Ohio State Football Press Conference, Aug. 28, 2007
Kirk Barton, senior offensive tackle
On being named captain
“I didn’t really expect to be named captain. I just tried to go out and earn it and it was certainly an honor when they called my name. The biggest pressure of being a captain is knowing that not only do you represent your team, but also your university. It’s a job I take very seriously.”
On the approach of the first game
“It’s exciting because camp has been so miserable. The practices don’t get any easier, but the first game serves as the light at the end of the tunnel because you get to see another defense besides your own.”
On whether their pass blocking or run blocking is better
“We pride ourselves on doing both well. This season we’re going to stress pass blocking because of the new guys lining up at quarterback. We have to try and protect them just as well as we protected Troy (Smith).”
On what separates games from practices
“The biggest difference is that it’s on TV and in front of 100,000 people. This is the first time a lot of the young guys will play in front of an audience like this and it will be interesting to see who steps when it matters most.”
Dionte Johnson, senior fullback
On becoming captain
“The person I called first was my father. It definitely is a tremendous honor right away and now I’m focused on getting down to business.”
On his relationship with his teammates
“It’s a great honor for me because my teammates vote and it gives me the assumption that they believe in me and that I can lead this team. I’m honored that they feel that I’m their captain.”
On being a senior and leading the younger group
“Looking at the quarterbacks first, we try to take a lot of pressure off of them and that way they can get the ball to all the talented receivers that we have. We are also just trying to take care of our job and lighten the load on everybody else.”
On getting ready for the first game
“Any time a team has an opportunity to play at the Horseshoe, they are going to play their absolute best. We expect it to be a great game and we have to be focused and disciplined. They are going to be an eager team and play their best football and we have to be prepared for it.”
James Laurinaitis, junior linebacker
On Youngstown State
“They are a talented team. They have a great QB, great talent and athleticism at tight end. Watching the film you see they give a lot of different looks. Each game they have something new.”
On being named a captain as a junior
“It’s a tremendous honor. When you’re recruited you hear about the tradition of the Captain’s Breakfast. Truthfully, I was a little choked up when Coach Tressel announced it. I’ll do my best to represent the University.”
On his preseason awards
“You have to do the same things – you can’t change a lot. You’ve got to keep the same habits and work ethic that got you to this point.”
On the incoming freshmen
“They are very talented and athletic. People are going to be pleasantly surprised to see how far along they are.”
On getting over the loss to Florida
“You have to forget about it. This is a new season and a new team. I’m excited for us to get a fresh start and see how we step up and grow as the season goes on.”
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