Wake Forest Athletics
2007 ACC Football Kickoff - Day 1
7/22/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 22, 2007
PINEHURST, N.C. - The defending ACC champions were on display Sunday on the first day of the ACC Football Kickoff held at the Pinehurst Golf Resort. Seniors Steve Justice and Jeremy Thompson represented the Demon Deacons, as the two talked with a horde of media members from the across the country.
The ACC Kickoff continues on Monday when Jim Grobe and the other 11 conference head coaches take their turns in front of the microphones and cameras. The preseason ACC predictions will also be announced at the Kickoff on Monday, while the preseason All-ACC team comes out on Wednesday.
QUOTES FROM THE RADIO INTERVIEWS:
How exciting was last season?
Justice: It was amazing. I looked back after each game and I thought we could really win this and then when you get towards the end you think `this can't be for real'.
On the community's reaction:
Thompson: It gave our community of Winston-Salem and Wake Forest something to cheer about. In years past, we really haven't been able to do that so it's a great feeling to be able to do that and be a winning team.
Is there pressure now heading into this season?
Justice: I think in a way it does put pressure on us, but as a team we just come back and say we're just going to keep playing like we've been playing. We had success last year playing as a family and enjoying the game of football and I think we can do it and that's kind of the mindset we have.
Thompson: I think has a team we have the mindset that last year was last year and this is a new team. Whatever we did last year that was great, but we have to make a name for this year's team.
On stepping into Jon Abbate's leadership role:
Thompson: I think every member of the defense is a leader in their own way. We have so many experienced veteran guys that at any point in the game someone can step up and make a great speech or a great play and become a leader from that point on.
How has Riley Skinner gotten better?
Justice: He's just been in the weight room working out and been focusing on going out and having 7-on-7 practices and figuring out his wide receivers and making sure he has everything down. I think if he comes out and plays like he played last year I think he'll be just fine.
On going from being the hunter to the hunted:
Thompson: I don't think we really look at it that way. We just know that every game in conference and out of conference we have to give it our best shot and try to get a win. We are still going to have to play our best football whether we are the defending ACC Champions or not. Yes, the bull's-eye is on us, but we don't really look at it like that.
On the success helping in recruiting:
Justice: I think being successful in its own brings in the top recruits. But I think the way Coach Grobe and the other coaches carry themselves and the program being a family-oriented program it really brings in the good kids that want to win as a team and get a great education while they are there and be successful while they are there, not just in football but in life. And that's what really brings those types of kids in.
QUOTES FROM THE PRINT MEDIA INTERVIEWS
Senior Center Steve Justice
On winning the 2006 ACC Championship:
"I think we've moved from really enjoying it to now focusing on this year and what's coming up. We're playing Boston College for the first game of the year so we are really focusing on that now."
When you reflect on the Championship, were you surprised, amazed?
"A little bit of all of that. You sit back with family or watching film and you just can't believe it actually happened. It still hasn't really settled in yet. It's just been a great experience and I've really enjoyed it."
Is it odd being here as defending ACC Champions?
"It really is. You look at all these schools that are the powerhouse schools and then people look at us like `little ol' Wake Forest'. But it feels good and we still have a lot to accomplish and a lot to improve."
On the nation thinking Wake's success was a `one-shot wonder':
"I think people believe that because you look at our history of the program. But if you look at our team and what Coach Grobe has done, I think we have a great chance of having another great season."
How has the championship changed the attitude of the team? Is it somewhat of a culture shock?
"It's affected our team and our attitude. I think in general we are just more of a happy team - just the joy of winning games. Now we think and we know that we can be successful and if we keep working hard we can have success out there."
On the returning offensive positions helping Wake to achieve success again:
"I think we are in the position to do that. Our depth on offense has been great and I think the kids that are coming back on defense are going to do a great job for us. I think the experience that the offense has is definitely going to pay off for us."
On Grobe recruiting Justice:
"It was just the family atmosphere of Wake Forest. Coach Grobe is such a family man and it's really proven in our assistant coaches too. We all rely on each other to go out and win. We aren't relying on just one person and I think that's what really wins championships."
On this year's attitude:
"I think Coach Grobe's mentality is to just to play each game as it is and not look towards the future. And if you harp on the past you haven't done anything in the future, you haven't done anything today and I think that's been our mentality. You can't look past Boston College; you can't look past the whole season at the championship"
On having Riley Skinner at quarterback this season:
"It's great to have him back and to have that depth from him. He's got some great experience and he works as hard as ever."
Senior DE Jeremy Thompson
On the ACC Championship in the community:
"In Winston-Salem, a lot of people will come up and congratulate you and people are just so proud of you. It's been a really good experience for us."
On having defensive end Matt Robinson back:
"It's going to be really important to have him back. It brings an added element. He's a hard worker and when he's on the field he's going to give you 100 percent every snap. You can really get the motivation from him."
On being underdogs even after winning the ACC championship:
"We're used it. It just adds motivation. And we're just going to play it one game at a time no matter who our opponent is."
On the loss in the secondary:
"All of our starters will be redshirt seniors and redshirt juniors so I think we'll still be pretty good. We'll be looking for our redshirt freshmen and our redshirt sophomores to pick it up also."
On running back Micah Andrews:
"Micah is probably the hardest worker on our team. Every time I saw him he'd be doing rehab. He did it not just once a day, but two or three times. It doesn't look like he's missed a step. I think he'll be really good this year."
On Josh Adams keeping the redshirt last season:
"Coach Grobe has the saying we would like to have you, but we don't need you. He recruits so many good players that there is always someone that can step up and take over for someone. Like Riley [Skinner] taking over for Ben Mauk and the whole group of running backs taking over for Micah [Andrews]."
