N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien has a quarterback who's performing well, a couple linebackers adjusting to position changes and two talented defensive backs returning from significant injuries in spring practice.
Here's a sampling of what O'Brien had to say to reporters after this morning's session:
Q: Can you talk about the progress Audie Cole is making in the middle and why he is a good fit at middle linebacker?
A: He’s a good fit because he’s our best player. He’s our most experienced guy. He will make strides the longer he’s in there. He’s always been on the perimeter. It’s a little different from last year, when Nate, who always had been the box player, had just moved over a gap. Everything is different for him right now but he’s smart enough to figure it out and a good enough athlete that the more reps he gets, the better he’ll be.
Q: You moved D.J. Green to linebacker as an experiment. How’s that working?
A: It’s the same thing. He played a little bit of nickel back, which is the same thing, same position. There’s not as much learning curve, other than he’s a young, inexperienced guy that’s got to get in the games and get reps and do things like that. He’s got enough ability. He’ll see things out there. He has enough time to see them and react. Hopefully, he’s working hard, just like everybody is, and is starting to get a little better. The more he understands, the faster he will play.
Q: How has [Mike] Glennon performed so far?
A: He’s been fine. I don’t see any problem with him at all. He still can make all the throws. He’s got a good command of the offense. He understands what we’re trying to do. The thing he’s got to do is, the receivers have got to get on the same page with him. That’s where things are lacking in the passing game. It isn’t the quarterback. It’s the receivers.
Q: What are your impressions of Rashard Smith since he has come back?
A: I think he and Jarvis [Byrd] both have come back thinking that they should be the starting cornerback. That’s helped. We’ve created competition. Competition is good. Guys are fighting for jobs, and they’re hungry right now. They want to be part of the football team. It’s tough to sit out a year and watch, especially when you’re having success.
Q: They’re thinking [they should] start, but are they showing signs of being able to do it.
A: Not right now. They both had some pretty severe injuries. We’re kind of watching both of them. We don’t want to overstress them and have them get set back injury wise. The most important thing is to get them through the 15 days of spring.
Comments
Love it
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 20:24 — gvillegatrTOB letting us know the receivers need to get on the same page with the QB. Apparently it doesn't take a combination of the two over at state college like it does every where else ! Yea, right. Good one, T !!
grasping at straws
Sat, 04/02/2011 - 07:52 — noneyabusinessIs that all you have beef on?
He has a new qb stepping into some big shoes. How dare he publicly support him as he gets comfortable!
Just the opposite really
Sat, 04/02/2011 - 08:19 — gvillegatrTOB knows what kind of fan base (most, not all) he is dealing with.
state college football brings out the best in me when it comes to these boards !!
in
Sat, 04/02/2011 - 10:28 — SurferMe too. It just would not be much fun if the team were not any good at all. Boy, but this Fall the hype meter may be off the scale, considering:
Now just imagine if Glennon "gets on the same page as his receivers", it will be like RW coming back for his final season.
not "if"
Sat, 04/02/2011 - 13:28 — JPDOhioWhen.
right
Sun, 04/03/2011 - 08:58 — SurferYou are correct. I am sure he will, but when he does, if it is before the season starts, the expectations will be that much higher.
the big "if"
Sun, 04/03/2011 - 09:59 — JPDOhioIf Glennon hits them in the hands or on the numbers, will they hang on to the ball?
I have more confidence in Glennon than a lot of Pack fans. It's the receivers I'm more worried about.
ZZZZZZZ
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 15:41 — SurferI know, I know, ... the grass is groing on the practice field. There ya go Max, how about an article or two every month to get you through the Spring and Summer?
Well Said
Thu, 03/31/2011 - 14:55 — ab3623Well said, by both the journalist and the coach. To me, it seems difficult to be both a steady hand and a motivator, but I think Coach O'B. has figured it out and is both. Can't wait for next Fall!!