Category: Football

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Michigan Football Camp Report – Team Captain QB Cade McNamara

8/25/22 Availability

2022 Michigan Football Captains were named as this event began.

QB Cade McNamara
WR Ronnie Bell|
DB Mike Sainristil
DL Mazi Smith
TE Erick All

Q:
You guys had a chance to speak to the team after being announced captain, what was your message in that moment?

McNamara:
I mean, I just told him the truth, I’m extremely honored, you know, to be elected captain, for it to be a player only vote, and for your teammates to recognize you as a leader of the team. I mean, there’s no greater accomplishment, I don’t think especially at this level and I think, you know, my message was how honored I am and you know, the potential and I think where we are as a team, how fired up I am for this season and also, just, you know, how blessed I am to be recognized by them, and I love them.

I’m playing my best football that I ever have in my life right now.

Cade McNamara

Q:
In Indianapolis, you said you felt as good about your fundamentals and the way you were throwing as maybe any point in your career. How do you think the last couple weeks have gone- has it translated the way you hoped it would?

McNamara:
Absolutely, I think I’m, by far, playing my best football that I ever have in my life right now.

Q:
What are you doing well?

Cade McNamara spring game 2021

McNamara:
I think I’m pushing the ball downfield, I’m throwing the ball with accuracy. My mechanics seem very clean right now, I’m not missing very often. My recognition of the defense right now, it seems very clean. And I think, you know, the more time we’ve spent with the receivers over camp, I’ve been able to gain even more chemistry with them, and just finding zones, whether it’s man coverage, zone coverage on how we’re dealing with those in our concepts, and everything, I think, you know, this team is really ready. I think we’ve done a lot of situational preparation, a lot of work together and not just myself, but I feel that this offense and this team is extremely prepared for the season.

Q:
To your point about accuracy, when Big 10 network was here…they had said that none of your balls were hitting the ground, it was just always a completion, what’s gone into your renewed kind of focus on that?

McNamara:
It kind of starts from the ground up, I think, you know, your feet is a big part of you know, what can lead to accuracy, having a strong base having just really something I’ve been focused on is efficiency, and not having any, you know, poor movement, or any movement that I don’t need in my throwing motion or my footwork. And so far, I’ve seen good results as I continue to work on it.

It’s fuel…being able to continue to deal with adversity is just something that makes people better and your ability to handle it will define you and really not just for me, but for this team as well. When this team faces adversity this season, how we react will define us.

Cade McNamara responding to critics

Q:
You’ve talked about the wideouts, who’s the one that you’ve developed the most chemistry with, the biggest increase in chemistry through fall camp?

McNamara:
I think it’s just a overall collection of guys that are really starting to step it up. I mean, obviously, it’s great to have Ronnie B back out there. He just has a tremendous feel for the game. Really everyone, with Roman, with CJ with a guy that’s starting to catch some people’s eyes is Peyton O’Leary. I mean, we have a lot of talent in that room, and we have a lot of talent on the offense. And, you know, it’s our job as quarterback to get them the ball that way and I think that group in our offense should have a big year.

Q:
How much you sense that your teammates really respect your journey to this point, and what you’ve had to do to kind of prove yourself at every step of the way?

McNamara:
Yeah, I think, really, this is a representation of that, that they, no matter what is, you know, my perception, or how people have viewed me, or whatever the case may be how, whatever it is, I take a lot of pride in the fact that they were able to recognize, you know, me for who I am. And for what I bring to this team, and for them to choose me as their captain, I think it’s just a great representation of, you know, my really relationship with my teammates, and what they believe in me as a member of this team. And, again, I’m just really honored.

Q:
We’ve heard that the defense is complex and confusing to go up against, what’s your view about that?

McNamara:
I agree…this is my second year going against this defense. And I think, you know, they have just so many looks, so much, as you mentioned complexity, it’s gonna cause quarterbacks to be confused back there. And I think, you know, as we continue, we’re just gonna keep finding ways to get to the quarterback, confuse the quarterback and, you know, put stress on the offense that we play.

Cade McNamara Orange Bowl (2021)

Q:
We know, you’re only thinking about Colorado State right now but I’d like to hear your thoughts on the non-conference in general, none of those teams are, you know, power five conferences or whatever. Would you rather have a more marquee game or you’ll play wherever?

McNamara:
I’ll play whoever’s on schedule, that’s all that matters.

