The Hurry-Up: Volume 5

NORMAN – Fall semester classes have begun and the 2019 season opener is less than two weeks away. The Hurry-Up charges on, and this fifth edition highlights defensive lineman Dillon Faamatau, offensive lineman Marquis Hayes and H-back Brayden Willis.

Redshirt Senior DL Dillon Faamatau

With this year being your last at OU, how much are you looking forward to the upcoming season?
"I'm extremely excited for this season. I've been here since 2017, and each year I've been here we've made it to the playoffs. There's something about this team's energy this season – coming into the spring, having Jalen (Hurts) transferring in from Alabama, Coach (Alex) Grinch coming in with the new defense and whatnot. I don't know what it is, but finishing up camp, I just feel like we brought the energy we need to go out and perform and succeed."

Have you focused on anything this offseason to improve yourself as a player?
"I'd say the number one thing was losing weight. I was just trying to lose weight to get ready for the defense that Coach Grinch has, being that our motto and the way we live by this defense is 'Speed D.' Everything we do, you have to be fast. No slow kids on the field. So, I feel as though me buying into that motto of our defense and actually investing into being the best I could be, that's what helped me as far as with this weight loss."

How do you think the D-line is performing as a group, and did you see progress throughout camp?
"As a collective group, as a defensive line, I feel as though we've grinded the way that we're supposed to. We're not there yet, but I still feel like we've invested the appropriate amount of time in order to take that next step in our game. Everyone from the winter workouts to spring to summer, all the way up through fall camp, I felt as though as a collective group we've invested the correct amount of time to step up our game and try to make more of an impact for this defense."

As a defensive lineman, how do you see your role in the defense?
"As a defense, we work as a collective group. The defense doesn't go unless all 11 men go. It's the same thing with offense, the same thing with football in general. Ten men may be doing the right thing and if one person is off, everything crashes. As long as we keep the correct mentality, correct mindset, correct outlook on things and keep it in perspective, and just knowing that at the end of the day each of the 11 men on that defense has to do their job, then there's no doubt that we can be successful. That's the number one priority, is to do our job."

Redshirt Sophomore OL Marquis Hayes

How was fall camp for you, as well as the offensive line?
"I feel like it was a great starting point at the beginning of fall camp. I feel like throughout fall camp we took steps and got better. Now, the O-line is comfortable together and we built a lot of chemistry throughout camp. I feel like we're all on the same page and we have to keep striving forward after a positive fall camp."

What does it mean to get your chance this season after waiting in the wings behind guys that are now in the NFL?
"It's a privilege to sit behind guys in the league now, like Ben Powers, Cody Ford, guys like that. I just craft my game after them. It's great for me to finally be able to show what I learned from them and contribute to the team."

Which do you prefer – run blocking or pass protecting?
"I feel like it's a 50-50 thing, but I feel like running the ball more is what I like and what I think gets our offense moving to start off. I feel like it gives us O-linemen the chance to really wear down the other team's defensive line, then we can score touchdowns on the ground or through the air. So, that can be a key thing, just establishing the run early."

What are you most excited for this season?
"I'm most excited to see what we come out and do the first game. We're ready to start the year on a high note and keep it going throughout the season."

Sophomore HB Brayden Willis

You moved from tight end to H-back in the offseason. How have you handled that adjustment?
"I've taken too it really well. I just want to do anything to help the team. Coach Riley came to me with the idea and I thought it was a great idea and I jumped on board. The transition has been smooth. It's some of the same stuff, but it's also a little bit different. We're getting in the trenches a little bit and getting to tussle with the big boys, but it's nothing that I haven't done before. I welcome it."

What have you done in the offseason and during camp to become a better player?
"First and foremost, my blocking, my technique and everything like that. I did a little bit in high school, but being out on the edge for my first year kind of let it rest up a little bit. Just trying to improve my blocking and technique; just want to keep on improving that. Also, just being able to be so versatile that I can play any position that they need me to."

What is your perspective of the H-backs at this point in preseason practice?
"I think our group as a whole has been practicing well. I think we practiced well all fall camp. Obviously, we have things to do to get better, but that's why we have two weeks to improve. But overall, I'd say if we have to play tomorrow, we'll be OK."

You blocked a punt last year against Kansas that was returned for a touchdown. Can you describe the play and the thrill of blocking a punt?
"I followed through and executed and blocked the punt. I wasn't any happier than seeing my teammate Buzzy (Curtis Bolton) scoop that ball up and score his second or third touchdown on the year, especially for it being his senior year. It's kind of like in slow motion until you hit the ball. I felt the ball. It was cold that day and it really hurt my hand. We were here at the Palace and it just went crazy. You just hear the fans, like in movies when the roar comes around you. It's really exciting and I look forward to doing it again."

Redshirt Senior DL Dillon Faamatau

Redshirt Sophomore OL Marquis Hayes

Sophomore HB Brayden Willis

Players Mentioned

Curtis Bolton

Dillon Faamatau

Cody Ford

Marquis Hayes

Ben Powers

Brayden Willis

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics