Q&A with A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill

Gabe Bock: How did everything play out this week leading up to you getting your shot at Kansas?
Ryan Tannehill: “Coach [Sherman] visited with me earlier in the week and told me that I might get a shot. He didn’t promise anything, but told me to just be ready. All week, I prepared for my chance and, luckily enough, I got my chance to get in there on Saturday.”

GB: The first drive stalled out because of a penalty but, fortunately for you, Sherman still gave you the chance to get back in there and get into a rhythm.
Tannehill: “I went in the first drive and completed a couple of passes, but the 15-yard penalty really pushed us back and we weren’t able to get a first down. I was nervous about whether or not I was going to get another drive, but coach stuck with me and we were able to go down and put some point on the board. It was good to get some action ... not just a little bit at the end of the game. I was able to get a feel for the game and how it moved along.”

GB: How were your nerves taking those first snaps under center?
Tannehill: “There was definitely a little bit of nerves but I was actually a lot calmer than I thought I would be. I guess since I’ve been in the games before [as a receiver], that helped. We practice well and coach really prepares us, so I think that all helps in calming the nerves. You just have to run the plays like they’re meant to be run.”

GB: How much did Jeff Fuller help you out early on, when you were trying to get into the flow of the game?
Tannehill: “He’s a great target for us. He makes a lot of plays for us. It’s great to have a guy like that on your team. In one-on-one coverage, or even double coverage, he’ll come down with the ball. So it’s great to have him on the team.”

GB: Did you have any idea on when you would go in at quarterback?
Tannehill: “Coach didn’t promise me when I would go in, or if I would go in, he just said be ready. As the game ticked along, I started to get nervous if I was going to get a chance but, during the second quarter, he finally told me that I was going to get in there. I was really excited.”

GB: Did the timing of him putting you in surprise you at all, since Jerrod had led three straight scoring drives?
Tannehill: “Yeah, I guess I was a little surprised. I was just waiting patiently, hoping he would put me in, and he finally did and I was pumped up. I just tried to get my guys going, and we were able to put some points on the board.”

GB: How do you think the team responded to your presence on the field?
Tannehill: “I think we had a lot of fun. I try to bring a lot of energy out on the field and a lot of energy to the offense. I think the guys responded well and we moved the ball down the field. We played with a lot of energy. I think when you play with a lot of energy and a fast tempo, it definitely helps your offense move.”

GB: How important is it for the chemistry of the team that you and Jerrod handle this situation with class and with a team attitude?
Tannehill: “You don’t want to have a divided team. If we divide this team, we’re only going to go downhill. I definitely want everyone on the same page because, at the end of the day, it’s about winning games. Whatever Sherman decides is what he decides ... we’re just trying to win games. Whoever is in there can succeed. The guys just need to rally around whoever is in there so we can put points on the board.”

GB: During the heat of the moment while the game was going on, how did Jerrod respond to you being out there and him being on the sidelines?
Tannehill: “I think he responded well. It’s a tough situation. If the roles were reversed, it would be a tough situation for me too. At the end of the day, we’re friends and we want to see this team succeed. Obviously, he wants to be in and, obviously, I want to be in. That’s just being competitors and the way football is. We don’t wish any bad things upon each other ... we just want to win.”

GB: How do you approach this week, not really knowing what your role is going to be?
Tannehill: “I don’t really know what my role is, but I just have to prepare and be ready for both situations. If coach decides to put me in, I just need to be ready to go out and get the win.”

GB: Talk about your history as a fan of Texas Tech, with both parents going to school there and your father playing football for the Red Raiders. This could be a great storyline if you get your first start at quarterback against Tech.
Tannehill: “I definitely want to beat these guys. They’re in the Big 12 South, and we have to win all of these games if we want to compete in the Big 12. It’s definitely a big game for us. Texas Tech is close to my hometown (Big Spring), so there are a lot of Tech fans back home. I’d love to shut those guys up and come out with a big win.”

GB: Didn’t your dad get recruited by Tech to play quarterback and ended up playing receiver?
Tannehill: “Yeah, he did. He definitely went in as a quarterback and ended up playing receiver. When I first got moved to wide receiver, I think all of those parallels started coming out. It’s kind of funny.”

GB: What kind of advice has he given you this week, knowing that you’re getting the chance at quarterback that he never received at Tech?
Tannehill: “He’s just supporting me. He’s telling me to be ready and that everything will work out. He tells me, ‘Just be ready and don’t let your opportunities slip away.’”