University of North Carolina Athletics
Player Press Conference Quotes
October 6, 2008 | Football
Oct. 6, 2008
Sophomore Linebacker Bruce Carter
On blocking three punts last week: "Honestly, I have only watched it one time when we watched film yesterday. I am still am surprised today, so I will probably go back and watch it again sometime."
On Mark Pascal's leadership: "He is a great leader for the defense and linebackers, especially for me and Quan. All we do out on the field is communicate. I feel like once you communicate and are on the same page, things just flow a lot easier and Mark allows that."
On Notre Dame's passing attack: "They have a terrific passing game, but I think if we prepare well things will work out. We watched a little film this morning, their quarterback has a terrific arm and throws the ball really well. If we can apply good pressure, we can try and rattle him a little bit."
Sophomore Tailback Shaun Draughn
On his confidence after a 100-yard rushing performance: "Confidence wasn't a big thing. I believe it was a matter of getting in the game and getting a chance to show what I can do. I felt like before the game I had something to prove. Everybody is still trying to find their role, I think I am too. I am trying to give the team a good chance to win and a spark."
On preparing to play with two other backs: "It is not really difficult to prepare. Everybody should prepare as if they are the starter. If you want more you have to do more. You have to have that mentality because you never know. For example, Paulus didn't know that T.J. [Yates] was going to go down. So, you have to prepare as if you are a starter."
On being ranked for the first time since 2001: "It is a big confidence booster. We knew confidence wise that we were a good football team, sometimes I think we don't realize how good we can be as a team. Every game is a statement game."
Junior Quarterback Cameron Sexton
On the running attack last week: "It was great watching them because that sets us up for the play action pass and takes a little pressure off of me. There was a couple times watching film, where I saw myself getting excited back there when guys were breaking big runs. That is always good to see and we always say they are the playmakers we are just trying to get them the ball."
On Connecticut's defense against the pass: "We were prepared to see them play man-to-man coverage on third down, but we really did not see that at all. They showed are receivers a lot of respect and played off on us, so we had to adjust a little bit. Maybe it took away the big play threat, but I think we adjusted pretty well."
On being ranked for the first time since 2001: "We are enjoying it no doubt. Football is a lot of hard work and to have some success now - we are enjoying it. On the flipside, today is Monday and we have gone back to work on Notre Dame. We have moved on now."
Sophomore Linebacker Quan Sturdivant
On the defense leading the country in interceptions: "That is what we try to do on defense is create turnovers and get the ball back to the offense. We want to try to get the ball back as many times possible."
On Notre Dame's passing attack: "We have to stay in coverage and get pressure up front on their quarterback. We have to stay in coverage because we know they have a good quarterback and good receivers, and a good offensive line. So, we know we have to play with sound technique and play well in coverage."
On his second-season compared to his first year: "I would say this year, Bruce [Carter] and I feel a lot more comfortable than last year. Last year, we were kind of just thrown out there. This year, we know we have more responsibilities as a linebacker and know the technique more. I would say this past spring I started to really feel like a linebacker."
Players Mentioned
