Marcus Freeman, senior linebacker
On Youngstown State
“They are a very talented team. People may say that (FCS) isn’t as good as (FBS), but this team proves that isn’t the case. There are a lot of playmakers on this team. It is going to be a tough task. We are going into the game and looking at it as the hardest game of the year.”
On being a senior
“We look at everything as our last first practice, our last jersey scrimmage and our last first game. We just want to take it all in and enjoy it. This is all we have left for our collegiate career.”
On the mentality of the team
“Last season, we had so much to prove. This season, we aren’t paying attention to anything anyone is saying about us and how good we should be and stuff like that. We are just going out there and playing our game. This season is about this group of guys and that’s how we look at it.”
Ryan Pretorius, senior kicker
On Saturday’s game
“I can’t wait for Saturday to get the first kick out of the way. I’m looking for straight, hard balls down the middle. It doesn’t matter if they’re 20-yards or 60-yards, one point or three points.”
On Jon Thoma
“It’s amazing how a guy can go to the NFL just for holding. He holds the ball perfect no matter how the ball comes back. I think he’s the best holder in the world and a tremendous athlete.”
On the 2008 season
"We’re going to take it one game at a time. Youngstown State is our first game and then we’ll take it from there and hopefully win another Big Ten Championship and make it to the national championship.”
Chris Wells, junior running back
On the 2007 Youngstown State game
“It was not one of my best games. I learned a lot from the first time we played Youngstown State. Last year, I felt like I rushed everything. I was anxious with it being the first game. I’m anxious this year, but I know not to rush everything.”
On Youngstown State
“We want to stay focused and perform. On any given Saturday, any team can win regardless of conference or division.”
On being a starter
“When you’re not a starter, you know that you’re not going to be out on the field the entire game. When you’re a starter, you know that you have to give 110 percent from start to finish. I was nervous last year playing YSU because it was my first time as a starter, but now I’m comfortable with being a starter because I trust the guys around me.”
On playing football
“We know that it’s important to play dominant football from start to finish. Last season, we had a good quarter here and there, but we never played that well from start to finish and that’s something that we’re hoping to accomplish this year.”
Shaun Lane, senior defensive back
On this season
“We have a lot of seniors this year that are ready to go out and play. We want to lead this team to another Big Ten championship and the national championship. It all starts with the first game. We’ll play Youngstown State this Saturday and take it from there.”
On the younger players
“I can’t wait to see the young guys play. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle of crowd of 104,000 people cheering. They’ve shown a lot in practice. All of them show that they’re willing to learn and ready to play.”
On the defensive back position
“There are a lot of guys competing for the open positions. We have a lot of talent on the team. Everyone’s ultimate goal is to play, so when they see an open spot, they go for it. We have a lot of tremendous athletes on this team and I’m excited to see what we can do.”
A.J. Trapasso, senior punter
On his last season
“There’s just a whole different feel, especially with this being your last time. Your time is limited.”
On playing for OSU
“This is the only place I want to be. I feel very blessed to be here.”
On Youngstown State
“On any given Saturday, any team can win and you have to have that mentality. We need to get the jitters out and set the tone for the rest of the season."
On running onto the field
“You never really get used to running out of the tunnel at Ohio Stadium. If it doesn’t get you a little shaky, then there is something wrong with you.”
Nader Abdallah, senior defensive tackle
On Youngstown State
“We are very excited to hit somebody other than ourselves. We’ve been hitting each other for a long time. We just want to take it one game at a time, but we think we should be able to take care of business.”
On camp
“We are getting better everyday and we can’t wait to come together as a unit.”
Austin Spitler, junior linebacker
On Youngstown State
“They bring it every time. They mark this on their calenders. They will bring everything they’ve got. You can’t underestimate these guys because they’ll come in and beat you.”
On Youngstown State last year
“We weren’t satisfied. We’re never exactly satisfied because satisfaction equals complacency.”
Brian Hartline, junior wide receiver
On Dane Sanzenbacher
“Dane has had a good camp. He has a great understanding of offense. He’s starting to coach the younger guys, which actually helps you coach yourself.”
On Terrelle Pryor
“I think we’re all anxious to see him on the field. There is no question the guy can run. He’s definitely a football player.”
On his favorite OSU traditions
“Off the field, I love mirror lake night. I’ve never jumped in, but I love the atmosphere. On the field, it’s Carmen Ohio. No matter what, it always gives me goosebumps.”
Alex Boone, senior offensive lineman
On the Season Opener
“We have to be ready. Any team can win on any day, and we have been preparing great.”
Rory Nicol, senior tight end
On the Season Opener and Goals
“Coach Tressel says that we have to be ready every week, and come to compete. I’ve been working on becoming a better leader. Time is running out for me, and I need to be able to do everything I am capable of doing.”
