Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Pregame Quote, 12/28/2021

If you would, give us an opening statement about your excitement about playing in the College Football Playoff.

It feels great. It’s an honor to be here. It’s a testament to all the hard work. I’m just really excited.

I wanted to just ask you a little bit about how key you think the running game might be. It seems all the pregame hype has been about the passing game match-up with obviously with the Heisman winning quarterback (Bryce Young) and top receiver going against the Cincinnati secondary. How do you think the running game is going to play into this?

I believe the running game will be equally as important as the passing game. I believe we want to go out there and keep a well-balanced scheme. As an offensive lineman, you want to run the ball. You want to put on the hogs, as I say. So I believe it will be equally as important.

You’ve had some time to look at this Cincinnati defense. What stands out about their front seven that you guys have to be mindful of this week?

All of those guys, they play well together. The outside

guys get off the ball really well. They do a great job of using their hands. So I’m just excited for the challenge. This is what it’s all about. I’m really excited.

You’ve been through this several times now with the Tide (Alabama). What have you learned about your process individually as a player that’s helped you prepare for big games like this in the playoff?

Just to prepare. Not to psych yourself out. Just go about it as if I go about any other game. Just prepare and focus on doing my job to help my team win, and everything else will take care of itself.

As a veteran with this team and going through so many big games, how do you help guys coming into the program in their first year understand what it means to wear that uniform with the pressure that comes with it and just enjoy the moment while you get ready to compete for championships?

I just try to go out and lead by example, especially with those undergrads, making them understand what it takes to get here. I believe in a lot of those guys. They have been learning, and I’m really proud of the guys we have in our room, just going out there, leading by example. Doing what I can as a leader, I feel like that’s what I do.