When I first came here, there were still a lot of things I didn't know, especially about the 3-4. Last spring, I studied every night and came in an hour before practice to make sure I knew everything that was going on.

It comes down to guys have to fill spots. The less guys you have to fill spots, the more opportunity there's going to be.

That we have a teammate who may not be with us next year. I'm still not sure what's going on or how it's going to end up.

When I came in, Coach [Al] Golden told me that, in about two or three years, things would open up pretty nicely as far as me having an opportunity to contribute.

Honestly, I didn't keep up with that situation a whole lot. I found out, I guess, when everybody else did.

I think that's a good thing to start. That's a base. ... If you're a guy that's dependable and doesn't make mistakes, you're going to get on the field.