Football Press Conference: Week 1

Game week is finally here, and Texas A&M held its first Monday press conference of the regular season inside the Kyle Field Media Center.

Jimbo Fisher, Kellen Mond, Buddy Johnson and Ainias Smith addressed the media, and you can watch the sessions below. Notes from each of the press conferences are available as well.

Notes from Coach Fisher's first press conference of the fall:

(opt-outs of Jhamon Ausbon and Anthony Hines) They always catch you off guard. Hate to lose them, but at same time with all the things happening out there today in this world and in recent times, so many ways how that affects young men and families. Don’t always know those things. Wish those guys best. Love to have them but respect what they’ve done. Outstanding young men. Unprecedented times.
(Derek Mason’s defensive schemes) Extremely diverse. Extremely technical. Extremely well-coached. Disciplined in what they do. Everything is a fight. He makes you earn every yard. No gifts. Done a great job. Players play hard and are very physical.
(any conversation about moving Ainias back to wide receiver) No. He's our running back. That's where he'll play.
(team health-wise) Right now feel really good. Tested constantly, those change every day. Right now relatively healthy and good where we are going. Moving forward and ready to play this first game.
(Aaron Hansford’s camp) Great camp. Kept a great rotation. We've rotated so many guys with different groups it’s helped them develop. Interacted guys as much as we humanly can do and probably as much as I've ever done. Done that all over because we’re trying to plan for the unexpected. Hansford has really blossomed in that.
(feeling now that you’re close to a game after the last few months) Was a slight time I wondered if we'd play. Was optimistic, I really was. But had to have a plan for your team, how to practice, how to train, if not. Was a time there where I got to planning all that. Been very optimistic about it though. Really exhilirating. Gets your juices flowing. See the look in players’ eyes and bounce in their steps. See why they love it. Gets me going as a coach.
(Marv Leal) Playing as well as anyone we have. Doing great job. Playing tons. Tons of rotation right now. They asked about a depth chart I asked them why because it changes every day. Don’t put lot of stock in those. Not a big deal. They aren't huge to me. We play so many guys in a rotation. Multiple starters and multiple guys that will play volumes. Leal has been outstanding.
(Vanderbilt defense against the wide receivers) Will get multiple coverages. Blitzes. Will jam you, zone you. Rotate safeties. Trap you. Very multiple. Good thing about that is our defense does a lot of same things so what you practice against daily will help. Will challenge our guys not only physically but mentally as well.
(dealing with opt outs and injuries and still be optimistic team can be as good as thought) Built depth. Recruited well for 3 years. Got good classes in. Like energy. Like development of players. Getting more depth. If they opt out or get injured, what’s the difference? Things you deal with as coach and try and plan for. Young guys stepping in to those roles and accepting challenges. Hate to lose those guys but it becomes opportunities for guys behind them. Learning how to play at a very good level.
(linebacker situation and confidence level) Guys been in system a couple of years. Very talented, but had to learn what to do. All these guys have done it and feel good. Are they perfect? No. Always need to get better. But you have size, athleticism, playing with good consistency. Lot more bodies.
(expect execution to be on par with first game of year) Hope it’s very crisp. If I can answer that, I'd sleep better. Always wonder if you have them ready. Think guys have done good job. All you can go off is how you practiced and scrimmaged. Been really good camp. Think we're hitting our stride at right time.
(atmosphere on Saturday) It’s whatever we make it. That's our job as coaches and players to make the atmosphere. That’s what we have to worry about right now. Can't depend on crowd. Don’t mean this in bad way but should never depend on crowd. That’s just a bonus. Can’t rely on them to get you there. They help you, they bonus you, you love them, you want to play for them, but as a competitive athlete you have to bring your own energies and abilities and focus to play at a high level.
(importance of Kellen’s experience) Huge and you're seeing that in practice, the way he's affected guys and communicated with them. Been a really good camp. Guys are bought in.
(Blumrick moving to tight end) Man he can run. 6-5. Athletic. And he's tough. He'll hit you. Being a QB he knows the assignments. Learned to block. Done really good job. Really been impressed with way he's played.
(any difference in Kellen’s demeanor/leadership with losing Jhamon) From day he got here this camp, he hasn't changed a lick. Been outstanding. Demeanor, ideas with the team, way he’s played, way he’s pushed guys, been exactly the same. When Jhamon elected to do that what I think you saw was the maturity of Kellen, didn’t see anything different. I’m sure inside it hurt him, I know it did, but I think also the responsibility he has to this program and his other teammates, it’s a tribute to him and how he’s handled the situation. I’m sure inside he aches but it’s been the same Kellen the whole time.
(did you watch any games last few weeks and issues other teams have had) Haven’t watched a bunch. Practicing on Saturdays. Not as many games Saturday nights. Just typical things. Always worry about special teams early in season and all the little things that can happen. Offensively look at some teams struggling, are they having pre snap penalties, blown assignments and so forth. But at same time, have had some outstanding performances. Hopefully we'll have our team ready to play.
(running backs) Been really happy with our backs. Done really good job with learning and playing, especially the freshmen being this far along. Never had this many freshmen come in and absorb everything so quickly. Still learning, but done great job. Really have.
(Buddy Johnson) Expect lot out of Buddy because he demands lot out of himself. Great offseason and training. Learned to play middle linebacker last year, and going from outside to inside is a big change. Done great job. Great offseason. Great influence on players. Great leadership and attitude.
(nervous about depth with opt outs 6 days before season) Can’t worry about that. You’d chase ghosts all the time. If you sit and worry about that you'll worry yourself to death. Guys are playing well and are excited to play. Just go play.
(in start of third year how long it takes to establish culture) Always developing and establishing. That trickles from player to player, older guys to younger guys. That's what I’ve seen in camp. Been so pleased in camp because of that. I like this team. I like their attitude, demeanor and how they communicate. They're fun to coach. They've got me encouraged with our culture and how it’s developing.

