Murray State University Athletics
Weekly Press Conference
8/25/2003 11:00:00 PM | Football
Quotes from head coach Joe Pannunzio during the weekly football press conference on Aug. 25 in preparation for the Racers' 2003 opener against Valparaiso on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Ky.
On the start of the 2003 football season:
"We're excited that it's finally here. We spent a lot of time going through recruiting, off-season conditioning and then all the way through two-a-days, so we're glad it's time to play. Our kids are excited about opening the season up this week, and we're excited as a coaching staff to see what the heck we have. I think it'll be a little while before we really know how good we are. We don't have the luxury of doing what the NFL does and playing preseason games to see our players in action and to see how they're going to react. There will be some spots where we'll have some young kids stepping in and playing and until we see how they're going to react in those situations, I really can't tell you how good we're going to be."
On the MSU offense to start the season:
"I do know that when you have a three-year starter back at quarterback, it makes things a little bit easier. We're not as apprehensive with what we do. We have a great receiver in Deandre Green that should make some plays for us and that should help."
On MSU senior quarterback Stewart Childress:
"He's exactly what this program is here for. He's a local kid that's done a great job. He's a kid that you really want on your football team. He's an Honor Roll student, a member of the FCA and he's a roll model for our players and the all of the young kids that are around our program. He holds everything together and he puts up with me and my craziness. I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have him here for four years."
"He's been sharp so far in practice and I think he'll have a big year for us. He's team player, a great competitor and he's a winner. When the game's on the line, he makes plays."
