Derek Mason was joined by Kyle Shurmur, Justin Skule and LaDarius Wiley to help represent Vanderbilt in Atlanta for SEC Media Days 2018.

Here are some highlights of the quotes provided by the players on the Vanderbilt roster:

Senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur

On experience in the conference …
“Experience is so valuable. I think you grow through experience. Being on the field and learning by trial and error, I think has helped a lot of guys on our offense grow over the past few years.”

On addressing consistency within the program …
“We talk about winning days, especially in the offseason. Putting good work in on top of good work to sort of make success a habitual thing as opposed to a here and there thing. We talk about winning every rep and taking things one step at a time. We talk about being 1-0 every week, and that just comes from taking things one step at a time and putting your full focus on the then and now. I think just trying to create habitual success and winning days.”

On what things he has been doing since spring practice …

“One of my focuses this year was building chemistry with some of the younger receivers, because we had a few guys graduate. So, trying to be in the film room, trying to throw a little bit extra after practice and trying to build chemistry with some of the newer guys while also building chemistry with the older guys that have had experience here.”

On his relationship with Derek Mason…

“Coach Mason has been awesome. I have been very fortunate to have had one head coach the whole time I’ve been at Vanderbilt. With Coach Tarver coming in as a defensive coordinator, Coach Mason has been able to spend a little more time with the offense, so we have watched some film together, and I have gotten to see the perspective of the defensive mind and analyzing how defenses think as opposed to just an offense perspective. It has been great.”

Senior offensive lineman Justin Skule

On the key to their success…

“I would say the key to our success was just making sure we understood everything about the defensive line. And just looking at the full picture of the defense, just seeing how guys are moving around. And thinking what we should expect and what we should expect.”

On the expectation on the offensive line…

“We are returning all five of the offensive line, so my expectations are high. We just have to take it one day at a time, one week at a time, and just go from there. There are play makers all around the board, so we got to do our job protecting the holes and letting them do their job.”

On blocking for senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur…

“It’s awesome. Kyle has been a great leader for our offense. He doesn’t get too high, and he doesn’t get too low, plays with a lot of emotion. But it is a very calming presences for our offense, which helps. He always wants to get the best out of us.”

Senior defensive back LaDarius Wiley

On Head Coach Derek Mason’s evolution…

“He’s evolved as a leader on and off the field. He’s evolved as a great man and coach. People confuse him taking the back seat with the defense as him not being involved. He’s still involved, but he’s been able to spread himself about the entire team. Him being able to make that call shows how he’s grown.”

On what will be seen in the defense this season…

“It’ll still be tenacious and all-gas-no-breaks style. We go off the principles of extreme violence, getting to the ball and being playmakers. You’ll still see a technically sound defense. You’ll see a hungry, talented and young defense. It’s a young group, but there are still seniors at those position groups.”

On senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur…

“I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. I face him every day in practice, and he’s made us better as a defense. Playing against some of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, I’m able to compare them to him. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, and he prepares us every week to play against some great quarterbacks.”

On the seniors stepping up on defense…

“All the seniors in every position group take it upon themselves to be leaders of their position group. That is first and foremost, and then being leaders of our entire defense. Charles Wright is stepping outside of himself. He’s a quiet guy, but he’s been able to talk more. Jordan Griffin is a fiery guy, but he’s ready to prove himself to have the nation know his name. Joejuan Williams is a great guy. These guys are really stepping in to be used on the defense and the whole team.”