True freshman linebacker Shayne Skov is one of the top recruits in this year’s Stanford football class. So far he has been able to follow up the hype with a solid first week of practice. In a deep field of linebacker, he is battling his way into the playing rotation. Here is a little conversation we had after practice on Saturday:
Q: It is your first week of Stanford football, how is it going for you?
It has been fantastic. Just getting to come out here and compete with the guys. I have gotten to know them for quite awhile since I am from the Bay Area. But it is nice to step on the field and get to work from a different kind of aspect or element.
Q: Is there anything about the first week that has surprised you and something to get use to?
The intensity. There is no slacking. Everyone is competing so you can’t take a play off or it is going to cost you. So I am just really impressed by the amount of enthusiasm and work that guys have put in.
Q: What about getting to know the defense and getting to know your role in it?
It is going well. I still have some things to learn. Coach Buh and Clinton Snyder have really been instrumental in me learning all my responsibilities. Obviously we run a pretty complicated defense, so I just got to stay in there and study and watch the films. They have really been helpful with that and showing me what I have to do.
Q: Through one week, as we go into double days, what is the one thing you are concentrating on in terms of improving your play?
Just learning the plays and learning my role in the defense. I need to learn everyone else’s roles so that I can figure out what I need to do in certain situations so I am more comfortable playing defense.
Q: What about he linebacking group as a whole? There are about eight linebackers competing for time, five or six with solid playing experience and Owen (Marceic) is coming over to the defense. There is a lot of competition for playing time this year.
Certainly. By no means do I expect to play this year. I am more than happy to redshirt. But I am going to work as hard as I can. If I can contribute I would love to step on the field. I think what it demonstrates is that we have a ton of talent at the linebacker position. We have plenty of guys that can contribute on the field.
Q: Has there been talk yet about if you will be redshirting or playing this year?
I have not talked to the coaches about that. I will just wait and see and keep working hard. Either way, I just want to get on the field someday. The only thing I can control is how hard I work.
Q: What about some of the seniors? You mentioned Clinton Snyder, how are they helping you out?
In the overall aspect of arriving at Stanford, not just in football, the seniors have really stepped in and taken us under their wing. The biggest thing, a lot of places you don’t get to interact with the seniors, you don’t get to talk to them. But here they have really embraced us and welcomed us. It just shows just how close this team is. Guys like Chris Marinelli, Clinton Snyder, Ekom Udofia, Toby (Gerhart), they have really helped us mesh with the team and become one unit.
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