Q:
Cade, all we’ve heard about the quarterback competition so far as it’s been really even with you and JJ. How are you approaching that now in light of being a captain, a leader on the team?

McNamara:
I feel like the level of play I’m playing out is very high right now in terms of where I’ve been in my career. I have for sure gotten much better than I have, than I was this time last year, or even at the end of the season last year. I’ve recognized that and obviously, my teammates have as well.

Q:
What’s your approach to handling the outside noise that comes with being in a quarterback competition?

Cade McNamara 2021 Big Ten Championship

McNamara:
It’s fuel, I think, you know, being able to continue to deal with adversity is just something that, you know, makes people better and your ability to handle it will define you and really not just for me, but for this team as well.

When this team faces adversity this season, how we react will define us.

We’re well aware of that and we have really pushed that message, you know, as the captains and the other leaders on the team, we’ve pushed that message as well. That how you deal with that adversity is going to be a defining moment for our team. So not just for me, but for this team, we’re gonna attack it.

Edits made for clarity.

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Michigan Football Camp Report – Team Captain DL Mazi Smith

8/25/22 Availability

2022 Michigan Football Captains were named as this event began.

QB Cade McNamara
WR Ronnie Bell|
DB Mike Sainristil
DL Mazi Smith
TE Erick All

Q:
How does it feel to be honored by your teammates to be named team captain?

Smith:
Great, you know, I’ve been having to deal a little bit more with people having the eyes on me. And you know, being somebody who’s noticeable, you know, I just appreciate that people see what I’m trying to do and appreciate it, you know, respected and it. It just feels good to be appreciated and respected.

Q:
Is this something that you had envisioned or hoped for when you first came to campus?

Smith:
Not at all? Not at all, like I did, I didn’t start thinking about being a captain until people brought it up to me. You know, which was like, two weeks ago. So, like wow. That’d be cool.

Q:
Does feel like go time for you? We’re a week out from season, you’re named captain, is the only thing left to do at this point is play?

Smith:
That always the only thing left to do- like, I kind of feel like people get it twisted. When it’s time to go on it ain’t, it’s always time to go, always.

That’s the approach we take to the season, like no matter what we do, until we get a national championship it’s not going to be enough.

Mazi Smith

Q:
What was your reaction, and the team’s reaction when your name was announced?

Smith:
You know, I heard a lot of claps and excitement- Big Maz, you know, your t-shirt is too small! For me, personally, I didn’t know, you know, going into it. I was like, you know, if I’m a captain, that’d be great. But if I’m not gonna just keep doing me keep doing the same thing. And I talked to Coach Harbaugh about just being yourself and forever, not changing for nothing. And that’s what they got in a captain…

Q:
That was that today when it was announced? Can you take us inside the room? Like who said it?

Smith:
Coach Harbaugh, they have everybody vote, then they go out to another room with some of the freshmen have them count it all up. You know, we goof around, you know, and then when they get back in and we get our serious again, and he announces it.

Q:
You have a shirt that says Michigan captain?

Smith:
No, they were talking about this shirt.

Q:
Have you talked to your parents yet? What was their reaction?

Cade is one of the hardest working guys I’ve seen, one of the biggest competitors and he’s been that way since he got here…You appreciate having a guy like that who wants to win all the time.

Mazi Smith on fellow captain QB Cade McNamara

Smith:
I haven’t yet, it was like 10 minutes ago, they told us, I know my mom’s gonna be like, “My baby is a captain”, it’s gonna be all over Facebook.

Q:
Mazi, you’ve had a pretty enriching last few weeks, you went to Selma, you were at the jail in Genesee, you talked about how moving that was for you, is this sort of another layer of that kind of experience for you?

Smith:
Oh, for sure. You know the opportunities God has given me, you know, throughout my time here, they’re tremendous, things I never would have imagined you know, experiences I never would have or could have dreamed up and always say to myself, you know, God I has never steered me wrong. So why will he now? I always put my trust and faith in him.

Q:
After the announcement that you were a captain were you given a chance to speak to the team if so- what was your message?

Smith:
We put in a lot of work but just because the season here all that means is there’s more work to be put in, more opportunities to get better. I told them there’s no other group of people I want to go to war with, that I want by my side, I love everybody in that room. You know, I could get emotional about it…

Q
Considering the nature of the position, how important do you think it is to have a quarterback be a captain?

Smith:
The quarterback makes a lot of big decisions that impact the game and you always want the guy making those decisions to be respected by the guys he’s making the decisions for. You always want to look at your quarterback and see somebody who embodies the team and can bring the team together when he needs to and and keep keep the team going.

