(Photo by Adrian J. Hernandez / New Day Review)
Aug. 28, 2017 at Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership
Availability: OT Wyatt Miller, DL Jamiyus Pittman, TE Jordan Akins, LB Shaquem Griffin, RB Jawon Hamilton
OT Wyatt Miller
- Miller and the team are excited to play against players who aren’t their teammates.
We’re just excited to kind of hit other people. I know people say the same thing. We’ve been in camp for about a month now and kinda hitting each other, and we’re excited to start—as far as this week—start game-planning and kinda getting into game week and knowing we’re about to play somebody, so it’s exciting.
- The offensive line is preparing for four-down defense.
We’re expected to see a four-down defense. You know, the defensive coordinator from [the University of Tulsa] is coming to FIU. So we’ve been watching a lot of Tulsa film. So we’re expecting a lot of movement up front. But we’ve been game-planning for them all week. We think we have a good game plan going into this game.
- Even the thought of playing at home is something that gets Miller excited.
You just saying that gave me chill bumps. So, anytime you hear, like, “home stadium,” like, “fans,” it kinda gets me pumped up. I was actually watching Friday Night Lights the other day and watching them run out of the tunnel. I had chill bumps over my whole body. Just playing this game makes me excited. And, so, knowing that we’re coming back and getting at home in front of our fans, and they’re gonna be excited to see us. It’s been a year. So, we’re definitely excited.
- A Thursday game is special to Miller.
Yeah, it is special. So maybe we’ll have more people out there, you know? We expect it to be full and loud as always. So we’re excited.
- The team watched rival University of South Florida’s Week 1 win over San Jose State University.
We watched USF. They had a little scare there at the beginning. They got down. So we were watching. They had a good team and whatnot, but we’re focused on FIU right now. But it’s good to have college football back on TV. We’ve actually been watching Spectrum Sports high school football every day. So that’s what we watch when we go home.
- For Miller, he said the team is “light years” ahead of where they were last year.
Like I said earlier, we’re light years difference, you know? As far as offense and defense and team cohesiveness. We’ve grown together and as far as knowing your role and knowing what you’re supposed to do on the offense. I know what the guy next to me is supposed to be doing. I know what everyone else is doing. So that just makes the offense run more fluently and kinda get the flow of what’s going on. And I think it’s going to help us out a lot.
- Miller has noticed the growth of quarterback McKenzie Milton.
I think he’s definitely matured a lot, you know? Some of those decisions last year, they would have been shaky for him; it’s like spot-on now. So he knows what he’s doing. He knows this offense like everybody, and he’s just done a great job so far of being a leader on this offense. You know, we gotta have more guys step up, but he’s done a good job of getting us rolling in the right direction and showing us where he wants to go and making those decisions to put us in the right spot.
- From Miller’s perspective, the Knights’ offensive line has improved significantly. But he has seen that with other parts of the offense, too.
I think our offensive line has increased in toughness and as far as knowing our roles. And, like I said, knowing what everybody else is supposed to be doing, as far as that. Our receivers have really done a good job this camp. So, really, we’ve improved in all phases of the game. Which I think is very important. It’s the good thing about this offense. Coach [Scott Frost] has done a good job of that.
DL Jamiyus Pittman
- From Pittman’s perspective, this team is the most focused it’s been since his arrival.
This is the most focused we’ve been since I’ve bene here. Like y’all said, it’s game week. Nothing is going to change. Except everybody’s itching to hit another opponent. So, I think we’ll lay it out there Thursday night.
- Pittman likes the talent on his defense.
I’m happy with what I’m working with. I think I could depend on everybody on the front seven. I could depend on my secondary. It’s just—I don’t know. We have mental breakdowns at times. But had a great practice yesterday, had a great practice today. And I’m confident we’ll go out and ball out Thursday.
- Trysten Hill moving to nose tackle is something that excites Pittman
It gets me one-on-ones now. No more helmets to the ribs. I’ll be out there working my magic like I was supposed to be last year.
- Pittman said he can rely on the whole defense this season.
Everybody’s just gotta do their job. I feel like last year a lot of people depended on one or two people. But this year, it won’t be like that. Just because so many people—I feel that we’re all about equal on defense. So, we just gotta play our assignment, and everything will go as planned.
- For Pittman, he’s focused on learning his team’s schemes.
I’m expecting some quick passes, some outside runs or whatever. But I haven’t really—I mean, I’ve thought about them, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve just been trying to become an expert at what we play on defense.
- Teammates having their first chance to play is something Pittman is happy about.
We’re thirsty, we’re hungry, we’re all of the above. I just can’t wait to see certain people play on Thursday. ‘Cause for a lot of people, it’ll be there first game. Titus Davis, Gabe [Davis]. I just can’t wait to see them unleashed.
I’m more excited because people don’t know what they’re capable of. They only know about the certain things—the big things.
TE Jordan Akins
- Akins is ready to play against someone other than a teammate.
