QA with Jeff Maehl

Oregon Media Day Quotes

Oregon Wide Receiver Jeff Maehl

Q: Talk about being people saying you are small for a football player.

A: "Growing up, they definitely didn't think I was going to be able to play football at the Division I level. And now I'm starting to hear more about the NFL level and whatnot that now I'm too small. I'm a competitor and I like to compete and I feel like I can play with anyone."

Q: Why do you think you can play at the next level?

A: "Because I've done it on every level that I've been at. I'm not afraid. I'm not going to back down from any challenge or anything like that. I understand that it takes a lot of work and that's something that I've prided myself on, coming out to practice every day and trying to be the hardest worker out there and continuing to get better every day."

Q: Should Oregon State fans root for the Ducks?

A: "I would root for them if they were in the national championship. You've got to stay with the conference, and especially with the in-state (school). I know we're huge rivals. They probably don't want to see us win it. But it's something that you've got root for the people that you're around a lot."

Q: Are the guys having fun?

A: "Definitely. Like I said, we're down here to win the game. As captains, we set the little curfew and stuff like that because this might be the only opportunity for anybody on this team to play for the national championship. So we understand that and we're going to make the most of it."

Q: How will it feel Monday night?

A: "It's going to be unbelievable. It's a dream come true for me. I never thought I'd be in this situation in my life, but I'm not taking anything for granted. I'm going to go out there and give my best effort."

Q: Is the team tight?

A: "No, not at all. I think we've got a pretty loose group and a lot of guys that have played a lot of football games here. We're going to handle this as just another football game."

Q: Did playing in the Rose Bowl last year help?

A: "Definitely. I think just the overall preparation for the Rose

Bowl and everything, how we handled it and obviously how we

played is all going to be a benefit to us."

Q: How would you describe Oregon's offense in words you've never used before?

A: "Explosive. Unique. I don't know. Fast, hard, finish, man. That's what we do."

Q: Are you ready for the 60-55 game?

A: "Hopefully we're the 60, right? No, it's going to come down to the defenses and who can make more stops, who can make the big plays throughout the game."