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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Wednesday,
August 15, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
By
Ron Cherubini
©2012 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
Depending on your perspective, last
season was somewhat of a glass half-full or half-empty for Reggie Bullock.
With an outstanding resume from the junior college ranks, including
All-America honors, Bullock’s arrival in Greenville was highly anticipated
given that two proven backs were moving on via graduation in Jon Williams
and Giovanni Ruffin.
What East Carolina saw out of Bullock was very good. An innate runner,
Bullock is adept at setting up blocks and, as offensive coordinator Lincoln
Riley stated, a guy who “always gets at least the yardage you expect from
every play.” The problem was that we didn’t get to see enough of Bullock as
he was injured relatively early on and was not able to really produce the
way he appeared he would. There were other factors as well — including an
offensive line not quite ready for prime time, particularly in the run game.
All healthy now and looking to run behind a much more experienced offensive
line, Bullock appears to be the front-runner for at least the top position
on the depth chart, if not for the role of primary back in this offense. He
can run, catch and pass-protect, which means he has the goods to do what the
job requires.
As Riley has said, “We are a better team with Reggie in the line-up.” No
deference to the other backs but, now a senior, Bullock could be set for a
break-out season just when the Pirates are going to need it. What Bullock
and his running back colleagues are able to do production-wise will make all
the difference this year while the new quarterback settles into the rigors
of playing every snap.
Reggie was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.
Reggie Bullock in action
(ECU SID photo)
One-on-One with Reggie Bullock
Q: Last season, you
seemed to be really on track for a great first
season, then you got injured, an injury that Lincoln
Riley and Coach Ruffin McNeill refer to as a “freak”
injury. Are you fully recovered and what has it been
like trying to get yourself ready to pick up where
you left off?
A: Oh yeah, I feel a lot
stronger thanks to the off-season work. My upper
body is much stronger and so is my lower body which
is important considering the leg injury last season.
I am fully, 100% healthy and ready to compete every
day. I am excited for this (competition).
Q: A year ago, the
running back corps was not a healthy group and not a
very stable group. This season, back in spring, it
was clear that the cupboard was full of quality
backs. What has the competition meant for you and
your game?
A: The competition is
always hard out here and we have a couple of backs
here who are just outstanding and capable of being
the main guy. Competition, for me, really helps me
focus on each opportunity I get. You work hard for
reps out here and each one counts a lot. So for me,
I go hard each rep knowing that I have to put each
one together. I am fighting to be that guy on the
field for the first snap. The competition is good
for all of us.
Q: Coach Riley has said
that several backs would get their chances in games,
but also has said it is important that there be a
main back, one with all of the needed skills. He
said with Bullock in the game we are a better
running team. While we see different backs out there
this season, does it make a difference to you to be
the main guy?
A: Yes, and I think that
all the guys would say that. For me, rhythm is an
important part of it. Being that (main guy), you
have an advantage of getting into a rhythm with the
offensive line and quarterback. I want to be that
guy. All of our backs are capable of being really
good and any one of us can have a breakout game,
but, yeah, of course, I would prefer to be the main
guy.
Q: You ran behind this
offensive line last year and in the spring and now
this fall. Describe what you are seeing? Are they
better and if so, what do they do better this year
than last?
A: They are a lot better
right now. They have all worked hard, and in camp
you can tell how much bigger and stronger they are.
It is amazing how much they have improved. They also
work very hard in the film room and it shows on the
field. You can see that power in front of you.
Q: What player on this
team do you most respect and why?
A: Probably Andrew
Bodenheimer because he works his butt off out here
every day without saying much at all. He never has
an attitude and he always is out there leading by
example. He is a leader for us.
Q: What player on our
defense leaves a lasting impression on you when he
puts a lick on you?
A: Man, they all hit
pretty good. But I will say, last year, when I first
got here, when I first got out there with pads on, I
remember I was running a play and I was running too
high and Damon (Magazu) came up and got up under my
pads — that was memorable for me. Didn’t run high
anymore after that.
Q: Thoughts on the QBs?
Can you describe each one from your perspective?
A: OK. [Rio Johnson:]
Great arm, got some experience last season against
Houston, really sees the field well; [Shane Carden:]
He’s a competitor. He reminds me some of Brett Favre
and how hard he goes to the whistle, always looking
to make a play. He hasn’t had game experience but I
think his competitiveness and passion would make him
good out there; [Brad Wornick:] Consistent, very,
very accurate, makes plays with his feet as well.
Starter quality quarterback.
Those guys are competing
hard out there.
E-mail
Ron Cherubini
PAGE UPDATED
08/16/12 12:47 AM.
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