Q:
Why do you think Cade has done that, how does he demonstrate that?

Smith:
Just by coming up and being the same guy every day, competing and always trying to get that edge. You know, Cade is one of the hardest working guys I’ve seen and one of the biggest competitors and he’s been that way since he got here. You know, lately he’s just allowed- now that he’s the starter and the eyes are on him- people to see it. No, he’s always been the way he is, you appreciate having a guy like that who wants to win all the time.

Cade McNamara (2021)

Q:
We may or may not get to talk to you before kickoff…You said you feel ready. How do you think this defense is in terms of being where they need to be 10 days from now?

Smith:
I always tell the guys individually on defense, no matter how perfect practice was or how, good you play, there’s always more to be done. You know, no matter how good your pad level is, you can always get lower. No matter how good your hand placement is, you can always get it better.

I think that’s the approach we take to the season, like no matter what we do you know until we get a national championship it’s not going to be enough.

Q:
With game week quickly approaching to do the emotions change for you at all heading into the first game week?

Smith:
The emotions? Nah. I kind of gotta contain that excitement you know and now let it flow on game day. Don’t like getting ahead of yourself, you know that’s how you make yourself trip up.

Q:
Who were some of the other guys who have been playing either one rotation with you or next to you that have impressed me with?

Smith:
Cam Goode for sure, you know, he do a good job, Mason Graham. They’re playing a real good ball especially for how young he is. I think Kenneth Grant is gonna be a force…Basically the whole interior of the defense has made big strides and I said we were gonna have too, as long as we keep getting better anybody can play. You know anybody and everybody. I told the room that we’re gonna need that whole room if you want to win games. Everybody in there can play winning football.

Edits made for clarity.

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Michigan Football Camp Report – WR Roman Wilson

8/23/22 Availability

Q:
How does Sainristil look at cornerback?

Wilson:
Mike, looks really good out there. He’s got a good feel for things not only because he’s athletic, but he plays offense so he kind of knows where routes are going and he’s got a good feel, looks good.

Q:
What’s different for you in year three?

Wilson:
Something big for me is, you know, I put a lot more effort and energy into things. I gotta stop caring about what people think and I just gotta go out there and bring good vibes and just have fun.

We don’t want to be what old Michigan was, we want to set a new standard…It’s no surprise that we haven’t done that well in the past few years…We want to be considered one of the best when we leave this program.

Roman Wilson

Q:
How is the competition for reps in the wide receiver in this year been different compared to your first couple of years?

Wilson:
For me it’s been different…I feel like you’re no longer fighting to be a starter, you’re just fighting to get like reps in practice and just better yourself. Like no matter like where you are on the depth chart, like all 19 receivers are just trying to get as many reps as they can. So like, it’s not just fighting to start, it’s fighting to get better.

Q:
Now that last year is gone, can you explain how badly the wrist bothered you even after you came back?

Wilson:
I can still feel it. Like it still hurts, like I can’t do push ups and when I push off, I can’t really bend it. But I wouldn’t say it bothers me though.

Q:
Is that way in perpetuity- it’s just going to be that way?

Wilson:
It’s gonna be like this rest of my life. I just got to deal with it.

Roman Wilson

Q:
What’s it been like watching Darrius Clemons from when he got on campus to now. I know when he came in physically ready but how was he looking with route running and figuring all those things out schematically?

Darrius Clemons and friends (2022 Spring Game)

Wilson:
For all the freshmen it’s been amazing to watch them just learn new technique and watch them like develop into like a real receiver. And you know…he’s a big guy, it feels good to watch him not just like be big all the time and really like focus on his technique, even though he had good technique before, but just a different level now.

Q:
When you said you want to stop caring what people think about you what do you mean by that?

Wilson:
I want to say like not caring but stop thinking so much. Kind of just be in a space where you know I’m just focused on football and focus on winning games. That’s all that really matters.

Q:
Who’s the fastest guy on the team?

Wilson:
I’m gonna say it’s me all day. DJ shocked me this year, he was moving pretty fast in the summer. Eamonn Dennis, Amorion Walker. AJ. Yeah…a couple freshmen in there.

Q:
Who are the fastest running backwards?

Wilson:
Running backwards? [ laughter]

Q:
From your view, what is the quarterback situation like?

Wilson:
You know, they’re both been really good but if I had to be honest, I feel like our best option is probably me. But now, they’re both doing good. It’s gonna be hard to pick one. So you never know.

