North Texas Mean Green College Football Pregame Quote, 08/23/2022

I feel good about where we’re at. We’ve had a good camp. We’ve improved in all three phases which we continually need to. I’m really excited about this upcoming game. UTEP does a great job ad Dana [Dimel] has them playing well. And they had momentum going to a bowl last year. It’s going to be a great atmosphere. I believe it’s sold out and I’m looking forward to the competition.

On the opening week:

Game oneis gameoneand going into any fist game it’s about going and getting jitters out of the way and it’s about execution and it’s making sure you’re disciplinedand doing your job. Both teams have a lot of experience, which will help, but game oneis game one and we’re looking forward to playing a really good opponenton the road.

On UTEP’s experience:

They havealot of experience not only as players, but coaches too. Their coordinators are experienced and Dana has been around a long time and they’re solid in all three phases and they’re going to force you to execute and be a physical team and are really solid up front on both sides of the ball.

Onwhat stands out aboutLB KD Davis:

His work ethic. The way he comes each and every day. He’s played a lot of ball,but the work he puts in on the field and in the weight room [stands out] and he trains like a pro and watches a ton of film. He’s very talented and athletic and he’s strong and can run. He’s been great for us.

On UTEP’s offensive skill:

They’re explosive and their quarterbackdoes a great job and really can sling it around. If you let him sit in the pocket and he gets comfortable, he’s as good as there is in the league and they have good running backs and guys on the perimeter who are explosive and can make plays down the field. Taking care of the ball is going to be key and winning the explosive play battle is going tobe key and you can’t let their offense get in rhythm and their quarterback get comfortable or they’ll pick you apart.

On thoughts regarding UNT’s wide receivers:

I feel good. I feel a lot better than we did in the past with as many injuries as we had in the past. Wehave a lot of guys with experience and had a good camp. I’m excited about where we’re at in all three phases and now it’s about letting these guys go out and play.

On continuing the momentum from the end of last season:

Building off that and understanding what it took for us to get on the runand win football games. Someof it is staying healthy and taking care of your bodies and twois preparation and execution. Each and every year is a little different, but I feel like we found an identity this past year with our backs against the wall and that’s what we’ve talked about is staying in that mindset of what we’ve had. But every year is different. There’s going to be adversity this year as well, there always is, whether it’s throughout the season, in a game, in a quarter, hopefully we can overcome that adversity a little faster than we did in the past,but we have a mature football team and that’s why our culture is where it is. Culturally, I think this is the best we’ve had since early on when we had a bunch of experience.

On the program’s identity:

Every year is different, but yes, building on that mentality and finishing off last year like we did, obviouslywe had a lot of conversations this offseason about where we’re at and what our identity is and hopefully we can capitalizeon that this fall.

On the excitement for the season:

It’s huge. That’s what you’re preparing for all spring, summer and fall camp. We’re ready to go play a football game. At the end of the day it’s a matter of getting out there and knocking off the cobwebs from not playing a game in a while. The team that can settle in the quickest and go execute their routine plays is usually the one that’s going tohave success. There will be mistakes, but you have to overcome that adversity and try to play as clean as possible.

On QB Austin Aune:

He’s had a great summer and fall camp. He’s looked as good as he has since he’s been here. I think a lot of guys have. He’s watched a ton of tape and his numbers in the spring and fall camp and they’re far beyond what they’ve been in the past.