Greensboro, N.C. – Kevin Reddick talks about the change to a new defense, team goals without a potential bowl game and the lack of NCAA pressure.
LB Kevin Reddick
Q: How does it feel without the NCAA hanging over your head for the first time in two seasons?
“I think it’s great. We’re relaxed now. I can say that we can relax, play football and focus on the training that we’ve done this summer and in the season ahead. I think that’s a good thing. It’s taken the pressure off us and just letting us be able to go out there and ball.”
Q: With three years in one defense and then a change to another, how has the transition been?
“Every defense is just about the same. There are different terms and some of the play calls are the same but with a different term. For me it’s just making sure I understand all the terms. I try to watch film, put it on my computer and just whatever I can do on my own time.”
Q: What percentage do you think you’re familiar with the new defense?
“I would say about 90-95%.”
Q: How tough is it to know that you won’t be able to play in a bowl game this season as a senior?
“It’s tough but I’ve been to some select bowl games. I’m not going to put pressure on myself about the fact that we’re not going. I’m going to try to go out and play smart, fast and physical and help my team win 12 games. Missing a bowl game is bad but we have 12 games and a bowl game isn’t guaranteed anyway. Who is to say that we would make one anyway if we don’t win enough games? We have 12 games and that’s good.”
Q: How does head coach Larry Fedora set goals? Has he set any yet?
“His main goal is for us to play smart, fast and physical. He feels that if we go out do that then we’ll win 12 games. He’s got signs with that on it everywhere in the stadium and is the reason that he’s saying that. He knows that we can’t go to a bowl game but he wants to win 12 games just like the players. He really focuses that and instills that in us.”
Q: How do you feel about the competition and the depth of the quarterbacks around the ACC?
“I think it’s good across the league. There are some good young guys like Logan Thomas. He got his chance last year. Mike Glennon stepped up for his team. I think it’s going to be great playing against those guys because they’re a lot smarter now. I think it’s going to be great going against them and scheming on them. I think it will be great this year.
“It makes it more exciting as a defensive player because I want to go against the best. I want your best man and that’s how it’s going to be.”
