Vanderbilt QB Jordan Rodgers...
On Head Coach James Franklin:
"He's pushing our vision. He's getting people excited to fill our stands. He's instilled a confidence in us that is a direct reflection of his confidence as a coach. He's pushed us to work harder and prepare harder than we ever have."
On his role as the starting quarterback:
"It's great for a quarterback to go into a season knowing you can set the tempo on your team and on the field. I have a purpose for our workouts and our 7-on-7 sessions. We need to improve on the short passing game and my completion percentage. It's tough to be a leader when you're in competition for the job. It's great going into an offseason being established as a leader."
On his leadership style:
"None of us are complacent. We're not okay with what we accomplished last year. Me, having a swagger, is going to rub off on guys. If I feel that I'm going to be successful, I can push other guys to step up and fulfill their roles."
On lessons learned last year:
"[I need to] get down when I run. I learned a lot [last year]; I really did. The SEC is physical. The defense hits you hard. I had 117 carries last year; that'll take a toll on you. I watch film now and I know what to do differently."
On getting advice from older brother Aaron:
"I get a ton of advice [from Aaron]. We run a similar offense, so we speak a similar language. I try to mold my game after his. Why wouldn't you?! He's one of, if not the, best quarterback in the world. I learn a lot from him and he's more than generous taking the time to help."
On the confidence that comes with the 'Rodgers' name:
"I don't think any, honestly. I worked for everything I've gotten. I didn't have a single division one offer out of college. I wanted to be playing at the highest level and I had to force myself to get there. I think that's where my confidence comes from. People expect me to be Aaron because I have the Rodgers name on my back, but I'm a completely different quarterback. My confidence comes from knowing how far I've come."
On being listed among the SEC's elite QB's:
"I didn't put up the numbers last year to be in the same conversation with Tyler Wilson and Aaron Murray. The more I can do to get my name into conversations with those guys, the more I'll help my team. I want this team to win. Regardless of recognition, I want to win as a team."
On opening the 2012 season against South Carolina:
"It's awesome. National television...conference game...happens to be my birthday. You can't have a better opportunity than that. We have a chance to show everybody what we can do."
On turning close games into wins:
"We need to string together drives. We need to be consistent in the passing game. I need to get my completion percentage up, and that will help us. We need to be consistent for four quarters as an offense."
On Vanderbilt's chances to be a sleeper in the SEC:
"If I said [we didn't have a chance], I wouldn't deserve to be here. Absolutely. I'm fine with everyone not thinking so. I'm fine with flying under the radar. We're going to surprise people. Within our locker room, we have the confidence that we'll be playing for an SEC title. If you don't...you don't deserve to play the game."