ORLANDO, Fla. (CureBowl.com) – As a part of the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, executive director Alan Gooch awarded Jax State’s Tyler Huff and Ohio’s Roman Parodie with StaffDNA Cure Bowl Community Service Soldier Medallions. The bowl recognized these soldiers Tuesday at the StaffDNA Cure Bowl Press Conference at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Convention Center.
The Owens Corning® March 2Cure is a free block party that kicks off at 8 am with Fan Fest presented by Tomb Slayer Radio on the fields next to Camping World Stadium. The event will be highlighted by a cancer tribute march featuring the team bands, dignitaries, cancer survivors, cancer supporters and the Orlando community before entering the stadium.
The 10th-annual StaffDNA Cure Bowl kicks off Friday at noon on ESPN. Fans can listen to the contest on the Bowl Season Radio Network.
Tickets start at $39 and can purchased by clicking here.
Transcription of Tuesday’s press conference: Jax State Interim Head Coach Rod Smith, QB Tyler Huff, RB Tre Stewart, DE J-Rock Swain, Ohio Interim Head coach Brian Smith, QB Parker Navarro, RB Anthony Tyus II, CB Roman Parodie and S Andonis Williams Jr.
Jax State Interim Head Coach Rod Smith
Opening Statement:
First off, we are excited for the opportunity to play in this great game. I am tremendously thankful for the Cure Bowl and the City of Orlando for this opportunity and all the hospitality that you provided for our players this week. It’s awesome to be a part of a bowl game that gives so much back to the community, whether it be cancer research or the Hunger Project on Thursday. We are just honored for the opportunity to be here, to coach this team, and to play in Orlando.
On dealing with all the extracurricular things going on like the transfer portal:
It’s always a challenge. It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing in a bowl game or it’s a regular season or conference championship games. It always will be a challenge, so the standard is the standard for us. Our guys know how to prepare. We’ve been doing this for a while, so it’s not new to us. It might be a little bit different, but at the same time, our kids responded, well. They’re excited. They’re eager to play.
On the Cure Bowl hosting many conference champions, who have used the bowl as a jumping off point to further their programs:
Well, I think any time that you are able to win nine games in the course of regular season, win a conference championship that we did in our first year that we are eligible to do it — that’s a great achievement. We’ve been talking to our kids over the 120 years of Jack State football. There’s only been 13 teams that have won 10 games, so we have an opportunity to go out a winner in the Cure Bowl. We have an opportunity to create more history for Jax State football. So, we’re excited about that and going to be ready to play.
On coming to Orlando and playing for a cause in the Cure Bowl:
I think it’s unbelievable, because as a person who lost their mother [to cancer], I truly appreciate everything this bowl stands for and what they’re trying to accomplish. I take great pride in having the opportunity to lead these young men. They have stuck together, and it’s an honor for me to be able to lead these guys and put it all out there on Friday.
Does what the bowl represent resonate with your players:
I think it does, because so many families and so many kids have been affected by cancer or an illness. I think it affects each and every one of us and allows our kids to understand the value of this bowl game.
On making the jump from FCS to FBS and creating a culture for a program with a long tradition:
I need to give credit to coach Rich Rodriguez, who basically established the culture over the last three years. We’ve built this thing into what it is, and we’re not done. We’re continuing to rise. I think this program has tremendous momentum and a tremendous future. Whenever our guys have an opportunity to play on the big stage, they’ve relished that, and I think we’ll continue to do that in the future.
On winning a conference championship, just like Ohio, by defeating a team that tripped you up earlier in the year:
It just tells you about the resiliency. I think that we, our kids have started off very slow at the beginning of the year, where I think a lot of people kind of jumped off our bandwagon. But we kept fighting, we kept playing, we kept training hard doing everything — all the little things it takes to win. And our kids believe in each other, and whether we’re up at halftime, whether we’re down, whether we’re behind the fourth quarter or we’re ahead. It does not matter. Our kids know we are going to play four quarters until the final whistle, giving all they’ve got.
On playing UCF to start next season:
We are excited to see exactly where we are against teams like UCF. With us being in Conference USA, anytime you get a chance to go against a Power Four [team]. You get to measure, see where you are and understand how the team will be up to the challenge.
On the players that need to setup up after having some transfer portal departures:
We’ve had a long-standing rule on our team that we only talk about the players that are with us. We wish them the best of luck, and at the same time, we’re here to honor the kids that are here.
