Texas Tech University Athletics
Leach, Players Address Media
August 19, 2002 | Football
Aug. 19, 2002
Texas Tech Football Press Conference Monday, August 19, 2002
Senior Defensive End Aaron Hunt
On the defense
"Everyone is more focused and is paying attention to detail. Only time will tell about how good our defense will be this season. We know we have great players and the experience."
On Ohio State
"They are very physical and they run the ball. That is no secret. They are Ohio State. We are going to put our focus on stopping the run because we know that is their strongpoint. Our goal is to make them pass more since they are so good at running the ball."
Senior Linebacker Lawrence Flugence
On the defense
"I think we will be a lot tougher this year against the run. We have been much more aggressive when it comes to the run and have put a lot of focus there."
On the hype of the Tech offense
"We know the offense gets most of the hype but we just want to do our speaking on the field. We have some players on our side of the ball in guys like Aaron Hunt and Rodney McKinney. Our defensive line is looking great so we have plenty of good players."
On Aaron Hunt
"Aaron Hunt is the crutch of our defense. Anytime we need a play made he makes it. He has saved my back and of others. He is close to breaking Montae's (Montae Reagor) sack record and at this point he may be a better player than Montae was at this point in his career."
Senior Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury
"Its going to be a great game but we are approaching it the same way we would do any other game. We are just ready to finally get away from practice and play the game. We feel confident within ourselves and are just ready to go out and compete."
Will this be a breakout year for Texas Tech
"We definitely have the talent to do that but only time will tell just how good this team will become. We have the talent to have a breakout season."
On the Ohio State Defense
"With all of our receivers it is going to be tough for them to keep adjusted to our offense. Purdue throws the ball a lot but they also run the ball more than we do so I think our offense will be different from what they are used to. Their defense will start to adjust throughout the game so it will be my job to keep finding the open man."
Head Coach Mike Leach
On the anticipation of the game
"First games are always heavily anticipated especially when you have been practicing for weeks. So this game won't be any different."
"All teams have identities and characteristics and we will need to hold true to ours. We need to pay attention to assignment, technique and effectiveness and the rest will come."
"Your biggest concern is how polished you will be. You can duplicate this in practice by throwing in situations but when it comes to games you never know for sure. I am not really sure that we have an advantage there because of the system but I would like to think that we will be sharp."
