n.e.husker
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Q: Hard work and togetherness always go hand-in-hand. You have a lot of offensive linemen with big dreams. How much will they push each other to greater heights?
A: I hope they push each other a lot because competition is still the greatest motivator. Competition will motivate guys that aren't necessarily self-starters. We do whatever it takes. We played a fair amount guys our first year here, and injuries and other factors over the last two years have put a lot more scrutiny on us. People want to know why we aren't playing a lot more guys. Well, we make decisions on what we see. But this year, hopefully, we'll get back to where we're playing more than two guards. Last year, we played three tackles. We're going to be running at a faster pace and have more plays than we did last year. We plan to get more guys on the field. If we keep showing fresh legs, that has to help us be more productive.
Q: I'm not trying to put you on the spot but son Ben is a physical blocker, and younger brother Jake has positioned himself as a possible starter. Can you describe their drive and determination?
A: Jake is in the mix, but he has a lot to earn. As a dad, it would pretty cool to have two kids out there starting at the same time, but that's way premature. Jake has to earn a spot, and Ben has to earn it to keep his spot. Whether it's practice or a game, outwork everyone. A big part of being physical is outworking people. It's one thing to hit 'em hard and not finish. The finish is where all the hard work comes in.
Q: Where did you come up with that family mantra?
A: Every time I'd go out and compete, my dad told me the same thing. He (former Omaha Burke athletic director d!(k Cotton) was a four-year starter on that UNO football team that played in the Tangerine Bowl. He was a good basketball player and baseball player and played at Omaha Tech High School with (Hall-of-Fame pitcher) Bob Gibson. They had some great players at Tech, and for him, it was always all about playing hard. That's always the most important message out of my mouth - how hard you play. That's the one thing you can control.
Q: Where does their drive and determination come from?
A: If you asked my kids what I said to them when they were little, they would probably tell you that before every practice and every game they ever played, I just told them to be the hardest working guy out there. I still say that. Before every game, I hug Ben and tell him to be the hardest working guy out there. I tell Jake the same thing, and I tell Sam (the youngest of three Cotton brothers) the same thing.