The first three days of practice have been a pancake-a-thon for Jason Watkins. After coming out of nowhere to start at offensive tackle last season, the senior is looking to put the exclamation point on his senior season by leading one of the best offensive lines in the nation.
Cody Jones: “How was practice today?”
Jason Watkins: “It was just OK. We’ve got some new freshmen here and we’re trying to get them in. We’re going step-by-step and we are all improving.”
CJ: “How are the freshmen playing so far?”
JW: “They’re coming along. They are really smart. it’s just a matter of getting in shape. Once they get there, they’re going to be just fine.”
CJ: “How happy are you with your performance in the first few days?”
JW: “I’m trying to not only talk about being a leader but also prove it on the field. I’m just going out and working absolutely as hard as I can every day.”
CJ: “What goes into you proving that you’re a leader?”
JW: “It’s all about finishing the job and doing everything the right way. If I set the standard and hold it high for everyone, I’m not only holding it high for them but myself too.”
CJ: “Does it put any pressure on you to know that you’re one of the leaders of this line?”
JW: “Yeah there is, but I know this whole team is counting on me. It’s my responsibility to lead.”
CJ: “How good can this offensive line be?”
JW: “Right now we’re as good as our weakest link. Once we get them up there, we will be good. We’re just still in the process of pushing them.”
CJ: “How are the defensive ends looking?”
A: “I pretty much go up against all of them, but Carlos Dunlap and Justin Trattou have been standing out to me.”
CJ: “What’s it like going up against someone as athletic as Carlos?”
A: “When he goes, he is a beast. I still don’t think he gets it though. When he puts it together for a few plays, he just cannot be stopped.”