Q:
Cade a couple weeks ago said this team wants to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. Is that something that you all talked about? How does that manifest when you’re preparing for a season?

Wilson:
Our goals for the season is different you know last year was more you know, beat our rivals but this year is more like we want it all, we want to beat our rivals, go the playoffs, like Big 10 Championship, like all that. We want to come for it all. We don’t want to be what old Michigan was, we want to set a new standard for us.

Hassan Haskins and Roman Wilson (2021)

Q:
When you say old Michigan what do you mean by that?

Wilson:
It’s no surprise that we haven’t done that well in the past few years. And you know, we want to take our game like up here, we want to be like considered one of the best when we leave this program.

Q:
How do you separate yourself in such a crowded receiver room when you have so many guys?

Wilson:
That’s a good question. I feel like the one way to separate yourself is being consistent and reliable. You got to know what’s going on at all times and you got to make plays when the ball comes your way.

Roman Wilson (2021)

Q:
You talked about old Michigan and how you guys have sort of changed a bit. At what point do you think you guys turned that corner? Whether it was last year, maybe this offseason when you turn that corner and if you haven’t turned that corner what do you think it takes?

Wilson:
Just like effort and energy like when I was a freshman I always felt like we was working hard, but, you know, just the difference we’ve come and the amount of like energy and the guys like really want to. It just feels different. It’s like, you can’t even explain it.

Q:
You think it’s like the language among the team is how you guys talk to each other in practice?

Wilson:
Yeah, I mean like people talk shit to each other, like they get upset over plays and like nobody likes to lose, like everyone’s a sore loser…It’s competitive.

Q:
What does it mean to your room to have Ronnie Bell back both as a leader as well as production-wise?

Wilson:
It means a lot having Ronnie there, he’s a vocal guy. He’s always saying something and you know, kind of telling the coaches how we feel about certain things and it’s great, he brings a lot of energy. He has a lot of fun in practice, just another guy to have around. He’s a great leader and helps out a lot.

Q:
What’s it like to have Ron Bellamy as your position coach?

Ron Bellamy (2002)

Wilson:
Coach Gattis, he was cool, I really liked him a lot but Coach Bell he played receiver here so it obviously means more like to him, I would hope so.

Q:
Kind of piggybacking off that what’s the biggest difference in coaching style between coach Gattis and coach Bellamy?

Wilson:
I wouldn’t say like, there’s too much [different] like both of them are competitive and just push us to the limit.

Edits made for clarity.

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Michigan Football Camp Report – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How has the pass rush is gone so far for your unit in fall camp without having some of your predecessors around?

Harrell:
We really have been working on that each and every day, just getting better. Each and every day stacking days, competing against our o-line, just finding different moves and techniques just to get past them, get back to the quarterback.

Q:
Mike Morris was talking last week about Mazi’s influence on the pass rushers and just the defensive line as a whole. What kind of influence he’s had on you?

Mazi Smith (2021)

Harrell:
Mazi’s had he’s had a huge influence on me actually, you know, he wants the d-line to be working together in everything we do. So I really just stand together you know, we’re running games and stuff like that. We’re on the same page that’s the biggest thing.

Q:
What was your reaction to you guys adding another edge player this late in fall camp?

Harrell:
Eyabi is cool. You know, he’s a good player. He’s really here just to compete each and every day. You know, he’s a great guy to have in the room, we’re just excited to have him.

Q:
What did you and your teammates learn from guys like Aidan and David- trendsetters, guys you can look up to, that you can take in this season?

Aiden Hutchinson (2021)

Harrell:
Aiden and Ojabo they were great leaders, Aiden was a great leader on and off the field. So was Ojabo, he brought that fire like when he made plays and stuff like that. They also were great technicians, Aiden and Ojabo, Ojabo was a big speed guy. Aiden was a good technician but they both had great tools that we can apply to our games to make us elevate and bring us together as a unit…

Q:
Did you guys know a Hutchinson could sing?

Harrell:
No, sir. I didn’t. I watched the Hard Knocks…he killed it for sure.

Q:
If somebody in your room had to go do that in front of the team who would you nominate?

Harrell:
I’ll go with probably Taylor Upshaw.

Q:
You were on the field last year because of your ability to set the edge…where do feel you are from pass rush standpoint to marry it up with what you showed last year against the run?

