Nebraska Defensive Back Phalen Sanford Pre-Purdue Press Conference

On upcoming challenges of facing Purdue quarterback Hudson Card
“He’s a great player. We obviously have a high respect for the team and it’s going to be a great challenge for the secondary. We love games like this and we know a lot of the game is going to be on our shoulders and we want that and look forward to it.”

On the support of the younger players
“I mean yeah they’re coming up to me, (Isaac) Gifford, and Quinton (Newsome) all the time looking for help, wanting to watch film. We go with them in the afternoons and the evenings and they’re with us after practice getting extra reps, asking us questions about what they can do and I think they’ll be ready when their time comes.”

On the impact of the defensive line this season
“It’s awesome for us. It’s a team game and if the d-line can get there fast we don’t have to cover as long. The better we cover, the more time we have to get to the quarterback. We feed off each other and I know we really appreciate what they do and they appreciate us as well.”

On the chemistry of the team
“This team has grown so close over the season from having player meetings, hanging out with each other after practices, on the weekends we get together and watch football. We eat every meal together. I mean the chemistry has really built this entire season and it makes everything a lot more fun. You go out to practices, having fun with your guys. You don’t hate going to practices and you’re not worried about how hard it’s going to be, you just want to play football with your best friends.”