Player Comments from
Weekly U-M Football Media Luncheon
10/30/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Ronald Bellamy | David Terrell
Senior/Junior Inside Linebacker Eric Brackins
What do you key on as a linebacker with Northwestern's offense ... "Well, after watching their offense the last few days, it's really confusing. As a linebacker, our key is to always watch the running back. Looking at the offensive linemen can really tell you some things for this game."
How hard is it to adjust to this kind of no-huddle offense ... "We have worked on that all week, preparing for the no-huddle offense. I think we have done a good job at it, but we have to remember that each play is going to come at us quicker than in the past. In practice we have done a good job at simulating that, which is going to allow us to do a good job."
Does the bye week help prepare for this offense ... "It's a difficult offense and one we haven't seen. Having the off week definitely helped us to get ready for them."
Is this one of the best offenses you have seen this year ... "Oh yeah, this is going to be a great challenge. Their offense, I think, is leading the Big Ten. They have a very good running back, quarterback, linemen and wide receivers. They are all very productive."
Characterize their running back, Damien Anderson ... "I think he is a very quick running back, but if you watch him, he is also a very powerful running back. If you watch him run he will miss you if he can, but at the same time if there is someone in the hole, he will hit it up in there."
Is this a game where the defense will have to rely on the linebackers and linemen more than the defensive backs ... "We have guys that are going to spread all over the field. As the linebackers, we are going to have to stop the run along with the guys up front. It does put some pressure on us, but it's like that every game where we want to make as many tackles as we can."
What did you do as a defense after the Purdue game to refocus on the tackling issues ... "We just focused on being aggressive week in and week out and playing with intensity. I think that helped us the past few weeks and we tried to keep working in practice really hard in the tackling drills to finish the tackles and wrap up."
Senior/Junior Tight End Eric Rosel
The first game you ever played was at Northwestern. What do you remember from that game ... "All I remember from that game was that it rained a lot and it rained some more."
What did the team do in your off week ... "We watched a lot of tape to prepare ourselves for Northwestern's offense because it is a lot different from what we normally see in the Big Ten. We got some guys that had injury problems healthy again so they can help us out this week."
How was the off week for you ... "During the off week there is not as much hitting that goes on. We run and we lift to get our conditioning back. We don't have as much time to run during the season as we did during our off week."
You've had a lot of positional switches in your career. Do you like where you are now ..."Yeah, I really like tight end. Tight end slash fullback; wherever they need me to play, I'll do it. There are a lot of different things you can do in that position, so I feel like I am supposed to be there."
Did you learn from Aaron Shea last year ... "Aaron started off as tight end and got moved to fullback. A lot of the tight end and fullback positions at Michigan are similar except the fullbacks occasionally carry the football. But, who knows, maybe the tight ends will start carrying the football."
What situations are you typically sent in for ..."I'm in the game mostly when there is a two-tight-end set or as a blocking back whenever you have a fullback in there. I play mostly in two-tight-end sets. I don't play in there with one tight end very often."
What did you think on the end of the Northwestern-Minnesota game ... "It just goes to show what we think of Northwestern. They can score a hundred points in three minutes if they have to with their offense. They're never out of the game. That's what we have been focusing on. We have to play four quarters. You have to finish. You can't just come out and play one half. That's just another good example of what we need to do against these guys."
On the Northwestern offense ... "We can't expect our defense to do what they have done the last two weeks -- shut out this team. That's not going to happen. This team scores a lot of points. Our offense has to be really productive because we are also going against a defense that is very technically sound. It is going to be a big challenge. But, yes, our offense is going to have to score a lot of points."
In terms of preparation, because of the off week, are you further ahead in watching the film on Northwestern ... "Definitely. We've been watching film since the day we got done with our last ballgame. When you study an opponent it is a really big advantage. You can pick up on some tendencies that they do. I think we are much more prepared with this bye week than if we wouldn't have had it."
What sticks out in their defense ... "They have some defensive ends that are great players. What I am impressed with most is that they don't run really tricky plays. The things that they choose to do, they do extremely well. The little technique things that the coaches harp on us in practice, when you watch them on film they get those type of things done. Which in turn make them a darn good defense."
Because you played so much defense early in your career at Michigan, is it easier for you to spot those things on film ... "I think it is. Initially it was, but since then I have forgotten some stuff. The little technique things that the linebackers do, I pick up on."
The tight ends have been getting thrown to more often lately. Do you see that trend continuing ... "The game plan changes from week to week. I really can't answer that question because I don't know. That's up to the coaches and we have no say in what plays they call."
Junior/sophomore Defensive End Dan Rumiskek
What is your view of the Northwestern offense ... "Spread-out. It's going to be a little bit like Purdue in terms of how they spread out and run the ball. Damien Anderson is a very good back and we're going to have to try and hold him to a minimum. Zak Kustok is a really good quarterback who can run the ball. I think if we can shut down the run, force them to become a one-dimensional passing team, I think we have a good chance to win."
