JAGUARS RUNNING BACK CARLOS HYDE March 22, 2021 (On the reason why he decided to return to Jacksonville) “It was a no-brainer for me once I saw Coach [Urban] Meyer become the head coach here. I had good years with Coach Meyer at Ohio State and honestly, I’ve been waiting for Coach Meyer to become a head coach in the NFL. He’s finally here and so it was a no-brainer for me to come to Jacksonville, once I saw he became the head coach here.” (On the timing of Coach Meyer deciding to transition to the NFL) “I feel like eventually he would have made his way to the NFL. I’m happy he decided to do that now, while I’m still playing. I’m excited that he’s here now.” (On what he thinks Coach Meyer will do to make this a smooth transition) “Because one thing about Coach Meyer, it’s all about winning. So, he’s just going to figure it out, how to get the wins, how to consistently get wins, how to get a lot of wins, to build a winning program here, build the right the culture, get the right guys in here to—. When he’s not around, you know you’ve got guys here in there that he can count on that are keeping the culture alive, keeping guys bought in into the program.” (On his development in maturity as a player since 2018) “Back in ’18, [it] was just growth. I was actually going through a lot through that year; just family, personal issues also. So, it was a lot of growth in that year. Definitely, I wouldn’t say it changed anything, it just helped me understand who I am, what I stand for. Things didn’t go the right way when I was here; I wish it could’ve gone better, but it didn’t. It’s new times here, new journey, new beginning here, new team, new faces, new coaches. So, I’m ready to start off on the right foot here and get things going.” (On what made Coach Meyer so respected by so many players) “We won a lot of games at Ohio State. So, you take Coach Meyer’s record, the places he’s been, he’s won a lot. So, that’s one thing when I look at it as winning, and that’s what we’re all here for, it’s to win. So, that’s what persuaded me to come back to Jacksonville, because I know Coach Meyer. He wants to win and he’s going to figure out how to win and I want to win, so I would love to be with Coach Meyer once again and go win with him.” (On whether they’ve discussed his role as a leader in the backfield) “I mean, we haven’t talked much about the role. Just come in and—Coach Meyer, he expects me to come in and handle my business, be a pro, compete, compete for the job, compete for playing time, come in and be a leader. Because I’ve been in the league for a while now, so be a leader for these young guys. Things probably aren’t going right and if things are going right, then I’ll just be a leader, be something positive that they can learn from.” (On whether he’s had a chance to speak with RB James Robinson yet) “No, I haven’t had a chance to meet him yet.” (On his experience playing for Coach Schottenheimer last year) “Oh I had a great time in Seattle, we had a good time. I thought we were going to make it far to the Super Bowl, but you know that got cut short. But I had a great experience with Coach Schotty. Coach Schotty is the first coach to ever call me up front and allow me to speak to the guys before the game. So, I will always be grateful for that moment right there, that he allowed me to get up there and talk. And I went on to have a good game, we went on to win that game also. So, I will always appreciate Coach Schotty for that moment right there.” (On which game it was that Coach Schottenheimer allowed him to speak) “The Arizona game, when we played them at home. I want to say probably Thursday night, [I] could be wrong.” (On what else he could say about Coach Schottenheimer] “Well, I mean it’s a good thing for me, you know a familiar face. I’m sure the offense will be familiar, I’m sure he’ll [be] adding something familiar, what we did in Seattle. But you know, it’s good to see familiar faces. Schotty has been great, he’s definitely going to help me continue to be the player I am, come in and just handle my business.” (On relationship with Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke during their time in San Francisco and whether that was a factor in his return to Jacksonville) “Trent [and I] had a good relationship. I haven’t seen him in a while. We always kept in contact through somebody, there was always a middleman telling me, ‘Trent said hello,’ and I’d tell the person back, ‘Well, you tell him—.’ It’s finally good to see him though, in person and be back around him. I had a good time with Trent also when I was in San Fran.” (On whether it was Coach Schottenheimer, GM Trent Baalke or Coach Meyer that facilitated his return to Jacksonville) “It was Coach Meyer. Coach Meyer made it all happen.” (On the story behind Coach Meyer calling him for his return) “Oh no. Once I saw Coach Meyer become the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, I already knew where I was going.” |
JAGUARS S RUDY FORD
March 22, 2021
(On playing special teams in Jacksonville) “Definitely. I definitely plan on that and anywhere else to help this team out as much as possible.”
