Josh Ward and Chip Kain -- Nick Lamaison Interview

[Freak]

Since he has been a hot topic this week, I thought some of you might find this interesting.

On his goals

My main goal is just to come in and learn this offense the best I can so I can be in a position to compete for the spot. No matter how good your arm is, or whatever it may be, if you don't know the system you are running you aren't going to be efficient. So I just want to come in and take it step by step and just learn this offense and go from there.

Defining his style of play

I'm a leader, all around on the field. I find a way. However it needs to be done, I'll find a way to win.

On the Tennessee coaching staff

I think it's top notch. Really I just feel fortunate to be around such great football minds. I'm just going to try to be the best sponge I can be and soak up all the information I can get from them.

About the upcoming season

It is going to be a challenge, but with the new coaching staff, a lot of things are more simplified. You don't have to think as much about what you are doing. You can just play and react. I think that is going to make a world of difference in this upcoming season.

About Tennessee's current quarterbacks

Coming in as a young guy trying to learn the offense I'm really just trying to model what they are doing until I can get the reigns on it and take it as far as I can go.

Regarding the level of play in the SEC

That's what really excites me. That's what I play for. I don't want to be in a league where the talent is not that great and yeah you're good, but look who are playing against. I want to play against the best people I can play against so you can see really how good I can be. That really excites me. I like that a lot.

Motivation

Not a lot of people know about me. I kind of like that. I like that underdog, come out of nowhere -- but he can really play. I just want to get out there and show everybody what I can do so that can have confidence in me. Once they see what I can do, that will be the case.

Junior College

Nearly all the schools didn't know I was available to come out. They thought I had to play another year at Mt. SAC and then come out. I was able to get out that first year so I kind of flew under the radar.

I was a first team All-American my first year. So coming in that following year, I would be the highest JC quarterback prospect. I would be a pre-season All-American. I would definitely be on a lot more recruiting lists and a lot more schools. But for some reason I just feel like this is the right fit and I feel really good about this decision.

Matching Coach O's energy level

On the field, I try to keep a real calm demeanor because that's how you have to run an offense. You can't be out there having as much energy as him sometimes, but I can get energized pretty good.

 

[g8terh8ter_eric]

Nice breakdown there chief. I love this kids attitude.

 

[Dudleys87]

Thanks for the summaries Freak.

 

[Oldvol75]

I just have a feeling that this guy is going to surprise folks in a good way!

 

[Bite em' Smokey]

I think he will really push Nick S next year. I can see him being a 2 year starter.

 

[VOLNTEX_REX]

Something tells me this kids gonna be the real deal. Great to have him on board.

 

[rjd970]

Thanks Freak.

Sounds like he has the right attitude. Hopefully for us it translates into a performance on the field.

Anybody think that if he played this spring he could have been a serious contender for the starting job?

 

[Oldvol75]

Thanks Freak.

Sounds like he has the right attitude. Hopefully for us it translates into a performance on the field.

Anybody think that if he played this spring he could have been a serious contender for the starting job?

If it is a truly open fall practice, it may be possible. It all depends on how quickly he can learn the system.

 

[slammingseth]

has anyone on here saw him throwing to our WRs and if so , how did he look?

 

[charleshaynie]

It is amazing how one interview can change so many minds.

 

[BigHodgie]

go get'em boss

 

[TENNaciousUTfan]

It is amazing how one interview can change so many minds.

Every single year, there are hidden gems at every position.

Obviously, this staff believes they can go toe to toe with anybody for the Blue Chippers, and at the same time, spot the diamonds other programs step over. Personally, I think his teammate, Irvin will end up winning the 2010 class "Hidden Gem" award.

 

[TENNaciousUTfan]

If it is a truly open fall practice, it may be possible. It all depends on how quickly he can learn the system.

He'll likely just try to absorb the system....maybe get some cleanup work against the weaker opponents on our schedule this fall, but the real competition will start in the Spring.