University of Richmond Athletics
Aaron Corp Press Conference Quotes
Jan. 11, 2010
Aaron Corp
On process of deciding to transfer to Richmond:
"I wanted the opportunity to play right away; I took a visit here and loved it, I loved the campus. I talked with the Coach and it just felt like the right fit."
On what specifically drew him to Virginia and the school:
"A number of things. Obviously the academics; there is an International Studies program here and that's what I studied at USC. The football is competitive; they're going to compete in the playoffs every year. A combination of those things really sold me."
On any prior connection to Richmond:
"No, not really. I took a visit out here with my mom, we met with the Coach and it just seemed right. My family and I sought out the school and initiated the transfer."
On Richmond's National Championship win and prior knowledge of the program's reputation:
"I heard of Richmond when they won the national championship two years ago, and we played UVa that same year that they did. That was pretty much the extent of what I knew about Richmond before. Then I kind of started digging deeper and discovered a lot of positives.
On visiting other schools:
"I did not visit other schools; there were plans to do that but once I came here it was kind of love at first sight, I guess you could say that."
On research done before deciding to transfer to Richmond:
"Before coming here, it was all on the internet. I checked out what kind of academics it was, and athletically, with the departure of Eric Ward. That left a spot obviously open and gave me a good shot of playing next year."
Knowledge of returning receivers:
"Well yeah, obviously we've got Kevin [Grayson] coming back, and a group of other guys; that's probably going to be the strongest position coming up this season."
His life over the last 12 months:
"I'm just looking at the positive. This is a brand new opportunity. Last year was a little rough but I'm really excited to be here and I can't wait to get started. I've got my physical tomorrow and I can't wait to get to work."
On reaction among friends in California:
"Mostly well wishes. A couple people were a little upset to see me go, but for the most part everyone has just been saying "good luck, we're happy for you." It's been a lot of support, which is awesome."
On the new location:
"A little bit (nervous). I'm not too worried about that. Technology can always keep you in touch with people."
On the media attention regarding the transfer:
"Well, I haven't done anything yet, so hopefully I can get on the field and make your presence worthy."
On expectations and pressure accompanying transfer:
"It's just a matter of hard work. If you work hard then good things will happen. I'm just excited to get started. I can't wait to get in the weight room and get running with the guys and get throwing and develop a chemistry."
Head Coach Latrell Scott:
On what the transfer will do for the program:
"It solidifies the situation of quarterback, we were worried about our lack of quarterback depth and obviously with Aaron that makes the situation much better and makes us that much more competitive come spring."
On embracing transfer players:
"We've had transfers before, but the University of Richmond isn't going to accept just anybody. Obviously they have to be good academic-wise, character-wise, and football-wise. We're not going to become one of those schools that goes out and seeks players; we're going to do what is best for the school and best for the program."
On how the team's recent success has impacted the program:
"Well there's no question about the success that Richmond has had with its athletes and this program. Aaron had the opportunity to get a quality education and to play at the highest level. It's just a good situation all around."
On opportunity to bring a USC starter to Richmond:
"It's exciting; it's like I told the team last night, my job as the Head Coach at the University of Richmond is to make this team as competitive as possible. It's exciting that the school can make this possible; it's an exciting situation all around."
On John Laub's reaction:
"I spoke to John about it. John was actually the first person to know. Part of my commitment to these guys is that they should hear it from me first if at all possible. I spoke to John about the situation and he welcomed the challenge. He's a competitive young man; he's not just going to go away just because we brought in another quarterback. There will be a competition in the spring."
On shift in focus of core strength of team:
"In any case, you play to your strengths. I mean obviously you want to play well on defense. And offensively, guys like Tim Hightower is starting in the NFL so we played to our strength at that time. We still have good running backs and we still have a good offensive line but we've got three or four receivers that can obviously catch the ball and defend their space. Our goal is to put the best people on the field. We want to get the ball into the hands of our play-makers, with Aaron or John or whomever it may be."