(On his preferred position on defense) “I have versatility, so just kind of getting with [Head] Coach [Urban Meyer] and just trying to see what’s the best to help, help on defense as well. But just being able to have versatility is always a plus.”
(On his relationship with S Daniel Thomas) “Daniel [Thomas] was like my little brother at Auburn. He was a freshman, I was a senior, so just being able to reconnect is always great. He just got into the league this past year so it’s awesome. I’ve been in the league for a few more years than him. I was able to be around older guys, so I know how it is sometimes when you’re around just some familiar faces and things.”
(On his mindset to be productive on special teams) “I would just say your mindset is you have to have the relentless effort mindset. But I will say, just like anything, the mindset that you have on any team regardless of anything, basically my mindset is when I’m out there, how can I be the best? How can I be the best in what I’m going to do, and, always first, be where my feet are? I just take the role I’m given and [ask myself] how can I make the most of this opportunity.”
(On Head Coach Urban Meyer’s high regard for special teams play) “That’s very accurate, very accurate.”
(On why he chose Jacksonville) “Really to be honest, just opportunity, just be a part of something, a big change. I feel like just the culture, you want to change the culture around here and [I’m] just happy to be a part of something different.”
(On his conversations with the team before signing) “I got a great feel [for the team], just the energy and the vibes here. I feel like everything is going on the up so that’s why it was really like a no-brainer for me. [It] just kind of reminded me back of when I was coming out of high school picking the college I wanted to go to. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of different SEC schools, but [it was] kind of the same reason. Auburn, we had that real down year right before I was coming out. Then [it was] [former Auburn Head Coach] Coach [Gus] Malzahn’s first year, another change, just excitement, and wound up going to the National Championship that year, so it’s always just great things. But, that’s kind of the main reason, [I] just want to be a part of something good.”
(On being part of rebuilding the program) “I think for anybody, [it’s important] just to try to help and do as much as you can to help where you’re at and to give your all while you’re there. So, I think anywhere is always great to be a part of something [like this].”
(On how he ended up in Jacksonville) “So, [I] was just kind of going through teams and just every team that was interested in me and every team that I had the opportunity, just to kind of see which one was going to be the right fit for me. So, I had time, me and my agent, we had time to evaluate that and that’s pretty much what we did. Then, just meeting him, just talking to Jacksonville with him [about] what they want to do here, what they really wanted to do here, just make coaching changes and just different [things], so it was pretty much a no-brainer for me.”
(On what the coaching staff sees as his role on the team) “It wasn’t a sales pitch, but the main thing is come and work, work very hard, and then everybody will get to see.”
| JAGUARS WIDE RECEIVER PHILLIP DORSETT II March 22, 2021 (On how his foot is doing and what he envisions as his role on the team) “The foot is great. I had a lot of time to rehab and I’m finally 100 percent. I mean, I just envision my role as just going out there and being a guy that can just help his team win. I mean, that’s all it is. I’m a team guy, I’m going to go out there and win. And that’s my thing, whatever I can do, whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to go do it, because I just want to win.” (On the emphasis on speed and whether it was a big thing for him coming here and knowing that’s what the Jaguars want) “Yeah, that was one of the things I would say. I know he [Coach Urban Meyer] wanted speed. A lot of teams want speed, they need speed. And I can run, so that was definitely one of the big factors that made me come here but not the only thing. But I would say it’s probably up there.” (On the potential he sees in the Jaguars wide receiver room) “I think it’s a really good group overall, honestly. I mean, we’ve got a lot of guys that can go out there and win and play and win in different ways. I mean, Marvin Jones, he’s going to be the leader of the group. I mean, we’ve got DJ [Chark Jr.], he’s another guy that can go out there. He’s tall, he can run and he can play. Laviska [Shenault Jr.], he’s another guy, he’s young, he’s good, he can play. I mean, all of them, I don’t want to shortchange anybody. But I’m just glad to be a part of it and I just want to add another dimension to it.” (On the impact Coach Meyer being the head coach made on his decision to come to Jacksonville) “I would say he played a big factor. I mean, we all know what he’s done at different programs in college, how he’s a team builder, his philosophy. It all aligns with my philosophy. I mean, he’s just really big into speed, sports performance and just getting the guys ready to go out there and just play hard, play fast, play physical. And it’s just something that I—we clicked on that and that’s what brought me here.” (On whether he looks at the quarterback position or the draft and how it affects a decision to come to a team) “I mean, you look into it, but I guess [it doesn’t] play a big role in it. Because obviously, I don’t make those decisions. But at the end of the day, if you’re a guy who studies the league and studies everything that goes on, like I am, you look at it and you get intrigued. I can’t speak on it that much, but I’ll leave it at that.” |
