're doing as a team right now."
On his position. Patchan was mainly recruited as an offensive tackle, but did play both ways in high school.
"I'm working at d-tackle, and I'm doing defensive end after practice. Little bit of both."
On the position he prefers:
"Wherever I start." (Little bit of a joke there by Patchan)
On the shoulder injury he suffered from a gunshot wound earlier in the summer.
"It's all healed from that. I'm rehabbing another injury. It's all healed up from that. My pec's a little strong, but I'll be ready come pads. I was at the wrong place, wrong time. TPS and everything. It was a bad deal."
"I feel grateful for a lot of things. I know that God was watching me through that and gave me a second chance. So I'm going to make the best of it."
"They took (the bullet) out two days afterward. They used it as evidence. They gave up (on the case)."
On the difference between playing tackle and end:
"The technique from three to end really it's pretty close. But playing a different spot is always new. Football's football."
On enrolling early in school
"It was the best decision I could've made. I'm sort of like a sophomore now."
Patchan said he currently weighs 270. Said he wants to eventually get up to 300 and run a 4.5
On what he brings to the defense:
"Long hair and attractiveness." (Another joke in case you aren't fluent in sarcasm).
Brandon Beal-LB
On Brandon Spikes:
"He's a great leader. Looking up to him and seeing what he's going to be in the future, he's probably going to be a first rounder this year. Just to see the way he works is unbelievable."
"I believe so (we are in a similar situation. He was behind another great in (Brandon) Siler. We've had some great linebackers here. Look up at Spikes and take the role after him."
"I'll probably be bigger (than Spikes). Especially being a middle linebacker you don't see too many being a huge guy and having the speed like he does. I'm going to try to do the same."
Jeremy Brown CB:
On eating: "We have a dinner club and breakfast club for guys that got to gain weight. I make sure I'm always there. Steak, potatoes, pancakes."
"Everyday we're learning something new, I'm a pretty bright kid. I don't know it all, but I'm learning."
