Texas Two Step | Cade Klubnik and R.J. Mickens

Following practice on Monday, we got to hear from two former Lone Star State prospects Cade Klubnik and R.J. Mickens. Take a moment to read over a few quotes or enjoy both press conferences above.

Cade Klubnik

On the mindset of the team:

"I would say our mindset and our determination this year-- I think that we have an energy and a joy for the game that I haven't seen since I've been here. I think that our love for each other. I think the mindset that we have going this year it’s incredible. The determination and the ‘want to’ that every single player on the team has this year. We're going for it all, and we're ready. We've had a heck of an offseason. Every day we come out here, and there's nobody slugging around-- it's high energy. Lots of joy going around. It's fun."

On the camaraderie of the team:

"I think it's just kind of fused in throughout the offseason, not really one specific moment, but starting in the spring. I think the summer was huge for us. Like I've said before, this summer was big for us. I mean, it's probably one of the best off-seasons I've ever been a part of. The way that I saw a bunch of guys grow. Leaders kind of step up in places that we didn't have before. Energy, the mindset, the confidence that we bring. It's been really good."

On being a leader this season:

"I feel great. I feel like I've always kind of been a natural leader, and just being able to command the team and push guys in places they hadn't been pushed before. It's been incredible. It's been a huge honor. It's just so fun. I feel like I'm just me out there playing again-- high energy. A high energy guy with lots of confidence that loves the game. Getting to bring other guys along with me and so many guys that are pushing me and making me better. We've got so many leaders on this offense and on this defense that are making me better every single day, and they're a joy to be around."

R.J. Mickens

On how camp has been for the defense:

"The defense came out and has been really aggressive this camp. I’d like to thank the offense for growing and challenging us with new formations and plays and stuff. So it's really been a very competitive camp. Coach Riley's done a great job over there. I'm really excited for week one, to see what they're going to do. I mean,  guys have just been flying around making plays, and just grinding every single day. It's been a great camp."

On the challenge of Garrett Riley’s offense:

"This offense has really challenged us with formations, motions, all types of things that are helping us grow as a defense. They're getting better because we got a very talented defense-- the offense is very talented. It's just iron sharpening iron."

On the defense looking to bounce back from last season:
"We always have a chip on our shoulder. That's just a defensive back mindset. I feel like with the talent we've got. The talent we've had in the past, it's the same guys coming back on the back end. People have just grown. Everyone's just gotten better from last year. Guys have just gotten better and we got some new additions to with Khalil Barnes, Robert Billings, Shelton (Lewis), AV (Avieon Terrell). We got some new young guys that are really going to help us out and provide good depth and make plays-- they've been making plays all camp. I'm really excited about the new guys coming in. As a back end, we've just got to continue to get better and improve each week, and I think you guys will be very proud with us this season."

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