CardinalReport.com - Skov Looking To Make An Impact

October 21, 2009

Rick Jones
CardinalReport.com Publisher

Freshman Shayne Skov will make his second start this Saturday against Arizona State. After playing the majority of the second half against Oregon State, Skov earned the start at Tucson.

Skov has made an impression this season on special teams, specifically the kick-off team and he hopes to carry that impact to his will linebacker slot.

We had a chance to talk to the talented linebacker who was Rivals.com number three rated linebacker in the class of 2009. Skov talked about how he played these past two weeks, where he hopes to improve, what the mood of the Cardinal defense is and what he expects from the Sun Devils. (photo by Stanfordphoto.com)

You made your first start at Arizona, how did that feel?
I really enjoyed it, getting on the field. From a technical standpoint I still have a way to go and just having an overall better feel for the game. I need to have a deeper feel for the personnel and formations that are in the game that Clint (Snyder) and some of the other guys seem to have.

How well do you feel you understand the Stanford defense at this point?
I feel like I have a better understanding and grasp on the Stanford scheme, so know it is more of a matter of analyzing the opponent, really learning how to study film and understanding the opposing offense. Looking for tendencies and the nuances of the other team.

What has been the physical adjustment for you?
It is hard to get stronger in season, and we worked hard this summer with Coach Turley preparing but I need learn to maximize that strength. Getting my foot down, making impact and never stopping my feet. Going through with the tackle. And also maintaining leverage.

How many plays did you play in the Arizona game?
I am not sure how many plays exactly, but we ran nickel a lot because if the formations they ran. And Clinton and Chike stepped up and played those roles at nickel linebacker.

Are you on first team nickel, coach Harbaugh said you may be this week?
Right now I have been given an opportunity to compete for that with Chike. He is fast and athletic and I am competing and hoping to find a spot on the defense.

You've played Will and Mike so far your freshman season, do you have a preference?
No, I'll play anywhere. I just want to get on the field. I'd play d-line if I had to.

Looking to next season and beyond, where do you see your position?
I feel like Mike linebacker. But I will do whatever they ask me to do.

What is the mood of the defense after the last two games, and really giving up a ton of yards?
A lot of people have criticized our performances and we want to prove them wrong. We have more than capable players, and great leadership from Clinton and Bo. There is plenty of talent, Will (Powers) is extremely fundamentally sound, incredibly strong. Clinton is the heart and soul of the defense.

We need to come out Saturday in front of the home crowd and play like we are capable of playing.

Is there anything you can put your finger on that is wrong with the defense?
We need to work on the defense as a whole. I wouldn't say it is one specific issue. We need to get better in all aspects - tackling, assignments, reads, pursuing the ball - all of it.

Coach Harbaugh talked about getting over the hump and we need to step up as a defense and make those plays to win games.

What have you seen on film from Arizona State?
They have a very talented back (Dimitri Nance) who is big and shifty. They like to spread the ball out. We are going to try to minimize the passing lanes and stop the run. That is the number one thing we want to do, stop the run first and try to make them one dimensional

	Rick Jones is the Publisher for CardinalReport.com. Rick Jones can be reached at cardinalreport.com@gmail.com.
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