Notes from Kellen Mond's press conference:

(dealing with losing Jhamon during camp and who has stepped up) First off me him had convos going back, he decided to opt out. And me not being selfish person and his roommate, best friend, I wanted to put his mental health first and if he doesn’t feel like he can be on the field I didn’t want to pressure him. Seen a bunch of guys step up. Guys that don’t have same experience as Jhamon but are super talented. We can be very dynamic with the guys we have.
(establishing rapport with wideouts with four primary receivers from 2019 gone) Varies with what we're doing. But that's why we practice the way we do. Building that chemistry. Had some good chemistry with guys from last year but having these new guys step up early, our chemistry and knowledge together and understanding where receivers like the ball has defintely grown. Continuing to build that. Everything isn't perfect but I really like where we’re at right now and the way receivers are making plays.
(run game and how that opens things up for you) Huge. Definitely helps out in pass game and vice versa. Able to be versatile but having Ainias and Spiller back there, their knowledge, blitz pickups, having that type of knowledge back there who have great IQs will be huge going in to this year. Have to take it one week at time but I feel really comfortable with guys back there. Think they're going to both have great seasons and be able to feed off each other a lot this year.
(what being very close to setting school records means to you) Means a lot. Been through a lot while been here at A&M. Set real high expectations for myself. To be able to be so close and be in record books was something I wanted as a freshman and something I worked for. Super exciting when that time comes. It's a big deal but want to take it one game at a time and execute as best I can.
(manage leading and buying in while understanding those who are opting out) Guess at times it can be challenging especially when some of the guys that opt out are my best friends. But I'm pretty understanding, able to communicate with them and understand what their mindset is. With guys we have and way certain guys have bought in I think it's gone really well. Can see it in practices. Looking forward to it getting even better going into week one and on from there.
(difference about yourself as QB from this year to last) A different mentality. Evaluated myself throughout entire offseason, quarantine. Looked over every single play I ran last year. Wanted to evaluate myself and find out what I can do better. Figure out best way to improve myself. This year on a mission not only for myself but for my teammates. Be a great leader and take them to higher level.
(ever consider opting out) No. Never crossed my mind. Don’t plan on it.
(important to get out on right foot) Super important. Starts that momentum we want to have. Vandy is a good team. Got new DC this year and has a good head coach. Looking forward to this weekend. Will be super important for all three phases to start off this year right and get a head start to the season.
(facing new DC at Vanderbilt) At times that can be very challenging. May carryover the same scheme but has different players too. Hard to watch film on, but think everyone is bought in on watching film and figuring out what they're going to do. At least on offensive side will keep it in base and figure out what everyone is comfortable with, and figure out what we get from the defense.
(thinking about Kyle Field at 25% capacity) Think that's something that has had huge impact all over college football. Think we'll have good turnout with 12th Man and Kyle Field but definitely not be what it'd be like full obviously. Puts more accountability on us as players. We have to be able to create the energy on the sideline and within our play. Definitely challenging but it’s going to be something we have to adapt to really fast.
(mentality when taking the field) With me every time I step on field my mindset is I think I'm the best player. If I didn’t do that don’t think I’d be doing right thing and not giving my teammates confidence. Feel real confident going into season. Loving forward to executing game one and moving forward from there.
(did you think this game would ever get here) At times definitely seemed like they’d push back season again or cancel. But my mindset whole offseason was to make sure you’re prepared. I'm ready.
(how much offensive package has been installed) We have prepared for this game but this will be our main prep week starting today and fishing through Thursday and Friday. We ran probably our whole entire offense across all fall camp. Everything varies. Certain things might change weekly with way we do some things. But I think some of the stuff we're running all our principles will apply. Have to go out there and play fast and with confidence.
(what makes Ainias such unique talent) Playing in SEC a lot of people’s first question was his size. But he plays so much bigger. Not sure if in fall camp I’ve seen him lose on a blitz pickup. That's his mentality and his physical mindset. Always said it would be dangerous whenever you have people in backfield with you that can match the same IQ. With him able to come from wide receiver to running back his transition and will to learn has been phenomenal. Way he's played throughout camp has been phenomenal. Will surprise some people with how good he actually is this season.