Is that key with an offense like that, you have to deal with the run first no matter what ... "Yes, when you have a back like Damien Anderson who can run the ball very well, you have to shut him down first. He's only effective as the running back and for running the ball. He can catch the ball but it's different if he's catching passes out of the backfield instead of running right away."
Can you slow them down when they go in a no-huddle offense ... "I think we can slow them down. With a no-huddle offense you just have to make sure what defenses you're playing. We've done a good job of it in practice, practicing against a no-huddle offense. As long as you know that, and understand what you're doing, I think we can slow them down."
Was it nice to have the extra week of preparation ... "Yes. This team has an offense that we don't see week in and week out. That extra week of watching film and picking up keys on their offense and little things that they're giving away is really helpful especially since they're spreading you out the entire time."
What things have you learned playing the position you play ... "It's a tough position. You have to have an attitude to play it because you're hitting and making contact every single down. It's an attitude about who you are and the people you represent. Glen Steele and Jake Frysinger are tough guys and I'm following in their footsteps. So there's an expectation about the position. You have to be tough and have an attitude about yourself."
Is fatigue a factor when you play a team like this, more so than usual ... "Yes, especially when they go no-huddle. As a defense, you look forward to the huddle to catch your breath after a big play. Fatigue is a factor when they hit a big play like 20 yards and then immediately line up ready to go. Meanwhile, you're looking at the sideline asking 'What's the defense' while you're catching your breath."
Do you think the people of Illinois were caught off guard with this Northwestern team ... "I think so. I have a lot of family in Illinois. They used to go to a lot of Northwestern games that were not sold out. Now that they are winning, games are getting sold out. People want to go see this offense and what's it's all about. The Illinois papers were writing all about the University of Illinois and then all of a sudden Northwestern comes out of nowhere with a chance to win the Big Ten. I think it is a surprise."
What have you seen in the tapes that make Northwestern a more effective team this year than last year ... "Spreading them out. When you have 11 players spread out over the field, Damien Anderson can cut and make moves on people. He's a very good open-field runner, and when you spread things out that makes it easier for him and why he's more effective this year."
How have you seen the defensive line progress this year ... "There's been improvement everyday. Because we've had guys injured and out of practice, we've had a lot of young guys step up. Dave Pearson, John Wood, and myself are working against Steve Hutchinson, Jeff Backus and Maurice Williams. Just working with these guys everyday has made an improvement, particularly in the pass rush and working against the run. Because we're playing against two All-Americans everyday, it's just a great improvement as a group."
Is Zak Kustok as big of threat as Antwaan Randle El ... "He is a threat to scramble. I don't think he's as fast as Randle El but we do have to contain him and keep him inside the pocket."
Is Northwestern's offense similar or different to Purdue's ... "It's similar in that they want to spread you out. Everyone thinks Purdue wants to throw the ball because of Drew Brees, but they want to run and we saw that when we played against them. Northwestern is going to want to run and control the ball."
On the Rose Bowl ... "The motivation is to get the ring and win the Big Ten title. At the end of the year, the chips will fall where they may. We can't control what Purdue does, and they can't control what we do. So, as long as we take care of business and get the ring, we will go to any bowl that they tell us we have to go to. If it's the Rose Bowl, great; if it's another bowl, great, so long as we're Big Ten champions."
Because you're from Illinois, is there any more significance to this game ... "Yes, because a lot of my family and friends are going to be at this game. It's nice to be able to go out and play in front of them. I know a couple of guys on the Northwestern team, so there's bragging rights when you go home for the summer or for the weekend we you see those guys."
Sophomore Wide Receiver Ronald Bellamy
On the importance of controlling the ball on offense against Northwestern ... "As an offense you want to score as many points as possible. You have to help your defense out and special teams as well. We have confidence if our defense if our offense doesn't click. Our goal as an offense is to average 30 points a game and win the time of possession. We try to keep their offense off the field."
On his views to being successful as a punt returner ... "My goal is to break one. I want to score. I haven't been in the end zone on a punt return yet. My goal is to score. Whatever we get, my goal is 10 yards because that's a first down, and that's 10 yards less that our offense doesn't have to get. But my goal as a returner is to score every time I touch the ball."
On there being so much talent on offense that he doesn't touch the ball with great frequency ... "It doesn't matter. Our ultimate goal is to win. It doesn't matter if I catch zero passes or one. We just want to win and that's my goal. Coach (Lloyd) Carr, he wants to get the ball into my hands and I want the ball, so if I have to get it on reverses I'll settle for reverses, if I get it on punt returns, whatever. I don't care about getting the ball. If David (Terrell) and Marquise (Walker) catch all the passes and I have to block, that's fine. I just want to win."
