Head Coach Jim Grobe

Opening Statement:
"It's exciting to get started with some football. I don't know if anyone in the country has been looking forward to this day more than me."

On remaining healthy:
"Injuries typically come from being tired, and while we are going to work these guys, we are going to keep a snap count on them to make sure we are not asking them to do too many things."

On the team's strengths:
"We are very good at the skill positions, obviously with Seth (Russell) coming back. We are very strong at running back, I think we have four guys who can play. I like the receiver group, I think we have a lot of receivers. I think our secondary and linebackers are also strengths on defense."

On what he is looking for in the players:
"For me, I look for effort, attitude and work ethic. We have a group of guys that enjoy being around each other, they enjoy competition, they compete hard and they work hardà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ I've gotten the sense that playing full speed is not going to be a problem for our guys."

On how he puts his mark on this team:
"I am really not sure, because I haven't had a chance to watch them play football. I will be able to gauge that to a greater extent in practice. The thing that I have talked to the players about is that we want to work all of our techniques just like we would on game day. When we play I am hopeful that we play with a lot of fury and intensity, but with a lot of class and respect for our opponents. The things that I look at our turnover margin, winning the penalty battle and trying to be good on special teams."

NB Travon Blanchard

On opportunities for new players:
"Each guy prepares as if he is going to be the starterà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ We have a lot of confidence in our new guys."

On team unity:
"We are more than just a football teamà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ Knowing that the team that you are with is working just as hard as you are, you give more also working towards the same goal together."

C Kyle Fuller

On younger guys stepping up:
"I know that's what camp is all about. It's to see who is going to be that guy during the season. The guys that are young are going to have to realize that they are not young anymore."

On being a leader:
"It is my job to show the younger guys what the expectations are and what the standard is going forwardà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ It is in everything, on the field and off."

WR Lynx Hawthorne

On expectations:
"The two star guys have built this programà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ Seth has obviously done pretty well and Orion (Stewart) as wellà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ If we had played as they expected us to, we wouldn't be here. We haven't done anything that we were expected to do since we have been here, so why would we start now?"

On this season's goals:
"I want to be the best at whatever I am doingà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ If the coaches ask me to play defense, I am going to be the best defensive player that I can possibly be."

CB Ryan Reid:

On replacing Xavien Howard:
"X always covered the number one receiver and now it is on meà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ I have to step up and be a leaderà ¢Ã¢' ¬ ¦ The other guys are going to have a good competition and whoever steps up will fill that role."

On LB Taylor Young:
"He's electric. You know that he is going to make plays when it is time to make plays. We know that we can count on him."

QB Seth Russell

On what he learned from being injured last season:
"It adds more of a humbleness to myself. I never want to take any snap for granted or any day for granted. I just want to enjoy the time with the guys around me. I think it is also a benefit that I share my story with the guys. If they ever get discouraged or injured, I would be able to relate to them a little bit and keep them motivated."

On if he will play any differently this season:
"I am going to play the game the way I know how to play it. You always have to be smart because depth-wise we are not too deep. The best ability is predictability and availability and so that is what we what to do on both sides of the ball - is keep everyone healthy and playing fast."

On his health going into fall camp:
"I am great. I feel better than I have ever felt before. It is really great to feel that way going into fall camp, because it is the last year and I have to be healthy and ready to go."