Jacksonville State Football
Weekly Press Conference
February 16, 2021
Tennessee State Week
 
Head Coach John Grass
Opening Comments:
"We got started in January and it has been really good since then. Our guys are ready to play and to play somebody else because we have been practicing for a while. We were really blessed to play those four games in the fall and those games really helped us. We did have a long layoff after those four games and we got back together in January. I think we are in a good spot and I think our team has handled everything very well with all the un-normal season of 2020 and the start of 2021. Until this week, we have had really pleasant weather to practice in. We have had our share of 60-65 degree days, but this week is definitely different. I am glad the game is not in the next couple of games because I don't know if the game could be played in Nashville, but it looks like a nice weekend up there."    
 
 
On the current weather conditions:
"An indoor facility would be really nice right now. We are glad to get outside and we have actually practiced in some rain and practiced with it cooler with the wind blowing. We might have to play in those kind of conditions, so I think it is good for us to get out and handle the elements. Our guys mindset has been good with the conditions."
 
On Michael Shaddix:
"Sometimes when we recruit kids, we project them in another position and he was really a defensive end and tight end in high school. I think it took him awhile to get the skills of an offensive lineman. We saw his frame and how well he moved and knew that he would be a really good tackle. It took him some time to get some strength and size. He has played really well in that position."
 
On Tennessee State:
"The tape on them is almost two years old and it is hard to tell about the personnel because it will be a different roster. They did lose a few guys, but they had a young football team last year, so they have the majority of those guys back and they have added to that roster. Tennessee State is always a talented team and Coach Reed and his staff always do a great job recruiting and preparing the team. They get four games on us from the fall, but I am glad we played those games and it has helped us identify some things."
 
On the year 2020-21:
"It has been different and one thing we have had to get used to is not seeing our players for a length of time. From the shutdown in March and the months that we did not get to see our guys and depending on them to find a place to workout. After Thanksgiving this year, we don't see them for two months and then you get them back in here in January. You don't get to have a true offseason and if there is a negative about playing in the spring is that you don't get an offseason. For our redshirt freshmen and some sophomores, you lose that offseason"
 
Michael Shaddix
Junior Offensive Lineman
On game week:
"We are really looking forward to playing. We left the fall season off on a high note and really looking forward to carrying that momentum into this season. This is going to be our last year in the OVC and we want to out with a bang and a ring."
 
On cutting off his signature mullet: 
"During the break I wanted to donate the hair if it was long enough. I went to one of my mother's friend that does hair and she put it in a braid and it was not long enough. It was not long enough, but I was already committed to cutting it off. It was time for something different after I had for almost two years."
 
On making the move to the offensive line:
"I really didn't care what position I played, I just wanted to keep playing football. They asked me about being an offensive lineman, I said I will do whatever it takes to keep playing at the next level."
 
Jeremiah Harris
Junior Safety
On game week:
"We are excited to be the first team to play in the spring and then turn around and play in the fall. It is going to be exciting to see how everything turns out. 
 
On having a long break since the last game: 
"We see it as a mini offseason and we have tried to take advantage of everyday as best we can. 
 
On Michael Shaddix's personality on the team:
"He lights up the room every time he walks in. He is a great leader and all the younger offensive linemen look up to him.  As a team, we look to him as a leader." 
 
On playing four games in the fall:
"It was a huge advantage and we were able to find ourselves, so the teams just starting to play will have to do that in the beginning of the spring. We know where we are with the depth chart and we know what kind of team we are.