On David Terrell's talent ... "He's a great player. He's a leader. He's someone that you watch and you want to emulate. I know that Dave's a great person and a great player."
On David Terrell's emotional leadership in the locker room ... "That's what I think is his best quality. You want to follow after Dave. He plays with so much pride and character that you want to just get behind him and go with him."
Junior Wide Receiver David Terrell
On his relationship with Northwestern quarterback Zak Kustok ... "That's my boy. I'm always pulling for Zak. We have a good friendship going, not through Notre Dame. He threw a couple balls to me and I caught a couple passes from him when I was coming out of high school. My uncle lived down the street from his house so it was pretty cool. He's a nice guy. I like Zak a lot."
On the similarities between this season and last season ... "Same story. We've been there before (two losses, don't control own bowl destiny), basically we just want to send our seniors out on a winning note. So that's real, real big for a lot of the young guys. I think that if we stay focused we can do that and that's a big, big thing. You have to know what's in front of you because Northwestern is a great team. They have a powerful offense, running and passing and they have a good defense. When you're facing good teams constantly every week you really have to stay focused and that's a real big thing right now, going to the stretch staying focused and concentrating on what your job is."
On people wondering if he will leave for the NFL after this season ... "I'll probably start thinking about it next year some time. I really can't get caught up in that right now because it wouldn't be fair to my teammates for me to be concentrating on the NFL or going pro. It's the season for the talk but I'll just let all of you talk about it, and if you think I'm good enough, thank you, I appreciate it. I do, to be honest with you, but I have to concentrate on these next three football games because these are real big games."
On how Anthony Thomas has been someone to look to for advice about going pro early ... "Yeah, my big thing is just graduating. I'm very, very close to graduating (24 credits remaining after the fall semester) and that's real big on my mom's list of things that I should be accomplishing while I'm up here. That's one thing that she constantly tells me: I must graduate, I must graduate. If I have to come back to graduate then I have to come back because there's life after football. This can end at any point. God willing, everything goes the way it's possible, and it can go good but it can end at any point. That's real big and I look at Anthony's situation and I try to learn from some of the things he did. That's real big for me to see a guy who can still be as successful as he was last year, this year. He's still up in the top of the running backs. It's real big for me to look at his situation and know he's doing so well and he had the same situation come up last year."
On the importance of school to his overall psyche ... "Being a student-athlete is really important. I feel like if I'm not doing well in school first, then my week is going to go by bad. If I flunk an exam, I'm going to be just as upset as losing a football game because that's real big and I'm always competitive in everything I do. It's the way my mom raised me. It's the way my teachers and everybody that brought me up when I was young raised me. An F wasn't satisfactory, a D wasn't satisfactory a C not satisfactory. I had to get A's and B's, that's all my mom stressed. That's all my family always stressed, too. Coming into Michigan, it's big for me, big for graduating, and very big playing football. Like I said before, there's life after football. That's all my mom wants me to do is to get my diploma. So I'm going to try to do that for her."
On how there is a lot more to him than what is portrayed in the media ... "It's always that case. I know I play football. It's entertainment so sometimes you may get caught up in that, you may get caught up in the talk or you may get caught up in who you're going to face this week. It's that Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier type, 'I'm gonna knock him out, I'm pretty, I'm beautiful.' But he (Ali) had another life, too. He had an outside life and it was big. My outside life is big. There's more to David Terrell than scoring touchdowns and there's a lot more to me than that. I love being with my friends. I love going out having fun, of course, all of that is on the list. But you have to think about family also."
On the Big Ten's competitiveness and its allure to players ... "It's rough. The Big Ten is very competitive. For us to be able to run the table is going to be hard. It was going to be hard for any team to run the table in the Big Ten. We're not playing in the ACC, not knocking the ACC. We're not playing in the Southeastern Conference where there is just one or two teams. Every team is good [in the Big Ten]. When you're playing in a conference like the Big Ten, it's real big. It's big to play in this type of conference because what other conference would you want to play in Think about it. What other team would you want to play for, besides a Michigan or a Penn State or Ohio State When I look at it, I wouldn't change my decision. I wouldn't change anything about it. I love my teammates. I love my coaches. That's real big.
"I keep on stressing how big Coach (Lloyd) Carr is to me because that guy right there ... I had a father but he really wasn't there. It seems like every stage of my life that I go through, I'm always getting that one strong man in my life that I need to balance me off. I always just had my mom and my two sisters. So coming here I didn't know. For one, Coach Carr didn't know me. I'm from the inner city. I know he can't relate to me. He can't tell me this, he can't tell me that. Then once you get here and boom, he just has that fatherhood nature in him that can help guide you along in so many different type of ways that you don't even think. I'd call Coach Carr at 11, one, two o'clock in the morning with some of my problems. That's the stuff people don't know. People just see Coach Carr being hard on me when I come to the sidelines saying I want the football, but there's more to that relationship. I love that guy. I love him for real."
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