It feels great. Besides going against the same team—my teammates and everything— we’re ready to go against some other teams. And see what we can showcase our talent and execute every play. And, you know, start the season off right.
- FIU is not an opponent Akins takes lightly.
I mean, same old FIU to me. Played ‘em the previous three years I’ve been here. You know, we just looking forward to playing them. We not underestimating ‘em. We’re coming out and playing ‘em just as hard as we play anyone else.
- For Akins, there’s more hype for Thursday night games.
I mean, it adds a lot of hype, I would say, and excitement to the players. And for the rookies to get that first game under their belt would be huge.
- Akins said the offense is significantly better this season, as everyone knows their assignments more readily.
The offense is looking times better than last year. Everyone’s coming together. We on one accord, and everyone knows what their assignment is. So we can use our speed as a weapon and just go and execute.
- Akins’ advice to young players in their first game is to calm down.
Definitely. We, you know, just tell them to calm down and make plays, and when you get your opportunity, showcase your talent.
- Last season, Akins caught career-highs 347 yards and two touchdowns on a career-high 23 receptions.
- Akins caught his first touchdown from Milton.
- This will be his second season with Milton.
McKenzie has grown on and off the field. He’s definitely looking good. He’s definitely our guy. You know, when we get to rolling McKenzie, you know, he bring us together and gets us going. So you can expect big things out of McKenzie and this offense this year.
- Akins said there aren’t cliques within the team. Everyone is friends with everyone.
A lot better. It’s really a lot better. Everyone—we’ve been doing a lot of things to bond as a team. We’ve been bowling, picnics and everything. Everyone’s friends. It’s not just everyone has their little cliques or their little huddles. We playing for each other, you know? We’re protecting each other and we’re all on one accord. And we just ready to execute and win a championship.
- Akins’ goal is to win a championship.
Definitely. The mentality is focus on one goal, and that’s winning a championship. So, what we do—you know, we’re grinding, we’re doing everything we have to do to get better every day and to push towards that goal.
- For Akins, the tight ends are a vital part of the offense.
Tight ends can carry this offense a long ways. It’s kinda like a hit or miss. If we miss an assignment, you know, the offense goes down. So it’s huge for the tight ends. And you can definitely look for other tight ends to make plays this year.
- With more depth, Akins said players will be more rested.
We have a lot more depth, so we can keep everyone fresh, you know, in the rotations. And, you know, like I said, use that speed as a weapon. So, you won’t see us tiring out much like we did last year. We’ll be rotating, so we’ll be fresh.
- Not only does Akins want to win a championship, but he also wants to win every game.
Going undefeated, man. I wanna win every game. If we come out and we execute and we play our hardest and we [lose] the game, that’s still a win to me. You know, I’ll pick up my teammates and just keep going along with it. We’re trying to build this university and take it to new places. So I’m very excited to see where this year takes us.
I definitely think this team can win every game this year.
- For Akins, he’s not necessarily approaching this season any differently.
- The difference this time around is more comfort with the coaching staff.
It’s just not about me. I would say I look at it more as a team now. It’s not about what I can do, you know, so I can be successful. The new coaches coming in everything was out of whack. My mindset was different. So now I’m just pulling together with my teammates and looking forward to play with these guys and winning.
LB Shaquem Griffin
- During preseason, Griffin has been watching videos of Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller.
It’s very exciting. I’m just glad it’s not spring anymore. You know, going into spring and knowing you have to wait a while for the first game and knowing that it’s so close. You can literally almost grab it now. And the emotion, the excitement—it’s so wild. I was in my room yesterday watching Von Miller tutorial sack videos for like two hours and tried to use it today in practice. And that’s kinda wild because it shows how much excited I am. You know, I’m going home by myself and watching YouTube videos on football and stuff. It’s just getting me hyped up for the game. And it just make me so much excited for it.
- To be a better defense, Griffin said his team must believe in the coaches.
Our whole thing is to just trust in our coaches. You know, they gonna put us in the right position, and I feel like our defense is trusting that with practice. We’re going fast, we’re working together, we’re speaking, we’re talking, communicating well. And I think with Coach [Erik] Chinander and everybody behind him, we’re gonna be put in the best positions to get this done.
- Griffin started his career as a defensive back but has since transitioned to linebacker.
- In that position, he’s flourished, earning last season’s American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Last season, he recorded 92 total tackles, an interception and a conference-best 11.5 sacks.
It’s gonna be amazing. ‘Cause, obviously, this is gonna be my first last game. You know, it’s wild, but it hasn’t hit me yet. I’m just ready to get it kicked off, get in the Bounce House and celebrate with my fans.
- First-game jitters has some players shaken, but Griffin knows the key is to be composed.
It’s definitely important. I wanna make sure when the guys come in this first game to be comfortable. And not feel too much pressure and not feel nervous about anything. You know, I’m gonna remind the guys every time. And I remember I talked to Titus Davis last night, and he was telling me, “Man, the game kinda close. I’m getting a little nervous.” And I just reminded him, “Man, you been playing football for so long. It’s what you do. At the end of the day, when it’s time to play football, you do what you know.” And it’s gonna be his first time starting, and I feel like he’s gonna be a guy who’s really gonna contribute well to this team. The whole thing is just when you out there on the field, just play.
