Eric Studesville – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville
(So what do you think of your room?) – “I think it’s a talented room. I don’t really know exactly what…”
RB Kenyan Drake
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but you’ve got 10 pushups right now. (laughter) I don’t care if you’re talking to the media. No, we need them pushups. (laughter).”
Eric Studesville
“I got them. They’re on the books. I got it. (laughter). I got to do them. We’re all one. It’s one group. I got 80 the other day. That hurt. I haven’t done 80 in a long time. It’s a good group. It’s a good, young group. I don’t really know … We’re working through each other. (I’m) learning them; they’re learning me; I’m learning them. But I like the group so far and where we’re going. We’ve got a long way to go, but it’s a good start.”
(What is your plan for RB Frank Gore? Obviously, he’s got 14 billion yards. Does he really need to work that hard in the offseason to prepare for a season?) – “Absolutely. I think everybody’s got to work hard. All of us have to work hard to get ready for the season. What that work is, it’s different for everybody. Frank has got a good body of work out there, obviously; but his preparation is still critical to him having continued success and to be able to help us. Everybody’s got to work. We’re all going to work in different ways to get ready.”
(As a running backs coach, how impressive is RB Frank Gore’s production at his age?) – “It’s amazing, really. You look at how many guys he’s outlasted in this league, to have that kind of production year after year; but you also see when you work with him every day what kind of pro he is, how important it is to him. He takes great pride in his craft. It’s fun to be around that.”
(Obviously you have a prior relationship with Head Coach Adam Gase. Can you talk about that and what was his role in him getting you here?) – “Our relationship is because we worked together in Denver and that was a plus, certainly. Hopefully he wanted me to come here because he felt like I was the best football coach to come help him coach the running backs. That’s what I hope. I came here not as his friend, but to help him win. That’s my commitment that I made to him. So, that’s number one on my list of things to do is just the relationship is what it was, but I want to come help him win.”
(I know it’s early, but what sort of role do you foresee for RB Frank Gore in this offense given that you have RB Kenyan Drake here as well?) – “We don’t know that yet. I think that’s going to play out over time. What we’re going to do is we’re going to get everybody ready. We’ve got to learn the offense. We’re still in the playbook. We’re still in the installations. We’ve got to get everybody up to speed to where they all know it, we’re all confident in our assignments and then let them go play, and they’re going to sort out what those roles are as we go. I don’t think we have that set right now. We just have to wait and see how it goes.”
(What impressed you about RB Kenyan Drake when you watched film of him from last season?) – “We watched film and then we saw him when I was in Denver. I was impressed with how physical he was running the ball inside, particularly in our game against Denver last year. I thought he ran the ball really well inside. Obviously, his speed, his ability to finish down the field and his speed, is something. He catches the ball really well. I think he’s overall, a really good football player.”
(You mentioned roles and I guess the expectation is that it’s RB Kenyan Drake’s starting job and then RB Frank Gore helps him out and so forth; but do you see it that way?) – “I don’t have that in my brain right now. I think what we’ve got to do is we’ve got to continue to work, learn our system, learn our craft, our assignments and then get everybody out there and let them compete. The guy that gives us the best chance to win, that gives the Miami Dolphins the best chance to win, that’s who’s got to be the guy who’s out there for us and helping us win football games.”
(Can you talk about RB Kalen Ballage and what do you see in him?) – “I think we’re just scratching the surface. I don’t really know. We’ve only had him for three weeks here, but he’s a talented young guy. He works hard. Physically he looks the part for sure, but there’s a lot more things that go into it. So we’re just at the beginning stages of really developing him; but I’m excited about the opportunity.”
(Can you talk about the hurry-up, no-huddle offense? Are you a big fan of it? Have you used it much in your coaching career?) – “Yes. We did that in Denver and I am a big fan of it. I think it changes … Anything you can do that keeps defenses off guard is a good thing. Whatever we’ve got to do to give ourselves a chance to win football games, I think is to our advantage.”
(Have you worked out or had any interaction at all with RB Kalen Ballage or RB Buddy Howell before the draft?) – “Kalen I just saw at the Combine. Buddy was here at the local workout and we really liked what he did at the local workout. That’s why we got him here as a free agent.”
(What’s RB Buddy Howell’s skillset that stands out?) – “Buddy is a solid, good, dependable back. He’s a smart guy. He picked up all the things that we did on the Miami day when we had a workout here, so we got a chance to spend time with him, got a chance to put him on the board and see what he knew about football. He’s a football guy, so I think that gives you a chance.”
(RB Buddy Howell and RB Kalen Ballage, I know they don’t figure in major right now, but does that allow you to do different things with them?) – “I don’t know how anybody figures in right now. That’s what we’re doing. We’re developing and we’re going to keep developing everybody and see. They’re going to determine their roles. They’re going to show what they can do and demonstrate what their roles will be. They’ll earn their role on this football team in time.”
(What’s one thing that’s surprised you about RB Frank Gore at age 35?) – “What surprises me about Frank at age 35? I think his passion for the game still. Frank is a student. He loves to watch tape. He loves to talk about football. He’s still into it. He’s not bored with meetings. That part of it I think, for a guy that’s been in as many meetings and done stuff as long as he has, to still have that love of the game is awesome.”
Bo Hardegree – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Quarterbacks Coach Bo Hardegree
(I guess we have to start with QB Ryan Tannehill and his knee. Are there any limitations? Have you noticed any limitations?) – “I haven’t noticed anything. He’s looking great in practice. He was moving around today in 2-minute drill, which was our first day. We put in 2-minutes today. He was making some plays, unscheduled plays like we expect him to do, an athletic quarterback. He’s looking good.”
(How is QB Ryan Tannehill better? He’s talked about and Head Coach Adam Gase has talked about sitting and learning. How is that tangible out there?) – “It just helps you make quicker decisions. The big thing at the quarterback position is being able to play fast and think less, and just go out and react, and knowing the offense which, our quarterbacks … Being in his third year, he is handling all of the Mike points. He’s up there getting everybody lined up. We’re rolling, trying to play fast and he’s doing a really good job of that.”
