Previously: Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Kalis, Brian Cole, Chase Winovich, Drake Harris, Jabrill Peppers

[Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog]

Next up in our series of Media Day interviews is Royce Jenkins-Stone, who talked about surviving four-hour practices, some operational differences between the last staff and this one, and being the Buck linebacker. This was a one-on-one, so all questions below were asked by me.

What were some of the things you worked on over the summer?

“Over the summer we were just working out. You know, getting bigger, getting stronger, getting faster. But spring ball was very interesting.”

In what way?

“Just different. I never had that type of practice. Four-hour practices can definitely take a toll on you. I’m just happy I made it out. Made it out in one piece!”

How have things changed since last year? We’ve heard about the four-hour practices, but what else is different?

“Really not too much is different. It’s still the same attitude toward winning and wanting the team to get better and wanting people to be more about the team and not about themselves. I feel like it’s getting better. Definitely getting better, especially after spring ball. Everybody endured thus far in practices and having a struggle between you and your team and knowing that ‘Hey, I went through the same things you went through’ is bringing everyone together and making people think about [things] more as a team and not about themselves.”

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest]

Does the intensity create a bonding experience for you guys?

“Yes, yes. We always, when we had meetings, had everybody in the meetings. There’s no just, ‘hey, let me pull you to the side.’ It’s just, everybody’s in the meeting and there’s never no sugarcoating and we just put everything out on the table. When people make plays coach shows them, coach Durkin shows you, [and says] ‘good job’ and when you make a bad play you best believe he’s circling that one too and everybody’s going to see it. It’s just a great experience right now and everybody’s learning from all of it- the bad and the good.”

Would it be fair to say that last year you were talked to more individually and this year it’s all in the team room?

“Yes, definitely. Definitely.”

How did that work? Were you pulled aside during games or during the film session?

“No, I just think it was like sometimes more of an individual type of…sometimes it was individual meetings, sometimes it was with the team.”

Let’s talk scheme. We’ve heard a lot about seeing multiple looks- where have you been playing?

“I play the Buck position right now.”

So you’ve been competing with Lawrence [Marshall] and who else?

“I compete with Mario, Lawrence, and I think we’ve got another freshman coming up who might play. I’m not for sure yet though.”

How is that position different from what you did last year?

“You know, first of all, spring practice, four hours, lot of reps. Everybody’s getting their opportunity, so I feel like last year everybody didn’t have that many opportunities to show what they could do. This is a better experience because everybody’s getting more reps. Everybody gets to show that, hey, maybe I made a mistake but on this next rep I’m going to show you that I can make up for that.”

Have you been told how your camp practices are going to be structured this fall? Is it going to be similar as far as lengthiness goes?

“I have no clue. I know they said it’s going to be different. They said it’s going to be a little bit different because of the bridge guys, having to deal with the bridge guys and their schedules and others who are staying here but not having classes and stuff. It’s going to be a little different. I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.”

What are your goals individually for this season and then what are your goals as a team?

“Individually I’m just looking forward to this. Really, really looking forward to this first game and to see what comes out of that. Hoping to get a few sacks here and there and a lot of tackles but I’m more of a team guy- I just want to come out with the W for the Utah game, make it to the Big Ten Championship and from here on out just win it all. This is my senior year and I want to leave with a bang.”

In your words, describe the Buck position in coach Durkin’s defense.

“Uh…exciting. Exciting.”

Is it fair to say that it’s essentially a stand-up defensive end who can also do the things a linebacker might do?

“Yeah.”

So you’re going to rush the passer and drop into coverage too?

“Yes, and I’m going to put my hand in the dirt, too. Just depends on the type of formation.”

How do you feel dropping into coverage?

“It’s the same thing. I did it last year, so it’s the same thing. It’s pretty easy.”