MOBILE, Ala. – Student-athletes Xavier Johnson, Dominic Esposito, Trey Alford and Jeremy Reaves with the University of South Alabama football program participated in the team's annual media day Thursday at the football field house.
Highlights from the press conferences include:
Senior running back Xavier Johnson
On fall camp and progress of team:
"We are just trying to stay together and bond as a team; that's the main thing for us. This year compared to last year, we seem to have that bond that I don't believe anybody can break. Once we completely come together, I feel it's going to be hard to stop us."
On impact of the addition of new strength and conditioning coach Lance Ancar:
"He really gets us going. When guys feel like they want to start slacking off, he gets us back on track. He brings the energy to practice and gets a lot of energy out of us. I'm glad he's here, because we now have a high standard for ourselves. Him being here is very good for us."
On maintaining the high heading into conference play after opening the season with two big games:
"We just need to stay focused and do our jobs and take it one game at a time. We have Ole Miss [first on the schedule] so that's our focus. The rest will come."
Senior offensive lineman Dominic Esposito
On fall camp and progress of team:
"Needless to say, fall camp is a grind. Today marked the fourth day in a row that we've been out there hitting each other, but camp has been going well. We come out and have a physical practice every single day with the right mindset. We have seen some younger guys take on some leadership roles, so we have guys all across the board doing some things well day in and day out, so it's been a great camp so far."
On depth and health of the offensive line:
 "We have very good depth [on the offensive line] this year. We have numerous guys who can play multiple positions, which is very nice to have. Right now, we are very healthy up front. The ability to run the ball has been a huge emphasis for us. I feel like we are closer than ever and we communicate really well."
On impact of the addition of new strength and conditioning coach Lance Ancar:
"He's been a great addition, whether it's getting us hype or getting us stronger, he's help out tremendously. He's also helped us believe. He comes in and his attitude is 'We're going to win a championship' and everyone is sold on that; that's what we've come here to do. He helps remind us of that every single day."
On maintaining the high heading into conference play after opening the season with two big games:
 "We just need to stay consistent. Ole Miss is our week one and that's what we're focused on right now. We need to play at a consistent, high level all year in order to be the team we want to be."
Senior defensive lineman Tre Alford
On the defense:
"What really excites me is we just always seem to be a dominant defense. Last year we were dominant, and this year we have players coming back and it just helps us even more."
On the defensive line:
"I look to my left and right, and there are players that I know are going to go out there and just ball. It really gives me a little boost of energy playing with those guys beside me. I'm just happy I'm healthy too."
On missing last year due to injury:
"It definitely humbled me. I got to look at it from the outside, and just let the leaders lead and I had to be a followers. Being back out there now and making a few plays here and there, it allowed me to get a chance to be a leader again and bring the energy to the defensive line."
Senior safety Jeremy Reaves
On the defense:
"Our leadership this year on the defensive side of the ball is incredible. We have guys who have been here a while, and they understand football and how the system works. We've been in the system for a year now, and I think guys are more comfortable in their situations. We have a lot of playmakers, so I'm excited about what's coming this year."
On playing safety versus cornerback:
"It (safety position) fits me great; that was the best thing for me. I actually came here as a safety from high school, and that's where I am comfortable at. I adjusted to corner, but safety is a natural fit for me. I like to fit the run. I'm an aggressive player, so being able to fit back in the box and also make plays in the passing game worked out the best for me."
On his excitement for this season:
"When you get to put the pads on with the guys and actually get to play ball, it's always exciting to see what's to come. Our defensive line is healthy, the healthiest we've ever been, and it's the most talent we've ever had on defense. I'm really confident going into this year with what our defense brings to the table."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Jaguar Athletic Fund (JAF) Priority Fund, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics. Contributions to the Priority Fund directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/sports/2013/3/13/Gridiron%20Club.aspx?id=22
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