University of Tennessee Athletics
Catching Up With David Oku and Bryce Brown
August 14, 2009 | Football
Aug. 14, 2009
By Drew Edwards
David Oku, the nation's top multi-purpose back in the Class of 2009, talks about his relationship with Bryce Brown, UT's physical practices and more in this Q&A.
What has the transition been like so far?
"Completely different. No get-bys. No half-doing things. No just finish a drill a jog through it. If you do that, you're coming all (the way) back. It's basically the speed, the tempo and keeping up with everybody is the big adjustment. Basically, everything is speed."
Spring practice was very physical. Fall camp has been physical so far. Does that help, just jumping into the deep end in terms of things being so physical?
"I like that. I really do like that. I feel like if it's physical, then you'll be used to it. If it's not physical, then you won't adjust to it well. The physicalness of it, of this fall, is going to be more physical than last spring when the coaches first got here. It makes a lot easier, because you adjust to it real fast."
You and Bryce Brown have been mentioned in the same breath a lot. What's your relationship with Bryce been like so far?
"It's good. It's good. We talk a little bit, but you really are zoning in on the things you want to do. You want to play early. You're really in a zone about doing things. You're really in a zone about your P's and Q's as a player and as a running back."
What about this whole freshmen class? What's the chemistry like in this class?
"We're still like big kids. I still see some big kids on this football. Rico McCoy is still a big kid. Rico is a big kid. Big Vlad (senior Vladimir Richard) is a big kid, too. He's a big kid. Rico is especially a big kid. It's so fun."
So it's fun?
"Oh yeah, it's fun. I'm living a dream. To me, I'm still living a dream."
Bryce Brown
Since signing with the Vols after National Signing Day, freshman running back Bryce Brown has been one of the most talked-about recruits in recent memory. But Brown, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2009 according to Rivals.com, does the talking in this Q&A.
Are you concerned about fan expectations for you at all or does it help drive you?
"This is football. I've been playing football for a long time. I just go out and do what I'm supposed to do and get the job done."
How big of an adjustment has it been for you so?
"It's been a big adjustment, but everybody has to do it. I expected it. I knew it. Coming to the SEC, the highest level of college football. This is what I wanted, and I'm having fun doing it."
Does the competition at running back help motivate you?
"That's why I came here. Before I announced my decision, I knew the thinking in my head that I want to be surrounded by great players not just at the running back spot but all of the players. I wanted to be surrounded by great players."
