Oct. 3, 2011
OG/C David Snow
On playing against Oklahoma: It's really special, going to a neutral place, playing OU, a school that has traditionally a lot of great traditions and stuff, very rich in football. And both teams are very good. We are ranked, I think, No. 10 and they are No. 1. And they have a great program, so it's going to be a lot of fun and I'm really excited to go play.
On playing in his last OU game: It is my last, and it's happened very fast. I'm just excited to play and help my team win.
On seeing many faces in the huddle: With this new offense, Coach Harsin likes to play a lot of different people and get a lot of people involved in the game. In practice, we had the same people, so when you look back there, it's going to be a whole different, package, different people. We are just used to it. It's just another thing we do.
On offensive linemen playing multiple positions: We have a lot of people that are cross trained. They can play different positions. So if one guy goes down, we just move one guy over and then put another guy in. Just being efficient, because we crosstrain so everybody knows another spot.
On if the O-line enjoys running the ball more this year: Any time you can run the ball efficiently the offensive line is going to like it. You get to control the clock, and you get a really good chance to go after the defensive lineman instead of him going after you in a passblocking situation. So it is really good for us.
TE Blaine Irby
On playing against OU: It's a great feeling. Haven't played in it in about three years, but there's nothing like walking down that tunnel. And it's something that I definitely have been thinking about throughout my rehab process, playing in big games like this, and it's definitely exciting.
On his excitement about the offense this year: Definitely something that's pretty exciting just to see what Coach Harsin brings, and it's one of those deals where I know more and more are going to come throughout the season. So I'm just excited about that. It's pretty cool seeing how everything comes together during spring work outs and summer work outs and working on our technique and shifts and motions and seeing how everything comes together and how we are winning ballgames because of it.
On his thoughts about the offense's innovations: I like it. It brings a little flavor to the offense, and I mean, I don't know if you guys saw the last game, but the one with the quarterback right before the snap - I thought that was pretty exciting. Hopefully get a play where we actually get the ball from the quarterback. [laughs] I don't think Coach Harsin has trust in my throwing ability. It brings new flavor and it's always fun when you're learning. We are learning everything. We are learning new things every week about this offense, and so it's fun going through every practice with Coach Harsin and seeing the way he works. It's definitely a pleasure working and playing for him.
On how thick the playbook is: Pretty thick. Just the offensive scheme before camp, it took just about all spring and summer to get it down. Every week we are coming in with new ideas and new plays. So I mean, it's just something that you have to constantly keep studying and you have to just constantly take care of business.
On if he feels Texas is ready for the challenge of facing OU: I think this team has definitely grown up in the first four games of the year. We are 40, but we still have a lot of improvement to be done, and we saw that watching film of all of our games. I just think this team definitely prepares for every game, and this week, we are going to be just as prepared, if not more, because we know the challenges ahead of us.
On his impressions of the Oklahoma defense: The OU defense, they are always one of the best defenses in the nation. It's always a game that each one of us has to kind of do our part. We don't have to do too much on offense, or as individuals. We really just have to do our part and make everything work together. And you know it's one of those deals where you have to jump on them fast and keep playing all 60 minutes, or else we are going to get bitten. OU is definitely a game where we have to bring our "A" game and if not, then it's going to be a tough game. But I think that we are going to be prepared for this one.
On what is tougher to face - the OU defense or the OU fans: Oh, man, I'll say the OU defense. But OU fans are very passionate about their team and you know, it's usually fun - it's really fun walking down that tunnel and seeing the OU fans first. Just [that] they have got a lot of fun things to say to us. It's the overall atmosphere at the Cotton Bowl. It's a fun experience and I've missed it and I'm glad to be back. They are real passionate about their team and about the game. It's a real exciting atmosphere. It's just one of those games where there's not that many like it in college football or in the sports industry. So I'm excited. I know our guys are excited, and we are definitely going to be focused this week and we are going to definitely be prepared.
On if he has notified the freshmen about the atmosphere surrounding the OU game: You can try and warn them about the atmosphere, but it's something that they are going to have to experience. I think every freshman experiences the Texas OU weekend, and it's just a fun deal. And I think that we have done a good job playing at UCLA and playing Iowa, both of those teams, their fans are real passionate and loud during the game. It's definitely going to be a new experience for them, but all freshmen have to go through it and it's just time for them to grow up.
