The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
08.06.2013 | Football
Cornerback Carrington Byndom and defensive tackle Chris Whaley met with the media after Tuesday's workout
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The Football team held its second workout of the preseason Tuesday evening at Frank Denius Fields. Seniors Carrington Byndom and Chris Whaley met with the media after practice.
Senior Cornerback Carrington Byndom
On the biggest change in the defense this year: Â
I can tell it's the attitude. The attitude of the defense has changed. We took it upon ourselves to get some things corrected and become the defense that we wanted to be. We want to be a dominating defense. In these first two days, we've done that. We've come out and tried to prove a point.
On goal of the defense: Â
Just to continue to get better. That's all you can do. We want to continue to work hard every day and learn even more than we know right now. The only step is up and that's where we are trying to get.
On improving the defense against a spread offense: Â
I think it is an improvement. In the conference we play in, one that is more up-tempo, being able to see that in practice ever day helps our defense out and helps our conditioning. Â
On filling Kenny Vaccaro's spot on defense: Â
We have guys that played last year so it's not really replacing him, it's more of just filling in. We have guys to do that. Losing a leader like him is hard, but we have guys that know they have to step up this year and start assuming that leadership role.
On being a senior and leader: Â
I want to continue to work hard for my team and show them everyday that I do have the qualities of being an older guy and show them how to work and how to practice. Â
On how to improve tackling: Â
It's repetition. When we put those pads on (Friday), it'll all start. The more practice and more reps we get, we will go out and try to prove that in game one.
On boosting tempo: Â
Tempo is definitely something that people use and it's more of a fast-paced thing. It's used to get you off balance as a defense and I think it's really good that the offense is picking up the tempo. It is helping us out for the conference that we are going to face.
On playing in the heat:
It's something we are going to have to deal with. In Texas we play with this 100-degree heat. It's a luxury to go inside the bubble but there's nothing like playing outside.
On his evaluation of the defense: Â
I think we're doing well. Guys are getting a feel for a couple things and I think we're adjusting well. I think we still have a long way to go. It's only day two (of the preseason). As these weeks go by, I think we will definitely progress.
On his role on defense: Â
As a senior, it's my role to help out the younger guys and make sure they're coming along.
On getting work at safety: Â
(Defensive Backs) Coach (Duane) Akina just likes to move us around and make sure everybody gets a little bit of everything. He wants to make sure that we have the flexibility to move around.
Senior Defensive Tackle Chris Whaley
On why he thinks the defense will be better this year:
We have better experience on the defense. We are coming out working every day with a better mind set in order to be the best defense that we can be. Our coaches are pushing us to be a better defense.
On how the team finds leaders:
It is the guys that are coming out every day and giving everything they got. In order to be a leader you have to practice hard every day and do everything right, that way you can lead the younger guys and help them do everything right.
On the players who have stepped into that leadership role:
(Defensive end) Jackson Jeffcoat has stepped up and he is being a big leader right now. Other guys are stepping up too like (cornerback) Quandre Diggs, (cornerback) Carrington Byndom, and (safety) Adrian Phillips. More and more leaders are coming along every day.
On how the replacement of Alex Okafor is coming along:
It's coming along pretty well. Like I said, we have better experience so there really is no big fall off. We have great guys on the defensive line like (ends) Reggie Wilson and Cedric Reed. They are great guys.
On Jackson Jeffcoat:
Jackson looks great. Probably the best I have ever seen him. He is running around, looking good and strong. He is going to be great this year.
On the reason he feels the defense will be improved:
It is a better understanding. We know that we have to attack first and that is the kind of defense we have to be in order to be where we need to be.
On whether the up-tempo offense is helping the defense:
Oh yes, definitely. It is helping us with the conditioning. The Big 12 (has many) up-tempo offenses and this is great conditioning to get us ready for the season.
On after watching film of last season, what does he think were the problems with the run defense:
I think there is now a better understanding that we have to attack guys up front. We were kind of reading guys and second-guessing ourselves. Now we are just more attacking on them first and we are going out and going hard every day.
On any difference in the approach of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz this season:
He is demanding more. Definitely demanding more out of us. It started in the bowl game. He came out a different way and just became more demanding. He is demanding the best and making sure that we come out every day with the mindset that we are going to dominate on defense.