(When you look to evaluate a backup quarterback, because that’s the competition this year, what do those guys have to do to win that job?) – “They have to be able to execute and also they have to be able to get all 10 other guys on the same page. That’s what you look for is communication. It’s a big part because we’re no huddle. How do they operate? How do they get in and out of plays? The big thing we talk about is we have to learn how to be able to not lose before we can win, and be able to save those plays and get us to a check down. Those are big things that I look for and we do as a staff.”
(From what you saw out of QB David Fales in that game last year, was it encouraging? Was it a step in the right direction?) – “It was definitely encouraging. He did some things that you don’t get to see in practice in the pocket with pocket presence. I wasn’t surprised at some things that he did, making some plays with his legs. He does a really good job of getting the ball out fast because he is a very smart person. He operates and it’s good for (Head Coach) Adam Gase to be able to call plays like that knowing, again, that he’s not going to put us in a losing situation. He’s going to get the ball out of his hands and we’re going to stay on schedule – first down, second down, first down, second down, that’s what we try to do.”
(As far as QB Brock Osweiler, what have you seen that you like from him?) – “I knew Brock at Denver when I was there. Obviously he’s been at a couple of different places since then. He’s a very good communicator. That’s what you talk about, a communicator. We’re doing some things mechanically with him to kind of make everything consistent, which he’s doing a really good job. I think he’s throwing the ball really well and he’s really fun to be around. It’s a good that we have right now, that we’re working with this offseason.”
(QB Brock Oswieler’s grasp of the offense, obviously his first year in the system.) – “He’s really strong with it. He understands what we’re looking for. He gets the ball out of his hands and he’s a good communicator as far as for a coach too. He’ll come right back to you and say I should’ve done this or what do you think about this. He wants to learn on every play and you love that as a coach.”
Shane Day – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tight Ends Coach Shane Day
(What did you think when you found out you were going to get not just one new tight end to work with but two in the draft?) – “Obviously we were really excited. It’s good to get two tight ends in the draft. We were really fortunate, especially with the guys that we got. We like them so we were really fortunate.”
(I know it’s early but what impresses you about TE Mike Gesicki?) – “Actually, both of the rookie guys (Gesicki and Durham Smythe), we’re really impressed with just how hard they work. They’re doing all of the right things and they’re doing what it takes to get better. It’s really early in the process, like you mentioned; but they’re doing all of the right things right now, so we’re happy with where they’re at.”
(Did you get a chance to work out or closely evaluate TE Mike Gesicki before the draft?) – “Yes. We went through the whole Combine process, where we interviewed him there; and then we brought him in on one of those visits. So I got to spend like two days with him and get to know him a little bit. He did a really good job.”
(Did you learn anything surprising about TE Mike Gesicki?) – “Not really; but when you spend two days with a guy, you get to really get a good feel for what kind of guy he is, how he learns and all of those types of things. I was really impressed with him. He did a nice job.”
(And TE Mike Gesicki is good at volleyball.) – “And he’s good at volleyball. (He has) multiple skills.”
(We’ve only seen a couple of practices. Have you seen TE Mike Gesicki jump really high?) – “Yes, he definitely … We’ve seen him jump really high. He’s definitely got the vertical leap, for sure.”
(With the veterans you have in here, what do those guys need to do to break through to win that starting job?) – “Well, I think all of our guys are doing the same thing they always do, which is just getting better. Each guy has different things they’re working on to improve on, and it’s the same thing whether you’re a veteran or a rookie. All of the guys are working hard together to get better.”
(What did TE A.J. Derby do last season when he got here to impress you guys?) – “I think the thing with A.J. is he was able to learn the offense within like two weeks and play in a game. That’s really hard to do, to come in and learn an entire offense and be game ready. He was able to do that, so that was very impressive.”
(Athletically, what does TE A.J. Derby bring to the table?) – “Athletically he’s a guy that you can put outside and kind of flex out and do a lot of those things that receivers do, and then he can also block. He’s kind of got a multiple skill set.”
(Getting back to TE Mike Gesicki, obviously one of the limitations that he had based on his film was the blocking – in-line blocking. How do you get a tight end to get better and improve in those skill sets?) – “I think at Penn State, he really wasn’t asked to do that role. They had other guys and he was more of a slot-type of receiver. Now that we’ve got him, we just take him through the same progression we take all the other guys through, and they learn how to block. We emphasize it in individual and then he also gets team reps. It’s just a matter of going through that process. It’s kind of nice because he doesn’t have any bad habits. He’s kind of new to blocking and he’s really willing to do it, so it’s been really good so far.”
(When you are trying to integrate the rookies, do you teach them the entire offense from A to Z? Or do you integrate them with maybe red zone and things you might use them for in first?) – “So our philosophy is we throw it all at them. We know that it’s not all going to stick; but if they have to learn 20 things and they learn 10 of them, it’s better than teaching them five things and they learn one of them. Then we just keep repeating the installs over and over again, and they get better each time. We work for proficiency first and then as we get going, we try to get to mastery. So proficiency first, which is kind of where they’re at, and now we’re just adding details as we go.”
(How much have they busted? Do they seem to get it? They seem like smart guys.) – “Yes. They have an occasional rookie bust like everybody else but for the most part, they’ve been on it with assignments. They study really hard and they’re working together to try to learn all of the plays. They’re doing a good job.”
(Especially from film, how would you describe TE Durham Smythe’s blocking style?) – “He’s a physical guy. He’s going to hit you. It’s the same stuff we saw at Notre Dame. He’s a real physical tight end and he’s got a good blocking style.”
