4/1/2002 - Football
Spring Practice Report #5

Links associated with this release:
0
0
0

Navy Head Coach Paul Johnson

Q. Were you pleased with practice today?

A. "No, not really. I think some guys are getting better. The intensity is picking up. We are getting rid of some guys who don't want to be out here. We have had about 20 guys hang it up. Guys are getting better, we are still learning."

Q. You are 1/3 of the way through spring practice, are you about where you want to be?

A. I'm not sure if you are ever where you want to be. I think we have made some progress."

Q. Talk a little bit about the fullbacks in this offense and how important they are.

A. It's kind of like baseball, it's real important to be good up the middle. I have been impressed with Shane Todd, I think he has a chance to be a good player at center. Polanco (Aaron) is doing some good things at quarterback. Candeto played baseball today (against Army) and wasn't here, but Aaron is making progress. I think we have some B Backs (fullbacks) that can play. McDonald (Bryce) competes hard and so does Cee (Harris). Eckel (Kyle) has a lot of ability. I think we have a chance.

Fullback Cee Harris

Q. What are your thoughts so far on the new offense?

A. We are hitting it hard; we are hitting it fast. We have a lot of new stuff to learn, but we are having fun. We are playing as a team.

Q. Talk a little bit about spring practice and the intensity level compared to last year?

A. It is a lot more intense. Everybody is fighting for positions. Coach Johnson and his staff have us fired up. They are coaching us tough and they won't let us take any easy steps. We are doing a lot of stuff against our own defense, we are just having fun and getting after each other.

Fullback Bryce McDonald.

Q. The fullback is a key person in this offense, does that excite you that your position will be a key in this offense?

A. You know your going to get the ball and that is exciting. The fullbacks are trying to be leaders on the field.

Q. You have done a lot of work against the #1 defense, do you think that helps you grow as an offense when the #1 offense is going against the #1 defense?

A. It's full speed against full speed. You aren't going to learn anything going against the third string. With our new coaches, they have brought more of a hard-nosed approach. No one as a secure position on this football team.