8/7/2002 - Football
Navy Football Press Conference Day 2, Practice 1
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Sophomore Slot Back Eric Roberts (Miami, Fla.)
Q. You really made a mark in spring practice.
A. Spring practice went pretty well. I did everything I could. With the new coaches, I knew If I worked hard they would give me a chance. It was good to have a fresh start with the new coaching staff.
Q. You played last year on the JV?s and you dressed some for varsity games, but did you get into any games on the varsity?
A. I played two plays, at Toledo.
Q. Was that the only trip you made?
A. I think so, I believe the other games I dressed were home games.
Q. You mentioned a fresh start, what did you think about during the summer months and trying to build on the impression you made in the spring and trying to enhance your standing on the team.
A. Spring let you show the coaches what you had, but the summer gave everyone another chance to show who really wanted to step up and be a contributor this year.
Q. What are the differences as a slot back this year compared to last year?
A. The scheme is a lot different. The coaches have a better understanding.
Q. Do you have a better understanding of what they are telling you
A. A lot better.
Q. Are there different things you see yourself doing this year compared to last, in terms of pass receiving. When Coach Johnson was here in ?95 and ?96 as the offensive coordinator they threw a lot to the slot backs.
A. I believe it depends on what the defense gives us that day. I am ready to catch a lot of passes. Our base is the option, but I will be ready to catch a pass if it is thrown my way.
Q. What position did you play in high school?
A. I was a running back. I had never seen the slot back position before. It was a little different for me.
Q. Did you go to NAPS or did you come direct?
A. I went to NAPS
Q. Who was the coach that recruited you?
A. Coach Ware.
Q. What was the attraction here and how did Navy spot you. What other schools recruited you?
A. There were some small local schools, a couple of Division III schools. I didn?t know much about the military. I knew it was a good opportunity.
Q. Is your high school a big school?
A. No, it was a small private Christian School
Q. How many students
A. About 390. We didn?t get much publicity so it was hard to get noticed.
Q. Was any of your family ever in the military?
A. No, not at all.
Q. There have been some guys here from that area, I believe Harry Spencer was from Miami.
A. He actually lived on the same street I did.
Q. Did you know him
A. My dad and his dad know each other so when I went to NAPS I talked to him. He told me it was a place I should be so I took his advice and stuck it out.
Q. How eager are you for the season to start.
A. I?m hungry, very hungry. I have been waiting for this for years. This is my opportunity. I am going to give it everything I have.
Q. Where did you go on your cruise?
A. Boston, New York and Rhode Island. We were able to find a weight room in each port so we were able to work out and not lose any size.
Q. Did you put on any weight?
A. I put on a couple of pounds, but I was running every day as well to stay in shape. I didn?t want to gain too much, because I wouldn?t have felt comfortable. I just tried to maintain my weight.