On playing in a Top 10 matchup: We are 4-0, but we have a ton of room to improve. That's what is so exciting about it is, we are not even close to our finished product right now. OU is a great team and they are probably the best team in the nation right now, and they are ranked best in the nation, I'll say that. This gives us a chance to really show the nation what we can do. It's exciting. Texas OU weekend is always exciting, but both of us coming in undefeated just pumps it up a little bit.
OL Mason Walters
On the OU defense: They really attack well up front. I think the linebackers are a great complement to their DLine.
On what is the most important thing in this game: I think in a game like this, it's going to be really assigned to detail, and you have to really run the ball to win a game like this.
On what he would tell those playing in their first OU game: Enjoy it. It will be nothing like you've experienced before and something you'll never forget.
On what his favorite Texas-OU memory is: The challenge it presents. There's a rivalry between OU and Texas, through history, good teams, and the amount of respect each team has for each other is very high. You know you are going to get the other guy's best shot in this game.
On if dealing with the hype is easier for him this year: I think I have a little bit of an advantage. I got to play in the game once before. That's the only thing that's going to be easier. We are going to have the same challenges and level of difficulty this year as we did last year.
OL Tray Allen
On running the ball twice as much as throwing it: Everybody talks about us not running the ball like great Texas offenses have in the past, and we are getting back to playing Texas football. Running the ball more than we are passing it and putting a lot more responsibility on the offensive line to make the holes and get through and gain yardage and first downs and pick it up and take it away.
On what makes this week so fun: The aesthetics are important - the Texas/OU rivalry. A lot of us are from Texas and it's something that we grew up watching and you know, wanting to be a part of before we can even really walk and talk and understand football really. So this week, playing in the Texas OU game, it's going to be a great game. They are a great team. They are ranked. We are ranked, but it's going to be two great teams going headtohead.
On if the freshmen will be overwhelmed: I was a freshman that got overwhelmed by the game, but luckily we had great teams that grabbed me by the back of my shoulder pads and said, "Hey, we are going to play football. You have to get the "W" and get out of here."
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On his favorite Texas/OU moment: There's a couple. Being able to see [former DT] Rod Wright pick up a fumble and score. [Former WR] Jordan [Shipley] taking a kickoff back for a touchdown and [former DB] Curtis [Brown] just blocking a punt. So many great moments and so many great moments that I'm so happy to be a part of.
On what make this team different this year: We established a new identity playing as a team. Everything is teamoriented. We can't have another year like we did last year, and we won't have another year like we did last year. That's what we have been working for all offseason since our last game in November of last year. We credit ourselves with not being 57 again, and that's something that we have taken on our shoulders and the seniors and all of the rest of the team. We have committed ourselves and made our team commit to to give an effort that isn't 57 worthy.
S Blake Gideon
On if he feels Texas Football is "back": I would have a better answer at the end of the season. Four wins, in the old scheme of things, if we don't win another game from here on out, it's not going to get you much. It's not going to get you into a bowl game. All I can say is, we have done our job from here or up to this point. So from here on out we need to keep executing one week at a time. I think we have done everything we can, four games, to prepare ourselves for a fifth game, whatever that may be. Now it's just going to be our job to go back to work tomorrow and prepare like we have the first four games.
On facing Oklahoma: Same offense we have faced every year. They are really not going to try to hide anything or disguise anything, try to fool you with any kind of scheme. It's going to be uptempo, and they are going to change tempo throughout the game. They are very good at what they do. They have the same amount of playmakers. Any time you're going up against a program like Oklahoma, they just rebuild every year and reload. It really does not matter what names are on the back of the jerseys. It's going to be the same calibre of players.
On how much OU QB Landry Jones has improved: Well, obviously he's gotten a lot better. To be able to get thrown in the fire against us really in the Red River game, to now being one of the best quarterbacks in the country and Heisman Trophy contender. Obviously, he's improved every game, and I think any time he's on the field, he gives them a chance to win.
