By: By Jake Dorow
HEAD COACH BRIAN BOHANNON (Audio) | AUZOYAH ALUFOHAI & DARNELL HOLLAND (Audio)
KENNESAW – Kennesaw State treks to Montgomery, Alabama for a non-conference showdown against Alabama State Saturday evening at ASU Stadium. The clash marks the first meeting between the two programs can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1230 and 106.3 The Fan 2.
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon, along with junior RB
Darnell Holland and junior DL
Auzoyah Alufohai, met with the media Wednesday afternoon to preview KSU's matchup with the Hornets.
Click the links above to hear complete audio from the press conference. Below is a transcript of selected questions and answers:
Head Coach Brian Bohannon
Opening Statement
We have to continue to grow to be the type of football team we want to be. We are going on the road Saturday night to play a very good football team. Alabama State was picked second to finish on their side of the SWAC, and it will be a great challenge for us to go on the road. I feel like they have this one circled to get back on track after falling to two good opponents throughout the first two weeks. They are really athletic and it will be a great challenge for us. We have to go get ready to play at our best for four quarters. I'm excited about the opportunity. We were able to go inside for the first time on Monday with the weather and had a quality practice yesterday outside to kick off the week.
Q: How good can this rushing offense be?
A: I've said this before, but I think we can be as good as we want to be. I think it comes down to execution and taking what the defense gives us. I think we can be good running the ball and I believe we are efficient throwing the ball. It comes down to staying on schedule and not doing anything to beat ourselves. I don't know about numbers, but we can be as good as we want to be. I truly believe that.
Q: What does Darnell Holland mean to this team?
A: Darnell did what we expect him to do last Saturday. He has made some big plays for us in the past and I think he is practicing better right now. He has been more consistent and we made an effort to put the ball in his hands Saturday. He has always made plays for us and he will continue to grow.
Q: Can you talk about the impact of Auzoyah Alufohai?
A: He played only about five games of football in high school. You see this big, athletic player with tons of talent and you could just see how athletic he was. He was on my radar from the start. It's been unbelievably amazing to see him mature as a person since coming here. I have watched him learn how to push through things and be positive. He is now a leader on the defensive line and the change has been unbelievable. He's just starting to scratch the surface. He jogs on the field with a purpose and on a mission. The sky is the limit.
Junior RB Darnell Holland
Q: How did you feel about your performance versus Tennessee Tech?
A: I think Coach Bohannon said it best. I did what they expected me to do, and I appreciate our coaches to trust in me to put the ball in my hands. Our offensive line was great and I appreciate the quarterback for putting the ball in my hand. Also, our wide receiver
Justin Sumpter for having a great game and taking some pressure off of me.
Q: What was it like to play in front of your home fans again?
A: It felt like home again. I was excited to play in front of our home fans and students again. I take great pride in protecting The Nest and it was great to back. We can't wait to get back to The Bank and see our fans again on September 30.
Junior DL Auzoyah Alufohai
Q: What has been the biggest difference between now and when you first got here?
A: We have a great leader in
Izzy Sam. He knows when to be serious and when to joke around. We have a great group of guys in the locker room and we have all grown together.
Q: What is the process you have to prepare your mind going into a game?
A: Coach Liam Klien always reminds me to dominant every snap with my size and ability. It could be the classroom, the weight room, the ball, everything. I have to go into the game with the mindset of domination.
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State football at @KennesawSTFB and The Owls fund on Twitter at @TheOwlsFund.
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