Bryan Kehl, 08.06.09

Q: What is your mindset as a competitor for the LB position?

A: There are fourth linebackers and there are first linebackers, but nothing should change your mindset. Being a competitor, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to come in here and I’m going to compete. Whatever happens. If I get on the field, I’m going to try to make the plays to make the defense in whatever role they give to me.

Q: You had a taste of starting last year.

A: Yeah I did. I got a little taste to savor in my mouth and now I’m hungry for it. No football player who is a competitor likes to sit on the bench and so I’ve definitely got to get out on the field and make plays to contribute to the defense and try to make the coaches want me on the field. I want to be there so I’ve got to make sure the coaches want me there.

Q: Won’t one of you – either you or Gerris [Wilkinson] – be there?

A: Yeah – week one. We’ll see how Michael [Boley] is. Somebody’s going to have to step up. I’m just going to do my part. I’d love to have the opportunity and I’d just love to get to go out there and compete. I just love making plays.

Q: Do you get a kick out of the interceptions that have been happening?

A: I like running with the ball, so interceptions and sacks are probably the two things that are the most fun for me in football. I do like taking people down – that’s always fun – but you get a chance to run [the ball] and we don’t get to do that very much, so it’s fun.