Some Blakeney quotes from Monday
August 25, 2008
Not sure if they’ll make it into tomorrow’s story, but didn’t want them to go to waste.
Needless to say, he’s not happy about opening up with a conference foe, especially when the Trojans can only dress 66 players (according to what he was saying).
“I’m bothered about that,” Blakeney said. “Normally, we play (a conference team) in the fifth game. It’s easier to have it to 66 in October than we can in October. I’m not real fond of it, but we’ll try to deal with it and eke out a win.”
Big concern?
“The kicking game. They’ve got all their guys back. We don’t have our guy back,” Blakeney said.
His guy from last year is Greg Whibbs, MTSU’s best kicker I believe is junior David Defatta. Replacing Whibbs is Michael Taylor in kickoffs, Sam Glusman with field goals and extra points and Will Goggans at punter. Jorrick Calvin will return punts. DuJuan Harris and Jerrel Jernigan will return kicks.
“The element of advantage for them is the kicking game with the guys they’ve got coming back,” Blakeney said. “We’re very green there. No matter who we put out there, they are first-timers in college football. You’ve got to kick it in a game before anybody knows if you can kick.”
On the offense.
”Jamie (Hampton) has demonstrated that he’s the top guy (at QB),” Blakeney said. “He separated himself with his accuracy and his run ability. We need to be able to hang our hat on the offensive line.”
On the Palladium trophy, which Troy has held since 2006.
“I’m sure it means a lot to these guys,” Blakeney said. “It never leaves my offense when we are in possession of the trophy.”
