Quotes from training camp

About putting on the pads and hitting for the first time in training camp, Michael Lafaele said:
"It felt good to mix it up." (HA)


Praising fresheman Le'Marcus Gibson after his performance in one-on-one drills, GM said:
"I really like Le'Marcus Gibson. Did you see the tackling drills? He's pounding guys. I'm not afraid to use him. Remember Gil Byrd? I started him as a freshman (at San Jose State)." (HA)

HA Note: "Byrd went on to have an All-Pro career with the San Diego Chargers."


About GM's praise and the possibility of playing as a freshman, Gibson said:
"That's good to hear. I'm trying to do my hardest. I'm trying to make every play my best play. I've been into it in the meetings, trying to learn the defense. I don't want them to be scared to put me out there. I want to play like I'm an upperclassman." (HA)


Happy to be practicing again, Colt said:
"It was just good to get out there again. You can only do so much during the summer workouts." (HA)


About Bess, who gained 9 pounds to weigh 194 and is healthy for the first time in 2 years, Colt said:
"He looked good out there. But so did all of my guys." (HA)


About finally being healthy, Bess said:
"I feel good. A couple of people asked how I feel, and I tell them this is the best I've ever felt. I'm trying to work on maintaining my health and staying focused. That's the main thing." (HA)


About their blown assignments on offense and defense, Patek said:
"A little rust. I'm rusty. We're trying to work out the kinks right now. That's what camp is for." (HA)


About yesterday's practice, JJ said:
"Whenever you put the helmets and pads on, the guys turn it up a little bit. We've got to learn how to practice. We've got a lot of new guys, and we need to practice hard but try to be smart." (HA)


About cutting his hair, Colt said:
"I had a photo shoot with Sports Illustrated (Sunday). My braids were all out in front because of my helmet. I couldn't find anyone to fix it in time. It was either take a picture for Sports Illustrated with the ugliest haircut in America or shave it off and try to have somewhat of a reasonable picture. I shaved it off. I miss it, though. All of the guys seem to really miss it. But the coaches are happy to see me back to a shaved head." (HA)


Asked abut Colt's singing talent, Lafaele said:
"He's sort of like our manager." (HA)
HA Note: The Sporting News also is town for a story on Brennan and the Warriors. Last night, they took pictures of Brennan singing with '03, a musical group featuring teammates Lafaele, Timo Paepule, Rustin Saole, Larry Sauafea and Fale Laeli.


McMackin also said Erik Robinson, a transfer from Navarro Junior College in Texas, deserves an opportunity.
About how Erik Robinson deserves a shot at the safety job, GM said:
"When Erik learns the defense, he's shown he needs a shot at safety, too." (HA)

Note: For the safety across from Patek, Demond Thomas is #1 safety and Keao Monteilh is #2, however both will play together in the nickel package because Monteilh is #1 nickelback. However, there are a number of others who will be competing for those jobs in camp.


About how he's trying to learn the system now, Erik Robinson said:
"I'm cool right now. I'm new and I'm learning the system. I don't want them to put me out there and I give up big plays. I want to learn everything. I'm trying to get better." (HA)


About how the number of defensive checks is the biggest adjustment, Robinson said:
"We didn't have to make a lot of checks in junior college. I'm getting better. Coach (Rich Miano) is staying with me after practice, giving me tips. I'm going to strive to be better." (HA)


Comfortable to be back as a 4-3 DE, Amani Purcell (the #1 left DE) said:
"It's a good defense. I feel comfortable playing back down in the (three-point) stance." (HA)

HA Note: "Purcell said he weighed 245 at Penn State. He said he gained about 30 pounds since the end of last season and now weighs between 275 and 280 pounds."