On preparing for the OU up-tempo offense: We have drills every day in practice, with all of the uptempo teams we have seen in the Big 12 to where it's just all about getting lined up. We are all starting at different points on the field, simulating making a tackle, making a play, and then we are going to circle back to our spot. We are going to get going on the sideline a lot in less than ten seconds. So we are taking the fastest possible time that the offense can line up and run the play, and we are lining up to it, and that's all the drill is, is just lining up. So I think you can neutralize a lot of that stuff just by lining up, because the thing about fasttempo offenses, you are not going to be very complex if you're running fast tempo. But it's going to be hard to run a lot of shifts and motions and complex route structures if you're running a play every three seconds or whatever. But if you get lined up. you're going to be able to neutralize a lot of that stuff. Hopefully a lot of that plan will work out for us. I think last year it helped them that, 60 plays in the first half, that they kind of ran us in the ground the first half and most of the time we couldn't even get lined up. And you look back at the film, we are either looking down at our wristbands or looking at the sideline for a call and trying to make adjustments. I think we are going to be better prepared this year just because we know what's coming.
On what it is like for opposing defenses to prepare for the Texas offense: I know how hard it is for us every week. I think our adjustments are actually pretty simple, so anybody that has any more complex of a system, I think it's going to be pretty tough for them to get in and out of calls and realize who all is in different positions and where the motion is coming from. A lot of stuff on film, a lot of multiple formations in plays and they have been successful. So it forces defenses to sit there and spend X amount of time or whatever preparing for it.
On when the team started to mentally prepare for this season: I think it started back in January. You could see the change in attitude from, like you said the head man, all the way down to us. We knew things were going to be different. That started January 17 when we reported back and went through probably the toughest offseason I've ever been through in my life. And all the way through spring ball, and the toughest summer of my life. It's helped us from the start, and now we are off to a great start, so it's going to be important for us to maintain this consistency.
On if Texas-OU should always be an undefeated matchup: I think so. It definitely adds more fanfare. Makes it more fun for you guys, I guess, when we get to the game and we are both 40. I think it definitely adds a little bit to it, but every year is its own game and every year has its own team. We are excited to go out there and be able to compete and obviously, it helps to be 40.
On his favorite Texas-OU memories: First few years obviously, beating those guys was pretty fulfilling. Just all of the work you put in throughout the week and seeing it pay off on Saturday. Any time you can do that against whatever team, it's going to be fulfilling. My main memories are just all of the emotions that goes into this game from the time we run out of the same tunnel, and although Oklahoma fans are sending their good looks down to us, it's packed with emotion and intensity and passion from start to end.
On if he is worried about the young Texas cornerbacks being tested by Landry Jones: He's one of the best quarterbacks in the country, I think. That's well advertised, and he's got the numbers to prove it. Everybody on their offense, they do their job, and that's really what makes them so tough to stop. It's going to be up to all of us to stay within our responsibility and as far as the young corners they have done a great job of not worrying about anyone else's job. Just focusing on what they have to do and holding up on that end.
On what he learns about the team after every game: You learn a little bit more about your team, about the maturity of your team. We talked last week about how maybe the young guys were going to be given a little bit of positive reinforcement [and] of how it can negatively effect them, just being told how good they are, because they have played well. But at the same time, they are showing that they are very mature and they can handle that. It's not a fourgame season or a fivegame season after this game. We have to be able to maintain the same consistency for 12 games.
On OU WR Ryan Broyles: First of all, you can tell that Landry and him have spent time throughout the summer and throughout spring ball. They have spent time together throwing the ball, getting each other's timing down and they have a rhythm between them. I think the other thing about Ryan is that even if you have perfect coverage on him, he's still a viable option in the throwing game. His ability to adjust to the ball on the fly is unlike anybody else in the country and like I said, if you have him covered, then that doesn't mean he's out of the play.
WR Jaxon Shipley
On playing in his first Texas-OU game: Growing up, I've seen my brother play in this game three or four times, and it's just something that it's very exciting. And it's split on the 50yard line, one side is OU, one side is Texas and it's great to be a part of. I know it's going to be a lot different, but I've been in the stands and I know it's going to be a whole different story. And I'm excited to get the experience and it's going to be one of those experiences that I'll remember for the rest of my life. As a freshman, yeah, you're going to have to settle yourself, but I think we have a lot of freshmen that have been playing here already. So I think we are used to it. This game is going to be a lot more intense than the other games, so we have to be prepared for that.
On the team's chances this week: If we have a great week of practice, we have a very good shot at winning. Like I said earlier, we are going to be very focused. Just have a really great week of practice.
On his thoughts about the OU fans: The OU fans are crazy, that's all I remember. They will all be in the stands this year to experience this part, and I know it's going to be really loud and I'm going to be excited and pumped for this game.