(As you guys studied TE Durham Smythe – you and the guys in the scouting department – studied him as receiver, do you see upside there? What now is he able to do well as a receiver?) – “Yes. I think everything that we saw on the tape … He didn’t get targeted a lot at Notre Dame; but we saw the hands on tape. Everybody saw that and we felt like in our offense and with our situation, he’d have a chance to be a very productive player. He’s working to do everything that we ask and everything that we thought he’d do.”
(Do you ever get confused and think that TE Durham Smythe was TE Anthony Fasano in there? That’s his hero, you know.) – “I know, right? (laughter) We had a lot of conversations at the Combine about Fasano, actually. We actually Facetimed Fasano when we were in the train station and got him involved. Yes, it’s really good to have a role model like Fasano. It’s been a lot of fun.”
(Was TE Anthony Fasano consulted specifically on TE Durham Smythe or on several players?) – “No, (we were) just talking to him for a Notre Dame connection.”
(In terms of the tight end position, how have you seen it evolve in the last couple of years?) – “Well, I think in the NFL the tight end position hasn’t changed so much; but in college, they’re not asked to do a lot of blocking. They’re more slot-type receivers, 7-on-7 type of guys. So just getting them to learn how to play the NFL tight end position takes a little bit longer because they don’t have that skill set coming into the NFL. But I think we’re still asking those guys to do the same thing in the NFL as we always have.”
(With TE A.J. Derby, the things he does now really well and areas where there still has to be growth for him to become a regular NFL rotational tight end?) – “I think he’s just working on all of his skill set. I think he has a natural receiving skill set and he’s working on developing the blocking and pass-protection aspects. He’s moving in the right direction, for sure.”
(What stood out about TE Gavin Escobar when you all signed him?) – “He’s been a welcomed addition. He’s a veteran guy that has a lot of experience. He kind of fit right in and he’s working hard and doing a great job. He’s been a really welcomed addition.”
(What does TE Gavin Escobar do well?) – “He has that multiple skill set in that he can play all of the positions. He can be an in-line tight end or he can be a guy that you flex out. He kind of does all the things well, which is nice to have that kind of versatility.”
(One thing on TE Mike Gesicki’s blocking, specifically. At what point can you get a real feel as to how well equipped he is to be able to block? Is it not until July? Is it not until preseason games?) – “It’s not going to be until we get into pads. When we get into training camp and we get into pads, we’ll have a better feel for it; but he’s on the right track. He’s doing all of the right things, so we’ll know for sure then.”
(In this offense, and maybe it’s pretty much every offense, but when you have a guy at the tight end position with speed and athleticism, how can those attributes contribute to the production at the position?) – “Those things are key. That’s what we look for in tight ends. We want guys that can run and can catch and can make plays in the passing game. Then we can teach them how to block. That’s exactly what we’re looking for. Those guys can be productive in the passing game, score touchdowns and do all of those types of things.”
(How is QB Ryan Tannehill working closely … I know he works closely with everyone but especially the two rookie tight ends. What have you seen?) – “I don’t know that we’re really … We’re early on in the process, so they’re just working through that. Everybody is working to get a better feel for each other – the quarterbacks, tight ends, everybody is doing the same thing.”
Frank Gore – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
RB Frank Gore
(On his son being at practice today) – “Yes, I was happy to see him. As long as he keeps working and listening to me, he should be fine his next couple of years in high school.”
(Did you know today was going to be the day his team came to practice?) – “Yes, he told me. And also his coach told me.”
(Did you have a chance to talk to the team?) – “No. I talked to them at their spring game.”
(What did you say to them?) – “I just told them to keep working hard, believe in each other and you all can do whatever you want to do.”
(We had a chance to talk to your son and he said one of the coolest things to him … He’s gotten to see you play a lot but not the other way around.) – “Yes, I think two weeks ago was my first time seeing him play live since he was like five years old. I was surprised because when you hear people … When I was in San Francisco or when I was in Indianapolis, you hear coaches saying your son is good. Sometimes you think they’re just saying that because of you. Then I got a chance to really see him and he has a chance to do some great things this year.”
(What’s your scouting report on your son?) – “He has great vision. He can catch the ball. He can run routes. I just want him to continue to work hard and whatever he does this year, don’t let that get to his head and just stay grinding.”
(How much do you think carrying your name puts added weight on him?) – “He doesn’t think about it. I remember when he was in private school and I wanted him to get out because I didn’t like how they were favoring him because they knew what his name was, and he showed flashes as a freshman. So I transferred him to a public school in Coral Gables, around more talent, to see that you have to work hard. One of the reasons he didn’t want to go to Gables wasn’t because of the competition, it was because he wanted to stay because … Everything he does, it gets mentioned – my name. I told him if you’re doing great things, that’s a good thing. As long as he keeps working hard and has his grades, I think he has a chance.”
(Everybody on the team has roles and your role throughout your career has been the leading ball carrier – the guy that carries the rock. What do you see your role as? What do you want your role to be here?) – “Whatever my teammates want me (to do) and whatever my coaches want me to do. We have a great young back in ‘K.D.’ (Kenyan Drake), who I think has special talent. He can run and catch the ball. I’m just going to come in here every day, especially during training camp, and just try to be me and compete. Whatever my coaches want me to do, I’ll do.”
(But as a competitor, it’s there, right?) – “What’s there?”
(The starting job.) – “We’ll see. Like I said, we have a young back who’s very talented. Like is said, I’m going to come in every day and we’re going to try to get each other better in that room. Whatever coach wants us to do, we’ll do.”
(Seeing your son play seems like a cool thing. How many cool things have you done since you’ve signed with the Dolphins? You had the UM Hall of Fame, keys to the city…) – “It was big. When I first signed, those first two weeks, some big things happened me. I’m just happy to be home and I get an opportunity to play in front of my family who didn’t get a chance to go to San Francisco or Indianapolis. Now they get a chance to see me with the Dolphins. And also my friends, my childhood friends, my high school friends and even my college fans. For me, to come out here, train my behind off getting ready for training camp and help with whatever my coaches want me to do and have fun.”
