Quotes by Rich Miano

“I was valet-parking every night. When its all said and done, I was glad I was a walk-on. That made me work harder. That made me want to beat the scholarship player. I wanted to prove wrong all of the coaches who wouldnt give me a scholarship.”

“Were logistically challenged in recruiting, and sometimes were a little late on guys, and we dont get the best athletes in America. So our walk-on program has to strengthen the efforts we have with scholarship players. Local kids are sometimes overlooked because theyre not as fast or as big or as strong, and they come in here with the attitude of, Im good enough to play. If they prove it, we give them a scholarship.”

“When they get here, we treat them all the same. It doesnt matter if youre on scholarship or if youre a walk-on. You get a fair chance. Walk-ons might not pick up their scholarship check on the first of each month, but not one of the coaches will treat them like a scrub. They can win the job as easily as the players weve invested time and money in.”

“Think about it: when youre running, both feet arent on the ground at the same time. Running is a form of jumping. Youre jumping from one step to another. Theres a correlation between vertical jumps and broad jumps. Thats why we have so many jumping drills in our camps. My favorite saying is: If you jump high, you jump fast.”

“They (Martinez and Davis) would have to be the top two guys in camp. They at least look the part. Theyre both big and strong and physical, and both have run 4.4 (in the 40). The more reps we can give them, the better our defense will be.”

“Hes going to be so much further ahead of the other guys, his attitude has to be its his job and hes not going to relinquish it. I think A.J. realizes that no matter who comes in its his job to keep in terms of hustling, making plays, not making mental mistakes. So his opportunity is golden.”

“With all of that, they should at least maintain a 3.0. Im all for anything to make these kids realize the importance of an education.”

“Hes got to be one of the strongest safeties in the nation. Hes got the strength and the speed and the quickness.”