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DT Johnathan Hankins Transcript

Eric from BBI : Admin : 8/6/2015 2:59 pm
DT Jonathan Hankins

August 6, 2015



Q: How do feel about not sticking with the pairings on defense like you did last year as far as the rotation goes?

I think coach (Robert) Nunn is doing a pretty good job with the rotation. He’s still, I guess the entire staff is still trying to figure out where to put people, and pieces to go, but that’s why we have camp, to see what guys can do and what they can provide for the defense.



Q: Do you think the coaches are going to design more ways for you to get to the quarterback?

I hope so but that just comes with doing my job, and playing the run, and getting an opportunity to stay out there. We have a lot of guys that can rush the passer. We have Robert Ayers, we have (Owamagbe) Odighizuwa, and Demontre Moore, and (Cullen) Jenkins. I feel like we’re all going to get a chance to go out there and rush the passer. We just have to execute while we’re out there.



Q: Have you noticed players being moved around on defense and is that something that you think you’ll get the opportunity to do in terms of attacking the passer?

Our defense is predicated on just moving around and not just being stagnant. Coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) does a good job of giving different looks for the offense and giving opportunities for one-on-one action. This year I definitely feel like I’ll have a lot more opportunities if I’m out there for more one-on-one pass rushes.



Q: Does it bother you that the defensive scheme is changing after having a productive year in the 4-3 defense?

I won’t say it bothers me as long as I’m out there stopping the run and doing what I have to do. If coach is going to give me more opportunities to go out there and pass rush, and get sacks, if I can execute and continue to build that number up, I’m sure he’ll keep me out there. It’s kind of hard when you have other guys that can rush the passer and that’s what they’re predicated on doing.



Q: Is it challenging to know that you also have to beat out the ends as well because of the defensive scheme?

You’re basically always competing against the ends. I think if it was up to them, they would have four ends out there if they wanted to but knowing the pass we haven’t really been doing a good job of stopping the run. The year I had last year, getting push, and getting sacks, and that’s kind of opening up the eyes of the coaches that they can leave me out there on third downs in some of those situations just to give the ends a break. I know sometimes they get caught in the run downs and they’re not too happy with that, but that’s what happens when you want to rush a passer on the side.



Q: Are you happy with the way you played against the run last year?

I think I did pretty well. I think I held my own with having JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) on the side. I think as a unit we did pretty well but when you look at the ratings or the stats, we didn’t do such a good job. It’s not just me be able to run stop, it’s on the entire front seven, so you can’t point out one guy, especially when the stats say you didn’t do a good job.



Q: Can you describe what will be missing not having JPP out there on the field?

Just his presence, you know whenever he’s on the field, offenses and teams are alert of him, and they try to do their best to scheme around him. I feel like with the guys we have now, I feel like I can trust them, Coach Nunn is trusting them, Coach Spags is, so I think we can get the job done as a unit and not always have that one superstar guy, which JPP was. It just calls for opportunities for guys to step up and I’m going to try my best to do what I can and I’m sure everybody else will.



Q: Do you think attention will be shifted to you if he’s not out there?

Yeah, I don’t really mind the attention. I just know I have to do my job. I want to be a leader of this defense and if that’s what comes with it, I’ll take it.



Q: Have you talked to JPP?

Yeah, I’ve talked to him. He’s doing good, rehabbing and getting his hand right, and I guess when the time presents itself, he’ll come back whenever he feels comfortable.



Q: Have you talked to JPP since camp started?

Yeah, I sent him text messages just keeping him up to date with what’s going on and what’s happening. He’s our brother, so we have to make sure he’s alright and not always worry about football.



Q: How do you feel about the O-line wanting to be tougher and how does that help you guys?

It’s a competition. Yesterday we did 9-on-7 for the first time and it was pretty intense. We had a couple of fights, I think, the day before, so it’s like the offensive line is trying to show their attitude being tough with us and moving guys off the ball. I think that’s going to help us in both ways.
Hankins Comments  
Percy : 8/6/2015 6:37 pm : link
"I think if it was up to them, they would have four ends out there ..., but knowing the pass we haven’t really been doing a good job of stopping the run. The year I had last year, . . . that’s kind of opening up the eyes of the coaches that they can leave me out there on third downs in some of those situations . . . . I know sometimes they get caught in the run downs and they’re not too happy with that, but that’s what happens when you want to rush a passer on the side."

Tremendous insights into what's going on with the D line and correction of the run defense weakness!
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