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Andre Branch – May 26, 2016 Download PDF version

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Defensive End Andre Branch

(On how he feels in South Florida with the warm weather) – “It feels good. I came from Jacksonville, and I played at Clemson, so I know all about humidity. So it’s nothing to me. I’m going to always have sweats on and long sleeves to cover the sun.”

(On the challenges that linemen face in OTAs without pads and contact) – “That’s the toughest part. I think the no-contact part is the toughest. We’re grown men going against each other, battling at the end of the day. Even though it’s your teammate (you’re facing), you’re still trying to get better. But you don’t want to be too physical, because you can get practices taken away. You have to be smart – be very smart and cautious.”

(On his early thoughts about the defense) – “I just handle my job. We have a lot of great players on offense, defense and special teams. It’s early – like you said – but at the same time, we have a lot of great players in those positions that can help us. I just focus on myself and trust the coaches will put me in the right position.”

(On what he looks to accomplish in OTAs) – “Just to get better each and every day. That’s my main focus – to get better each and every day. The first practice is always going to be a little bit rusty, but then we’re back to football. (I’m) just happy to be back out here, going against the guys.”

(On if sees a chance to prove himself with DE Cameron Wake not practicing today) – “I just focus on being better than yesterday. That’s my main thing – just be better than I was yesterday and keep going. That’s my mindset day in and day out.”

(On what part of his game he is trying to improve) – “Everything. I know this defense, for the ends, we’re going to rush. I love that. No matter if it’s run, pass, or whatever it is. We’re going to rush. We’re going to rush the passer. You just focus on that each and every day and just keep getting better and keep putting things in your toolbox.”

(On G/T Laremy Tunsil) – “The young kid has been real open-minded. He asks questions, so he’s willing to learn. He didn’t come in here bigheaded by any means. (He is a) great player. I saw a little bit of film on him already. I haven’t gone against him yet, but I see him asking questions so that’s always a plus.”

(On how important endurance is with the emphasis to rush up field on every snap) – “I don’t think with me … When it comes to conditioning, that’s always been a good part about my game. I don’t get tired easily. With this group, with our d-line coaches, (Asst. Defensive Line Coach/Pass Rush Specialist Jim) Washburn and (Defensive Line) Coach T(errell Williams). We’re going to be in shape. That’s not even an excuse anymore.”

(On talent versus leadership) – “You have to have leadership because, at the end of the day, (a leader is) somebody that people are going to look on to lead them. There are plenty of players that are very, very talented, but just aren’t leaders. But they’re stars in this game. You can learn from them just by their (game) tape. But there are also students of the game and players that you just want to follow because they’ve been playing at a high level, so that is always a plus. For me, it’s stupid not to look at Cam (Wake) and Mario (Williams). They’ve been playing at a high level for a long time.”

(On playing with DE Cameron Wake, DE Mario Williams and DT Ndamukong Suh and how it improves his game) – “I learn things daily. I teach them some things, because they’ve been sticking with what they know. It works for them. Mario (Williams) has been in this league for 11 years so why switch it up? But at the same time, you learn things. If you’re a student and you want to be better then you learn from those guys.”

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