(How many of those things have you done? Can you list them? You got the key to Miami right?) – “Yes. The UM Hall of Fame and the key to the city. Watching my son play. I was nervous before the game like I’m about to play. (laughter) It was my first time seeing him live since he was five years old. To see what he did, I was really happy about that.”
(We asked you about the added pressure that comes with having your name, being a 16-year-old kid playing football. How important was it to you, for him to play the game?) – “That’s on him. I’m not going to push on him to do nothing. Whatever he wants to do, he’s going to do it; not because I played ball, he has to play ball. Me seeing him when he was a little kid playing outside with his bigger cousins, I knew he was going to play football. But if he doesn’t want to play, as long as he gets his grades and does something positive with his life, I’m okay with it.”
(How much does he train with you now?) – “This is going to be his first year training because when he was younger, I let him be a kid. Now he has a couple more years. Now it’s time to go. He’s going to be with me this whole summer.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase said that you won’t be out there every day and every drill during OTAs. He said that’s been your pattern for a few years. Why is that?) – “I haven’t done OTAs in seven years. My second year with (49ers Head Coach Jim) Harbaugh. Once he understood who I was and who some of the vets who were on our team were, and what we bring to the table, as long as we come in here, work out, do individuals and help the young guys, he knew that we were going to be ready for training camp. I think that kind of helped me with my career – not doing flag football.”
(Do more vets do that? Is that more of a skill position thing?) – “It depends. I just knew it worked for me and I know it worked for Justin Smith. Ever since then, I felt good with it. My coach knows. My coaches know how I feel about the game and when training camp comes, I’ll be ready.”
(It seems to me that a lot of veterans, maybe once you’re in your 30s … I know there’s a need to be out there but…) – “I think my seventh year I was, what? 28? I think (Jim Harbaugh) knew what I brought to the table. He knew I was going to work and get ready for training camp, and that I was going to be ready for the season.”
(Do you think most guys that are 7, 8 or 10 years into the league need OTAs? Or do they just do it because?) – “I’m happy that I’m here listening to the plays and going in there just to be in the huddle with a different quarterback and different teammates. I think at times, you do (need it) because it’s new. The offense is new, so I hear it a little bit and when training camp comes, it won’t be so fresh for you.”
(Have you ever had any teammates in San Francisco or Indianapolis say, if Frank doesn’t do it, I don’t have to too?) – “No, because my teammates knew how hard I worked. They knew when Sundays came, I would play, and they respected it.”
(How many days a week do you train, not just OTAs but in the month before training camp?) – “The six weeks? I train … I don’t want to tell my secrets right now. (laughter) I’m still playing. I’ll let you know when I’m done. I’ll let the younger guys know what I did. I train … I’ve got a good regiment. I’ve got good stuff I do.”
(Since the last time we talked to you, I think you had a birthday. Is 35 like a wow for you?) – “I still feel good. I think about it sometimes. I think about how blessed I am to still be playing a game that I love since I was a kid. I always hear it every year: ‘When you turn this age, you can’t do it anymore.’ Especially with what it took me to get here, to play in this league, with the injuries that I had, and still to be blessed to play this game and have pretty good years, I think that’s a blessing.”
(You mentioned the fans. Since you’ve been back, have you had any interactions with Canes fans?) – “They’re happy that I’m home. Coming from Coral Gables and going to the University of Miami, it’s been good. Now I’ve got to make sure that I’m ready for the season and do some good things for the team.”
(When you train, does that … You’re used to the pressure but how does that motivate you?) – “I do. I do every day. Once I get started and get ready for training camp and the season, I think about that every time.”
(Was it your master plan to end your career here? Is that something that you ever gave any thought to before this offseason?) – “I remember when Bobby McCain, when he was in his rookie or second year, we trained together over the summer. I told him before the end, I’m going to be in the locker room with you. I remember when I signed, he said ‘Boy, you were right.’ I’m happy to be here. Now I just want to show everybody that I still can play.”
(The field in Indianapolis is turf right?) – “Yes.”
(Are you looking forward to playing on more grass?) – “I like grass. Turf is tough on your body and it’ll have you swollen. Playing on turf, I wouldn’t get my body back until that Friday. But when I’m playing on grass, I’m good after the game. I’m happy that I’m on grass.”
(Other athletes talk about other athletes. When you see LeBron James just finish his 15th season, led the league in minutes per game. In his 100th game the other day, he played in all 48 minutes. What do you see in a guy with what he’s doing and logging all of those minutes?) – “You can tell that he works hard and he loves the game. If you work hard and love the game … If you love the game and don’t work hard, he wouldn’t be playing. I think that’s the same with me, especially at my position getting hits. If I didn’t love it and I didn’t work hard, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
(I talked to WR Danny Amendola about the quarterbacks influence on the entire team, not just the offense. You’ve played with some good ones. How does a quarterback influence the whole team, the defense, the special teams?) – “The way he prepares, the way he stays up every day, how he mans the huddle and (the ability to) go out there and make plays. When things are going wrong, he has to be the one to stand up and say ‘We’re going to be alright. Let’s go play.”
(Who is the best at doing that, that you’ve played with?) – “I’d say the little bit of time I’ve played with Andrew Luck. The little bit of time being around him when he was healthy, he was special. He’s a special dude.”
(Have you stayed in touch with QB Colin Kaepernick?) – “I haven’t talked to Colin since I left San Francisco.”
(What do you think about what he’s been going through?) – “He believes in what he believes in. I feel that he should be on a team and that he can play. I feel like the quarterback position is probably the least talented position in the NFL. I think with me playing with Colin, I think that he should be in the NFL.”
(You trained a couple of seasons ago with RB Lamar Miller. What can you help RB Kenyan Drake with?) – “I’ve got to wait until I’m going and once we get in pads, to see the little things about what I do and what he does. Then I can tell; but so far, he can do everything. He can catch, run crazy routes like a receiver and he’s very fast. Once we get in pads and we’re competing and helping each other get better, then I can tell.”
