Bowling Green State University Athletics
O'Drobinak and Ruiz Provide Big Targets On Offense
August 17, 2006 | Football
Aug. 17, 2006
Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University football team will open the season on September 2 at Cleveland against the University of Wisconsin. Junior tight end Sean O'Drobinak and senior wide receiver Ruben Ruiz are two returning starters who can look to have a big impact on the Falcons this season.
Last year, O'Drobinak caught nine passes for 103 yards and four TDs, while Ruiz, who began the 2005 season as a tight end, made 11 catches for 174 yards and two scores.
How do you see yourself contributing to the offense this year?
"I've got to take it upon myself and live up to our coaches expectations and try and fulfill what they want in the tight end spot. I'm going to do my best and contribute."
Do you see any differences with the offense this season?
"We put a fullback in the system this spring and fall and basically right now we have a lot of different options than we have not had in the past. I think it is important for the veterans to lead and help the young guys, as they gain experience and confidence. I'm excited about the what we are doing."
Both you and Ruben Ruiz are pretty big targets, what do you guys bring to the offense?
"Ruben was a tight end when he came here and now we've got him at wide out. That's a big advantage especially when you put a guy like him on a linebacker instead of a 170-pound guy on certain plays downfield. I think both us can play a big part in the offense this season."
Has the offense come together during training camp?
"The first day of practice like any other day of practice we made silly mistakes, but it is coming around. People are starting to know. With our quarterbacks, I know that I'll be where they want me to be and I'll be there. It's pretty much gone that way with the entire offense. Everybody seems to be molding together and building a team. I like our chemistry."
Rubin Ruiz
How do you establish yourself as a guy the coaches will have confidence in on offense?
"The coaches feel comfortable with each and every one of us. We're all good at doing something. They like to throw me the ball inside. All I do is trust the coaches in making the right decision for us and I try to buy into that."
How comfortable are you now as a second-year player?
"It's a way better experience now. I was in a really small junior college and it's not the same thing even though it may seem like it. There are some great athletes there as well but it's not the same. But now that I know how it feels to be on a Division IA team, with great athletes, it makes me feel more comfortable. It's not like before because I use to be nervous and have butterflies in my stomach. Now I'm more confident with all the practice they've given us. I feel like I'll be able to make bigger plays than I did last year."
How has the adjustment gone as you have moved from tight end to receiver?
"I thought it was going to be easier because I had to block the big guys but it's not. It was not easy because blocking inside or outside is not the same thing. Their corners are really fast and I've got to catch Antonio because he's a really fast guy and I have to change all my blocking rules and be able to run more and it is that much harder for a bigger guy like me. I have to adjust to be able to play with guys that are faster."
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What are the expectations as veterans that you have of the offense and what you are going to be able to achieve as you look to contend in the MAC?
"All the guys have to step up and lead so that the younger guys can see how it's done. That's how it should be. The older guys have to step up and make plays and the younger guys can see and learn from them.
Are you excited about the coming year?
"This is going to be a really interesting year. I am a senior so I'm really looking forward to it. At the same time I wish it could slow down. I'm trying to enjoy as much as I can. Even though all this is stuff is tough I'm really going to miss it and I'm trying to enjoy every second of it."
