Aaron Lumpkin interview:
Talk about how your preseason practices have gone, so far. Are you pleased with what you have accomplished?
"I think I can do a lot better that what I have done. In all honesty, I've got to pick my game up."
What things do you feel you need to do to pick it up?
"Just try to get everything down. We have just over two weeks to go (before the first game). We'll be ready when August 30th gets here."
What things do you feel you have done well during the preseason practices?
"So far, I think the best thing I have done is blocking. The worst thing is knowing my assignments."
How close are you to getting your assignments down?
"I'm close. I pretty much know them now."
Your position has a very young group of guys. You and Tommy Ferrill are the two veterans of the group. Is there a lot of responsibility on you because of that?
"There's no more responsibility than any other senior has. Everybody pretty much handles their own business. Everybody is pretty much in line. They are always on time and do what they are supposed to do."
This is your 5th year at MSU. Is the new offense more diversified than anything you have seen in the past?
"It is a lot more diversified. (Coach Watts) offenses have led the SEC and the Big Ten and those are two of the best conferences in the nation. That speaks well of the offense. I also think we are much better coached than we have been."
Has this offense been better for the tight ends as far as getting you guys more involved in the offense, not just blocking but also receiving?
"Oh yes. It is a great opportunity for the tight ends. All we have to do is take advantage of it. That is the most important thing, to take advantage of it."
Since this is your senior season, are you getting kind of anxious and excited at the same time?
"Yeah, both. I'm ready to get it started."