Ruffin McNeill

Q: After winning 10 games last year, what are your thoughts on being picked to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference this fall?

A: I appreciate those predictions I guess. Some people chuckled when Shane Carden said that we drown out the noise. That’s not to disrespect anyone, but that’s how we work best. Don’t think we’re not grateful for the attention and recognition, especially when it’s team first. Our players understand that individual recognition comes from team success. We’re overseeing tunnel time right now. It’s always settled on the field. The focus is always on the development of our team. (Defensive coordinator) Rick Smith says this all the time: ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, make this day the best that you can. Make it a masterpiece.’ That ties right in with what we do.

Q: As of right now, American Conference is not a part of the “Power Five” conferences that has received a lot of attention this summer. What is your reaction when somebody says, “ECU does not belong with the big boys?”

A: That’s somebody on the outside — media probably — talking about that “Power Five.” From day one, I know I have a power team, a team of power players. I’ve got a power staff, we’ve got a power university, and we’ve got power fans. I don’t know who is trying to separate power. That is up to the individual.

Q: American Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco visited Greenville this summer and said the biggest challenge the league faces is one of perception. Entering a new conference with high expectations, how important is it for ECU to have immediate success in The American?

A: One of the things I’ve been able to notice is that we are led by a commissioner who will not flinch. The thought process of The American is amazing in how it compares to East Carolina – undaunted, pride and passion. The commitment is the key thing. Where there’s trust, there has to be verification. The commitment by our staff to our players has been unyielding. I’m very confident in how we coach, prepare and focus on ourselves, so let’s go tee it up.

Q: What kind of challenge does scheduling South Carolina, Virginia Tech and North Carolina in the first month of the season provide for your team?

A: It’s definitely one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country and it starts with North Carolina Central on national television. The thing about those games is to understand that the one thing we can control is how we prepare. If we focus on ourselves, we’ll be fine. Each game will be a challenge and we’ll have to be at our best, but it will all boil down to how well we stay team and how well we stay vision-focused. It’s a great opportunity for us.

Q: Earlier this month, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said playing ECU is a tougher game than a bottom-tier Big 10 opponent. What is your reaction to his comments?

A: I’ve been following him for a long time. We’ve always got along great. I respect what he says and what he’s done on the field. He stirs it up with what he says, and I appreciate the compliment, but we’ll just focus on us. I appreciate Coach Spurrier, but his comments didn’t bother me.

Q: With the courts recent ruling against the NCAA in the O’Bannon lawsuit, pay-for-play has been a hot-button topic. Do you feel that today’s student-athletes should be given more?

A: My whole deal is making sure the scholarship is worth what the actual admission to college is. I’m not talking about pay-for-play or anything like that, but making sure the scholarship meets up what the (regular) student gets. I think that’s fair. As for unionizing, I’m not for all that. I’m different. I’ve got guys that there is not a problem. But I’ve got some guys that have been homeless three years of their life. I can’t tell you how many kids that I am their dad. I know five of my kids were homeless and I’m talking ‘on-the-street’ homeless. I won’t tell you their names, but I’ve been in their homes.

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