With a return to the Big Ten Championship looming this weekend, Ohio State's Michael Bennett, Evan Spencer and Doran Grant talked about playing Wisconsin, the tragic loss of teammate Kosta Karageorge and whether backup quarterback Cardale Jones can lead them to their first league title under head coach Urban Meyer on a teleconference Monday afternoon.
MICHAEL BENNETT
- Bennett on whether fallen teammate Kosta Karageorge suffered from the effects of concussions: “We knew he had a lot of concussions … he never reported them.” He added: “ We never knew that he was depressed or anything like that … you can’t tell unless someone speaks up. He always positive, always thankful, so appreciative.” Karageorge was found dead near campus Sunday after going missing for four days.
- Bennett said Melvin Gordon’s ability to “drive” through defenders is what makes him different than other running back: “I think he was from what I’ve watched, he really good vision, really good leg drive … he’s driving through defenders.” Bennett added Wisconsin’s offensive He know what they’re gonna do how they operate, they know how he operates.
- More Bennett on Karageorge: “I think the appreciation he had for where he was is unique.” Bennett added Karageorge: “He always loved how much free food we got ... he would yell "YEAH BABY! before every practice." Bennett on having a tribute to Karageorge: “I would hope that we have something because he was a big part of our team.”
- Bennett said Cardale Jones is a "Ben Roethlisberger-type quarterback" in how hard it is to bring him down. Jones is 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. “I think he’s your prototypical quarterback … he’s got a rocket for an arm. I have a lot of confidence in Cardale and his abilities.” Bennett added if you put Jones in this position a year ago, he probably wasn’t mature enough to handle it. Added he gave J.T. Barrett a “run for his money” in spring ball.
- Bennett on giving speeches when Ohio State’s defense starts to wilt: “I’ll give a speech or make a play whenever we need it.” Buckeyes have struggled against the run in last few games.
EVAN SPENCER
- Spence on Cardale Jones: “I’ve been with him for a while now, he’s really everything that you need in a quarterback … he’s one of the more gifted throwers I’ve seen.”
- Coming out of high school, you’re hearing you’re this you’re that and then they struggle to perform. Throughout his time here, he’s really learned to develop …
- Spencer on Ohio State’s final playoff push without J.T. Barrett: “We know that we have to go out and play our best football … and i think we’re good enough of a football team to compete with who we need to compete with.”
- Spencer on bad memories of the last time playing in Lucas Oil Stadium: “I think it’ll definitely be a thought that goes through our head with everything that we saw the year before … we have to channel those memories and use them to our benefit.”
- Spencer on Ohio State's growth from the team that lost Braxton Miller and lost to Virginia Tech to the one that's ranked sixth in the country: "I think this is one of the most resilient football teams in the country."
DORAN GRANT
- Grant on Cardale Jones, who will make his first-career start in the Big Ten Championship Game Saturday: He’s a guy who has some spunk to him, he’s a very character (but) he’s getting very serious about his business.” Grant added he’s a competitor and that Jones has grown in his three years at Ohio State.
- Grant on whether Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon reminds him of anybody: “Nah, he’s his own guy … he has a lot of skill, a lot of speed … he just reminds me of himself, he’s a good back.
- Grant on last 48 hours: “Mindset is just staying together and working hard for each other … it’s all we can do so it’s what we’re gonna do.”