Ben Johnson – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wide Receivers Coach Ben Johnson
(What you’ve seen from WR DeVante Parker, is there anything significantly different from past offseasons?) – “I know (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase has already mentioned his maturity level improving and I think that’s been evident from really the end of last season. I don’t know if there’s been many guys that’ve spent more time in the building than him, whether it’s getting his health right, in the training room, in the weight room, even watching film. To me, it’s been a different guy this offseason. He understands the urgency and how important this year is.”
(Is there any way that you guys teach him or work with him about playing through injuries?) – “Yes, no doubt. I think he turned the corner a little bit two years ago at Baltimore. That game he fought through … He was in a lot of pain that game and I think he understood, ‘Hey, that’s what it’s going to take to play in this league.’ It’s going to be game in and game out, but he has to perform. We’re going to get nicked up. That’s just the nature of the beast. For him, it’s just the understanding, ‘Hey, I’ve got to live with that and I still got to perform regardless.’”
(It really fell apart for him late last year. Not a lot of production, he lost a couple interceptions. What happened?) – “There were a lot of things that went on last year. I’ll be honest with you, we’re just looking forward. That chapter is past. We really didn’t watch a ton of cutups from last year. We’re pushing right ahead right now. We’re thinking about 2018 Dolphins right now.”
(But you had to examine some of those things to figure out how to move forward?) – “Yes, absolutely. We did as a coaching staff.”
(What was it that you want to drive forward with WR DeVante Parker?) – “With DeVante individually it’s just that whole understanding that, ‘I’ve got to fight through injuries.’ And the biggest thing for him is we were making these giant claims about him last year. For us right now, it’s one day at a time. It’s a one day at a time mentality. We’re just trying to improve from yesterday. That’s all it is. We’ll keep stacking good days on top of each other and that’s how we’re going to keep improving.”
(When you heard that WR Danny Amendola might be a possibility here, what was your first reaction?) – “I was fired up. You really can’t put enough value on what he brings from that whole mindset. I know you guys were here last week and you saw how he reacted to a few of those plays. In our minds, it’s not just practice, it’s not just through OTAs. It’s more than that, and that is a great example … We don’t want throwing helmets, no; but at the same time, that’s the passion, that’s what it takes for us to get to a championship level. If somebody is saying, ‘Hey, it’s just practice.’ No, no, no. I’m going to tell you, they’re not winning many championships like that. So, what he brought to the table last week, it’s already paying dividends for the rest of the guys.”
(Are there any limitations to what WR Danny Amendola can do at age 32 or do you see him as the same receiver as always?) – “Haven’t seen any difference right now. Nothing. Not a thing.”
(Has anything stuck out to you in the early time you’ve been with WR Albert Wilson?) – “When we looked at Albert on film, we were intrigued, obviously with the speed. We were intrigued with the run-after-catch ability. I think all of that has been there. It’s been impressive to me to see him come in, pick up this system and learn these fundamentals that he wasn’t really doing the same thing in Kansas City. He’s really done a nice job the past two weeks. It’s really triggered us to say he’s not limited in the slot, he’s not limited outside. He can line up in the backfield. He can do so many different things for us. His versatility is really, really showing up.”
(Regarding WR Kenny Stills, is he your best all-around receiver? I’m not asking if he’s the number 1, but I know WR Danny Amendola is here.) – “I think every one of those guys brings something a little bit different to the table. In regards to Kenny, he’s probably been our most explosive receiver over the past few years. He has certain strengths that the other guys don’t have, and the same thing, he’s got weaknesses that the other guys, it’s their strength. I think they play off and they complement each other really, really well.”
(How is WR Kenny Stills as an all-around receiver, all three levels and everything like that?) – “We’re addressing some of the things that he needs to work on. Obviously, I already talked about the explosive production is there; but at the same time, we addressed and we’ve already watched enough film on him from the past few years, that we know where he needs to improve. He knows where he needs to improve, and that’s a focus on him every day at practice is those areas, special highlights there.”
(WR Jakeem Grant, we saw some really good games from him last year. Anything you guys can extrapolate from those last few games that could be more a long-term, more permanent part?) – “I think he ended up having … We had some nice packages for him at the end of last year and it certainly helped us out offensively to get the ball moving and explosive plays. He’s the same guy. He’s just trying to get better every single day right now. I think we’ll continue to include him going into next season as well.”
Kenny Stills – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
WR Kenny Stills
(We’ve got to ask … You, WR Jakeem Grant and WR Albert Wilson – who wins in a race?) – “We keep seeing that. You guys (should) ask the head coach because we have these little things that are on our shoulder pads that track the speed for practice. You guys have to ask coach about that.”
(Will we ever see a race?) – “I don’t know; but like I said, we have the trackers on at practice. So we know and the coaches know.”
(So you are saying who practices the fastest is technically the fastest man?) – “Well, I mean they get top speed at practice.”
(How have those results been?) – “I think Malcolm Lewis has the top speed right now out of the receivers. Obviously we don’t all run the same routes. We don’t all get to go downfield. And a race is different too; but it’s all good fun. We’re all on the same team. We know we have a lot of speed and hopefully that puts some fear into some of the defenses we’ll play.”
(How would you assess this receiving corps? A couple of new guys in WR Albert Wilson and WR Danny Amendola. It’s early obviously.) – “Our group has a chance to be special. We come in and work hard. Guys are having a good time. We’re having fun. They’re dedicating themselves to learning the playbook. It’s the offseason so you never really know. We hope that everybody can stay healthy and just continue to come with the right attitude and the right work ethic and then we’ll see what we put on the field.”
(How much of a fan are you of the no-huddle? Apparently you guys are going to run it a lot this year. Do you see all of the ingredients there to make it work here?) – “Yes. I love whatever coach is going to call. I trust and respect in his game plan and everything that the coaches do here, so if they want us to be on the ball then it’s up to us to make sure we get in good shape this offseason and get things going that way. Like I said, I trust in everything that he’s doing and we’ve got the players to go out there and make the plays.”
