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University of Minnesota Athletics
2010 Spring Game Player Quotes
4/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
CB Ryan Collado
On the game:
"I feel great. It was good. We got to go one versus one. It was very competitive and overall I feel like we got a lot better today."
One team goals for the season:
"As a team we just have to keep improving and building on what we have right now. We'd like to go back to a bowl game of course. Our ultimate goal is to go to the Rose Bowl so we just have to keep building on last year."
LB Keanon Cooper
On the game:
"I feel like overall for the defense we played really well. I feel that individually I still have a long way to go. I made a couple of good plays, specifically the interception, but overall I feel like I still have a long way to go. It is just all about putting in the hard work. I feel like overall our defense played really well and we probably exceeded what a lot of people thought we would do."
On getting back on the field after the break:
"I am definitely excited. Just getting back out here in front of the fans is great."
LB Mike Rallis
On the defense in the game:
"When we came out the defense had a rough start but we picked it up. We started playing good team defense. I was fortunate enough where my teammates did their job and that freed me up to get some big plays and it all came down with a defensive victory. It was a good day."
On transitioning from safety to linebacker:
"Last year I broke my leg and at first it was a real disappointment but it actually allowed me to get a medical redshirt and spend a year lifting, getting bigger, and transitioning from safety to linebacker. I have played linebacker before so it is definitely a transition but I feel it has gone smoothly. I feel like I am picking it up and getting better."
Adam Weber
On the fans turnout:
"It was a little funny. We've had great weather for all 14 practices and we come out here today and it's probably the worst weather we've had in the past five weeks. I was happy with the fans coming out to show some support and I'm happy with how we played it today. I thought we did a great job."
On the improvements the team has tried to make:
"The little things. We can't hurt ourselves. We got a tough schedule this year and the last thing we can do is go out there and hurt ourselves with turnovers, penalties, and things like that. This spring, we've been focusing on the little things and becoming a tight group, so when we go out there we can face anybody and have confidence that we're going to be able to win the game."
On the game:
"Spring ball is tough. It's a grind, but we did a good job taking care of each other. It's a fun time to wrap it up, put on a good show, and have fun with our teammates."
On going into his senior season:
"It's a weird feeling, for sure. I can feel the fire under my butt a little bit, knowing that this is my last go-around. I think all the guys kind of feel it. That's the job of the older guys on the team-to get the younger guys feeling how important the season is and how precious time is. This summer, before we know it, we're going to be playing at Middle Tennessee and it's going to go by quick and that's why we're going to make the most out of it."
DeLeon Eskridge
On playing at TCF Bank Stadium for the Spring Game:
"It was really fun. It was good to get back to the stadium in a game-like situation. It was real fun and I enjoyed it and we're just going to try and keep it moving."
On the running backs:
"As a group, we've improved. Everybody's maturing and getting better. We're definitely improving, but the offensive line went all out and with them improving, it's helping us. We're definitely excited for the spring."
Marques Gray
On how the game went:
"I think it was great. Everybody on both sides of the ball were playing hard and finished. The offensive line did really good today and the defense was great. Every position showed up today."
On his touchdown pass:
"I wish it had came sooner, but I'm glad I was able to get in the end zone."