- For Griffin, he said one of his goals in the offseason was not to not be complacent.
Just being able to not slow down what I’ve been doing. You know, just speed it up and keep working. My whole thing is, you know, some guys can get complacent with where they’re at, and I didn’t want to be considered the guy that did that. I wanna be considered the guy who’s willing to overwork and work as hard as he can to be better. Because, obviously, there’re guys out there and around the nation who’s gonna keep working. And I’m not gonna be considered a guy who wasn’t. And my whole thing, just like I said, I was watching tutorials and how to do certain things. And my whole thing is if I can get any step on anybody between double teams and anything, I wanted to go the extra mile to make myself better.
- When asked where he thought the defense was strongest, Griffin had difficulty answering.
That’s a hard question. I mean, so many guys contribute the defense. And, you know, up front we’re veterans down there. So, our whole thing is to just do our jobs and help the DBs. And DBs go vice versa. We gotta work for each other. I think that’s how a defense works.
- Like his teammates, Griffin watched the USF game as well.
I did watch the game, and, I mean, I think [USF head coach] Charlie Strong is doing a really good job with USF, but, obviously, with a new coach and a new scheme, you have to learn. And I feel like USF has bought into what he wants, and they look decent. But, you know, all teams in the American Athletic Conference, we just have to work.
RB Jawon Hamilton
- Hamilton expects his team to open the season-opener aggressively.
Come out fast and strong. You know, let everyone see and how well we stepping up from last year. I know a lot of people are looking at us off last year, but we have a lot to show the world.
- For Hamilton, a two-day offseason workout program helped bring the team together.
Everyone just playing together. The bond we built—just all the stuff we went through in the offseason. We got something called “the Program,” and I think ever since we went through that—which was like the toughest two days of our life—ever since then, we became closer as a family, and everything just started to click.
- Last season, Hamilton caught 17 passes for 73 yards.
- That could change with what he described as a “more comfortable” Milton.
McKenzie definitely got a little more comfortable back there. You can see it in him. You know, I talked to him the other day, and he said he feels more comfortable, you know? He just sit in the pocket and nothing there and then get outta there. He’s a big playmaker for us.
- Thursday’s game against FIU can’t come soon enough for Hamilton.
- The second-year UCF back led the team in rushing last season with 495 yards and four touchdowns.
We just ready. Like I said, I can’t even sleep well at night, I’m just so ready. I’m so anxious. I’m always catching myself watching film, just doing something football-related. Just trying to get ready for Thursday.
- Hamilton said he sees Milton as a more patient quarterback, willing to make a throw first before running.
I think he gives his receivers a chance now. Last year, I guess, he was so ready to run all the time. Now he’ll actually toss it up and give them a chance. Let the playmakers make plays. Guys like Tre’Quan Smith, Jordan Akins. You know, just throw it up, especially if it’s one-on-one, they’ll go get it.
- Last season, Hamilton had the most rushing attempts as a freshman with 139.
- Senior running back Dontravious Wilson rushed 120 times for eight touchdowns and 463 yards.
I kinda, like, focused on my patience, my tempo when I get the ball. You know, last year I was still running like I was in high school when I got the ball. That’s why I had to kinda adjust to the game. Slow it down a little bit, you know. When I see it, just hit it.
- Hamilton noticed his team has done more than just the recommended.
- He and his teammates have proactively worked after practices on their own initiatives.
To me, it came from a lot of things we did after practice. A lot of stuff we did that wasn’t on the team works calendar. We just did stuff on our own. Went out there, got guys together and just went out there and worked on it. And ever since then, I guess he’s just started trusting guys and, you know, everything just started to come along. Everything’s just starting to click right now.
- In Frost’s second year at the helm, Hamilton said the complex will be more complex.
Last year, we didn’t get to really get through all the installs, but, this year, this camp, we kinda got all the way through. And pretty comfortable and everything. Everything’s going pretty smooth. So everyone know all the plays. Guys like Cordarrian Richardson, Bentavious Thompson, you know, they came in, you know, they use me and Taj [McGowan] as a big-brother role. We just gave them guys the knowledge that we learned.
- Hamliton has been very impressed by Gabe.
Gabe is not a freshman. I don’t know. He’s like a freshman [in a] junior body. Gabe comes out there like he’s been here. Plays his heart out, you know, every play he doesn’t take a day off. And it’s starting to pay off.
- For Hamilton, the team’s offensive line will impress the most this season.
I think our offensive line. Like, the whole offensive line. You know, guys look at them last year, it was an okay year. But, this year, we got bigger, faster and stronger, so that’ll be able to help our offense push.
For more on the Knights, as they prepare for their season-opener against FIU, follow Ryan Weiss on Twitter at @NDR_RyanWeiss.