(Your thoughts on the league’s anthem policy?) – “I mean I feel like you guys know how I feel about the anthem policy. I just want to continue to focus on the work that I’m doing (and) the work that the rest of these guys are doing in our communities to try to make change. I really don’t want to get involved in some back and forth and more divisiveness than we already have going.”
(Did you have a chance to talk to Owner Stephen Ross before the vote or since?) – “I have not. I haven’t had any communication with Mr. Ross about it; but I understand his thoughts on it. We’ve talked plenty of times, obviously, throughout the last couple of years. I know where his stance is on it.”
(Do you have an opinion on the process by which that policy came to be?) – “As far as the voting and players not being involved?”
(Yes.) – “Yes. I mean a couple of the things that I’ve read, basically it just seems like we don’t really know. It’s not very clear what’s happening. So not really.”
(So have you decided personally what you’re going to do?) – “No. We have plenty of time. I think I’m going to continue, like I said, to do the work that I’ve been doing as far as being in the community and trying to lead and do things the right way and try to make change. When the time comes when I have to make a decision, then I’ll make a decision.”
(Do you feel silenced?) – “Do I feel silenced? No. I’m right here talking to you guys right now. Whenever I have a message to get out, I seem to find a way to get my message out. I think all of the people that know me and talk to me and work with me understand what I’m trying to do and what a lot of guys are trying to do. At some point, I think that’s what the policy is trying to do; but at the end of the day, we’re going to continue to get out, get the word done and try to make change like we have been.”
(On this topic, how would you feel about being a free agent right now?) – “(laughter) That’s a good question. Look at what’s happened to the guys that have protested that are free agents. That’s my answer to the question.”
(You said last year that you felt like the mission was being lost based on how people have hijacked what the protest was about and then you reversed course when President Trump came out and said what he said. Do you understand where the owners are coming from in terms of what’s being intended is not being achieved?) – “Yes. I do understand that the message has been changed; but I also understand that with the NFL being the most-watched sport in the United States and one of the most-watched sports in the world, they have an opportunity to kind of set the bar, set the standard to change the narrative and write the narrative however they want it to. I just feel like from the beginning, if the narrative would have been set one way and the league would have had our backs and really put the message out there the right way and tried to educate people on the work that we’re doing and why we’re doing it, we might be in a different place than we are right now.”
(How do you feel about the impact you’ve made beyond the protest? The other parts of this movement that some of the stuff you mentioned and some of the stuff we know you’ve been involved in locally the last couple of years.) – “Honestly, I always feel like I can do more; but this past offseason and this past season, it was a great feeling for me. It was an honor to be recognized and be put out there for Walter Payton Man of the Year. Then the work that I’ve been doing and the road-trip that I went on, I’m just really encouraged, honestly, by all of the work that I’ve seen other people doing across the country. It inspires me to continue to want to do more.”
(How many miles did you put on the VW Bus?) – “So I didn’t end up taking the bus. I took an R.V. with one of my buddies that we rented from a place around the corner from here. I don’t know how many miles it was but we hit a bunch of states here throughout the South and we were able to connect with a lot of young groups and grassroots organizations that are doing some amazing work.”
(Do you think you’re going to continue to do that going forward?) – “The road-trip? Yes, I would love to continue to do the road-trip and get other guys involved. It was kind of done on a last-minute thing this year. I put a message up on Instagram for guys that were interested in getting involved and I had some people hit me up. It would be cool to do something yearly where we get out there, get in an R.V., go out and do some mentoring, do some football camps and really just spread the love and let people know that we’re here for them and that it’s not just the protest that we’re involved in. We’re actually trying to get out there and make some change.”
(Any highlights of the trip?) – “Highlights of the trip … It’s hard to pick one but being able to go to the different museums and learn more about the civil rights movement, that’s probably the thing that I feel the most …”
(Can you name a few of the states you went to?) – “Yes. So we went from here to … We were in Atlanta. We were in South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana. I flew out to California to speak at a conference. I put it all up on my Twitter. Everything is on there.”
(You did the March to Selma right?) – “Yes.”
(What was that experience like for you?) – “Honestly, I’m a pretty emotional person. Just thinking going over the bridge and picturing and visualizing some of the pictures that I’ve actually seen, it just … Like I said, I’m an emotional person so I got there and it was almost like I was there. I continue to read up and freshen up on my history and learn more about the civil rights movement. It’s something that I’m just very appreciative of all of the people that have sacrificed their lives to try and make the world a better place and try to make this country a better place. I feel like that’s all I’m trying to do.”
(You’re still hopeful you have many years to go in this game but once your playing career is over, can you envision yourself doing some sort of work along what you just described in the community?) – “Yes. I think that’s exactly what I want to do. I had people jokingly talk to me about getting into politics but I don’t think that’s something I’d want to be involved in. But yes, just working with nonprofits, mentoring and trying to speak some positivity into young adults’ lives, it’s been great. The way that (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase is bringing in all of these high school teams … High school teams get to come to practice and I get to talk to them on the sideline and just let them know that there are adults in your lives and these coaches in your lives, these teachers, that are trying to lead you in the right direction. So I know you might not like what they’re telling you or you might not really agree with it, but these people have years on you. They have experience. They’re just trying to give you some of that wisdom and knowledge so you don’t make the same mistakes that they’ve made. When I get out there and talk to these kids most of the time, it’s about setting goals and surrounding yourself with the right people and making the right decisions. Sometimes people just need to hear that because you don’t have other people in your life trying to lead you in the right direction. That’s a long answer to your question; but yes, it’s something that I want to do. I feel like you have to get your hands dirty to really make some type of change.”
(You know an awful lot of people say “I’m not going to run. I’m not going to run.” And they wind up running.) – “(laughter) No, I don’t really think it’s for me. I feel like … I don’t really want to get into it but I don’t think it’s for me.”
