Jim Tressel Quotes on Competition (5 Quotes)

We always say the spring game is mostly fun because you've been working hard and now you get to compete. Any time you keep score, you'd like to win. It's probably a little more impact than a normal spring practice. But they (the players) all know we've got 29 practices ahead of us before we line up for real against Northern Illinois.

What was impressive about Chris (in the spring game) is that he looked like he did all spring -- comfortable, patient, a big guy with the ability to accelerate. But he knows we have other good backs and he's going to have to compete.

We're anxious to get into Big Ten play. I think the Big Ten is going to be a very, very tough conference this year. As you look at everybody from side to side and throughout the conference, they've had some tough ball games, they've had some great wins. I just think it's going to be a very strong league, and we start out with an awfully strong one with the university of Iowa. They're a physical football team. They have dropped a game, but they didn't have their quarterback that day. They're just an outstanding team as they've shown over the years, and we have to be ready to compete.

It's real troubling. Not just with youngsters that it becomes newsworthy, but with any kids who don't go the direction you know they're capable of or hope for them. It's one of the tough things when you compete. Sometimes things work out and you're successful and sometimes it doesn't. That doesn't have you back off from competing and teaching and trying to help people.

What I like about this group is that they all feel they can come in and make an impact. They know they've got to get caught up in the system and move ahead with their strength and speed and knowledge. But this class is spread so evenly in all areas that they all feel they will have that opportunity to come in and compete.