Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Pregame Quote, 12/27/2023

Q. Coach mentioned the way this room has been elevated year after year. He said he’s not sure how you can take it to another level. What do you think maybe that next level looks like, whenever it is that you’re out of here?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Yeah, I can’t say what it will look like, but I know that Zone 6 is going to find a way. We’ve always trended up in the right direction, and we continue to expand our track record in the things we continue to do year a.er year.

So, I have no doubt that the freshman class coming in is going to do great things, whether I’m here or not, and that’s kind of just what Zone 6 is. It’s a place that builds on top of each other, and keeps stacking years and accolades and all those type of things. So you’re going to have great players here year in and year out.

Q. When you look at this offense, and how does it feel different through bowl prep with Devin [Brown] under center? What’s the mentality there?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: There’s an adjustment period to all new types of things. Going into a new season with a quarterback, our offense kind of found a new identity, and it’s the same thing with Devin stepping in. You have a new general manning the ship, and it’s not been bad, it’s just been different.

So we’re learning that. We’re going through all those learning curves. I’m super excited for what we’ve been able to accomplish in practice and what we’re going to display to the world on Friday.

Q. When you see his arm and his legs, what do you think most stands out to you, if you had to say to someone what makes Devin Brown great?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Devin Brown is a super posi.ve player. Not the innate traits that he was gifted by God, you know, his arm, his legs, all that type of stuff. It’s the personality he’s accumulated over the field. Just being immersed in the culture of Ohio State. Something that really sticks out with Devin, he’s the first one to greet you a.er he makes a good pass. He’s yapping up all the linemen a.er great blocking. He’s just a posi.ve energy to be around.

So he’s going to get that circula.ng around the offense, and it’s going to be a well-oiled machine.

Q. You talk about his personality. He wears 33. He wears a bowtie to games. What is he like behind closed doors?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: He’s a super bubbly, joyous guy to be around. Great personality. I love that, and I think he’s a great player. I think his personality shows through the field.

Q. Looking at the match-up against Kris Abrams-Draine, what have you seen on tape from him? Coach Hartline said that you guys expect a lot of man coverage. Where do you see an edge in your game in that man coverage?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Yeah. I have a ton of respect for Missouri, the opponent we’re playing. Both their offense and defense, they’ve been able to accomplish amazing things this year, and their corner has had a really amazing year so far, really on all of their corners. So having that match-up is something that I’ve been looking forward to, just to be able to display my skills.

And I’m sure if he’s a competitor, he probably feels the same way.

There’s not necessarily too many things I can highlight about his game or about my game, but just the fact that I’m looking forward to compe.ng with him.

Q. It’s looks like Marv [Harrison Jr.] is physically in pain if he’s not out there practicing with you guys. What’s he been like the last couple days?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Yeah, I mean, he’s been Marvin. He hasn’t really changed too much. He’s s.ll having a good .me out here in Dallas with us. We’re still hanging out 24/7. He’s been good.

Q. A lot of people think of Brandon [Inniss] as next in line at that slot position. What have you seen from Bryson [Rodgers] over the last month that shows you that he can be in line, or with Brandon?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Yeah, Bryson, Mr. Consistent. I say it all the .me. There’s that statistic that was like the wildest catch percentage I’ve ever seen. But that’s truly what Bryson is and he’s continuing to do that throughout the months and throughout the season. He’s a reliable young guy with great hands, great routes. Obviously, he’s a little slimmer type frame. But I have no question that Coach is going to get him right in that sense.

So, I can’t say who’s going to be next in line for the slot, but whoever it is, it’s going to be a great battle, and they’re going to continue to push each other to be better players.

Q. You guys talk about you don’t pay attention to recruiting, but when you see Bryson [Rodgers] in practice, are you ever surprised he was an under-the-radar guy? He’s like a three-star kid.

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Oh, I didn’t even know that. As soon as you step on campus, all the stars go away. If you’re a five-star and you can’t learn the offense, it really doesn’t matter.

Q. But are you surprised?

WR EMEKA EGBUKA: Now knowing that, it is a little surprising. I’d probably say it has something to do with his frame. He’s tall. I think he might be a little taller than me, like 6’1.5″, 6’2″. Skinny guy. He’s fast, explosive, got great cuts. So, yeah.