Harrell:
I was on the field a lot on run downs but I’ve really been honing in on my pass rush, my pass coverage, my running game, everything just to be a more complete player, adding that juice, adding that package, and those moves to my bag…to elevate my game and take it the next step.

Q:
You said that Eyabi was a great addition to your unit. Is he already already here. Have you met him? Is he in the building?

Harrell:
Oh, yes, sir…He’s around. Welcome a man with open arms you know, cool guy. Excited, he’s ready to learn you know, I’m helping him a little bit with the playbook and stuff like that…Another man on the ready to compete and get after it.

Q:
Can speak to the impact that Mike Elston has had on you so far this offseason?

Harrell:
Coach Elston, he’s a great coach. You know, he really hones in on those little details. So is a Coach Dylan Rooney he’s also been a great great coach to the edge room so you know, those two guys, those two coaches, they’ve really done a great job helping us each and every day pushing us to attack each and every day.

Q:
How has this team avoided complacency coming off of last season?

Harrell:
Coach Harbaugh really hones in on that you know, don’t fall in love with their own stuff. We had a great year last year, but it’s a new year. We really just work at each and every day, we’ve been working hard just grinding getting after it ready for September 3.

Q:
You’re still kind of an up and comer yourself but who’s really impressed you some, whether it’s in your unit or just remotely where elsewhere defensively?

Harrell:
Derrick Moore…on the edge, he’s been really impressive. Also, Kody Jones nickel back, he’s been playing a lot of physicality flying around. A lot of guys, Braiden McGregor, TJ Guy is coming along as well, Makari Paige. A lot of good guys.

Q:
What are your thoughts on your schedule this year? I mean, obviously, a lot of home games and some non conference games starting off at home as well?

Harrell:
Oh, you know, I kind of just I go one game at a time. I don’t look too much at the whole schedule, I just go one game at a time. You know, one week at a time, one team at a time that’s really to focus on just one game at a time.

Q:
On the addition of Eyabi Anoma, how did you find out? The edge rushers were told as groups…how did everyone else find out?

Harrell:
The whole defense was told that Eyabi was coming in, and Coach Harbaugh also told us he was coming in coming in, great addition to the team like I said, welcome with open arms, ready to get after it compete.

Q:
Has he talked much about previous defensive schemes he was in and how closely related Michigan’s is, how was he adjusted to the playbook?

Harrell:
As far as Eyabi? He’s still learning the playbook, so not too much not like I’ve just been helping him learn the defense stuff like that…

Q:
When the coaches told you guys about Eyabi did they talk at all about some of these issues he said has at past schools?

Harrell:
No, we keep that out of it, I don’t even know why he left other schools. He’s here. You know…he’s cool. He’s gonna bea great teammate for us. We don’t really worry about what happened in the past.

Q:
How closely have you been following the Big 10 TV deal and all of the revenue and the gigantic number of zeros that are attached to the deal?

Harrell:
Like Blake said, I really don’t know too much about you know, I got a couple of like Bleacher Report links, but I didn’t really read into it much…I did see a lot of zeros on the deal. That’s awesome.

Blake Corum (2021)

Q:
What is your impressions when you look at Blake now that he’s added those pounds on and what does he look like on the field?

Harrell:
That’s a dog right there, hard running back, make you miss in the open field. Adding that 10 to 11 pounds you really can take more hits, more durable, Blakes a dog.

Edits made for clarity.

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Michigan Football Camp Report – WR Cornelius Johnson

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How would you describe the depth in the wide receiver room?

Johnson:
That’s a good question. I would say, for our receiver room, we always pride ourselves on being prepared for anything, especially as route runners. You know, our job is to get open no matter what, like even if it’s a run, pass, we’re always trying to contribute any way and that allows us for once we do get the opportunity for all all receivers, we got to be ready once it comes to us…

Q:
With so many guys will it be hard to keep everybody happy?

Cornelius Johnson

Johnson:
I feel like we got a good group of guys and our chemistry right now is really high within the receiver room.

Q:
With a couple of years of time on task now being a starter where do you feel like you have made your biggest improvement this offseason? And what do you what do you think you can go? Like? What level do you think you can go to this season?

Johnson:
With this being my senior season I’ve been in the program, this being my fourth year and I feel like being here for that long I’ve improved on just knowing what to expect more and being on track with the quarterbacks. I’m looking forward to this fall, being there every day for my teammates, and making sure that I contribute that way.

Q:
How much do you think the offense changed when Ronnie went down last season?

