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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Monday,
August 22, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Q&A
with Michael Brooks
By
Ron Cherubini
©2011 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
 From
his first live snaps as a freshman, it has never been doubted that Michael
Brooks was a high-quality defensive lineman. He etched out his own identity,
even among those future NFLers. Yet, with several injuries over his career,
he has also spent a lot of time trying to get back onto the field. When he
is in the lineup, he is clearly one of the best players on East Carolina's
defense.
This season, Brooks will be asked to play nose guard, a position he has
never played. He will be asked to be the anchor on a defensive front that
desperately needs to reclaim its identity following a disaster of a season
in 2010. He is ready to play again and he is eager to show that this defense
can be a feared force once more.
Michael was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.
Michael Brooks (92) in action (ECU SID
photo)
One-on-One with Michael Brooks
 Q:
You have had an up-and-down career, holding your own with guys like C.J.
Wilson, Linval Joseph and Jay Ross when you were a freshman, and then you
missed a lot of time with injuries. How are you feeling right now? Are you
on track to be 100% by the start of season?
A: I am feeling great. I am healthy
now. My rehab went great and I am doing really well, thanks to Coach (Jeff)
Connors… really good now.
Q: The off-season brought news that
the defensive scheme was going to change to a 3-4 and Coach Brian Mitchell
has said consistently that he is counting on you to be the starting NT, if
fully healthy. Can you share your thoughts on the defensive changes and you
moving to nose tackle?
A: Nose guard is a different
technique. I’m in the 3-technique and it is different for me… it is a
different defense, but the transition is going well for me. Everybody is
fired up for this season and it's going well (the change to the 3-4).
Q: You and your teammates really
experienced the worst case you could have last season. How do you
individually approach this season and what are you and your teammates
talking about in regards to improving?
A: Last year was last year and what
happened is over. We build on what happened last year and recognize that
this is a new year and a new defense out here.
Q: The coaches have referred to you
and Antonio Allison as a 1-2 punch at nose guard. What are your thoughts on
Antonio and your relationship with him.
A: Me and Antonio have been playing
together for about three years now and I am really comfortable with him
beside me just like I am with the other guys out here. I am very comfortable
with Antonio and feel real good about working with him this season.
Q: What player on this team do you
most respect and why?
A: Honest there are several players.
You know Dominique Davis, clearly, he is our leader, and Emanuel Davis, you
know he has been doing what he does for a long time back there and he comes
to work every day. But, I respect all my teammates out here.
Q: What offensive lineman would you
rate the nastiest to go one-on-one against?
A: Hmmm… probably Will Simmons
because he is just so aggressive. Any time you get near him, he comes at you
with a pop. You always have to be on your toes any time you go head-to-head
with Will.
Q: How has your (conditioning
progressed)?
A: Coach Connors is just great. He
pushes us to the limit every day and you can see the results. He has been a
big part of (the defensive rebuild) for us. We are stronger and much better
conditioned.
Q: What young player on this defense
do you think will turn heads in 2011 and why?
A: Diavalo Simpson is having a
pretty good camp, Jimmy Booth is having a great camp, too. Terry Williams is
really stepping up and there are some other young guys — not sure if they
are going to get in there this season — but they are all stepping up out
there in this camp.
Q: Personal expectations this
season?
A: Everybody would love to be an
All-America and All-Conference... personal accolades are great, but I would
rather have wins this year.
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08/22/2011 03:28 AM |
