Talked to offensive tackle Gabe Casillas after the spring game. He earned the start at RT and looked a lot better than I've seen him in the past. This was my first time interviewing him since he arrived on campus as a JUCO transfer in December of 2014. He was expected to come in and help with the offensive tackle spot, but never really got going. Here is our interview.
Q: This spring had to feel different with a starting spot open, was that motivation?
A: Oh, definitely. The fact that a new coaching staff was brought in definitely motivated me to show what I can do. Last season didn't go how I wanted to and I wanted to fix that this spring.
Q: How much did the clean slate of a new coach help you mentally?
A: I really enjoyed that it was a level playing field. We were told from day one that the best five were going to play and it was my job to be one of those best five.
Q: Where do you think you've improved the most since stepping on campus?
A: My feet. I'm good at this weight now. I've gotten stronger. Overall, my feet are able to stay under me now. Experience plays a big factor. When I got here, I was thrown in there and I didn't do as well as I thought I would. I needed to improve, like we all did. I was really motivated to change that.
Q: Was it shocking for you not to come in right away and make an impact?
A: It was very humbling. It lights a fire under you. At first, I was unmotivated after the season. It all changed with the new staff. It sparked that fire.
Q: Why is this new staff able to do that?
A: I like the way we practice. We practice fast. We practice productive. We do some individual, but we focus on football. Playing football is what makes you improve and this staff allows us to do that in practice.
Q: How would you describe coach Pugh as an offensive line coach?
A: Oh, I think he's great. He's been there and done that, so you know what he believes what he says. He pushes us and is a perfectionist. He keeps us accountable. There is a lot of energy on this staff and the vibes have improved. Football just seems a lot more fun right now.
Q: This spring had to feel different with a starting spot open, was that motivation?
A: Oh, definitely. The fact that a new coaching staff was brought in definitely motivated me to show what I can do. Last season didn't go how I wanted to and I wanted to fix that this spring.
Q: How much did the clean slate of a new coach help you mentally?
A: I really enjoyed that it was a level playing field. We were told from day one that the best five were going to play and it was my job to be one of those best five.
Q: Where do you think you've improved the most since stepping on campus?
A: My feet. I'm good at this weight now. I've gotten stronger. Overall, my feet are able to stay under me now. Experience plays a big factor. When I got here, I was thrown in there and I didn't do as well as I thought I would. I needed to improve, like we all did. I was really motivated to change that.
Q: Was it shocking for you not to come in right away and make an impact?
A: It was very humbling. It lights a fire under you. At first, I was unmotivated after the season. It all changed with the new staff. It sparked that fire.
Q: Why is this new staff able to do that?
A: I like the way we practice. We practice fast. We practice productive. We do some individual, but we focus on football. Playing football is what makes you improve and this staff allows us to do that in practice.
Q: How would you describe coach Pugh as an offensive line coach?
A: Oh, I think he's great. He's been there and done that, so you know what he believes what he says. He pushes us and is a perfectionist. He keeps us accountable. There is a lot of energy on this staff and the vibes have improved. Football just seems a lot more fun right now.
