Maurice Clarett Q&A
October 6, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Omaha Nighthawks News Release
How has the transition been to where you are now?
It has been like any other transition, it had its difficulties. As of right now I believe I am good. I have been away from the game for a while so starting off, things were moving kind of fast. But after being here for five/six weeks I understand the play book and what the coaches expect out of us and I am back into football shape. I've taken care of my body and my mind, and doing things in order for us to win.
How great does it feel to be back on the field?
It feels good, and I'm doing something I love. I think that goes for anybody in the world anywhere. If you are doing something you love and you are having fun doing it.
Tell us about veteran guys helping you out
From day one Ahman (Green) and Jeff (Garcia) have, not only with me, made themselves accessible with any question people may have. I think those two guys along with a couple others have the most professional experience. They give a certain tempo and leadership. They help me in every way possible, and I talk to them daily. It's good to have those types of players on your team.
Big picture: Happy to be in the UFL? Will there be a next step?
I take things day by day. I don't get too ahead of myself. I just understand my responsibilities of where I am right now. I am just living in the moment. I have personal goals that I keep to myself and private. As long as I'm putting in the work I need to put in and contribute to the team and become a better player. I will be satisfied. But like I said it is a day by day process and focus on the task at hand. And just stay focused on the moment.
Did the physical part of the game come back quickly or not?
The only adjustment that I was not expecting was with the sprinting and conditioning and how your body locks up. Your hamstrings, groin area and lower back do not allow you to sprint as much as you want to. Early on in the first couple of weeks, my hamstrings got real tight at first, but from a physical stand point that was my only issue.
Do you pay attention to college football?
I definitely pay attention. The big games they have on TV here, a lot of Nebraska games out here. I still talk to a couple players at Ohio State and pay attention to the team.
I am a fan of the sport. So I have always kept up with it. I have been a fan as a kid, and it has always been a part of my life.
What were your expectations coming in? Have they been met?
I did not have any expectations coming in. I told myself I wanted to give it all I had, and just take the whole process day by day. And that is what I have been doing, and up until this point I have been having success.
Tell us about the crowd in Omaha.
The support in Omaha resembles the support in Ohio State. I didn't realize the support was ever this big besides Ohio State until I got out here. They come out faithfully dressed in silver and black. They support us like never before. Throughout the community, they are excited for us to be here. We have two wins right now, and the crowd is happy we are here. From a player standpoint, you can't ask for too much more. You have fans support, so you feel their energy. It feels great to give them two victories and hopefully this weekend we can make it a third.
How much more complicated is the technique?
With the play book, of course I had to get used to the terminology and the concept of the offense. Early on I didn't quite get everything, but now I have a good grasp on what the coaches are trying to do. I pretty much understand what is going on.
Are you getting enough work, carries?
It's definitely enough to keep us busy. The coach tells us before each game how much we are going to play and how many carries he expects us to have. And we go from there.
United Football League Stories from October 6, 2010
- Colonials Game Notes - Hartford Colonials
- Pociask's Allegiance Lies With Tuskers - Florida Tuskers
- Maurice Clarett Q&A - Omaha Nighthawks
- Ahman Green and Omaha Nighthawks Players to Hang out with Local Youth - Omaha Nighthawks
- United Football League Asks Fans To Suggest Tie-Breaker Scenarios - UFL 1
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