Notes from Buddy Johnson's press conference:

(reaction to Hines opting out) Was a little surprised. Mental health very important. He knows everyone on team is 100% behind him. Wish the best for him. Good thing about football is it's not a one-man sport. Team sport. Team is ready to go. Guys in that room are prepared to play and they’ve been doing phenomenal job being ready to go. We love Anthony Hines and we will miss him but we have to get ready for this game.
(how can still be confident at linebacker spot without Anthony) Because guys have been preparing to play. Stepping up. Always talk to Coach Fisher he always compliments younger guys. Stepping up big time for us. Goes back to way they prepare. They are changing themselves mentally. Love to see it. Tremendous growth.
(how important for team to start this schedule on right foot) Very important. Important for us to hit ground running and fast. Guys are very excited to get out and play. Fired up. Lots of energy. Contagious. Ready to go.
(was there point in summer didn’t know if play or not) Coach Fisher says don’t wait to play, prepare to play. We always were preparing to play and go out and handle our business. That's what we’re here for. Guys are excited. Team is fired up and ready to go. I'm ready for Saturday.
(talking to team about staying healthy) Guys understand we will have to make sacrifices if we want to be where we want to be at end of day. Guys doing great job. They want to be able to play. If want to play have to make that sacrifice now. Talk to each other. Leaders making sure guys are on same page. Younger guys understand what's important right now and they're doing great job.
(Saturday’s crowd different and what your responsibility is to keep guys fired up) Might be a little different but Kyle Field is Kyle Field. I know our fans will be 1000% behind us if they could be there. Up to the team to bring the energy. It's contagious.
(physicality of all SEC schedule) Very tough season with 10 SEC games. Older guys doing great job encouraging us to take care of bodies and do what you have to do. Going to be tough, long season but we're fired up and ready for opportunities.
(playing without Hines at linebacker) Will be little different. Played whole year next to him. Great player. Built confidence and trust. But football isn't one-man sport, it's team sport. Linebacker room is so fired up and ready to go. On offensive side, Jhamon is great guy who made plays for us. But as Kellen said earlier guys in that room are making plays for us now. It's their time to step up and show what they can do for the team. We're excited. Coach Fisher is excited.
(Vanderbilt offense challenges) Have new OC. Will get together this week and talk about game plan with Coach Elko. He always has phenomenal game plan for us.
(Aaron Hansford’s development) He's very athletic. Very fast. Makes so many plays just in practice. Love to see it. Did a great job preparing to play. Honed in to defense. Understands game more. Coming from offensive side of ball it’s very hard to try and learn defense. Have to commend him on that, training your body how to move different ways. Done great job for us. Ready to play. Ready to go. Understands role he has and leadership he'll have to accept now. Has some big shoes to fill, but he's fired up and ready to go.

Notes from Ainias Smith's press conference:

(key ingredient for your rise here since position change) For me it’s making sure I’m going full speed every rep. Making sure that I'm holding my teammates accountable.
(maybe more opportunities now at wide receiver) Believe Coach Fisher has a plan. Right now deciding on what best position is for me. All depends on gameplay and defense. That's up to him.
(importance of your versatility to offense) Believe it's very important. We have number of athletes on the field where we can get ball in their hands and they do something with it. With me adding on to that it's a number of options we have, not only in run game but pass game, everything. Have every opportunity to score with all the athletes we have.
(young guys he’s impressed with) Really the entire running back group. Hubbard, Jackson, Crownover, Achane. Receiver room really like Moose, really been stepping up. Ain’t gonna lie, I like entire freshmen class. Told them all they have unique abilities and gifts they can bring in and help our team win. Think every one of them has opportunity to make this team great.
(team make own energy Saturday) Definitely have talked about it. Gotta have fun playing with each other and not have the crowd be a factor of why we wouldn't play as well. Limit distractions and focus in on our responsibility.
(what opt out process looks like in locker room) Hard to say. Some have things not necessarily pertaining to football as reasons for opting out. Lot of that can happen outside of locker room or at home. Recently with Hines I was honestly shocked and surprised. But it is what it is. Have high expectations for him. Know he will do great things outside of football this year. Right now it’s next man up and we have a lot of guys that can do that.
(why so passionate about football) Recently been talking to few of my roommates. Game of football now has changed. Way world going on right now it's not able to be same as it was in the past. For me every time I think of football I think of my little league football team. That's where it all started. It's an escape route for me, not to get away from bad things, but just something I'm working my mind toward. Greatest team sport there is. With everyone working toward same goal you can see all the benefits for everyone. Can build the brotherhood and say that I know guy next to me will work as hard as me if not harder to reach the same goal.
(who compare your style to) De’Anthony Thomas. Used to always watch his highlights as kid. Looking at myself now in same predicament. We both weren't biggest, he's probably faster. But I can get open whether at receiver or running back. He had natural ability to do both.

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