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University of Oklahoma Athletics
The Hurry-Up: Vol. 3
August 15, 2017 | Football
NORMAN — Oklahoma football's 2017 fall camp has reached the halfway point. Defensive ends coach Calvin Thibodeaux, senior quarterback Baker Mayfield, senior defensive tackle Matt Romar and sophomore running back Abdul Adams spoke to SoonerSports.com about their impressions so far in the third installment of the new series, "The Hurry-Up."
DE Coach Calvin Thibodeaux
What have been your impressions of the defensive ends so far in camp?
“I've been pretty excited about them. They've really shown some explosion on the edge, and shown the ability to win one-on-ones, which we're going to need if we're going to base out of this 4-3 front. These guys have been awesome. Ogbo (Okoronkwo) has been unblockable at times, so that's very encouraging. Mark Jackson has flashed some. Then on the other side you look up and D.J. Ward has just been steady. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and is very solid in the run game. So I've been really pleased with those guys. And then you see a guy like Addison Gumbs in the mix, flashing but still needs to be developed, but that skillset is there. Overall I've been pretty happy with the group.”
How does going from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 affect the defensive end position?
“We're just on a lot more edges, we're not head-up on guys. It's an opportunity for those guys to make more plays and be able to win more one-on-ones. Not having to be right down the middle of the offensive linemen, there's definitely more freedom in this package.”
With last year being your first back at OU as an assistant coach, how has camp been different for you this year?
“I'm comfortable in year two. I was comfortable last year, but just having that year of experience under your belt you're comfortable, you're familiar with the players, you know what the defensive coordinator is thinking. So I'm certainly more familiar with everything.”
How has the relationship been with you and Coach McNeill (defensive tackles coach) on the defensive line?
“It's been pretty good. You look at all that knowledge and all that wisdom he brings to the room and to the group, it's very encouraging. We've been working side-by-side and he's been awesome. To pick his brain and get another opinion on things has been awesome.”
Senior QB Baker Mayfield
How have you seen the competition develop at the wide receiver position?
“I've said it a couple times so far throughout camp – it's a position where we have a lot of depth. That's a good problem to have. You have guys who are pushing each other. You have guys with a lot of experience like Jeff Mead and Mark Andrews, and I consider Jeff Badet as one of those guys with a lot of experience, as well. Those guys are in a leadership role and have the experience where they can show by example, but at the same time, they have a lot of young guys behind them who are going to push them. They have to be better because they have so much talent around them. It's a lot of competition, and it's good to see those guys push each other and make plays. That's how a team gets better – the competition from within. It shouldn't be during the season somebody wearing a different uniform ahead of you that makes you want to compete. It's wanting to be that one guy who wants to get the ball.”
Describe your offensive line in just a few words.
“I would need a bunch. Their chemistry together and the way they work together is unique. It's very rare. They are competitive and they have a sense a pride about themselves in getting their job done as a unit. They hold each other accountable.”
What is the thing you have been working on most in this camp?
“Whenever you get a new group of receivers you have to learn how to throw to them. The best quarterbacks adjust to their guys and they get the best out of them. Whether it is a bigger guy who didn't jump as much, or maybe it's throws that are a little shorter and behind them so he can adjust and use his body, or if it's a speedy guy it's about getting my timing down. It has been about learning my receivers, getting to where I'm putting them in the best positions to make plays and putting our offense in a position to win.”
What is your mindset knowing this is your final camp with the Sooners?
“I never take a day for granted; whether it's stuff like a walk-through or a film session here and there. It takes the little things to get where we want to be and achieving our goals at the end of the year. It takes the little things, so I'm going to take it one day at a time.”
Senior DT Matt Romar
What has it been like playing under Coach Ruffin McNeill?
“It's been great. He really reminds me of Coach (Diron) Reynolds, who was here two years ago. He's a great coach. He loves and cares and treats you like one of his children.”
Would you say you're approaching camp differently this year as a senior?
“You have to, knowing I'm one of the older guys on the defensive line. We've got a lot of young guys this year, so I'm trying to lead and have them follow in my footsteps and lead the right way.”
Are there any areas you're focusing on specifically in camp?
“Really just learning to play the 1-technique and 2-technique to the best of my ability. We were running the 0-technique since I've been here, so I'm just trying to get the technique down and see how far it'll get me.”
What's it like facing the offensive line every day?
“Those guys play as one unit. I don't think I'll probably play anybody that's as good as them across the board.”
Sophomore RB Abdul Adams
Now in your second season, how is this year's camp different than your first?
“When you come in as a freshman, you come in straight out of high school, so you definitely have to get used to the tempo and be on the grind in mastering everything, learning from the veterans, listening to the coaches and taking everything in and getting better.”
What have you been working on this camp to improve?
“All through the summer and camp I have been in the film room a lot trying to master everything and be on top of everything. I've definitely been working on my quickness and getting stronger, as well.”
What is it like playing behind a great offensive line?
“First of all, it starts with Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh. He keeps them accountable, and they do their job every day. They want to get better every day. They practice hard and work hard every day. That sets the tone. When we see that, we are on our Ps and Qs. We have to be the same as them, everybody working together. We are one.”
How have the open spots raised the level of competition among the group?
“We love competing against each other. We love making each other better. We push each other and keep each guy accountable. We push each other, work hard and practice hard.”
Players Mentioned
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