Arthur Jones, Junior, Defensive Tackle
When did you first get a chance to meet Coach Marrone?:
“Earlier today, we had a meeting with him. He seems like a good guy. We’re all excited. It’s a proud day for Syracuse football. Coach said it was not a rebuilding process. We’ve been to the bottom; 1-10, 3-9. He said during our meeting that this program was going to be rejuvenated and not rebuilt. He said we are going to work hard and win.”
On how the hiring affects his personal decisions:
“It’s really not about me. It’s about Coach Marrone today and his hiring. I’m looking forward to going home and enjoying my break at the moment. We’ll talk about it down the road.”
What it means to have a former player as coach:
“Meeting with him earlier, you could tell he knows what he is talking about. He’s very confident about his time spent as a coach and player. I’m excited to see what is in store for next year.”
On how the team is feeling:
“Everyone is excited. Guys are ready to get back from break and get ready to work toward spring ball.”
Jim McKenzie, Sophomore, Center
On the team’s excitement:
“This has been a great opportunity. He came in and talked to us. He’s a hard-working guy, he’s about discipline and we look forward to working with him. He’s an alum and he’s been in this league. He’s the type of guy who really wants to bring this program back.”
On Coach Marrone being a former SU player:
“That’s definitely a big part of it. We know he bleeds orange and we’re really proud of the fact that he wants to bring us back. The thing about it is that coaches don’t have years of eligibility, but we certainly do. We’re ready to play and we want to win as fast as possible. The fact that he is from New York is a big plus about him.”
On whether he is a Saints fan now:
“To be honest with you, I’m still an Eagles fan. I’m a little upset about the last time they played each other. I’ve watched the Saints play; they have a great offense and I know he has a great offensive mind, especially in the offensive line, which helps out a guy like me and (offensive guard) Ryan (Bartholomew). That’s something we look forward to.”
On Coach Marrone:
“We just know that he’s going to make us work hard. He’s going to demand the discipline out of us. The first thing that he noticed from us was that we are a disciplined team and we just need to continue. We need to work hard and he’s knows it’s not going to be easy, but he knows that he’s ready for the challenge.”
On Coach Dick MacPherson’s speech:
“It was great to hear him. Coach Mac is a great guy. I didn’t know that (Coach) Marrone was one of the recruits from the first year of Coach Mac. It’s great to hear from him and you can tell he cares about us and that’s something special.”
On having a new coach:
“Having this new coach – it’s a new day. It’s a new start. What’s happened in the past is in the past. We’re really looking forward to this new start.”
On the meaning of Coach Marrone’s ties to SU:
“It definitely means something. He knows what it’s like to be on this field. He knows what it’s like to play in the Dome. He has a relationship with this team. He’s had the experiences that we’ve had. He’s gone through a 2-9 season. He’s gone through the bad parts and he’s gone through the good parts. Knowing the fact that he’s gone through this stuff and he’s someone who has played in the Dome, those types of things make it really special.”
On the team’s meeting with Coach Marrone:
“We met with him earlier, around mid-morning. He just came to talk to us and tell us that he’s ready to work hard and that he’s excited for the opportunity. We know that he is somebody who can really help turn this program around.”
Ryan Bartholomew, Sophomore, Offensive Guard
On Coach Marrone:
“He has made a good impression on us, so it’s time for us to make a good impression on him. We’re going to go home over break and come back we’re going to be a team and we’re going to be ready to work. He’s a really motivating guy. We had a team talk among ourselves and said we really have to show (Coach Marrone) what we’re all about because he believes in Syracuse, he loves Syracuse, and I would hate to let him down. This is his dream and I know what it’s like to have a dream, so I want to make it happen for him.”
On his excitement:
“I’m very excited. I’m ready to go out there right now and get going.”
On Coach Marrone’s offensive experience:
“He’s knows his offensive line and I’m excited to learn from him.”
On how Coach Marrone’s hiring will change the atmosphere:
“I think everyone is going to come in ready to work and start to win some games.”
On the team meeting with Coach Marrone:
“He told us that it’s going to take some hard work to get to the place he wants to be, and it’s not a rebuilding process, it’s a rejuvenation process.”
On how Coach Marrone’s ties with SU will help:
“It’s much easier because he knows from experience. He’s practiced here. He knows what it takes to have a winning program.”
On Coach Marrone’s mindset:
“It’s just hard work. Everything takes hard work. We have to work hard and he has to work hard. There’s no bailing here, it’s all about work.”
On Coach Marrone’s passion:
“I’ve seen coaches that talk before. He believes in what he’s talking about. You can tell he bleeds orange.”