Jabari Taylor, Ja'Von Hicks Meet With Media Ahead of USF Matchup

Cincinnati is favored by over three touchdowns in Saturday's game against South Florida.

© Jim Owens-USA TODAY Sports © Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK

CINCINNATI — UC defensive stars Jabari Taylor and Ja'Von Hicks had huge games against Tulsa and took center stage at Tuesday's press conference.

Taylor racked up four tackles and 2.5 sacks, while Hicks had five tackles, an interception, and three pass break ups in the 31-21 win. 

Check out some of their best quotes from the media session.

Jabari Taylor

On The Effectiveness Of Three And Four-Man Rushes:

I believe that it gives everybody a lot of freedom and comfort, especially with the linebackers. With them knowing that we are eating up blocks and consistently bringing the pressure that puts ease on the guys on the back end, who have to run 40, 50, 60 yards every play. That is how we want it to feel, but at the same time, we want them to be able to have confidence in their job so when the day comes where we are not bringing the same amount of pressure they are successful.

On His Excitement For Homecoming Weekend:

It is always a great experience; everybody gets to come home including the past players. It is nice to see all those guys on the sideline or the locker room, guys from the 2018- 2020 teams as well as last year. It brings another level of excitement; they bring more support to this current team. Having them come home this weekend—feels like a family instead of just a team.

On Stifling Tulsa's Run Game:

One of our main focuses was shutting down the run. At the end of the day, they had 297 yards rushing last year and I am not going lie to you that was kind of all that was on my mind all game and I was hoping they would run the ball a little more, but we were making the plays that we needed to.

Ja'Von Hicks

On The Home Winning Streak:

We are extremely prideful. When we go out there on that field, especially in Nippert it's just a different feeling. I don't plan on losing at home anytime soon.

On The Amount Of Fellow Colerain High School Players He Gets To Suit Up With:

It is extremely cool. I finally get the chance to play with Dontay [Corleone], it is my first time actually playing with him, but overall, it feels good. I feel a connection between all four or five of us from there and we are all playing very well.

On the Defense Making Sure They Get Some Points On The Board:

It is extremely important. Sometimes the offense is clicking right then and there and sometimes the defense needs to step up, make a play, and vice versa. This shows that we are able to put up points. We are able to create turnovers to get the offense the ball back. Being able to put the ball in the endzone feels extremely good. We haven't been able to do that in the past and this year has shown that we can score too.

Watch the full press conference below starting at the 19:56 mark.

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