Stefon Thompson on the message from Dino Babers: "He's basically said just to finish strong, do what we can do, get your job done." Thompson is viewing this year, with the added eligibility, as a chance to get ahead mentally.
Stefon Thompson said there were numerous benefits of enrolling early, but he thinks all of the true freshmen at this point are "up to speed."
Stefon Thompson on the senior class: "This year, they helped a lot. Just being on the field, if I didn't know something, they helped me out, lined me up. ... Just pushed me down the right path."
Stefon Thompson said he looks at this year as a "learning year" and a "free year." He said these reps don't count (I think some may argue otherwise), but they'll be beneficial long term (definitely true).
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Josh Black: "Trying to stay positive is definitely tough, especially with the record. This is a record we didn't expect at all, especially with all the work we put in this offseason." Motivation now stems from incremental growth both individually and as a team.
Josh Black said he doesn't have a decision yet on what he wants to do next year. That's driving him to play hard every week.
Josh Black on the lack of a true senior night: "It's definitely weird that your loved ones aren't going to be there, the ones that've supported you through your whole football career. ... Just thinking about it more and more, it's really tough for sure."
Asked what variables he's weighing re potentially coming back in 2021, Josh Black mentioned academics as well as the age gap as a sixth-year guy. "It's something definitely to really consider." Dream is still to play in the NFL, though he knows how hard that is.
Josh Black said players are still adjusting to the 3-3-5 D: "Everyone's still coming along with this defense fully installed. ... A lot of the stuff that we would find out is good for us in spring ball, we're starting to find out. We're still making adjustments here and there."
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Chris Elmore speaks highly about Sean Tucker. "He's just been a poised player." Elmore said that shows before, during and after games.
Chris Elmore credited OL coach Mike Cavanaugh for his growth as a first-year lineman. Cav told Elmore that his low center of gravity can be a strength once he gets his hands on a defender. That mentality, combined with technical growth, has been key.
Chris Elmore said he's letting God guide him in making the decision whether to come back next year. Believes the choice could "make or break" his career. He emphasized that he's just trying to make the most of every day.
Chris Elmore: "If I do come back, it'll be unfinished business with every team we lost to."
Chris Elmore said, despite a 1-8 year, he's stayed mindful of his opportunity to play college football. He knows his high school teammates and other guys he's played with don't have that chance.