University of Connecticut Athletics
Thursday Football Update From Arizona
12/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 30, 2010
The UConn football team had a busy Thursday in Scottsdale, Arizona, from radio shows and television interviews in the morning to an afternoon practice which was followed by a brief press conference. A long-time UConn football tradition took place on Thursday at the senior on the team traded jersey numbers at the final practice of the year. Following practice, the seniors formed a line and were greeted by their teammates and coaches. Below are quotes from Jerome Junior, Kendall Reyes, Mike Ryan and Sio Moore who all spoke with media members following practice.
Here is a link for the photo gallery from today's activities - 
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Jerome Junior (Baltimore, Md.) - RS So., Safety
Can you talk about the threat the Demarco Murray presents?
"I have watched a lot of film on him and I am impressed with what he does but I'm not really worried come game time. I am confident in what I can do and with my position on the field, I don't think he will be that big of a threat come Saturday."
With winning five straight, is the end of this season bigger than the end of last season?
"I think this is even bigger, I'm pretty sure this BCS bowl is a thousand times better than the Papa Johns Bowl. We are where we want to be right now, we got the BIG EAST now we have to win this bowl game."
Do you feel like you are representing the BIG EAST in this game?
"Yes I do think so, West Virginia didn't do too well in their game and we need to win this game to represent both our program and the conference."
Where have you improved over the last five games?
"I have been playing more physical. Everybody has been doing their job and as a whole it makes the team a lot better."
Kendall Reyes (Nashua, N.H.) - RS Jr., Defensive Tackle
Do you feel like there is no pressure on you guys during this game?
"This is a big game and there is always pressure no matter if you are the underdog or not. We have to play our best game of the year and we are practicing hard to get ready for it."
Are you ready to finally just play?
"Since we got down here it has been the longest week ever. We are just ready to rock and roll and waiting for Saturday. We just need to get the mental aspect down during these next couple practices, but we are looking good right now I am pretty confident in the team."
When you look at Demarco Murray's game what has impressed you?
"Demarco Murray is a fantastic receiver and when they get a lot of pressure they just dump it off on him quick. We need to be up on our guys and get on the quarterback and make him make mistakes."
What has impressed you about Oklahoma?
"They are a talented team, No. 7 in the country so obviously they are doing something good. Their tempo is excellent, their quarterback is very good at managing the ball and he doesn't get sacked often so that is impressive."
What does UConn need to do in order to stop the Oklahoma offense?
"Be physical. Simple, but we just need to be physical."
Do you feel that you have something to prove for the BIG EAST during this game?
"Definitely. It is a big thing for the BIG EAST and we are going to represent the conference well and UConn. That is what we always represent and we are going to do it to the best of our abilities on Saturday."
Mike Ryan (Tamaqua, Pa.) - RS Jr., Offensive Tackle
Do you get tired of hearing you are the underdog?
"The way I look at is the team that is the most dangerous is the team that has the least to lose, and we have nothing to lose going into this game. We are always the underdog I feel like since I have been here. It is going to be a good game, they are a good team but we can play football too."
Are you looking at this as an opportunity to show people what UConn football is all about?
"I think we are trying to prove to the nation that even though we started off a little slow we won five games in a row at the end of the season and I feel like we are a pretty good football team. You look a couple years back the Giants started off pretty slow and they ended up winning the Super Bowl. We are playing some good football and we will see what happens Saturday."
Sio Moore (Apex, N.C.) - RS So., Linebacker
How does the team view the trip to Arizona?
"We made it very clear from the time we were out here until now and going into Saturday that this is not a field trip, this is a business trip. We are here to enjoy what the Fiesta Bowl has been able to give us but at the same time stay humble and stay hungry to come out here and do what we came to do, which is win the game."
Players Mentioned
