Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Brent Dearmon
On the first practice in the Bahamas…
“It was awesome out here. We are not accustomed to 80 degrees this time of year. Our guys have been more used to 45, 50 degrees back at Middle Tennessee, so getting down here and getting used to this weather has been really nice. We practiced with palm trees in the background, beautiful stadium in the background…I thought our guys did a good job of bringing energy today.”
On what he was pleased about on offense this year…
“Looking back and seeing how many guys we played. We played four quarterbacks. We have had six different offensive line match-ups that we’ve put out there with injuries and Covid. Being able to see how many guys we put on the field and be in a position to win a bowl has been awesome for our guys.”
On Middle Tennessee’s quarterbacks…
“Mike Diliello has more of a running back body, but throws the ball well. He’s more of the running quarterback who can run the nakeds and can run the bootlegs, build in some quick game with some shots for him. Nick [Vattiato] is more of a pocket passer. He can run if he needs to, but that’s not who he is. It’s more of a progression-based system for him, where he can drive the ball down field. The offensive line feels comfortable with either one of those guys playing. So, I’d say it’s about 50-50 percentage-wise for those guys getting reps.”
On what challenges the Toledo defense presents…
“They are sound. A lot of teams are not sound all the time, a lot of teams don’t stay in their gaps, a lot of teams have busted coverages, but they are coached really well. They chase the ball, they run to the football well. They do a good job of finishing plays.”
Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver Jarrin Pierce
On his first practice in the Bahamas…
“Today was amazing. It felt good just to be out there with the teammates – playing and practicing for the bowl game. Today we got a lot of productive work done, and it just felt good to be out there.”
On his off-field adventures at Atlantis this week…
“The beach was pretty good. I’m looking forward to hitting the water slides and getting on the jet skis, and seeing the aquarium. At least I hope they let us get on the jet skis.”
On what he knows about the Toledo defense…
“I know they are a good team. I know that we respect them. We will not underestimate anyone. I know they have a good defense. We will be prepared for anything that is thrown our way.”