(What do you think about … I’m not exactly sure how to phrase this but you’ve been celebrated for some of the things that you’ve done. The team has given you the community service award. Like you said, you were the nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. But you’re also like one of the faces of this thing that the league is trying to snuff out.) – “So what’s the question?”
(How do you reconcile that contradiction?) – “All I can do is continue to do the work that I’ve been doing. Like I said, the people here that work for the Miami Dolphins organization see and recognize the work that I’m doing, and know really who I am as a person. That’s all I can really stand and focus on. I understand that they put this policy in place and at the end of the day, it is what it is.”
(A football question for you … I was asking WR Danny Amendola and RB Frank Gore about quarterbacks and how their influence can run all throughout a team, even though they don’t play defense or special teams. You played with a probable Hall of Famer but in general, how does a quarterback’s influence filter all throughout the team? Is it just making plays or do you have to go pat guys on the defense on the helmet? How does a quarterback do that?) – “It differs by guy but I think Ryan (Tannehill) does a great job of not only relating to the guys on the offense – talking to the guys on the offense – but getting over and talking a little trash to the guys on defense. (He’s) not feeling like he’s uncomfortable to go over there and talk some trash and get things going if we need that spark in practice. It differs. It differs by quarterback.”
(You’ve been here with QB Ryan Tannehill for four years. What is the difference you’re seeing in him, if any?) – “Players are always going to grow and get better over time. He’s been the same guy since I’ve shown up here as far as work ethic, attitude and how he carries himself when he comes to work. But at the same time, I think he’s just getting more comfortable with who he is and the player that he is and knowing how hard he works and the fact that we all respect him. You see that. I think when he got hurt a couple of years ago, he was playing the best football that he’s ever played. We’re just hoping that we continue to work together so that we can get back to where he was and get back to where we were as a team.”
(Did it make you gain a greater appreciation for him, the year you spent without him?) – “I already appreciated him a bunch but … He’s our guy. You miss not having him out there. You miss the chemistry that we had. But we have him back now.”
(With the changes in the receiving corps, how excited are you at the possibility of getting more opportunities in the passing game?) – “Obviously I think any receiver would love the opportunity to get more balls but I think the more success we have as a team, the ball is spread around. With the guys we brought in and the guys that we already have, we all have to get out there and start making plays. That way the defense doesn’t know what we’re doing. I’m just excited for us to get out there, have our quarterback back, and get some of these new guys out there and start making plays.”
Jeremiah Washburn – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Offensive Line Coach Jeremiah Washburn
(So you have one advantage in that your group already – obviously as Head Coach Adam Gase said it is in pencil, not in pen – but you have five guys to work with. Does that give you an advantage in terms of having the same first group and not rotating constantly guys in and out, in terms of building cohesiveness?) – “Yes. That’s the buzzword, right? With offensive line, it’s continuity. It does and we do feel like we have some depth, as well. Not just five (players) but we have a good group in terms of guys that we could roll in there; but yes, having that does help. Absolutely.”
(What went into your decision to come back here? Obviously I know you started here. How much does being here really help you in terms of an evaluation?) – “Well, I didn’t have a job when Coach (John) Fox was let go (in Chicago) (laughter). I’ll say this: I have a strong belief in (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and (Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Mike (Tannenbaum) and (General Manager) Chris (Grier) and the vision that’s here. I missed it when I was gone, to be honest with you, and my family loves South Florida, so it was an easy sell. It was like the fastest transition in NFL history. We were fired on a Monday and three weeks later my kids are at school at Calvary Christian Academy. It was pretty easy to come back here.”
(How much does the evaluation, the fact that you’ve already been with some of these guys, help you?) – “A good deal. Yes, absolutely. Being with (Laremy) Tunsil as a rookie and (Ja’Wuan) and ‘Sitt’ (Josh Sitton) and Sam (Young) and Jake (Brendel) and Jesse (Davis) – yes, a lot. There was some familiarity already when we got here.”
(As you watch tape of T Laremy Tunsil from last year, what are the first couple of things that came to mind in terms of what he needs to do, what specifically?) – “Another buzzword, just consistency week to week. I watched him every week. He’s a guy that I loved working with. It was kind of my Friday afternoon joy-watching. He just kept getting better, so just keep trending the way that he did.”
(You’re obviously familiar with G Josh Sitton because you had been together in Chicago. What is it about him that you think he can bring?) – “He’s just a really good guard. He’s really productive in what he does. I was in Detroit for seven years so we watched him non-stop. He was kind of our guy in that room, as well, as just a guy that was really good in the zone game. He’s a natural pass blocker and he’s just a smart football player and a good guy to have in your room. All of those qualities made it pretty easy for us.”
(How would you describe G Josh Sitton’s on-field demeanor?) – “I don’t know. (laughter) He’s very competitive, a very competitive guy. In Chicago last year, we had a punt-pass-kick (contest) during Phase II of OTAs. It was his idea to have it and then I figured out why, because he just obliterated everybody else. He’s just a natural athlete. He’s very competitive but he’s got a really calm demeanor, which is great for an offensive lineman, particularly an interior lineman.”
(T Laremy Tunsil and T Ja’Wuan James would give him a run. Those two can throw it. Have you seen them throw it?) – “Yes. I have seen them throw it and I’m just going to tell you right now, I’ve got video evidence that they both lost to (Josh Sitton), so absolutely. They have to work on their field-goal kicking in the offseason. (laughter)”
(Just your thoughts on C Daniel Kilgore, what he brings and his skills.) – “The time spent on the job at center is such a big deal. He fits what we want to do at the center spot. I know (Head Coach) Adam (Gase) and (General Manager) Chris (Grier) and (Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Mike (Tannenbaum) have already talked about how he came to us, but guys like him fit what we do pretty well. At the center spot, we’ve had it before here, just a guy that’s a glue guy for the rest of the group is a big deal and he does that.”
