From the Locker Room:

Ahmard Hall on getting out of the gates fast:

“Definitely don’t want a repeat of last year starting out 0-6. We can’t do that. We can’t continuously start off slow and think we’re going to pick it up at the end of the season. We have to start fast with the first two games at home. You never forget or tune out last season. That’s the motivation for us to start fast. It’s in everybody’s head.”

Rookie Safety Robert Johnson biggest surprise:

“How much faster the game is. College is a pretty good pace but the NFL has so many more formations, motions, different calls you have to make, and quarterbacks making audibles at the line.”

Will Johnson be ready when called upon?

“I’ll be ready every week if they give me the opportunity to play. This is a great job.”

Biggest stage Johnson ever played on in college?

“Without a doubt, was the ‘08 Sugar Bowl against Alabama. I’ll never forget the fireworks and the crowd.”

Rookie Marc Mariani on work ethic:

“It was pounded in my head a long time ago, especially when it came to football. I’ve never been given anything. I walked on at Montana. I work hard to get better every day. I have a competitive fire that pushes me every step of the way. I was fortunate to get this opportunity. This is a dream. I have been working hard for years to get to this point.”

Mariani on the opener:

“Everything in the past few months has been a first. I’m really looking forward to seeing the speed and intensity of the game. It will be insane but a dream come true.”

Mariani on his role:

“Special teams is going to be a huge part of my game but I want to be a perfectionist at both receiver and special teams.”

Will Sunday be different for Kenny Britt?

“It’s going to be a lot different. I have more confidence in myself and I’m not worried about the little things. Like being on the same page with the quarterback, knowing the plays, and knowing coverages. Coming out of the huddle, I know what I have to do at all times.
What Britt worked on in Training Camp:

“I came into OTAs a little sluggish and I wanted to work on coming in and out of my routes better as a big receiver.”

Britt on being a blocking WR:

“I always played in run first offenses and pass last. In high school, we were an option team and in college I had to block for Ray Rice for two years . So, that’s when I learned how to block down field.”