SEC KICKOFF 2002
Southeastern Conference Football Media Days
July 30 - August 1 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Wynfrey Hotel * Hoover, Alabama

VANDERBILT PARTICIPANT AUDIO
  Coach Bobby Johnson
  CB Rushen Jones
  WR Dan Stricker

Vanderbilt Quotes from Kickoff 2002 - SEC Football Media Days

Head Coach Bobby Johnson

"We feel like we have some very positive things going. There's a new emphasis from the chancellor and the athletic director, improvements over the past few months, practice facility and a new field at the stadium and we've been working in a new weight room.

"Our biggest concern is a lack of depth at just about every position. You look down at every other team you're playing and say our first group will compete fairly well. After that, we'll have to move some people around and try to strengthen a position here or there.

"Ronald Hatcher to tailback has been pretty big move. Messed around with Matthew Tant at both fullback and tailback, he'll probably be a tailback, but I'd like to play him at both. Hillenmeyer was a defensive end last year and is playing linebacker for us. These are not very dramatic but subtle changes to help us out.

On going from 1-AA to 1-A
"The biggest adjustment for me are events like this, a lot more demands on your time outside of football. I'm still trying to make that (adjustment) and get through that, other than that, you run practice the same way, dissect film the same way, so I don't think it's that big of an adjustment. Obviously when start playing teams with those athletes we have to compete against, that will be an adjustment. We're in transition, like Vanderbilt has been in transition many times over the years.

"I looked at Vanderbilt closely and knew they had a lack of success over the years, my biggest question was what's going to change. The biggest change has been leadership at Gordon Gee. He's been chancellor at Ohio State and West Virginia and wants to excel in athletics. Todd Turner has done great job and is pushing with Dr. Gee to make our programs go along. The emphasis from administration, we're going to have a better chance than any coach who's been there in a long, long time.

"Our new weight room, 8,000 feet, of the latest equipment. They allowed me to hire the staff that I wanted and a general emphasis that we're going to try to do better in every phase of the university. More of a team effort. Don't know if you've always had that at Vanderbilt.

"I've never been one to be too much influenced by what other people say. I saw a situation much like the one at Furman, a private school playing against state supported schools in probably the toughest league in 1-AA football. Curious situation. Can our formula work in 1-A situation? I'm convinced it can. If get in and work hard, pick right staff, recruit hard, get players that fit into your system and your university, you'll have a chance to compete.

On Playing Furman
"Three years ago when we scheduled that game, I was feeling pretty good about it. Both teams will want to win that game very badly. I guarantee you they will be tough to beat. We did not try to cancel that game. After that game we will be good friends again."

Cornerback Rushen Jones

"(On his new head coach) He's a disciplinarian. He demands you play hard. He's from the old school, if you know what I mean. He demands respect, and the team has responded well.

"The depth on the team is a concern. It's there on the offensive line especially, and we're really only deep in the secondary. We can't afford anyone to get hurt.

"(On the sporting competition in Nashville) It's hard to get attention. We need to put together a good season, put together some wins and get to a bowl game, and I think we'll get some attention.

"(On the quarterbacks) Both of them are extremely athletic. They can run and pass. They'll continue into two-a-days, and one will rise up and control the offense. Both have the ability to step in if needed.

"(Coaching scheme changes in the defense) Wood was great on defense. The new 4-3 we'll run from though is great too. The offense won't know whether we're in zone or man-to-man."

Wide Receiver Dan Stricker

"(On the coaching change) Coach Johnson has brought in a great attitude. He's been successful, and the wins he has shows it. With the improvements in our facilities, and the coaches we have it shows there's support behind us.

"(On the coaching difference) Coach Woody was more of a player's coach. He would give second and third chances to you if you messed up. Coach Johnson is more of a disciplinarian. He's set up rules, and if you break them then tough. Both philosophies are good, but the change has helped us.

"(On how close he is to setting a SEC record in receiving yards) I didn't really think much about it until the introduction I had. It's a testament to what hard work can do, and doing what the coaches tell you to do. I was fortunate to spend my first three years here with Greg Zolman, and now I'll start my senior campaign with whoever steps up and leads."

"(On the leading quarterbacks) Inexperience is their biggest question mark. Both practiced in the spring, but they haven't had enough time yet. Both had great arms and are accurate. They're untested, and it's the biggest factor as they enter the Georgia Tech game."

KICKOFF 2002: VANDERBILT PHOTO GALLERY (Click on the thumbnail to see the full size image and caption)