Quotables: Joseph Fauria

On getting a chance to play in Spring ball:
"I haven't played real football in like a year. You can call the scout team football, but it's really not the same. It's just good to be out here competing again, playing the sport I love. Being part of the solution for a good, upcoming team."

On teaming with Cory Harkey at tight end:
"We had two great tight ends who left in Ryan Moya and Logan Paulsen, but last year, the tight end passing game wasn't that strong. We didn't really have a chance to throw to it that much. This year, we have myself and Cory who are going to open up the passing game at the tight end spot. We can do both - block and open the seam - and we're both physical guys."

On maturing:
"Just being around college football and specifically two different programs in two years has taught me a lot. I can compare and contrast both of them and learn how to mature, let my body mature."

On sleeping with the playbook:
"Literally, it's on my chest when I wake up in the morning. I'm getting that done, learning how to mature. My best friend is Kevin Prince, so I'm keeping him in my ear, and staying in his ear. That's how I've grown."

On he and Josh Smith transferring from big-time programs:
"It's not the program you come from - when you're here, they don't give a hell where you're from. You could be from Kathmandu, and you still get a clean slate. It's about how you work. Josh and I both worked very hard in the weight room and we proved ourselves. Last year, we made plays on scout. That right there proves us. It has nothing to do with where we're from."