By Rick Atkinson for cusa-fans.com
Bryce Tennison, sophomore offensive lineman
Are o-line injuries becoming worrisome?
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried. But I think the first group that we’ve got up right now, nothing is too serious. Just little dings and stuff, here and there. The only problem, depth-wise, is that the guys are young.â€
What about getting Josh LeRibeus back?
“It’s great. I love that guy. It’s good seeing him around. He’s going to fill in that left guard spot and we’re going to be ready to go.â€
Josh LeRibeus, sophomore offensive lineman
How’d it go your first day back?
“I feel good. I’ve been watching them [practice] for probably the past week, just to get back in the rhythm, the plays and stuff. Now and then, I need some reminders but other than that I’ve pretty much got it back.â€
How’d you stay in shape over the summer?
“A lot of racquetball with my brother and then running with the dog. She needed to lose some weight too.â€
What kind of dog?
“She’s a mutt.â€
What about o-line injuries?
“If they get more serious, we’ll look at it then. But right now, it should be good.â€
What do you like best about the new o-line coach Adrian Klemm?
“His experience. He definitely teaches you all the techniques and everything. And he’ll get in there. He doesn’t tell you how to do it, he’ll show you. You don’t want to mess up more than once because his punch is ferocious.â€
Bryce Lunday, sophomore running back
You’re becoming quite the special teams player. How’s that feel?
“I love it. Last year, when I got here, I was on a lot of scout [teams]. So we were always in the meetings and listening to Coach [Frank] Gansz. I learned quite a bit last year. Growing up, I always had to work hard to get on the field and get to college. So it’s pretty much my game.â€
“On special teams it takes good athletes but a lot of it is just your grit. You want to get down there and get the tackle. The coaches see that I can do that.â€
After you fielded a short kickoff, Coach Wes Suan called to you then waved his hand near the ground. What did that mean?
“He means ‘Get down,’ as soon as I catch it. It was an onside [kick] so I had to jump up to catch it. I’ve got to get down or else I’m going to get clocked.â€
You’re still ready at running back if called on?
“Always. Of course, everybody wants to make touchdowns. Running back, that’s where you make your touchdowns. … I feel I’ll get some carries at running back.â€
What about having former president George W. Bush at practice?
“That was amazing. Growing up, in our family, we have a lot of respect for President Bush. … Seeing him walk out of the tunnel, it kind of gives you a little bit of chills.â€
Braden Smith, redshirt freshman No. 2 quarterback and holder
Thoughts on your new duties?
“I’ve just got to make sure I get the ball down. Hopefully, I don’t get noticed.â€
A starting quarterback in high school, you also held for three years. Any fakes?
“We had a couple of fakes. We tried to put on a fake each week. We didn’t always run them but when we did it was good.â€
Justin Willis, senior wideout
Did you know former President Bush was coming today?
“I didn’t. I was informed as soon as we got on the field. I had met him shortly in the weight room, the time before [he came]. But just to see him and be in his presence is a great thing to have. Seeing him out there brought a lot of joy to the team too.â€
When is your first class?
“Wednesday at 10 [a.m.] or 11. Sociology.â€
“That’s my major, my potential major I’m going after. I really do like the Sociology Department here at SMU. The teachers have treated me well and I try to treat them well.â€