Danny Amendola – May 31, 2018
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
WR Danny Amendola
(How would you describe the first few practices?) – “It’s going well. Working hard. Just trying to get better.”
(When we were out there one day, we saw you get really mad. How often does that happen and how is that a part of your process?) – “(I) just try to bring intensity to practice in every drill and practice at a high level. I feel like if you practice at a high level in OTAs, in camp, in the offseason and bring that to the season, it all correlates to how you play on the field on Sundays.”
(When did that start for you? When did you have that kind of day in, day out fire?) – “I’ve always been that kid, really.”
(I imagine you’re a fan of the no-huddle, hurry up offense. Tell us a little bit about what you think that brings to the table and if you see the personnel here that can run that effectively.) – “You’ve got to be in shape to do it. It really wears down the defense. It can trap the defensive players on the field if they get tired or they … (It) limits them to substitutions and stuff like that. It’s a huge weapon for us. We’re excited to get out there and work it.”
(So, expand on something you just said: How do offseason practices – stuff in May – translate to success in the fall?) – “Just the mentality you bring to the field every day. You want to create an atmosphere that’s conducive to winning and practice at a championship level. Whether that’s an individual drill to open up the practice, you want to be perfect. You want to practice with great fundamentals and continue to sharpen up and that’s what it’s about.”
(Have you seen some of the young guys looking at you, asking questions, trying to emulate what you’re doing right now?) – “Of course. I’ve known some of the young guys in this room for a while now. Kenny (Stills) and Jakeem (Grant), both Big 12 guys, guys that I’ve been watching play football for a long time. Whatever I can do to help – whether it be on the field, off the field – I’m always willing to help out my teammates.”
(To follow up on the no-huddle for a second, do you see in QB Ryan Tannehill the traits you need to see in a quarterback to run that effectively?) – “I think he’s a good quarterback. We’ve only been working together for a short time so I’m trying to get better. I’m trying to get on the same page as him, trying to listen to him, what he likes, what he wants and be there for him.”
(When you talk about no-huddle offense, what are some of the keys – two or three keys – whether it’s communication or knowledge to make that thing really hum?) – “It’s all reps, really, in practice. Just knowing the plays in and out, knowing what the defense is going to play defensively, what coverages they’re going to play, what coverages they’re going to disguise and what coverages they’re going to get to, and if they can do that on the run. It’s kind of like a fast break in transition, I guess, in basketball, if you will. And that’s it.”
(What’s your favorite route to run?) – “I like them all.”
(Is there one that you’re best at you think?) – “No. I like them all.”
(CB Bobby McCain said that you were his second most hated player in the league, which I think is a compliment. But he said now you’re not so bad, you’re okay. Did you guys have a beer summit? How did you guys…) – “(laughter) I have a lot of respect for Bobby. He’s a great player. He and I are cut from the same cloth. We’re some dogs out there. We like to compete. It brings the best out of both of us out there in practice. He’s getting me better. I’m competing my tail off against him and I know he’s a great player.”
(Did you hate CB Bobby McCain as well? Where is he on your list?) – “I have a lot of respect for Bobby.”
(Did you guys talk about it at all?) – “We’re teammates, so…”
(There was nothing like…) – “No. It’s nothing personal.”
(CB Bobby McCain didn’t send you a bill for his fine?) – “No.”
(Handshake, nothing?) – “No. We’re good. We’re good. We’re brothers.”
(You, WR Kenny Stills, WR DeVante Parker, WR Albert Wilson, WR Jakeem Grant – those five collectively can be what? Obviously, others as well who are competing – how good can that group be? What skills do you like about that group?) – “We have a lot to prove. We come out every day with a chip on our shoulder and try to get better. That’s the mentality that we bring to practice every day. That’s what we’re going to bring every day and try to improve every day. That’s what we’re going to focus on, not really listen to what our expectations are, but just get out there and practice hard one day at a time.”
(You have a reputation as a QB-friendly wide receiver. What defines a QB-friendly wide receiver?) – “That’s a good question. I don’t know. I try to get open on every play, be there for my teammates whether it’s a blocking play, whether I have a route or a hot read or whatever it is. (I) just try to do my job.”
(I’m wondering how much a quarterback can do for an entire team. I know he doesn’t play defense, he doesn’t play special teams, but you played with one of the best, a guy whose influence went all around. How does that work for one guy to be able to do that? I’m sure it’s not like LeBron James in basketball.) – “Your quarterback is a natural leader. He’s the one vocalizing the play calls on the field. There’s one quarterback. I feel like we have a great quarterback in Ryan (Tannehill) and he’s doing a great job.”
(WR Albert Wilson, RB Kenyan Drake and WR Jakeem Grant all clam to be the fastest dude on offense. Your thoughts?) – “They are fast. They are fast.”
(You actually ran a pretty good 40 in college.) – “That was a long time ago.”
(You’re not that far away from them.) – “I’m faster now than I was in college. I’ll put it that way.”
(So who are you putting your money on if they race?) – “Whoever crosses the line first. (laughter)”
(That’s a very political answer. You wouldn’t even take your Texas Tech brethren WR Jakeem Grant?) – “Jakeem (Grant) is fast dude. Yes, for sure. He can fly. We have a bunch of great athletes on this team. Let’s go. Let’s line it up.”
(It’s not New England. You can answer.) – “I’m not giving you all much. (laughter)”
(Is there some truth to the concept that there’s a difference between 40-yard dash Combine speed and game-day speed?) – “No question. Yes, absolutely. You’ve got to know how to play football. Football is not track. You see guys that necessarily aren’t the fastest guys on paper, but (are) good football players. That’s it”
(How much does adrenaline and competition have to do with that game day speed versus Combine speed?) – “Every guy is different. Preparation goes into your routes and knowing where to go and when to go on your steps and depending on the coverage and how smart you are and where to be at the right time. A lot goes into being a good football player and that can make up for lack of speed or track speed or whatever.”
