Oregon State LB Keaton Kristick is the leader of the defense. He’s not the rah-rah type of guy, but more of the lead-by-example person.
After three games Kristick leads the team in tackling with 22, and is tied for sixth place in the Pac-10 at 7.3 a game. His eight solo ties him with the team lead with S Cameron Collins and LB Keith Pankey.
Kristick has been active around the ball with a spectacular INT last game, and a pass breakup. He has been showing his old RB moves from high school when he returned the pick for 14 yards and a fumble recovery 18 yards.
“It’s my senior season and I’m trying to make the most of it,” Kristick said.
However, he’s not happy with his performance, yet. He feels the defense and he will get better together.
“Not so much,” Kristick of if his likes how he’s playing. “I’d like our team to do more. At the same time I can see myself do more. I get nervous out there. But it will pick as will the defense will.”
Kristick has a great sense of humor. It’s subtle. We talked about his leadership role, and he’s comfortable with the title. Then I mentioned him being the face of the defense nationally.
“Me being the face of the defense doesn’t say much about the defense looks-wise,” he said.
There was a pause by him, waiting to see if I got the joke. I did but I played it straight. Then I smirked and he busted up laughing.
That’s just the way he is. He’ll be funny, and laugh to himself because most people don’t get his humor right away.
And on a side note, Kristick said on his Twitter page that he’s getting a lot of work on his groin. I saw him practicing Wednesday, so he should be good to go for the game.
Video, links
The above video is of CB James Dockery and DT Stephen Paea talking defense going into Saturday’s game with Arizona. There could have been 30 minutes of video if I could get it all in. Dockery will have a great career as a public speaker.
Here’s a link to my main Thursday story in the GT on how the Pac-10 is shaping up. Here’s a link to the getting to know Q&A with TE Howard Croom.
For a preview of Croom’s answers, he said he would like to have a dinner conversation with Jesus. He had to debate that answer, because this man was his initial thought.
4 comments
centralsteve says:
Sep 24, 2009
Good interview, but REALLY hard to hear.
ckirkpatrick says:
Sep 24, 2009
The audio will improve next week. That's when school starts. The cheerleaders and other sports teams will not be in the Valley Center for lunch. Their noise has cut back on my mid-week video this year.
maffub says:
Sep 24, 2009
I may sign up for Twitter, but if I ever tweet about my groin my wife will shoot me.
aaron_ says:
Sep 24, 2009
the interview with Croom was a good one Cliff. He seems like a very down to earth guy, with a good sense of humor. keep up the good work. I hope Buker is taking some notes on how to cover a football team….