|
CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
-----
|
 |
One-on-One with the
Pirates
Friday,
August 26, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Q&A
with Marke Powell
By
Ron Cherubini
©2011 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
 As
a true freshman in 2009, Marke Powell had an exceptional start to his
career. The athletic East Carolina linebacker heard his name called often on
a team that had a stout defense. A move to defensive end and then subsequent
injuries hampered Powell a year ago, but the strong, fast outside backer is
all set to be a constant force in the Pirates’ new 3-4 defensive alignment.
The junior is a pure sideline-to-sideline backer with a high-revving motor
and is eager to right the defensive ship at ECU. He and his fellow
linebacker on the other side, Justin Dixon, represent a quantum upgrade on
the Pirates’ edges and should provide a kick-start to the once proud
pass-pressure fronts the Pirates boasted in 2008 and 2009.
Marke was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.
Marke Powell (10) in action (ECU SID
photo)
One-on-One with Marke Powell
 Q:
You were banged up throughout 2010 and missed a few
sessions this fall. Can you give us an update on how
you are feeling as the first game fast approaches?
A: Oh man… right about now, I am
feeling just great. I did miss a few practices early
in camp with migraines but, other than that, I feel
fine now. Never had a concussion or anything like
that, just migraines from a sinus infection. I feel
real good all the way around.
Q: Back to OLB, physically are
you where you want to be to play that position
versus what you were doing to be a DE?
A: Yes, sir, it feels great to be
back to my original position. It’s comfortable for
me and it is where I can help my team the best. I am
excited about (the move back).
Q: What did you learn playing DE
that can apply to this position in this defensive
scheme?
A: Yes, I think playing defensive
end last year, it helped me a lot with pass rushing
techniques specifically. Now with me moving back to
linebacker, I can use what I learned (at DE) to be
able to rush the quarterback, which is part of my
job also (at OLB). The experience was a big benefit.
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: I definitely can you tell
this: We are not going to be No. 119 in the nation
(defensive ranking) anymore… that’s for sure. Look,
we already can see that we are better and I think it
will show (come game time).
Q: What player on this team do
you most respect and why?
A: I mean, it would have to be
No. 38, Emanuel Davis. He’s a four-year starter here
and comes out with intensity – he’s really intense –
every day. That man comes out here to work and never
complains about anything… nothing.
Q: Looking across the ball at our
own offense, what is it like for a linebacker to
play against our O?
A: It is exhausting to play
against our offense, both physically and mentally.
But, it does help us prepare for everyone else we
play.
Q: What impact has Coach Jeff
Connors had on you and do you see the impact around
you with your teammates?
A: Oh, yeah, I can tell you that
we are all in the best shape physically than we have
ever been. I am really interested to see how we are
come September 3rd.
Q: What are your thoughts on the
opening game with it being just a few weeks away and
against a high-profile opponent (South Carolina)?
A: I am feeling great and excited
about that game. I am really ready to get this thing
going. I'm ready for that game to get here.
E-mail Ron Cherubini
Ron Cherubini Archives
08/26/2011 03:21 AM |
