Written by Robert Henry
Los Angeles, CA - The Oklahoma offensive players and the Georgia defenses players gathered today at the historic Los Angeles Hotel. All the media was abuzz when they found out that Oklahoma quarterback, Baker Mayfield was sick and not attending the press conference. Although he is ill, the Oklahoma team has no worries that he won't be playing on New Year's Day. The Georgia team, specifically the defense is hoping Mayfield shakes his sickness and is healthy to play come game time. Both squads have had nothing but respect for each other and are looking forward to facing each other at the “Grand Daddy of Them All.”
Mark Andrews, the tight end for the Sooners spoke briefly on Mayfield’s condition “Nah, Baker will be good to go.” Hearing first hand from Andrews means that the Georgia defense will more than likely get their chance to play against the Heisman winner. Jonathan Ledbetter, Bulldogs defensive lineman addressed Mayfield’s sickness and how he looks forward to test his own skills against him. “Honestly, I want to play against him. I love competition,” Ledbetter stated. “He’s a Heisman trophy winner, and I would love to see if my skill set could hold up against that. That would be great moment for me to measure where I’m at.” The unwavering respect everyone on both teams has for Mayfield is clear as day. With high hopes and confirmation from a fellow teammate, Mayfield will be healthy and play. That is great new not only for Oklahoma but for everyone wanting to watch an amazing semifinal game. Georgia’s star linebacker, Roquan Smith, stated during the press conference “Its going to be big playing against the Heisman trophy winner, a decorated player like that, I’m sure he’s a competitor. Regardless of what’s wrong with him, he’s going to do his best to play in that game. And I’m sure he’ll be in that game, so were definitely looking forward to that.” As Smith was talking you could see the excitement on his face when talking about-facing the Heisman winner. The Bulldogs defensive coordinator, Mel Tucker, had some great things to say about Mayfield as well. He expressed how great of a player Mayfield has become and that he is a multi-threat quarterback. The fact that Mayfield can get such accolades from an opposing coach shows what kind of player he is. Coach Tucker was asked how he feels his defensive coverage will hold up against Mayfield, “Our guys know to not come out f coverage until the quarterback crosses the line. We understand that when he does scramble he’s looking to throw that's important we also know if no one is open he will run to make you miss, run to run you over and also slide. He’s unique in that way, so it puts a lot of pressure on us. Everything in our package is sound in a pass rushing way.” Coach Tucker seems to be ready for the Sooners high-powered offense come Monday and it will make for a great bowl game come New Years Day. VIDEO -Georgia Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker and defensive players Roquan Smith and John Atkins12/29/2017 |
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