Terry Price details keys to DL success vs. Arizona State

Key quotes from Terry Price interview

“I’m very excited that our guys up front were able to contribute to the win and have some production that equalled a good defensive performance. We’re excited and looking forward to moving onto the next step.”

“It’s who’s next, that is part of football. I’ve been around the game a long time and that happens. Guys go down, guys get injured. It is a tough man sport, tough man game, so when a guy goes down or you’re short a man, the next man has to step up, man up and bring his A-game. Then, the guys around him have to play better. If you’re missing a starter or two, the guys around them cannot just play to their ability, they have to play better. That’s what we have stressed to our guys and we try to push through and get that done.”

“I think depth is critical in this league. Any time you play a good team, it is very critical. Last year, at times, whether it is Myles Garrett or whoever it may be, you have guys that are playing nearly the whole game because they are productive. Now, in this game, you take guys like Qualen Cunningham and Jarrett Johnson, who didn't start, but played almost 30 snaps. That gives us a chance to rest our starters and I think that is why, when our starters were out there, they played a lot fresher because we have backups that can come in and play meaningful snaps. That makes a big difference. There might be times where guys are gassed, so you play people on first and second down, then bring those fresh pass rushers off the bench. That makes a big difference.”

“I think Dasheon Hall being healthy is a big part of his performance. I know it has been talked about that he finally had a full offseason to get bigger and stronger, he’s obviously healthier than he has ever been. It doesn't get a lot of headlines, but he is a driven young man and he works hard, studies film and is a tougher guy than what you think. He really works at his craft and wants to be a great football player. He continues to get better each game.”

“With Myles Garrett, I think there is two things. Number one, the leadership he has brought to our team. That is one thing we stressed in the spring. In his freshman year, as most freshman do, he was trying to get through it and survive the games, while playing to the best of his ability. This year, we put it on him to be a leader, not just for our defense but for our team and he has done that.”

“Another thing we have really tried to push with Myles in the spring and this fall was playing hard every snap. Obviously, he is blessed with a very talented skill set, but we need him playing hard every snap, that way he impacts the offense on every snap. Being able to get some subs in there from time to time, and keep him fresh, that was the hardest he has played since he has been here. We hope to continue that effort level for the rest of the year in terms of playing every snap.”

“There’s no question our depth and experience is important to winning games. Last year, as a coach, our group was primarily three true freshmen and a sophomore. It’s hard to have faith and put those freshmen out there, because you are worried about mistakes, but we had to play them all last year. Going through their sophomore year, I think they are more experienced, they have developed and gotten better. There is no hesitancy when I have to put one of those guys out there now, because I don’t doubt that they are going to play hard and try to be as productive as they can be. Qualen Cunningham was productive and had a chance to go out there and make some plays, which we have to have. We put that second group out there, and even though he didn't show up in the stat sheet, I thought Jarrett Johnson played hard and played with good technique. Those guys are going to become more and more valuable as we get deeper into the SEC season.”

“There were some unknowns as to what their plan was to attack us offensively, but they are a talented offense. By all accounts, their quarterback was better than the one they started last year. They have amazing skill personnel across the board, so they are a very good offense. Their head coach has said on multiple occasions that this is the best team they have ever had, so that obviously puts you on your heels. It wasn't just one particular thing, their whole offense is so explosive. Last year, they averaged 35 to 40 points a game, but our guys took the challenge, played fast and got after them. We were happy to see that.”

“Being in the league as long as I have been now, going on 20 years, I have respected John Chavis for a long time. There probably isn't anyone that I have followed or respected more in this league than him. We’ll have conversations about SEC games back in the 90s where we were matched up with each other. He has a great history, is a proven winner and has done a great job in this league. It is really like being in awe, honestly, because I consider him to be an SEC legend on the defensive side and without a doubt the best defensive mind in this league. It has been an amazing experience for me to sit with him in the room, listen and learn and see the knowledge and experience come out of his mouth every day in meetings. It has been an amazing time and every day you come to work with a smile on your face because you are going to learn more from the best defensive mind in college football.”

“This week is going to be exciting. It’s funny, me and Coach Jackson and some other guys talk about the old days and I guess we cannot call it small, but how much smaller Kyle Field used to be. You go up there and it is about the finest football stadium in the country. To get in there and finally get a chance to play in front of our home crowd in that magnificent stadium that I love so much, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I cannot wait to get after those folks from Ball State.”