September 02, 2003
Each week on AggieAthletics.com, fans will be given the opportunity to submit questions for selected players in our "Ask the Aggies" feature. Watch the website following each game for a link where you can ask questions of the stars of the contest.
This week, fans submitted questions for linebacker Jared Morris. The senior Butkus Award watch list member opened the 2003 campaign with a game with a game-high 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops, in Saturday's 26-11 win over Arkansas State at Kyle Field. Here's what he had to say:
You seem to be in a leadership role this year for the Wrecking Crew. Where is the defense at this year compared to last years in terms of being able to stop the run? Last year the Crew didn't allow a 100 yard rusher until the Nebraska game. --Jeremy Slemmons, Lufkin, Class of '06
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"Right now we only have one game under our belt, so it's kind of hard to say. I know our defense came out and had a strong showing last year the first few games, and then kind of lost it, but I'm just hoping we can continue to play well and keep teams around 200 yards like we did (against Arkansas State). I really think that in this 4-3 defense we're going to be able to keep the running games down and maybe put some more pressure on the quarterback."
Great game Saturday, Jared! I noticed you directing the alignments quite a bit against Arkansas State. How difficult has it been to adjust from the 3-4 to the 4-3 this year? --Jim Goldsmith, Waco, Class of '91
"It hasn't been too hard. I played 4-3 in high school, and I've always kind of considered myself a true middle linebacker, with my size and strength. It's really been kind of a blessing for me. It's something I've really enjoyed doing. Everyone else has really done well in changing what they were doing. Our defensive line really stepped up. A lot of people were saying that we really weren't going to have that much depth in that position. Our defensive line did a great job on Saturday, and their play is what allowed me to have a good game."
First, GREAT game on Saturday night! One basic question, do you feel like the 4-3 defense better suits your abilities and playing style? --Brandon Vaughn, College Station, Class of '97
"Yeah. My style is definitely more a middle-linebacker style. (With my) size and strength, I'm able to plug up the middle a lot better, play off blocks and really get after it in the middle of the run game. We also have some fast outside linebackers who are going to get better and they're going to keep our outside game going. I'm really excited about this year. I think it's going to be a good opportunity for me to have a good season."
I noticed that a lot of substitutions were being made on offense and defense. Was this first game an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate what the players could do in a game situation, or was fatigue a factor? I thought the defense played a great game and you in particular reminded me of Dat Nguyen. Good luck the rest of the way and gig 'em! --Jared Treesh, Class of '01
"I think it was more that (the coaches) wanted to get players in there and see what everyone could do. I can tell you right now, I've been through worse practices (this season) than a game like that. I didn't even get too tired. We have a lot of young guys on defense, (and the coaches) want to get them some experience and see what they're going to be able to do later on in the season."
How does it feel to be able to take an active role as leader on the field? Also, at what point did you feel qualified to do so? --Rebecca Morgan, Missouri City, Texas
"I've really enjoyed kind of stepping into a senior leadership type of role. During (Saturday's) game, a lot of times I felt the responsibility to get our defense fired up, get them playing with some kind of enthusiasm, and to stop (Arkansas State) on certain plays. I really hope I'll be able to fall into that leadership role better and better throughout the year, and I think it's going to be exciting."
What were some of the positive things you took away from the Arkansas State game, and what are your goals for the team this year? --James Stegall, Houston, Class of '98
"After watching the film, there were a lot more positives than most people would think. We looked real good. It looked like the things they did we allowed them to do in a lot of aspects, especially as far as third down situations. We were in position to make plays on those third downs that we let them have, and we were the ones that didn't make the plays. Then the ball winds up falling into the receivers hands and stuff like that. I feel like we're going to be able to step up and make those plays as the season progresses. I'm really looking forward to seeing this defense make some big plays on third down."