Texas Tech University Athletics
Q&A with Sonny Cumbie
August 09, 2011 | Football
Sonny Cumbie talks about the early stages of fall camp.
August 9, 2011
Inside Receivers coach Sonny Cumbie is in his second season as an assistant under head coach Tommy Tuberville. Cumbie, who also served as a quarterback for Texas Tech from 2000-2004, took time to talk about the progress the Red Raiders have made in the early stages of fall camp.
by Britton Drown
Texas Tech Athletic Communications
Q: After four days of practice, what is the biggest improvement you have seen on the field?
A: I think the biggest thing is just our cohesiveness as unit. Everyone is really on the same page and really pulling for one another. It's really good. The biggest thing for us is to continue doing that, and increase our execution.
Q: What is the biggest challenge for players as they go through training camp?
A: It's just a grind. You are really doing the same thing over and over. But the thing is, that is what makes good football players--being able to do the same thing right over and over again. So that is what we, as coaches, have to get implanted into their head is to do the same thing right over and over. That is what we are working on as a team.
Q: You have been through training camp as both a player and a coach, what has been the most challenging thing for you over the years?
A: The biggest challenge for players is mentally and staying focused. Your body gets tired, you get worn down after a week or two and you start thinking about aches and pains and this and that, but you have to ultimately remember that end goal of doing the right thing every day.
As a coach, it's just what we do and it's why we do this. We enjoy it.
Q: What would you say the overall mood of the team is right now?
A: There's a lot of energy. I think the energy level has been really good on both sides. We are whooping and hollering and really getting after it and playing physical. I know from our standpoint our execution wasn't as good. But the energy level for the fourth day in pads was really good.
Q: Who, individually, has stood out to you during camp?
A: You know, it's still really early. I think that Austin Zouzalik has had a really good camp so far, and hopefully he can continue to play like he has been playing.
Q: What do you think of the new uniforms?
A: I like them. They fit tighter. They definitely catch your eye. I think once the players wear them a time or two they are really going to like them. Under Armour does a great job of taking care of us as a program.