On expectations if they are successful this week: Right now, we're 40 and happy to be there but this week is going to be definitely the toughest team that we have faced so far. I think if we do get a victory people will see us as a bigtime team because we are 40 right now, but Oklahoma is one of the No. 1 teams in the nation right now. So that will be a big stepping stone for our team.
On his comfort level now after four games: Each week, just getting more and more comfortable. For me, every time I get more touches, it just gets more comfortable.
WR Marquise Goodwin:
On playing this week in Dallas: It's a home game for me. I get the opportunity to see my family and a few friends and it's a great rivalry. We get to play Oklahoma. They are ranked No. 1. Obviously, they deserve to be there, and it's just a great opportunity to show not only the fans in Texas but all across the world what we are capable of.
On if dealing with the hype is easier for him as an upperclassman: It's a lot easier. It's my third year, and I'm only 20 years old. So just a great opportunity to go out there and show what I can do. I was fortunate enough to play my freshman year to actually score during the game and produce. I'm looking ahead and wondering just what I can do now. Knowing I did that my freshman year, and I've got a lot more skills now, a lot more fundamentals, and so I'm just excited to see what I can do this year.
On the freshmen not really knowing what to expect: I was there at one point as well as anybody who played their freshman year. I was able to make an impact on the team that year, and it was a just a blessing for me to do so. It was a great opportunity for me to go out and make that catch. Even now, I tell them go in and focus and do what you've been doing all year. It's the same game that you've been playing since you were probably in the pee-wee league. There's nothing different. It's just a different title to explore your game.
On what he likes about the Texas offense: It's electrifying. It's a great opportunity for everyone to get the ball and a great opportunity for everyone to get the opportunity to show what they can do. I have always been told it's going to be a small window of opportunity, and it's going to be up to you to take advantage of it or not to. And Coach [Harsin] definitely gives that you opportunity to go out there and shine. So subbing people in and out, getting them reps - I commend them for that.
On the Texas-OU atmosphere: A lot of excitement. Texas - OU. Battling. It's a big grind. That's all it is, a grind the whole game> Everybody just smashing each other's head, getting after it. It's a great game, great atmosphere, and you have half crimson and white and half burnt orange. It's just a great rivalry to be a part of.
LB Keenan Robinson On if this week's game is one he came to Texas to participate in:
It definitely is. This is a game that I've been watching since I was a kid, so it's definitely been some good moments there watching and playing. It's definitely one of the reasons why I came here.
On what the difference is between watching and playing in the game: The difference you is don't get to feel all of the emotion of playing when you're on the sidelines. It's just crazy because the coaches and the fans, everybody acts differently. It's just something that feels like a championship or a National Championship or something like that or a bowl game. Everybody plays at a higher level and the way that the coaches coach is just they are all coaching the right plays and making sure that they do everything they can to put you in the right position to win the game and give you the best chance to win the game. And the coaches just make it so much better because they know that you are going to come out prepared to play and you just feed off of them and you trust your teammates and you hopefully put together a great game and come can off with the win. And we have done that twooutofthree times that I've played.
On playing this week in Dallas: I'm a guy that's from the Dallas area, so it definitely plays a big role, because one, my family gets to watch the game. And even if they don't get to go to the game, they can see it on TV. And it's definitely one of those games that I look forward to playing every year. And the fact is that this year happens to be a really big game because everybody plays everybody in the Big 12 and they are the No. 1 team and that plays a big role. This game has a very important effect on the season. So we need to prepare to win this game, because it can really open some doors later on down the season for us.
On what it means to be 4-0 heading into the game: It makes that much better, makes it that much more important. If you were to ask us in the summer or during spring, if you could do anything to be 40 and have a chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the nation, OU, and all you've got to do is several things I would take the opportunity. This is something you look forward to. It's easier to say than do. Right now, we are 40 and played four pretty good teams and we have been able to win some pretty dominating games. But the fact is now our season could be taken to the next level, because we could beat a team that is No. 1 and has been the No. 1 in the past couple of weeks. So we have an opportunity to do something other teams in Texas haven't been able to do and have a chance to go to 50 and maybe get ourselves to the Top5 in the nation after this week.
On OU's up-tempo offense: It's different because Iowa State ran uptempo a little bit, but their offense is like A&Ms, so much faster. The coaches and players, they kind of know what they are going to do before the next play. So when you get back to the line of scrimmage, the quarterback is making a check to make sure they are in the right place. And once they do that, they can get you with either knee pads or a quick comeback or like a stretch of the boundary on the field. They have a pretty good offense, and the uptempo makes it that much better.
