ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

July 22, 2024

R.J. Maryland

SMU Mustangs

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Questions for R.J.

Q. SMU has had one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. Can you touch on you and the tight end and the wide receiver room.

R.J. MARYLAND: Yes, just all of us as a collective, the past two years we've been able to put up a lot of big numbers. Coach Lashlee just put us in a good game plan. We just go out and execute.

Q. The Mustangs are 24-4 at home since 2019. How important is it to defend the turf knowing that you have new opponents coming in?

R.J. MARYLAND: It's very important 'cause you never want to lose at home. That's your spot. Just always make the fans happy. They're coming to see us play, so you want to win there.

Q. You being a legacy athlete, if your parents are doctors you're born into, you're a doctor. You were born into this game. How was that growing up with your dad?

R.J. MARYLAND: Honestly, it wasn't really too bad. My dad never pressured me to play any sports. He just wanted me to graduate high school and graduate college. That's his biggest thing, for me to get my education.

Q. How has Coach Lashlee's offense changed since you got to SMU, started working with him? What did you see from it last year and what do you hope to see this year?

R.J. MARYLAND: It's always been a good offense. Not much has changed. Our mindset maybe, but no play calls 'cause coach has got us on that.

Yeah, we have gotten a lot of new players. They bought into what Coach Lashlee has taught us. It's all good.

Q. Last year you averaged 15.24 yards her catch. You just see the ball well, don't you?

R.J. MARYLAND: I guess so (smiling). Yeah, I guess so. Coach Lashlee has been able to put me in good positions, then I just go out there and execute all the plays. So yeah...