Johnson:
When Ronnie went down last season, I feel like the offense was definitely hurt because he was our team captain and a big contributor for us.

Q:
Getting him back in the fold. I mean, how much does the offense change again?

Johnson:
I feel like with Ronnie in the mix, it’s good to have a weapons all over the offense and using those weapons I feel like that’s just great for our entire program. I mean, no matter what, just production everywhere.

Ronnie Bell 2021

Q:
What have you seen from Mike, on the defensive side? Is it unique going up against someone who’s sometimes also in your room too?

Johnson:
For my whole time here, I feel like I’ve been in the same lineup right next to him on the offensive side of the ball. And then with him being on defense, that’s a good advantage for him because he can see both sides of the ball and it’s fun to compete against him in practice. because it’s even more personal because he’s also a route runner too.

Q:
Does it come naturally for him that defensive side?

Johnson:
Definitely in my eyes. I feel like it does, because I feel like he played that right in like high school and other than in his past. So it’s good to see how versatile he is and hoping for the best one.

He’s a great young receiver…He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes…I feel like he could definitely contribute early.

Cornelius Johnson on Darrius Clemons

Q:
Do have to have a different mindset to play special teams? And if so, like, what is it? What do you have to flip the different switch?

Cornelius Johnson

Johnson:
It’s not necessarily flipping a different switch, it’s just obviously not the same phase, but it’s the same switch that goes off at the beginning of the game. Once you step on that field by playing your pads, that switch gotta go off…If you wait till it’s way too late, and like it’s not something that can just be on and off.

Our coach always talks about that, you know, treat practice as if it’s like the game so then like, once the game comes, it’s just like practice, you know, I mean, it’s kind of like, something like that. I think about my head. You can’t just be on and off for games. That’s not really realistic. So it’s all the time even in practice, you got to have that switch even on special teams.

Q:
Have you blocked any punts in practice?

Johnson:
We don’t go necessarily like live punts in practice, I’m not gonna be diving our punters. But we definitely are trying to put in schemes and put in different techniques, so that I can improve to block punts this season.

Darrius Clemons and friends

Q:
We’ve heard a lot about Darrius Clemens, what have you seen from him and why might he be able to contribute early?

Johnson:
I feel like he’s a great young receiver. He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes. To have Darrius in as a friend and as another member of our wide receiver crew has been really awesome because I’ve got to know him better. We were on that Michigan trip, we were roommates and everything and to get to know him and to learn from him and also I can tell him different stuff. I feel like he could definitely contribute early.

Q:
Coach Bellamy said that Ronnie’s return might make it harder for other teams to shade their coverage toward you or do some of the bracket things that maybe you saw at times last year, I guess, are you eager for that opportunity to maybe have somebody else that can attract attention? And maybe there’s more open space for you?

Johnson:
It’s involves like schemes and offensive play calls. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity to go out there and be on the same field as Ronnie and the other receivers as well because once we get each other going, that opens up the door for other opportunities for other players. I mean, obviously, everyone knows that’s the game of football. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity.

Q:
Have you watched Hard Knocks, and if you have, what was your thoughts on watching that with a former teammate kind of featured on there?

Johnson:
I remember watching that we were in the hotel room, and we turned it on and I remember seeing Aiden and he was doing the Billy Jean thing…It was fun to watch, especially knowing Aiden last year and seeing how he was welcomed into the Lions program. That was just fun to turn on that week and I’m looking forward to watching the next one coming on HBO.

Q:
Did you know that he could sing like that?

Johnson:
Not necessarily, that kind of surprised me. Did you know that? Like I had no idea? I’m excited for him, I mean, I’m hoping to go to a game in November at the stadium.

Q:
We talked about Darrius a little bit already but what have the freshman wide receivers added to your group that maybe the team didn’t last year or something you’ve been impressed by?

We focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general…

Cornelius Johnson

Johnson:
Like I mentioned earlier, just depth and being able to run every route. For us, we try and focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general, so we got to know everything and getting them to know the playbook, getting everything going, that makes it that much more fluid for everyone else.

Q:
What were your impressions when you Blake back in camp with an extra 11 or 12 pounds… Still lightning and lightning he said but maybe there’s a little more thunder?

Johnson:
You said lightning and thunder? Yeah, seeing that just really excites me because I feel like he’s in great shape, just like our team, having him as that weapon, maybe more thunder, more lightning, just everything. I feel like that if he can get that goal, then it’s good.

Edits made for clarity.