| JAGUARS WR MARVIN JONES JR. March 22, 2021 (On what works for him in Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense) “I think just the camaraderie that we have with each other and just the leader that he is. Obviously, his offense kind of speaks for itself with the success that he’s had since he’s been in the league, and it’s just a fun offense. It’s a fun offense where I can go inside, go outside, do a lot of the things that I didn’t do before having his offense. So, it’s a lot of stuff that you can do, and I think it fits perfect for me.” (On being the most experienced player in the wide receiver room) “It feels good obviously because I’m still here and I’m still playing at the top of my game. I just met everybody, met the young receivers and they didn’t know I was 31. They were like, ‘Man, you look like us.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah. I’ll show you the way. I’ll show you how to get there.’ I’m here, I’m here to be that mentor and for them to follow me. I love that and I love that type of pressure. So yeah, it feels good.” (On how close he was to giving up football after the 2019 season) “I feel like I was close for a couple days, but then after what happened and the support that I had from the community, not only the football community but just thousands of people that are reaching out to me, I instantly felt better. So, I would say, [at] the time it happened I was close, but after talking with the family and everything, that quickly changed. I am where I’m supposed to be.” (On his role and responsibility of being a leader in Jacksonville) “I think it just shows you my worth. I’ve been doing this a long time at a high level. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure just because I felt like even when I was in Cincy when I was a young guy, I was still a leader in a way. So, I think everywhere I’ve been, every stop that I’ve made, I’ve been a leader, and that’s not necessarily saying I’m going to be the one that’s talking all the time and stuff like that. I like to show it and I think as you can look at my career, that’s what you see. You see that I am a leader on and off the field and I’m just excited for the opportunity to keep my level of play sky high and to take everybody with me. It’s a great room. I just talked to those guys and those guys are very personable, they’re hungry. So, I’m ready, I’m ready for that opportunity.” (On the quarterback situation) “I feel good about it, but at the same time, we’ll see. We’ll see when it happens and then we can double back and talk about that.” (On playing with a young quarterback versus a veteran quarterback, like he had in Detroit with QB Matt Stafford) “It can be different, but I think it’s going to be great just because this is my favorite offense that I’ve been in during my career. The quarterback who comes in here, I’m going to be a tool that he can use, that he can lean on, and the same goes for everybody. I’m definitely excited for the future and excited for what’s going to happen. I’m just excited about this whole opportunity.” (On watching college tape of potential draft picks) “I think I have. We went to the National Championship last year and I’ve watched a little bit of tape. So yeah, [I’m] definitely excited.” (On his decision to come to Jacksonville) “I think it wasn’t necessarily the offense, but obviously that’s a big factor and I think you want to go somewhere where you’re comfortable and I could do my thing. I don’t go into any situation being like, ‘Okay, this is how it’s going to be, and this is how it’s going to be.’ It’s like no, I’m going to come in here and I’m going to do what I can to help the organization. Obviously, the location [helped] as well. My family, we’re in the Miami area as well. I just got on a flight, it’s a 50-minute flight, 4-hour drive. As a family, this was kind of number one [and] coming in with the camaraderie that I already have with some of the coaches. I just ran into [Defensive Line Coach] Tosh Lupoi. We kind of started off together when I was at Cal. Tyson Alualu, all our kids were at the Cal games. They were pregnant at the same time and stuff like that. When you look at things like that, that ties into the decision making. But I’m not coming here saying, ‘This is how we’re going to be.’ I’ve come here to be great, and you expect that from everybody else on the team. It’s a new kind of regime obviously, it’s a new energy, and you can come here, and you can feel that from all the coaches, so I’m just excited to be here.” (On if friends and former teammates asked him why he chose Jacksonville) “No, you’re probably the first one.” (On the wide receiver group) “I think they look great, off the bat, the two young guys. Obviously, I played here this past year, so you watch. When you play similar teams, you watch these guys on tape and they can flat out ball. It’s a situation that I’m happy about and I’m confident that we’re going to be dynamic, so I can’t wait to get it started. In terms of my role and how I fit, I think you could look on the highlights and see where I fit in this, so I’m just overall excited.” (On WR Jamal Agnew) “The guy is dynamic. He’s one of the best return men that I’ve seen, but people don’t understand how smart this guy is. You’re talking about a guy who was on defense and made a change and seamlessly fit into our offense and what we had to do and provided us a big spark. So, you’re going to get a guy that’s going to come, and he has home run ability. As he progresses as a receiver as well, you’re going to see some big plays and that’s the reason why he’s here. I’m glad to have been with him and now we continue, so it’s going to be fun.” |
JAGUARS WIDE RECEIVER JAMAL AGNEW
March 22, 2021
(On transitioning from defense to offense and his comfort with Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense) “To be honest, it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be, just playing defense my whole life and transitioning to offense so suddenly. But [Offensive Coordinator] Darrell Bevell and even the receivers coach back in Detroit, they made it so much easier for my transition and I’m happy I did it to be honest. I feel like I get to use my skill set a lot more on the offensive side of the ball and it’s just more opportunities to make plays. So, I’m very happy to transition and I’m very comfortable with Bevell’s offense. That was one of the main reasons why I chose Jacksonville was because I got to pick up where I left off with Bevell because I felt like I was just getting started.”
(On his experience as a return man helping his transition to offense) “Most definitely. It’s hard to kind of correlate it just because offensively, stuff is so complex. But just having a ball in my hands, making plays, vision, making people miss, it definitely helps.”
(On being a resource for the wide receiver room and quarterback) “I definitely do think I have a good grasp on this offense. I had great leaders back in Detroit like Marvin [Jones Jr.], also like Danny Amendola, we had Kenny Golladay, but they kind of showed me the ropes. They taught me the ins and outs of Darrell Bevell’s offense and, like I said, it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. So, now I’m very comfortable for some of the younger guys to lean on me. I feel like I have a really good grasp of the offense, but I’m excited for this opportunity to work with a young quarterback. Especially to work with Marvin again, he’s a great player, even better person off the field. He’s a great father, he’s just a great role model and I was so grateful to learn from him these past four years.”
(On Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell) “He’s creative. He knows how to get the ball to certain players, and he’s not scared to take shots down the field. You see over Marvin [Jones Jr.]’s career, he’s been a big play threat wherever he’s been, whoever he’s played with and he showcased that these past few years with Bevell. He had two great seasons in Bevell’s offense and I’m looking forward to getting to that level one day. Like I said, I felt like I was just getting started last year, so I’m excited to pick up where I left off.”
(On Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell off the field) “He’s just like that, however you see him when you talk to him. He’s energetic, he’s playful, he’s going to joke around with you, but when it’s time to get to work, he’s all business. We had a fun atmosphere [in Detroit] and I’m just happy to get back to that.”
(On what Jacksonville is getting in WR Marvin Jones Jr.) “You’re going to get a great receiver, even better person. I’m going to reiterate that because off the field, Marvin [Jones Jr.] does a lot and just seeing the type of father he is and the type of person he is, Jacksonville has a good one. Like I said, I’m grateful to be able to learn from him again. Like I said, I learned a lot from him these past few years and I’m really excited to get to learn from him [again]. But they’re going to get one of the best receivers in the league because I don’t care how old Marvin is, he’s still playing at a high level right now. So, I’m excited to get back to work with him, for real.”
(On being with Head Coach Urban Meyer who prioritizes special teams) “It definitely means a lot to me just to know my skill set is being valued as it is. I feel like special teams is a very important aspect of the game and you don’t really realize that until something catastrophic happens. But I want to come in and be that spark. I want to bring the juice. I want to create energy plays, spark plays. I love doing that, that stuff’s fun to me. It was kind of weird last year without fans. I’m running a big return back and it’s kind of quiet so it’s just like what’s going on? But I’m here, we’re going to have 100 percent capacity, so I can’t wait to house call that first one in this stadium.”
