 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Brian Nowicki 
For the first time since August of 2003 the Rockets have a quarterback battle. Bruce Gradkowski won that battle in 2003 and went on to re-write the record books at Toledo. Now with him playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, Head Coach Tom Amstutz must find the next quarterback of the University of Toledo. Sophomore Clint Cochran seems to have the inside track, and he is the only quarterback on the roster that has any collegiate game experience. Last season as a redshirt freshman, Cochran started one game and appeared five other games. The 6-3, 205 pounder completed 16 of 24 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown, and one interception is his only start at Fresno State. For the season, he completed 74.4% of his passes for 262 yards with one touchdown and one interception. This year Clint will most likely be named the starter for the season opener at Iowa State on August 31st. Can he lead the Rockets to another storybook season and a West Division Title? We will find out when chapter one begins in just 18 days. |
Clint Cochran Q & A How did the summer go?Clint - We had a really good summer. The players were here and we were working hard. We were coming out here every other day and getting our timing and footwork down. We're ready to have a good season. What can you tell me about some of the new players coming into the program? Clint - We have Dave Lewis that came in at receiver and has done well. He's a walk-on. The new quarterback (Aaron Opelt) came in and worked hard. I think that many of the freshman have the potential to come in here and really make a change. We've only had a couple of practices, but you can already see the kinds of things these guys can do. Tell me a little bit about your receivers. Clint - Odom's got great routes and good hands. Washington's going to be a force out there. At 6-5 he's gonna be able to go out and grab some balls. Nick Moore is quick and has some great hands. Andrew Hawkins is quick. He's like Reggie Bush in that he is all over the place and can really make things happen. Trumaine Smith is another guy that is going to be real solid for us this year. He's getting better on his routes and his knowledge of the game. He's gonna make things happen. What do you like to do when you are not on the football field? Clint - Study and watch some movies. You have to relax a little when you are on a schedule like this with football and studying. I like to watch TV and hang out with some friends. Many of the players like to unwind by playing video games. Do you ever play? Clint - I really don't have a lot of time for video games with studying. I've tried playing the NCAA video game, but I take it too seriously. I start reading the plays like I'm out there on the field and it just doesn't work out the same in the video game, so I'm not that good. Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |