Aug. 10, 2010

In Attendance: Bill Wagner (Annapolis Capital), Todd McElwee (Comcast SportsNet Baltimore/Press Box)

Q. You were really on guys today. Even Ricky Dobbs didn't escape your wrath. Can you talk about today's practice?

A. It was our first day in pads. There was good and bad. We are trying to get into football shape and we are going to practice at a high tempo and it is not easy out here, it's hot and humid but it's going to be hot and humid during the season too. We aren't going to make any excuses so we are trying to get ready. It was tough out there today, but football is a tough sport. There are some things we can cut back on, but the way we practice is one thing we won't cut back on.

Q. When you called for the scrimmage at the end of practice and Tyler Simmons came out on the field and was screaming and getting the defense fired up, how big of an emotional leader is he for the linebackers?

A. He's an emotional leader not only of the defense, but the whole team. He has already added some energy to our defense. There are some guys that can talk the talk, but can't walk the walk. Guys know that he can talk the talk, but he also walks the walk. Some guys are cheerleaders, but don't produce on the field. Tyler is a maniac before the play and during the play. His energy level definitely helps us.

Q. In terms of how things are going to progress you are going to have a scrimmage on Saturday and you will have four or five practices in before that, do you expect to be able to see who can perform by then or is it still too early?

A. We are trying to do that every day. We are probably going to go live more than most people are this early in camp, but we are trying to evaluate guys. We have a lot of young guys that we feel good about and we want to see what they can do in pads. There are some guys that look good in shorts, but we want to see who can actually tackle and block. We are evaluating every day, every period, every play.

Q. Is everybody healthy?

A. Pretty much, but I'm sure the red shirts will start to grow as we start to hit. We have an overall plan to be ready by Sept. 6. We are going to practice hard and then hopefully towards the end be able to back off a little bit to get our legs back. We have to hit right now.

Q. You hear talk that if Ricky Dobbs gets injured Navy is done, can you talk about your backup quarterback Kriss Proctor?

A. We have great confidence in Kriss. He had a great offseason and played a great game last year against Wake. We know he can do it. He has game experience and worked hard in the offseason.

Q. Will there likely be a time that Ricky has to come off the field?

A. I hope not, but if he does we have great confidence in Kriss.

Q. Have you started to dial in on the third quarterback?

A. Not yet. We have time to figure that one out.