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University of Oklahoma Athletics
The Hurry-Up: Vol 3
August 14, 2019 | Football
NORMAN – The third edition of The Hurry-Up highlights quarterback/holder Connor McGinnis, running back Trey Sermon and linebacker DaShaun White.
Senior QB/Holder Connor McGinnis
You had a little bit of a different summer from the rest of the team. What did you do this summer and what was the experience like?
"I had the opportunity to go to New York City for the summer and work with Nike, more specifically Jordan, as a sales and marketplace intern. It was a great experience being able to see the ins and outs of business from probably the most business-oriented city. It was fun being able to go up there and was cool that OU was incorporated into the mix because we're Jordan-sponsored. That was a cool connection between the two. It was a lot of fun."
You've been in the quarterback room for a while now and have seen two Heisman Trophy winners come through. What does that room look like now? What are the similarities/differences this year to years past?
"It's pretty cool each year. Like Coach Riley says each year at the beginning, everything from last year counts for nothing. Each year you create a new identity for the team from day one. It's obviously different this year because you have new QBs in the room, but the goal stays the same regardless of whether it's Baker (Mayfield), Kyler (Murray) or whoever it is going to be this year. The goal stays the same and it's nice to have that consistent end goal. Whoever ends up running the ship this year, I hope it's smooth sailing like the last few. It's definitely a good competition. Being able to be in the room with this group, it's a good group that is very wise when it comes to QB. A lot of us have played some ball, so it's definitely a pretty smart room."
This is your fourth year as the team's holder, but it's going to be different this season not having Austin Seibert back there as the placekicker. What's the transition going to be like working with a new kicker this season?
"Like with the QB situation, the expectation stays the same. Whenever we're called upon to go out, whether it's after a touchdown or we're trying to go out there and make a field goal, it's the same situation. It's been good this camp to have a new competition, not that it has been good not having Seibert out here, but the competition between the field goal kickers right now is very strong. Each of them are trying to win the position every single day. At this point it's still up in the air and that is beneficial to the whole specialist room in creating that competition, that aggression and focus every single day; coming out to practice with the intention of winning your job each and every day, which is the best way to get better."
Junior RB Trey Sermon
What are you focused on in camp? Are you working on anything in particular?
"Really just everything. My acceleration, route-running, just having that burst to get open. That's really my main focus throughout camp. Throughout the offseason and in summer workouts, I worked on getting my legs stronger, which correlates with a lot of running and sprinting, and just getting faster overall."
Has anything stood out to you among your teammates, working through the summer and in fall camp?
"The amount of effort that everybody gives. Everybody is competing, no matter if it's sprints with our strength staff or just out here making competitive plays. I feel like the effort so far has been really good."
You've played in a lot of big games and had a lot of big moments in your two years at OU. What has been your favorite game in your time here?
"Probably last year against Texas Tech. I feel like I was really playing my game, and I was just really in the zone. I feel like that was my biggest game."
Sophomore LB DaShaun White
How can you use last year as a stepping stone for yourself into seeing a bigger role on the field as a sophomore?
"Last year was a lot of just getting my feet wet. I didn't play a lot of valuable snaps, but I got enough where I understand what it takes and knew I wasn't ready then. I'm happy that I got that year to sit down, process and really evaluate. I think it bettered me for the situation that I'm in now."
Who have been some of the outspoken leaders on the defense so far in camp?
"Obviously K9 (Kenneth Murray), but one that is really underrated is Caleb (Kelly). Even though he's not playing, guys still look up to him at practice. Same thing with Tre Norwood. Those guys are two guys who don't even practice but are still big leaders for us. Pat Fields is another one that has really stepped up, even just being a sophomore. I'm trying to step up into that role, too."
In your words, what does Speed D mean and how it is going to translate to the field?
"The first thing I think of when I hear 'Speed D' is just running to the ball and running your head off. Like running with fire on your hair to the ball. I just think the standard has been raised so much, the things that we are going to do this year. I think the sky is the limit for this group and the more we buy in to that the more fun this year will be."
Players Mentioned
QB
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LB
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DB
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K/P
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RB
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LB
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