Sean Tucker, Nykeim Johnson, and Garrett Williams Press Conference | Oct 6

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

RB Sean Tucker joins the presser first. He credits the offensive line for opening up holes for his big runs against Georgia Tech.

Tucker says that he didn't imagine having the opportunity to start after being at one point as low as fifth on the depth chart at RB but he stayed positive with the next man up attitude.

Tucker passes on credit for his breakout game to the offensive line. "I just think it comes down to my o-line because without them, there'd be no hole for me to run through." Tucker believes growth in the team's run game has been gradual since Week 1.

Tucker said the reps he picked up during preseason helped him with comfortability against Georgia Tech. He didn't say his mentality changed when he learned Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard opted out, but opportunity increased.

____________________

Nykeim Johnson said the bye week was beneficial. In addition to starters getting rest, backups got a chance to take more reps. "That's always great when guys get an opportunity to do things they haven't done before."

Johnson said the quick-strike ability that Syracuse's offense showed against Georgia Tech is how the unit is supposed to function. He's not worried about that group losing momentum with the week off.

Johnson: "The running game is everything. A team's identity starts with the running game."

Johnson said the blocking on punt and kick returns have allowed him to be explosive this year. Said he took "every note" from predecessor Sean Riley. Was quick to pick his brain over the last couple years. Added that experience and comfortability are key to returning punts.

Johnson said coming off surgery entering 2019, he wasn't as locked in as he could be. He made sure that wasn't the case this year. "Taking advantage of the little things is what's most important."

Johnson said he was impressed by SU's young DBs during preseason camp. He pointed to older guys in the secondary setting the tone and creating a "Band of Brothers" culture. Rob Hanna and Ja'Had Carter have already made some big plays this year.

____________________

Garrett Williams said recovery has been an emphasis for him during the bye week.

Garrett Williams said he moved from QB to CB going into his senior year in high school. His coaches said he'd start there and the results came quickly with his natural athleticism.

Williams on seeing the young DBs play: "It's a lot of fun." Goal is to play fast, hard and to have fun doing it.

Williams said there's a "hole" in Syracuse's secondary without Andre Cisco, but the unit is preaching next-man up. He said true freshmen Rob Hanna and Ja'Had Carter are "naturally really talented" and that's contributed to their early success.

Williams said understanding how offenses work has helped him succeed at cornerback despite his limited time working at the position.

 

[Trueblue25]

Feel like only particular players are allowed to speak in these interviews. Hope Tucker continues to work hard and capitalize

 

[AngryOtto]

It seems like different people each time. It’s usually a player that had a big game. I am surprised Dino is letting freshman speak to the media.

 

[PhatOrange]

Dino has never let underclassman speak to the press

 

[upperdeck]

interesting to see a corner who has played 1 yr doing it so well.. good sign going forward

 

[Chip]

I guess that confirms what we already know about Cisco.

Unless that comment from Garrett Williams was planted.

We'll never know. Until we know. On Saturday. At 12:30. On RSN. Unless it's delayed again.

 

[Trueblue25]

Wait, Garrett Williams has only been a corner for one year?

Good god our secondary’s disgusting

 

[Libero2]

Wait, Garrett Williams has only been a corner for one year?

Good god our secondary’s disgusting

This would be year 3 if I’m reading it right (1 yr in HS, RS year and now this year)

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Dino has never let underclassman speak to the press

Yes he has.

 

[PhatOrange]

Yes he has.

when? Over the years I don’t recall it until this year and/or maybe Dungey

 

[OttoinGrotto]

when? Over the years I don’t recall it until this year and/or maybe Dungey

He has this season in these interviews.

 

[PhatOrange]

He has this season in these interviews.

I should've clarified, "other than this year," I've watched all these interviews. But I don't recall him ever doing it before this year and I don't know if he's ever let assistance interview either.

 

[SUskibum]

I should've clarified, "other than this year," I've watched all these interviews. But I don't recall him ever doing it before this year and I don't know if he's ever let assistance interview either.

I can remember a bunch in 2018 including Tommy, Dre, Iffy, Nykeim