Offensive linemen showed off their new haircuts Thursday after the morning practice 

Alex Boone, senior tackle
On the 2008 season
“I’m feeling really good. I think everyone is feeling great. Everyone is excited. We’re confident and fired up. We’re looking forward to seeing what Beanie (Wells) and Todd (Boeckman) are going to do for us this year.”

On the younger players
“JB (Shugarts) has impressed me the most. He’s big and can move. I’m excited for Mike (Adams) to get healthy and see what he can do. Overall, everyone is doing a great job and staying focused. ”

On his athleticism
“I feel in better shape starting off this season. My legs are better and my back doesn’t swell after practice. I have the same power everyday. I’m like Superman.”

Steve Rehring, senior guard
On Saturday’s scrimmage
“I’m interested to see how everyone does on Saturday. After Saturday, it’s all down hill from there. I feel better this season than I did last season. I’ve been going fast and working hard during practice.”

On the younger players
“(Offensive lineman) Andrew Miller has been playing really well. The younger guys are learning and we’ll see how well they do in the scrimmage Saturday. A lot is thrown at us on Saturday and it’s interesting to see how guys deal with it.”

Jim Cordle, senior center/guard
On 2008 season
“I’ve gotten a lot better since last year. My injury was a blessing in disguise because then I learned that I could use both hands to snap the ball. I feel a lot more confident this year which helps me play better.”

On the new play clock
“With the time constraint, you have to be ready. It puts pressure on the defense to line up and it forces the team to communicate better.”

Coach Jim Bollman, offensive coordinator
On the importance of speed in linebacker position
“I think overall strength and quickness is more important than speed. I like them to be able to run, but they don’t need to be able to run long distances. We work on their overall athleticism. Their power and quickness is important.”

On Michael Brewster
“He is doing well. He’s competing and fighting. This is a learning experience for him, but I think he is doing very well.”

On Saturday’s scrimmage
“It’s an important day Saturday. They go hard against each other in practice. This is different because it’s more of a game-like setting to see how guys handle it.”