On if it is harder to prepare for this offense: We have been preparing all season actually, because we knew that later down the season we were going to have to face teams that run uptempo. So we have been doing drills and little things so it's not a surprise to us when we play them. We have been preparing ourselves mentally, physically, conditionwise. So we just have been preparing ourselves, and I think that the early preparation is going to pay off on Saturday. The drills we do, basically tempo drills before we start practicing. We go out there and get lined up and Coach [Diaz] will call a play, we'll chase the ball here, everybody tags off, and we have to run back to the next play. So we have to run back, and within about 15 seconds or so, we are snapping the ball again and running the next play. We do that about a couple of times, four times, and then the ones will go and the twos will go and we'll switch and do it again. That really helps because it gets you tired, gets your blood flowing and ready, and it sets the tone for the rest of practice.
On how hard is it for opposing defenses to prepare for Texas' offense: I feel like it's going to be tough, one, because you're not going to stop what they do. So if you go, okay, these three plays, we have to stop something they can do throughout the game power, zones and all that. So as a defense, if I was to play them, I would make sure that I study the stuff that they do well and the stuff that they run the most, and then maybe spend a little bit of time stopping trick plays because trick plays can hurt you, but only if they can set them up with the simple stuff.
On how much he thinks Landry Jones has improved: I feel like he's gotten a lot better offensively because of experience, but he's a guy that if you let him, he'll hurt you. And I say, if you let him, because if you give him time to get back on the field and give him time to make something happen, he will make something happen. He's not a guy that will throw the ball away or give the ball back to the defense. He will hurt you if you give him time. So just like last week, crushing the quarterback, getting him out of the pocket. He's able to scramble even though he didn't make too many big plays, but it's the element of him being able to do that and bring it to the game. Landry stays in the pocket more like a professional quarterback. We need to make sure we can get off him early in the game and force him to make turnovers.
LB Emmanuel Acho
On the importance of a game like Texas-OU: I think this is a game that tells you a lot about yourself. It tells you a lot about, one, the character of your team and the maturity of your team and just the quality of your team because there's going to be a lot of momentum swings over the course of this game and you just have to keep fighting whether you're up 21, down 21 or whatever it may be. Just have to keep fighting.
On if Texas Football is "back": I would not say it's a premature claim. I think that we are playing well. I think I can make that statement confidently. But at the same time, college football is weektoweek, and so you have to play well every Saturday, because one week you can be down and out and the next week you're on top. So we have to keep the train rolling and we have to keep things moving.
On OU's up-tempo offense: I think they have perfected it. I think they have it down pat. And it's something you can't formulate or simulate over the course of the week. Your scout team won't give you the same look. So you just have to watch film and prepare for it so when you do face it, you won't get caught off guard. As a team, I think it's my job to make sure the defense is ready to face it but this is my last go around, so I feel like I'm extremely prepared. I've already watched game tape, and so I'm going to be ready. I just have to make sure that the entire defense is as well, and that's where I think our leadership comes into play and I think we have great leaders on this defense.
On how special this week is: It's always hectic and always wild. Personally, I'm from Dallas and I live about 15, 20 minutes away from the Cotton Bowl itself and watched this game growing up and now playing in it and my last year playing in it. It's going to be wild and emotional, so you have to put that aside for 60 minutes and focus.
On walking down the tunnel of the Cotton Bowl: The walk down the tunnel is probably the craziest part, besides looking at the way the stadium is split, we always walk down the OU side. So you just hear, "You [stink], you [stink] 18," and you're like, "You haven't even seen me play yet." I could [stink] for all you know (Laughter). It's a fun atmosphere and I'm ready for it.
On how critical it will be to get pressure on OU QB Landry Jones: I think that's huge. I think that's it the difference in the game is that Landry knows where he's going before the snap. He's an incredible quarterback and so you have to make sure you keep him flustered. He's such a good quarterback. He's not a rookie, and he's not going to make those [rookie] mistakes. One guy is not going to throw him off. We have to make sure we get after him and the front seven and our secondary holds up in the back end.
On what the difference is between this year's team and last year's: Team chemistry. I feel like I can talk from a defensive standpoint is that we all get along. We all like each other, and we all play for each other and credit to Coach Diaz, he does a good job of making sure you play for one another. And we have been playing together for so long. This is our fourth year all together, that we all get along on the field and off the field we are friends, as well.
