Aug. 6, 2002
Chad Anderson, LB
On sitting out this past year…
“It was a little rough. Everybody in my hometown knows what I’m doing, people asking what I’m doing home, constantly having to explain what happened, that’s a little rough. It makes you hungry. When you’re out for so long it makes you want it even more. The last actual football game I played in was on October 28, 2000, so I have a lot of hitting to do.”
On being rusty…
“Obviously, I’m maybe just a little rusty, but playing football is like riding a bike. You get back in, throw the pads on and get that first hit in and it’s all back to normal.”
On what position he’ll play…
“I plan on playing linebacker. That’s where I want to play. I can’t control where the coaches position me. Wherever the team needs me is where I’ll play. If they decide to play me at linebacker, that’s great, but if I fit the team better somewhere else I’m prepared to do that.”
On being able to contribute this year…
“I definitely feel like I can contribute this year. I’m going to go out and give it my all. If that’s good enough to start, or to be a reserve, I’ll have to see what happens.”
On the experience of the past year…
“No one wants to lose a year of eligibility for any reason. It taught me to not necessarily listen to what everyone else is telling me to do, I have to be accountable for myself.”
Randy Driver, DB
On starting in the fall, rather than in the spring…
“I was happy to get called in right now. I feel good about being here. I’m ready to play football and I didn’t want to sit out another four months.”
On whether he’ll play or redshirt this season…
“The coaches told me that decision will be based on how practice goes.”
On when he realized he was good enough to play college football…
“I didn’t realize that until I was a junior in high school. Growing up I didn’t really have any aspirations of playing football, I just played because I enjoyed it. After high school everything just came together and I ended up here at Kentucky.”
On how nervous he’ll be…
“I’ll be nervous on the first day, but after that I feel like I’ll get settled in and be comfortable.”
On whether he’ll be redshirted or play as a freshman…
“I’m just going to play as hard as I can in practice and see what happens. If I’m redshirted I’ll have time to put on some weight and learn from Artose (Pinner). I don’t necessarily have a preference, I want what’s best for the team.”
On how nervous he’ll be…
“I’ll be a little nervous. I’ve never played in front of crowds as large as the crowds at this level. But I’m excited about it and ready to play whenever my opportunity comes.”
On coming back to Lexington after being away for awhile…
“I’m glad to be here. It feels good to come back where I have family close by. I’m familiar with the town and I have some family here. I’m also looking forward to getting reacquainted with some friends from Lexington.”
Arliss Beach, RB
On the experience of playing for the Kentucky All-Star team against Tennessee…
“That was an awesome experience, to get to play in Neyland Stadium. We had a good team and came out ready to play, so it was a lot of fun and a great experience.” (Beach ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns in Kentucky’s 31-14 win over Tennessee.)
On his expectations coming in as a freshman…
“I know I have to come in and work hard, nothing will be given to me. If the coaching staff decides to redshirt me this year then I’ll have time to work and improve for next year. I’m looking forward to working hard and seeing what happens for me.”
On how nervous he’ll be…
“I’m nervous to see how I compare to everyone else, but I’m more ready to start practicing and get settled in.”
On his relationship with Monquantae Gibson…
“We roomed together at the All-Star game in Knoxville. We didn’t know each other before that, but we became good friends. I’m looking forward to continuing our friendship here in college.”
