Jamil Douglas – June 7, 2016
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
G Jamil Douglas
(On where he has been taking his reps) – “Yeah, I’ve been pretty much all over in the insides. (I’ve been) playing center (and) both guard positions. Yeah, like I said, (I’m) working both sides and center position.”
(On how much right guard work has he gotten so far) – “A lot. I think they split up the reps pretty evenly on certain days in which I’m going to take more at right guard or more at left guard. (I’m) taking a fair amount of reps there.”
(On if starting at that position is a goal for him) – “I mean starting for me is a goal, in general. Wherever that may be, I’m going to compete at every spot that they put me at.”
(On if he feels that’s going to be a good competition for the guard spots) – “I mean we have a lot of competition on the o-line this year. I think everyone is upping their level of how we’re playing right now. Like you said, the guard spot is going to be wide open so guys are just working – working and competing.”
(On dealing with his rookie season) – “It was a learning experience. I think a lot of people learn during their rookie season. Like I said earlier this year, with experience there’s growth. I’m proud of the experiences that I’ve had and I don’t take them for granted because I know it’s going to help me in the long run.”
(On if there was one moment last year that was particularly rough) – “Not one in particular. I made some mistakes just as any guy would; but my main focus was to keep fighting and whereever they put me at, just compete.”
(On what makes him better now than he was last year) – “Like I said, the experience. The experiences that I went through last year at different spots, the different situations I was in, and just having another year under your belt at this tempo and playing against these guys is helping with your technique and everything else.”
(On what part of his technique he thinks he has gotten better) – “Particularly just at different positions. The center position, which was new to me last year, as well as the right guard position. I feel a little more comfortable at both of those spots, whether it be passing or run blocking.”
(On how he interacted with the veterans when he was a rookie and if he was intimidated) – “No, I wasn’t intimidated; but at the same time, you’ve got to learn that you have to earn your respect with those type of guys – especially a guy like BA (T Branden Albert) who’s been in the league nine or 10 years. No, not at this time last year; but towards the end of the year, BA (T Branden Albert) particularly was a guy that kind of took me under his wing and started showing me how things were supposed to be done. So as the year goes on, those guys will get more comfortable.”
(On when he felt that he could approach veteran players) – “I think about mid-way through the season where different lineups were being used and guys had to be in the same page. It kind of brought us together and I don’t think they looked at me as that rookie anymore. So, yeah, I would say midway through the season.”
(On if there was a message Head Coach Adam Gase or Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster conveyed on giving everybody an equal look) – “Not to us, specifically. We know the best five will play so (I’m) just trying to be one of those best five.”
(On how much his value to the team has increase being able to play backup center) – “I think it helps a lot. Any guy that can play three positions is helpful to a team. Of course you’ve got to go out there and prove it but I think that I’m able to play all three positions, especially with the year under my belt, and I’m getting more comfortable. So I’m excited.”
(On what he’s done to improve his snapping ability) – “That’s something I worked on all offseason. When we were gone away, I was snapping 25 times a day down where I was training at and it’s just repetition. Everybody’s different with how they snap the ball. I’m not gonna snap the ball like (C) Mike Pouncey does. My snaps are going to be different so I had to get comfortable enough to where I have confidence in moving off the ball and snapping at the same time.”
(On one thing about G/T Laremy Tunsil that has surprised him on or off the field) – “I mean I wouldn’t say he surprised me. I knew he was athletic but I think the guy is … it’s crazy how athletic he is. If you watch him play, how natural his movements are. He’s just an athletic guy. (He’s a) smart guy. He’s kind of quiet right now; I think he’s still trying to get comfortable, but he’s a guy that’s going to listen when you make a call and you can expect him to be there. I’m excited to see what he does.”
(On if he senses there’s a greater emphasis with this coaching staff on having guys prepared to play multiple positions on the offensive line) – “Definitely. (Offensive Line) Coach (Chris) Foerster mentioned that to me before we even started up. He’s going to have us play multiple positions so that during the year, when it happens, it’s not your first time lining up somewhere. So if you guys watch practice, you know guys are all over the place playing different tackle spots, guard spots and we got a bunch of guys repping at center so everyone’s going to be comfortable by the time the year comes to step into a role.”
(On if there is a dramatic difference between what Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster teaches from former Offensive Line Coach John Benton) – “I wouldn’t say (there’s a) dramatic difference. Each coach has their way in how they teach. Coach (Chris) Foerster, he wants to get the job done. There’s no gray area. It’s just ‘Hey, block this guy in front of you.’ Know your stuff and he’s an easy guy to please. As long as you’re on top of your things, he’s an easy guy to please.”
(On how important is it for the offensive line to get up into the second level in the running game) – “Oh, it’s very important. I think that’s an emphasis we’ve been working on – our second-level blocking, as well in the run game. (It’s a) different type of scheme with our outside scheme and what not. So it’s very important and we have the offensive linemen to do it. We have very athletic offensive linemen so it should be fun this year.”
(On blocking RB Kenyan Drake and any impressions about him) – “I haven’t really … I never really know when he’s in because he’s behind me. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him from (RB) Jay (Ajayi) so I expect him to play a big role in it as well.
(On his desire to get better and if he has been tempted to practice snapping in his living room or other unusual places) – “Not really snapping. I’ll line up in my living room and put some hats down and whatnot and make my calls based off where my linebackers are and stuff like that. I don’t really have anyone to snap to at home so the best I can do is mirror what I’m going to be doing. That’s about it.”
