Jermon Bushrod – March 11, 2016
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Friday, March 11, 2016
OL Jermon Bushrod
(On why he chose Miami) — “I think this is a good opportunity for me. At the end of the day, the way the season went for me last year wasn’t how I’m used to it going, being the previous five or six years before; but I feel like this is a great situation for me. I’ve been in Coach Gase’s offensive system last year. I was able to learn it to the best of my ability and go out there and execute. So I just felt like it was the right fit. It gives me a chance to compete and at the end of the day as a football player, that’s really all you to do and I want to win games.”
(On if he’s open to player guard and if he’s ever played guard in the NFL) — “No I haven’t. It’s kind of like whatever needs to be done. I understand what they’re bringing me in there for and kind of going back to what I said earlier, I’m going to compete. The good thing is though, I have an offseason to compete. I have an offseason to get used to different things, different positions, if need be. For the last nine years I’ve been strictly a left tackle, so I’m going to be out of my comfort zone trying to learn, and do this and do that. At the end of the day I’ll be learning, I’ll be getting better and I’ll find a way to contribute to this team.”
(On if he’s played guard at any level) — “No. No. No. I have not. I mean like I said, I have practiced it before and that’s really it. I mean you’re really only sliding one position. You just have to get your timing down and things like that. I mean the fight happens a little sooner at guard, so I don’t really see it being too tough of an obstacle. It’s going to be hard but playing in the NFL is hard. It’s not an easy task. I’m up for it.”
(On where he thinks this franchise is right now and where it is headed) — “I think we’re moving in the right direction. (Head Coach Adam) Gase and those guys, they’re getting their pieces and parts. We have to be excited. But you know we won’t really know until we get here for OTA’s and get out here to training camp to really see what we got. I’m excited about the moves they’ve made. I’m excited that I’m there and I’m looking forward to this year.”
(On how his shoulder is doing) — “It’s doing better. It’s feeling better every single week. The great thing about this opportunity is that I’ll be able to get down there. I’ll be able to get around the guys and I can rehab with the tremendous staff that they have down there. It kind of works out. It kind of works out in everyone’s favor that we were able to get this done now. The shoulder will be better. It will continue to get better week in and week out, month in and month out. By training camp we’re going to be ready to ride.”
(On why Miami was appealing to him despite T Branden Albert playing left tackle) – “I’m going to go back to the first question. I understand that Branden Albert has that spot and he has worked hard for that spot. At the end of the day, it’s a whole new situation for me. I’m not going to go into an organization and they’re just going to feel confident just throwing me in there (after how) being out last year went. Financially, it won’t work out like that and situationally it won’t work out like that. So, I understand the situation. If something happens, I’m going to fight to be ready at whatever position is needed. This is a whole new situation for me. Last year was a whole new situation for me. I grew up a lot last year, because when you’re used to certain things – used to certain ways – and you know your work ethic and you know how you get after it, it’s tough. I’m going in here to a new situation, and I’m going to be open. I’m going to be ready for whatever. This is year 10 for me, and it’s a good situation. It’s Miami. I’m moving to better weather. The wife is happy. Everybody’s good.”
(On playing for head coach Adam Gase in Chicago) – “I like the fact that (Adam) Gase is there. Last year, he was able to do a lot of good things with the offense. (Gase) and our quarterback (Jay Cutler) last year were able to get on the same page. We were able to have some success. He’s going to bring that fire. He’s going to bring that energy. This is what this team needs. I think Gase is going to be a great leader and he’s going to put guys in the right position. That’s one thing that I liked when I saw (his coaching style) last year. He put guys in the right position to make plays. I have to be excited about that because I was in the system with him for one year. Hopefully we can grow, and we can continue to get better here in Miami and get this thing rolling.”
(On when the Dolphins first appeared on his radar) – “It was a couple days ago. It was a few days ago. They reached out asking about the situation, asking about me. They thought it would benefit me to come on down there and take a visit. Once I got down there, I liked where they’re going. I like what Gase’s vision is. I had a few teams interested, but this is the team that stepped up right here, right now. And they wanted to work with me from the jump – throughout the whole offseason – instead of waiting for me to get healthy. I’m going to get healthy, but they came out, and they made the move now. I’m appreciative of that, and I’m ready to get back.”
