University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Head Coach Larry Fedora's Weekly Press Conference Transcript
11/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 22, 2010
Opening statement:
"We finished off a heck of a week last week with a great win Saturday night. I am really proud that our team persevered, showed what they are made of and overcame the adversity that was presented to us last week."
On getting things back to normal:
"I think our guys are relieved to know that all three guys are going to be ok and not as worried about them now. They will still be in our thoughts, but we are not concerned with their lives (being lost) any longer."
Update on the three players:
"Deddrick (Jones) has been released from the hospital. They are all doing well and are all in really, really good spirits. We can all learn a lesson in the way these guys have handled this situation, especially Martez (Smith) and the situation he is in and the attitude he has and the way he approaches every day. It is pretty amazing."
On the way the guys responded Saturday:
"I cannot say enough good things about it. I knew what they had inside of them and I knew they wanted to play their best game, but saying that and coming out and doing it is two different things. Seeing them accomplish the goal that they wanted to accomplish as a team and honor those three players is impressive."
On The emotions carrying over this week:
"I still hope we play with passion and enthusiasm, because that is our plan and that is what it is going to take. Tulsa is a really good football team that is really playing well right now. It is going to take that kind of emotion to be successful."
On the team's health:
"I do not think that they have told me of anyone that would not be able to go this week, other that the guys we know we have lost for the season."
On what a win over Tulsa would mean:
"This could be win No. nine and that is important to us. We have not even talked about the East Division lately and have not in a long time. We are more concerned with winning this next game and getting No. nine under our belts. That would be huge for this team."
On rebounding after the tough losses earlier in the season:
"Again, it is another testament to what these guys have inside of them. Whatever adversity that has been thrown at them this season they have continued to fight, scratch, claw and fight their way back from whatever has been thrown at them."
On being around a team that has faced this much adversity:
"I have not been around a team that has faced this much adversity, not that I can remember. I have not been in that situation like we had the other night on any other team that I have been involved with."
On Austin Davis' performance last Saturday:
"He is the type of kid that knows he is a leader on this football team and he knew that is what he needed to do. He set his mind to play the best game of the year and he did that the week before as well. He told me last week he was going to play the best he has ever played and he went out and did that. That is just the kind of kid he is. He is going to prepare himself and leave no stone unturned to make sure he can play as well as he can.
"He is very competitive and he is not going to accept failure, that is for sure. He is going to do everything he can within his power to make sure we are successful."
On Tulsa:
"They are a heck of a football team, they really are. They are moving the ball at will against everyone. No one has really shut them down all season. They are doing a great job on offense. Defensively, they are playing better the last few weeks than they have all season and on special teams, anytime you have a return guy like they do, its dangerous. They are clicking on all cylinders right now, so it should be a heck of a game.
On the Conerly Trophy, the top collegiate player in the state of Mississippi award:
"I think that we have some guys that should be considered, but Danny Hrapmann might be our best candidate. I don't see how anyone could get over him. If anyone was at that game the other night and saw him hit that 60-yard field goal, it was not his fault that it did not count. I can assure you of that. Danny has shown this year to me, at least on our football team, that I would have to give it to Danny."
On the short schedule this week:
"We will practice tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday morning and fly out (later) that afternoon. On Wednesday night, we will have a Thanksgiving dinner and Thursday we will be pretty much locked in on what we need to do."
On the return of Desmond Johnson:
"We are expecting him back this week. If either one of the other two guys (in the backfield) had gone down Saturday, he would have stepped in and played. He was ready to go."
On Things to Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving:
"There is no doubt we have a lot to be thankful for. Obviously, those three guys are doing ok and are going to be ok and lead productive lives and that alone is enough to be thankful. We have so much to be thankful for, it has been an incredible year."
On Tulsa QB G.J. Kinne:
"He can throw it, run it - he can do it all. He is not scared to put it on his back and take control. He is not a burner or anything, but he is elusive enough and runs hard enough to gain yardage. He can easily hurt you with his arm and he has enough play makers. All he has to do is get them the ball and they will make plays. I think the kid is doing a heck of a job."
