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Transcript of Wednesday's chat with senior defensive tackle Josh Norris.
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| Moderator: Josh has arrived in the CoachRonZook.com chat room. So here we go... |
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| Springfield: If you could give any advice to walk-on players that are currently in the program, what would it be? What advice were you given by older players when you first came into the program as a walk-on? Is there any player from the past or currently has helped you the most? |
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Josh Norris: As a walk-on, you have to realize that you have to make every play because you don't have the benefit of the doubt...you have to prove yourself. I really wasn't given any advice when I came. One player did ask me what I was doing here. This past year Tony Pashos (former Illini OL) gave me some advice. I can't really pick out one person in particular, but my friends on the team have really been supportive throughout the time I have been here. |
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| Ben (Urbana): What, in your opinion, have been the biggest reasons for the resurgence of the Illini defense this year? Is it increased physical strength, just another year of experience, or what? |
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Josh Norris: Obviously it's a combination of physical strength and experience. But the biggest change has been the attitude and the realization that football is a fantastic game to play when you give it your all. |
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| Don (Pittsfield): What special challenges do you defensive linemen face this week when you take on a quarterback like Troy Smith of Ohio State? |
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Josh Norris: It's not going to require any specific technique, but it will require a phenomenal effort. We will have to keep an eye on Troy Smith and give him special consideration. In order to control him, you have to control the entire offense. He is such a complete player. |
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| John - Indy: Hello Josh - you and the rest of the defense have really stepped it up this year. It starts right there in your shoes, because without filling those holes and putting the pressure on the QB, the LB's and DB's wouldn't stand a chance. My hat's off to you and your comrades in the trenches. I wish you were going to be around to enjoy more the fruits of your labor as I know next year will be the "coming out party"! Good luck the rest of the season and shock the nation by knocking off those nuts from OHIO! |
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Josh Norris: Thanks very much, John. I know next year is going to be a great year. I can't wish to play next year, however, because it would discount what I have done these last five years here. |
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| Luke (Carbondale): Josh, I am an alumnus of UIUC and a diehard fan! I just wanted you to comment on what you think of Ron Zook's approach towards winning and what he has done with the program thus far. I am pumped and think that the team as a whole has done a 180 this year, even if it is not in the win column just yet! GO ILLINI!!! |
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Josh Norris: Having been around two completely different styles of coaching, I have found that Ron Zook is a very player-oriented coach. He makes a conscientious effort to connect with us. Even though he may come out with some odd phrases, we understand what he's trying to say. It's easy for us to believe when we see how much he believes. |
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| JR (Springfield): Growing up in Springfield were you a huge Illini fan? If so, what's it been like to play at your state school? |
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Josh Norris: I grew up in Oklahoma, but for some reason, I was a Cornhusker fan. At that time, I was a soccer player, and didn't care much for football. I broke my arm in soccer, and I had to sit out of practice for awhile. I just decided to take up a new sport, and it was football. I've become an Illini fan, of course, after what the school as done for me. I've come a along way since I decided to come to school here. |
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| Jim (Champaign): Does your short stature, in comparison with other linemen, give you any advantage, particularly when having to deal with huge opponents such as you had to face last week at Wisconsin? |
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Josh Norris: Yes, it does help. I don't have to mentally focus on staying low. It just happens. |
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| Travis (Paris): How much of a difference has Vinco Okruch made? |
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Josh Norris: I like Coach Okruch and his approach that says he won't run any defense unless the D-line is OK with it. He really helps us fit into the defense. |
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| Rick (Tolono): Josh, 65 is kind of an uncommon number for a D-lineman. How did you get your number? |
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Josh Norris: I think they gave me that number because they first thought that I was going to just chill on the sidelines. A number is what you make it. |
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| Alex (Chicago): Josh, which young players behind you on the depth chart do you think have the ability to take over for you next year when you graduate and be able to fill your big shoes? Thanks and good luck. Go Illini! |
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Josh Norris: All of the younger players have the potential to play. David Lindquist is essentially a starter now, Sirod Williams is strong, and Mike Ware is just a tough kid. So the line will be good next year--we should have even more depth then. |
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| John (Chicago): Josh, what are your plans after graduation? |
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Josh Norris: After graduation, I could be doing just about anything. If found out that if I give a strong effort at whatever I do, my options can be endless. |
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| Sam (Morton): Going from walk-on to starter is pretty impressive. How did you stick with it for four years when you weren't getting to play in games and how good did it feel to earn a starting job after so long? |
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Josh Norris: The key to sticking with it for four years is being able to find something besides actually playing to make football worthwhile. I found outlets in the weight room and friendships with players to be very fulfilling. It really feels good to start, but I have really not thought about it that much. What really matters is the end results of the games. |
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| Moderator: Ok, thanks, Josh. And thanks to all of you fans who have sent in questions. Watch right here next Wednesday when we'll have a chat with one of Josh's teammates. Go Illini! |
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