Aug. 20, 2009
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A guy who always gives maximum effort, Kennard Reeves steadily improved last year, and displayed more progress in spring drills. With just one key tailback back for the Commodores, the redshirt junior can secure an important role with a strong preseason showing. He will compete with three other returnees and a trio of freshmen as offensive coaches look to increase production from the running backs corps.
Brandon Barca caught up with the 6-0, 204-pound Duluth High, Ga., product earlier this week.
How is fall camp going so far?
“It’s going well. I think we are preparing as a team to be more successful and build on what we accomplished last season.”
Your playing time increased at the end of last year. What did that do for you?
“The biggest thing I needed to get last year was game experience because everyone was saying I was doing well in practice, but I needed that quality game experience. I was able to get some experience at the end of year against Wake Forest and in the bowl game. Being in those games when it counted and when we needed a score was big for me. I hope to come in this year and build on that and make the transition from being a younger guy to a upperclassman and a veteran.”
Is there a boost a confidence with that experience?
“Yeah, it’s always good to see how you stack up against teams that have first-round draft picks like Aaron Curry of Wake Forest. It’s always a boost of confidence to excel against a good team.”
You mentioned that you’re now one of the veteran members of the team. Talk about being a leader and helping some of the younger guys?
“It’s funny how fast it goes to come of age in the room. It’s been good though because we can help the younger guys with some things that we know and all together we can all help each other on certain situations like making the right read or watching someone’s rep in how they read the linebacker. So it’s good to help the younger guys and in turn for them to watch our reps and be open to what their comments are and what they see.”
How competitive is out there right now? It looks like everyone is fighting for carries.
“Naturally everyone wants to play and we know with our offense that there is going to be room for possibly up to four running backs play in a game. So, we’re all vying for position right now. It’s not bad blood competition though, we’re all trying to encourage each other and we want everyone to do well.”
Do you feel you’ve waited your time to get more carries this season?
“Yes, I think I have waited my time and I definitely want to contribute a lot more to the team this year.”
Read Previous Q&A’s: T. Fugger | J. Williams
Brandon Barca / VUcommodores.com
