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Transcript: LB Kyler Fackrell

Eric from BBI : Admin : 10/14/2020 4:24 pm
LB Kyler Fackrell

October 14, 2020

Q: The other day when we were talking to coach Bielema, he called you an analyzer. What does that mean to you in terms of your preparation and how you work at your craft?

A: I like to have a clear picture of what I need to do within the defense. I feel like that is what allows me to feel confident and to feel free. Once I know what I need to do or what my responsibility is, then there are different ways that I can fulfill that responsibility. Definitely, I would agree a lot to where I want to know and need to know the details and the reasons for how the defense is supposed to be played to be able to feel confident and kind of step out when I need to and still be able to do my responsibility.

Q: Does that translate into studying more or asking more questions than a lot of guys might?

A: I don’t know. I think we all do a good job of watching film. Obviously, we spend a lot of time in meetings and stuff getting everything straight. Definitely, film is something that’s big, something that I try to look at a ton, look at whoever I’m going against. Whether it’s pass rush wise or look at opponent formations and tips that I can get as far as what kind of play might be coming.

Q: How big of a loss is Lorenzo Carter for you guys? How much does that affect you, does your role change at all?

A: It’s huge, I feel for Zo. We’ve had him in our thoughts and prayers. It’s rough, we’re a little thin at outside backer right now. Maybe just a little bit, I think I ended up playing every snap on Sunday. I think that will be the plan moving forward, at least that’s what I’m preparing for. I don’t mind it. I would prefer to be on the field. We’re definitely light, we’ll miss Zo and we’re missing X (Oshane Ximines). Hopefully he can get back quick.

Q: You have a couple young guys there who presumably will move up the pecking order a little bit. What have you seen from Cam Brown and Carter Coughlin?

A: They’ve done a great job, even through training camp and everything. I feel for the rookies this year with how everything has been with Covid and not getting any offseason. I feel like they have come in at a big disadvantage. They’ve both done a great job. I think both of them have started to blossom here, just getting comfortable with the speed of the game and everything. I think definitely we can rely on them to step in when we need them to on defense.

Q: I wanted to ask you about a guy who’s not in your room necessarily, but you are on the field with a lot, (Tae) Crowder. What have you seen from him in terms of his jump from sort of being a rookie with a couple plays here and there to all of the sudden being a full-time starter last week?

A: Coming back from, I’m not even sure what he had, but definitely he’s stepped into that role really well. He’s a really talented guy, I think he has a great nose for the ball. His confidence has been building. It started with special teams, but they’ve kind of chosen to give him that bigger role. I think he has stepped into it really well.

Q: That’s a pretty common path, I would think. You prove yourself on special teams and then you get more snaps on defense or offense?

A: Yeah, some guys can just step right in on defense from Day One. I think that’s the majority of guys. I think he’s done a great job of working to prepare in that opportunity.

Q: I assume, coming from Green Bay, you have never lost five in a row. What’s it like around the team? Are you guys sitting there going this has got to stop? Is it hard not to bring it home?

A: Definitely, guys are frustrated. I think coach Judge has done a great job of keeping us focused. I think we all have kind of bought in. We’re doing the right things. We’re working every day, working the right way. I think we just have to keep working and keep moving forward with the belief that it’s going to turn. There are definitely things that we need to clean up as well. I think defensively, especially, I will just speak for the defense, there’s definitely obvious things we need to clear up and be able to execute a lot better.
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