On if the freshmen could become overwhelmed in this game: That could be a problem you have with freshmen. This is one of those games where leadership plays a big role, and as a senior leader I have to make sure freshmen are not surprised by anything. And it's a big focus this week is not to be surprised. They are going to be fast and big and strong, but don't be surprised by any of that. Just expect it, so that when you come in, it doesn't faze you, and it when it comes it doesn't faze [you].
On what makes him think they can win: I think we have a great coaching staff. I think we have an incredible coaching staff, and they have proved that over the first four weeks of the season. And you just have to have leaders - have leaders that are willing to fight for this team and I think we have that.
On the OU running game: They do a great job of keeping you off scheme. They throw the bubble screen. They throw the hurryup and go and they take a shot. And so just when you're ready to play the bubble screen or deep ball, they are running a stretch or a toss or they are running something. They do a great job of keeping you offbalance and you have to be prepared to stop all aspects of the game.
On both teams being undefeated: This is how you write the game up. It's a perfect scenario. Both teams undefeated. Both teams Top 15, Top10. You couldn't ask for a getter game. Eleven o'clock, national audience, great atmosphere, great weather. This is how you dream it up, and this is why you play the game.
RB Foswhitt Whittaker
On what he likes most about Texas-OU: I guess the overall atmosphere and the crowd intensity is one of the things that's always been something that I've liked. Crowd is going to be good half-chants - you're going to hear half-chants of boos. It's always a memorable experience.
On if he is looking forward to find out more about his team: I am, because this game is going to tell us a lot of how we are able to face adversity and deal with success. This is a game that's one that's always going to go back and forth, and so just the way that we respond to some of the adversity that we face will give us a character of what this team is about. Because in past years, this game has always gone back and forth between teams throughout the game. Sometimes we'll be up, sometimes they will be up. It's always thrown back and forth, and just one of those things where you have to internalize your success, and move on and deal with the adversity as well.
On if he will talk to RB Malcolm Brown and some of the younger guys about the atmosphere: I've already talked to him a little bit yesterday when we came up here and watched some film and had a walk-through practice. ust basically telling each other what the atmosphere is going to be like and what to expect. Ultimately what it comes down to, it's another game and we are there on a business trip which is to beat Oklahoma.
On how important it is to be 4-0: It's very important because that last win that we had against Iowa State was working towards winning our conference goal, which is winning the conference championship. So this is the next step of pursuing that conference championship and beating Oklahoma.
On if he is surprised that the team is 4-0: I am not. I know the type of work and preparation that we put in and the type of determination and heart that this team has, and I feel like it's just showing to the rest of the world that we are able to see how we work in the offense.
On running the ball as much as passing this season: I feel like it's a tribute to Coach Harsin and the way he calls his offense. Just seeing the way that he has confidence in us to run the ball and take care of it, and ultimately, is attributed to his faith in us.
On how much fun he has in this offense: It's very fun just because the first thing that Coach [Harsin] came to us about this offense is that if you work hard, and you really want it, everybody is going to get a chance to play. So just having packages, different types of formation plays, where everybody allows everybody to be happy and contribute to the team, basically anyway possible. And it goes back to studying how you prepare yourself for the game, being able to study and make the package that you're in work is the biggest contributor to how we are able to run these plays.
On walking down the tunnel at the Cotton Bowl: It's very special just because you can see, basically, one team is in front or behind the other. One time Oklahoma is in front of you, they are about to run out to the tunnel and you are right behind them. Then the next time, you're in front and they are right behind you and then as you're running out, we always start off on, I guess, the Oklahoma half of the stadium where you have just a whole bunch of "boos" as you're running out. But as you cross the 50yard line those "boos" are drowned out just by cheers of Texas fans. So it's kind of one of the coolest experiences that you'll experience.
On what is was like the first time he ran down the tunnel: It was my redshirt year. Jamaal [Charles] was a junior then, and he was telling me kind of what the atmosphere would be like. Him and Chris Ogbonnaya. They had been there years before and just explaining what it would be like, what it would feel like, the kind of intensity involved in that type of game. Once I stepped out there and saw what it really was, it's a moment where you stand in awe for a couple of seconds and you say, "Okay, this is really what Texas football is really about" and from there, you go out and play.
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