SECMD16: Texas A&M, Myles Garrett headline Day 2 interviews

Among a bevy of noteworthy Day 2 developments, Kevin Sumlin took to the podium on Tuesday to discuss the tweaks in his program. He was joined by Trevor Knight, Ricky Seals-Jones, a sensational turn at the mic from Myles Garrett, and UGA, UT and MSU's representatives.

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Key Quotes from Day 2 of SEC Media Days

Texas A&M HC Kevin Sumlin

On the addition of QB Trevor Knight as a grad transfer from OU…

“Trevor Knight has been with us for six months but has really come into our program and shown a real maturity level that we thought that he would have as a graduate transfer, as a guy who has won big games, has been involved in high-level competition, and obviously has been through some lows, losing his job to Baker Mayfield (at OU)."

"And, quite honestly, it was a situation where Texas A&M filled a void for Trevor Knight as a guy who wanted to play, as a graduate transfer, a guy who wanted to play at a high level, be around a program that he thought fit his skillset with some coaches he thought fit his skillset and some teammates that he wanted to play with, and got him a little bit closer to home since he's from San Antonio. And then (he) filled a void for us as a quarterback who was not just a transfer quarterback but a guy who had real game experience and had some success. So, for us, it was a great match and I think has led to really a drama-free offseason.”

On the three offseason coaching hires…

“We brought in three new coaches. Offensively, Noel Mazzone arrives as offensive coordinator. (He's) a guy I've known for a number of years, a guy I worked with over in my career, have stayed in touch with, met with, done a lot of different things with. He gives us an opportunity, philosophically, to be on the same page and (is) a guy with a lot of experience."

"Along with Jimmy Turner, who is in his second stint at Texas A&M. He's a guy that is a great recruiter, great developer of offensive talent, and is mainly responsible for recruiting a lot of the first-round talent we've had at Texas A&M that's come out of our O-line. And the addition of David Turner on the defensive line has given us without a doubt the most experienced staff that we've had since I've been here and one that also recognizes from their background what the SEC is all about since they've coached in it, been in it and understand it.”

On the improvement that is expected on defense in year two under DC John Chavis…

“Defensively, second year with Chief, I think we made some strides last year. Obviously, statistically, we were better as a defense. We've got to get better. And our front is going to be pretty good. We've got two of the best defensive ends in the country in Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall, inside with Daylon Mack and Kingsley Keke and Zaycoven Henderson, some real 300-pound guys in there that will be a real rotation and a two deep of guys that can play with anybody in this league. Chief said it before, I said it."

"He feels like and I feel like we have as good a safety tandem as there is in the country along with Donovan Wilson. We had him as a nickel. He's a great playmaker. The key for us is our second level, how linebackers come along. Shaan Washington continues to improve. We've got guys in there that can get the job done who are bigger and stronger. We can be a top-level defense if our linebackers continue to improve. So, just from an overall standpoint, philosophically, going in the spring, I don't think it's any secret for us to be the team that we want to be, the team that we need to be, the team that we can be.”

On supporting Johnny Manziel…

“I can say this, I exchanged text messages with Johnny Manziel over the last two weeks. That's the extent of it. Look, here's the bottom line: he's an Aggie, and he's always going to be an Aggie. At Texas A&M, we take care of each other. So, you know, that has gone on. I have exchanged text messages with him, and really that's the extent of it.”

Texas A&M QB Trevor Knight

On attending Media Days for the third time but the first time in the SEC…

“This is my first time being around a whole bunch of SEC people. It has been unbelievable so far. I have had the opportunity to go to two Big 12 Media Days and although very similar, you guys do it the right way. So I’m really looking forward to today, talking a little bit about Texas A&M football, just having a smile on my face and having a whole lot of fun.”

Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett

On where he’s working to improve entering his junior year…

“Just keeping the hands off of me, getting off the edge and run-defending. I know my coaches tell me I could get better at that, and I have been working on that for the last two years. It was tough the first year, knowing that I was injured, knowing that I had to lean to one side. I had a good year under my belt where I didn’t have any real injuries so I have good strength and conditioning under my belt. I can get another fall camp in, and I can improve during that and hopefully get better to go against great opponents.”

On the idea of sitting out his junior year to stay healthy entering the NFL Draft…

“I’ve heard it, but I’m against it. I want to be one of the best that’s ever come through A&M, and that would just be betraying the people I’ve played with and the people who have come before me, who have worked their butts off … to get to a place where I could just sit out and go? I don’t think I could do that. You don’t disgrace the game like that and say, ‘It’s not worth my time and I’ll be a first round pick anyway.’ You play because you love it, not because you can make money from it.”

Texas A&M WR Ricky Seals-Jones

On Trevor Knight’s addition…

“When Trevor came in, he showed confidence. He really shows that strength, determination and passion to go out. ‘I’m going to beat you until you beat me.’ That was his mindset all spring, and he has continued it through the summer.”