University of Connecticut Athletics
Meet The Press: UConn Vs. Pittsburgh Football
12/2/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
STORRS, Conn. (Dec. 2, 2008) – The University of Connecticut held its weekly football media luncheon on Tuesday for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh. Here are selected quotes from the event.
Head Coach Randy Edsall
What do you see in the Pittsburgh team you’re team is facing on Saturday?
"They have a good set of receivers so their sound on offense. Defensively, it starts up front with their front four and they haven’t been giving up a lot. They’re very stingy on defense. They’re very solid in the kicking game also with a senior placekicker and punter. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge but we’re looking forward to working to get our eighth win."
How will (LB) Aaron Bryant do in his second career start?
"I think Aaron will do a fine job. He’s been in our program and he understands he’s getting an opportunity this week and he’ll perform to the best of his ability. He’s a classy young man and he’s given a lot to this program and this program has given a lot to him. It’s a two way street. He’s worked as hard has he could to get on the field, he will have participated in bowl games, and he has his degree. I think it’s been worthwhile for Aaron Bryant and Aaron Bryant has been worthwhile for our program."
As the senior class approaches their regular season finale at UConn, what are your thoughts on what they’ve accomplished?
"Guys like Darius (Butler) and D.J. (Hernandez) who were there that first year redshirting and who have been here for five years, if you take a look at what they’ve been a part of and what they’ve accomplished here, it’s truly amazing. This group of seniors went to three bowl games, got a share of the BIG EAST title, the second fastest team to be ranked from I-AA, its amazing. It’s a great credit to them and the leadership they brought and work ethic the instilled will make us forever grateful and indebted to them."
On Senior OT Will Beatty’s time at UConn.
"Will probably has more of a special place in me than some of the other guys because of where he grew up and where I grew up. I probably have more respect for Will than any other senior on this football team because I know what I put Will through in his first two years. What I put him through made him a better person, a better student, and a better player. There was a young man who didn’t play to the potential he had, but now he has reached a level people in New York didn’t think he could get to. I think the only other school that looked at him was Shippensburg State."
How do you personally handle the seniors leaving at the end of each year?
"It’s always tough and always emotional. You spend so much time with them that you’re going to miss all of them. They all have their little things about them that you’ll remember, but I know this: If I was in an opportunity to hire them in any type of field they wanted to be hired in I’d hire them in a heartbeat, and I think that’s the greatest compliment you can give those kids."
Players Mentioned
