Hurricane Quotes

Dec. 28, 2001

Scenes From CaliforniaGet Your Rose Bowl Gear!Rose Bowl Central

Head Coach Larry Coker:

On today’s practice:
“We had a physical day today. Defense really flew around well and our offense did an excellent job. We had a lot of third down work, some red zone work – a lot of specialized things today. Guys are doing pretty well, and we should since we’ve been at this for quite a while, and preparing for this team for quite a while.”

“Our last two practices have been both – spirited and focused. I think the guys understand why we are here and I think we’re a little bit tired because we ran around today. This was a track meet today. Receivers ran a lot. We went a lot against Nebraska press coverages.”

On extra team activities:
“Tonight is the ‘Beef Bow’ and it really is. Basically we get to eat which is a pretty easy activity for football players. But there’s not much left. The thing we’ve got to be concerned about is there are a lot of distractions – friends, family, and people coming in. The bottom line is we want to have a good time and be a part of the festivities but also, I think these players want to win the football game.”

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma:

On Chris Campbell and Howard Clark:
“I’ve played next to Chris all season and I was used to things he does on the field. He has so much speed and aggressiveness that he would take care a lot of things for me and help me out, but now I have to get used to Howard playing. It’s not going to be much of a drop off because Howard has been playing the whole season anyway so I just got to get used to him next to me if Chris doesn’t go.”

On stopping the option:
“We’re gonna be ready. We’ve been working on it, practicing hard getting our assignments – we’re gonna be ready for it.”

Offensive Lineman Bryant McKinnie:

On knee injury:
“The knee is doing pretty good. I just have to get used to wearing the knee brace. I’m doing everything – all contact drills, running after practice.”

“I’m happy now and I know that Joaquin is relieved because he doesn’t have to be on the left side anymore. Now I know I can be able to help the team out too.”