Ross Dzuris Press Conference Quotes

Nebraska Football
Weekly Press Conference
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Monday, Nov. 14, 2016
Pre-Maryland

Ross Dzuris
Senior, Defensive End

 

On Senior Day
"I don't think that it's really hit me that it's going to be the last time. It probably won't hit me until really after the game. It will be kind of surreal, but I've enjoyed every minute of it and it will be fun to go out there one more time."

On how important it is to win on Senior Day, not only for the seniors, but also for the future of the program
"Obviously, we have a chance to finish with a really good season here. Just taking in these last two games, getting well prepared. Not many teams can finish with 10 wins in the regular season, so that would be huge. I think it would be big for the program."

On the defense's success
"It mainly has to do with -- as the game goes on -- we just feel more and more comfortable. We've given up just a play here or there a couple times in a few games and by the end of the game, we've figured out those little fixes that we need to adapt in the game and by the time the fourth quarter comes around, we have a lot of confidence, our offense has been controlling the ball, so just going out there and just making the few plays we have to."

On having to go out when the game is on the line
"It's definitely fun to go out there with the weight of the stadium on you. Going out there with a small lead, either having to hold them to a field goal or get a three and out. That pressure is fun."

On senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. playing hurt
"Honestly, since I was on defense, I didn't really notice a lot until I kind of heard about it after the game. That's just who he is. He's going to do whatever he can to be out there and make plays. He's a tough guy and that's just kind of who he is."

On the closeness of the senior class
"It feels like I've known these guys my whole life. A lot of the walk-ons, we've known each other for quite awhile, got to play in the Shrine Bowl, got to know each other from early on. We were all here in the summer, and the guys that are still here, we've all had our ups and downs. I think we've grown a lot together and matured a lot together, and it's been fun to just see everybody grow as better football players and better men."

On senior defensive tackle Kevin Maurice
"I'm not surprised at all [by his success]. That's just who Kevin is. He's not going to talk himself up. We knew that this was the kind of player he was. Defensive tackles don't always have great stats, but they have great games. Kevin has been making a lot of plays lately. He's been helping lead a lot of these younger guys on the interior and he's been making a lot of plays and helping our defense out a lot. I think [his influence will carry on]. Coach (John) Parrella will have a lot to draw on from a lot of film from Kevin, constantly teaching guys how to do it the right way."

On his happiest moment at Nebraska
"I don't know if there's a single moment I can draw on. There's just been a lot of times getting to be with the guys a lot and getting through some really hard times, some of of the worst practices or the worst training and just getting to go through that with my brothers and getting better have been some of the best times ever."