July 12, 2001
With a successful spring training in the books and the spring semester now history, the Baylor football team is turning its focus to the off-season program leading up to the 2001 season.
Before they head into a long, hot summer of preparations for the Sept. 8 season-opener against Arkansas State, Baylor Bear Insider contributor Maxey Parrish sat down with several key Bears to ask them a set of questions and garner their thoughts about the 2001 campaign.
Watch for interviews with various Bears all summer leading up to the 2001 football season. For an archive of other interviews, click here.
Chedrick Ricks, RB, 5-8, 190, Jr-1L, Vernon -- Ricks is one of three running backs the Bears will count heavily upon next season. A multi-talent, the Vernon junior can also line up in the slot receiver position. Ricks played in all 11 games last season and proved to be a valuable player in third-down situations.
1. Will the team be better or significantly better next year and why?
"We'll be significantly better. It starts with the emphasis we've had on attitude and work habits. Also, we have better athletes. We're working hard, we have the talent and the leadership, so I think we'll be significantly better."
2. Who will be the team to beat in the Big 12 South this year and where do you see Baylor fitting into the conference race?
"Texas. Because of the rivalry we have with them, definitely Texas. If we can get a good jump and beat a Texas or Texas A&M, we'll be right up there. Our attitude is the main thing. Our attitude is higher going in and we're ready for a good season."
3. What do you believe will be the greatest areas of improvement in the Baylor team next year and what do you believe will be the greatest areas of concern?
"The offensive line is very much improved. They're bigger and stronger and they've got some junior college talent coming in. And the running backs. We have a trio with Jonathan Golden, Melvin Barnett and me. If one is in the game, the other two are comfortable filling in, in different situations. We can keep people off balance because there are three of us.
"I don't know of any (areas of concern). We just need to get our feet wet and win a game. We can build from there and get momentum when we do that."
4. What player or players at Baylor will be the most pleasant surprises next year?
"Greg Cicero, definitely. He was in just his first season when he was injured. If he can get his feet under him and get his confidence, he definitely should surprise a lot of people. He's a good player and when he's in there, the team performs. We've just got to keep him healthy."
5. What Baylor players are on the verge of becoming Big 12 standouts?
"Reggie Newhouse, John Garrett, Jonathan Golden and Bobby Hart. They have the attitude and work habits you're looking for. They're getting better every chance they get. They do extra work, whether it's lifting or running or whatever.
"When I see the way they work, it makes me want to work harder and get there."
6. What will you do this summer?
"I'll stay here, go to summer school and work out. I want to get quicker. I've dropped a little weight and I feel so much better. I went from 215 to 190 and I feel good about my speed. I'll pull the sled to keep my horsepower up. I want to be more explosive and the (lower) weight should help. We're going to be tested in the 40 and I have high expectations.
"Our workout program under Coach (LaBaron) Caruthers has been great. This has been the hardest I've worked out since I've been here. I can honestly say that. I've been pushing it with weights, running. . . there are days I sweat so much."
7. What are your goals for next season?
"I don't have any specific personal goals other than to maintain a good body weight and be a good leader. I'll keep hammering on them (his teammates). I want to give 110 percent on every play and punish people in games. As for the team, my goal is to win the first game and then take them one at a time. I want to help us put in the kind of effort it takes to do that."
8. Which early-season game do you view as a key next year?
"The first game (Arkansas State). That will be the momentum builder. And then it goes right in to the second game. But winning the first game would give us a big boost. I know we can do it. It's like learning to ride a bicycle. You do it the first time and it gets easier."
