Press Conference (JJ Smith) Elite Edition April 2

·5 hr 22 min·25 clips

Deion Sanders explains he's 'judged on a different scale,' where wins encompass academics, character, and life outcomes, not just football.

This episode compiles press conference interviews with Ohio State football players and coaches during spring practice. The hosts of The Buckeye Scoop present these raw audio clips to give listeners direct insight into the team's mindset. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith discusses mentoring freshman Devin Sanchez and his personal challenge to become a more vocal leader. Smith states the team has taken down all national championship memorabilia to focus on the 2024 season. Offensive lineman Javon Foster talks about adjusting to Ohio State's culture and learning from veteran players. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis analyzes the competition in his room, naming Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Peyton Pierce as the current top three linebackers. Laurinaitis details the physical and mental development required, emphasizing that players must "learn both" linebacker positions. He shares that head coach Ryan Day has made quarterbacks live for hitting in some scrimmages, which surprised the team. The coach explains how different defensive systems use varied terminology, comparing it to learning a new language. New defensive coordinator Matt Walton is described as having incredible energy and an authentic excitement for teaching college football. Running back J.K. Dobbins, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, reflects on his injury history and his confidence when healthy, citing a career 5.8 yards per carry average. Dobbins expresses excitement about the Chargers' offensive line and his partnership with fellow running back Gus Edwards. A key insight is Laurinaitis's philosophy that linebackers must understand the entire defensive scheme, not just their assignment, to play fast. He reveals that even star player Sonny Styles is being challenged to become a dominant coverage defender against tight ends. The coach notes that mid-year freshman enrollees have undergone dramatic physical transformations since arriving on campus. Jeremiah Smith reveals that teammates have directly called him out in leadership meetings, asking him to talk more. J.K. Dobbins provides a candid perspective on being labeled "injury-prone," stating he isn't bothered by it because his major injuries were beyond his control. He believes the "storm is now over" regarding his health. The tone is informational and straightforward, featuring unedited press conference audio with minimal host commentary. The style is purely interview-based, offering a direct feed from the program to the fans. Ohio State football die-hards and dedicated college football fans will love this episode for its unfiltered access to coaches and players. Listeners seeking produced narrative or analytical discussion might find the raw press conference format less engaging.

As heard by us

A direct press-conference listen where roles, fit, and unselfish work matter more than polish.

This press-conference listen stays on the practical side: roles, fit, and the day-to-day work that often gets skipped. Its best moments come from the plain answers, where a pass rusher talks about explosiveness, quickness, and hand usage, another player works through life in a…

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Why you'd press play

You hear what the room really thinks when the questions get specific.

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