Maliek Collins Quotes

Nebraska Football
Weekly Press Conference
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Monday, Sept. 28, 2015
Pre-Illinois

Maliek Collins
Junior, Defensive Tackle
On thoughts after watching Saturday’s film
“Me personally, I don’t like the way the defense played. I feel like we have to get better as far as passing defense. Get pressure on the quarterback. Those types of things.”

On his relationship with redshirt freshman defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun
“We’re pretty close. He’s from Kansas City too, so me and him linked up a couple times when we go back home. Work out together, things like that.”

On Akinmoladun’s preparation
“That’s all he’s worried about right now. He’s been that way just since the beginning. He’s always been a worker. Always puts full effort in things.”

On what he tells Akinmoladun
“I just tell him he better make plays if he gets the one-on-one. I’m praying for one of those.”

On players returning from injuries
“It’ll be nice, especially going into Big Ten play where we need a little more depth along the defensive line. I think it’ll help.”

On when he and Akinmoladun’s relationship began
“Last year when he was on scout team. He was playing tight end, I was playing a little bit of end in different situations. Just lining up in front of him sometimes.”

On thoughts of Akinmoladun then
“I thought he was kind of soft.”

On Akinmoladun taking it to the next level
“He’s worked for everything he’s done so far.”

On sophomore wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El possibly returning
“All we really want to do is just force punts now. Get his hands on the ball more.”