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By Rick Atkinson for cusa-fans.com

Coach June Jones –
Your impressions on the team’s conditioning after seeing the 220-yard runs?
“I was real proud, especially of the young kids that came in. We had our normal two or three bigger guys that are freshmen that didn’t do it, but they’ll know what’s expected of them now. But, overall, I was really proud of the guys we are counting on. … You kind of know, because you kind of see who’s been here all summer and who did what. Marquis Frazier really pushed hard through, made it all. Taylor Thompson’s in great shape. A young kid, Byron Brown, he was leading the way. Emmanuel [Sanders] was light years, speed-wise, difference [from everyone else.] It’s kind of fun to see the kids take pride.”

Freshman quarterback Kyle Padron –
How are you progressing with the offense?
“It’s a process. It’s going to fun. I’m looking forward to getting everything down. Coach Jones already told me it’s going to take awhile and to not get frustrated with it. Just keep going with the flow and get mental reps when I’m not actually going. And just stay focused in our practices and I’ll learn it pretty quick.”

What’s been most difficult?
“There are a lot of concepts that go along with the routes. In high school it’s pretty basic. It’s the same kind of system, but there are just more combinations on the route schemes. And that’s going to take a little getting used to.

How do you like SMU?
“I love it our here. The academics are great. It’s going to prepare all of us for after football.”

Has starter Bo Levi Mitchell offered you some pointers?
“Yeah, he and Braden Smith have a been a huge help to me. They hang out with me, take me to movies and stuff, just to get me acquainted with the school and activities around here. They’re like big brothers to me.”

Bo Levi Mitchell –
What’s the feel on the team?
“Everybody is excited because everybody knows this is the year we’re going to turn everything around.”

Why all the confidence after 1-11?
“Belief. … We believe everything Coach Jones says. He knows what he’s talking about, obviously.”

Wideout Aldrick Robinson –
What will be the biggest improvement in your game this year?
“Making my reads faster. Last year, looking at the film and seeing everything, how open it was, this year I’m going to make those reads much faster.”

Cornerback Derrius Bell –
How's your conditioning?
“Coming off injury [hamstring] I felt real good. I ran real well. My legs didn’t give me problems.”

Encouraging.

I don't care if it will only lead to heartbreak. I like to feel optimistic before the season starts.