On having a high powered offense that has played at such a high level:
I think it goes back to our training. It’s back to our culture. You know we have sayings around the building that we’ve had for the last three years. We thought we talked about having a hard edge and earning success. Those pillars have been the foundation of how we build our culture and how we train, how we interact daily, and that won’t change. Even though coach [Rich] Rodriguez has moved on, our kids understand what the standard is and what the expectation is. We know what it looks like, we know what it feels like, it’s our job to go out and execute it.
On what you see on the Ohio offense and defense:
Well, they’re big, fast and athletic. They do a great job and are tremendously coached. They play extremely hard, you can tell they have a strong culture. You can see it in their play. And that tells me that is a great sign of a good coaching staff. The game is going to be a tremendous challenge for us as it’s probably the best team we’ve played all year.
On going up an opposing coach dealing with being an interim head coach as well:
I’m sure he’s going through the same avenues and twists and turns that I am right now trying to navigate it, but once again, you can tell those guys are tremendously coached, we have tons of respect for them, and we know it’s a great opponent we’re getting ready to face.
On being able to experience Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure:
Yes, everyone is very excited to go to the theme parks here at Universal Orlando. Everyone is looking forward to riding the rides and experiencing something new and exciting.
On being able to experience Orlando:
I think it’s such a reward for the year that we had, and what a great city Orlando has to offer. What a reward for these guys to be able to come down and spend a week here. Taking in all the festivities and everything that Universal Orlando has to offer. It is special.
On playing at Camping World Stadium, which has hosted the Pro Bowl and a number of bowl matchups:
I used to coach down here in the state of Florida, and I recruited in Orlando for a long time, so I’m very familiar with the stadium. I’ve never had a chance to be inside, so I’m excited as well. I know the rich history of it, so our kids are excited to experience that venue.
On the players being rewarded by a bowl game like this:
There are a lot of kids on our team who have never flown before. We landed yesterday and had a couple DBs tell me, ‘Coach, that’s the first time ever been on plane.’ And some guys have never been out of Alabama or Georgia. So, this is an eye-opening experience for them. To me, that’s what it’s all about, the family values that we have here at Jax State, and to watch our guys enjoy each other’s company,
Jax State Players – QB Tyler Huff, RB Tre Stewart, DE J-Rock Swain
On experiencing Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and CityWay during Cure Bowl Week:
Tre Stewart: I’m excited. This is my second time at Universal Orlando, I remember the first, and I think it’d be good to ride the rides again
Tyler Huff: Yeah. I’m from Jacksonville, so I’m not too far away. I’ve been to Universal Orlando plenty of times, but it’s always fun to come back. All of their rides are always a good time. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it.
J-Rock Swain: Oh, yeah. I think it’s a blessing just to be here. Being a little kid from Charlie, Alabama, and now I get to travel with the football team. I think it’s fun.
On playing for a bowl game that has a special meaning like the Cure Bowl
Tyler Huff: Yeah, I mean, it’s obviously very special. Like Coach Smith just said, I think everybody has been affected by cancer in some way or another. Everybody’s family has dealt with it, unfortunately. I think everybody takes it seriously and understands what we’re playing for and what we’re representing whenever we’re playing in the Cure Bowl.
On the opportunity to play in this game:
J-Rock Swain: I’ve been at Jacksonville for five years, and I look back when I first joined the team. Who thought we would be here today? We like everything we’re doing, it’s a blessing just to be here.
On the Jax State Culture:
J-Rock Swain: We are a strong family. We have a lot of guys that have bought into what we have going on. It’s a blessing for everybody to just buy in, because a lot of times you see everything going on with the portal. We still have guys here that want to play football. And I think it’s hard right now with that going on. I mean, everybody has a hard edge right now, but Friday we play hard as a team.
On playing UCF to start next season:
J-Rock Swain: I think it’d be a good thing for Jacksonville State just to be able to play a team that’s been good over the years. Just stepping up to that occasion of being able to play what they would call Big Boy football. I think Jacksonville State can stand alone with those guys. We have shown that we can along the time.
Tre Stewart: I honestly did not know about Jax State football before the summertime, but you could tell that they have taken a big leap.
Tyler Huff: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I played at FCS level, top, just like, Jacksonville State was. Just seeing the difference between that and now we’re at FBS. It’s a big jump, so as you can tell, the school is going in the right direction.
On the challenge of losing Coach Rich Rodriguez and how has coach Rod Smith helped you in this transition:
Tyler Huff: I think everybody on our team has the same mindset. We control, what we can control. We all believe in Coach Smith and everything he stands for, what he’s done for us this whole year. I mean, there are no hard feelings, we all understand. So, like we said, we only care about the people who are in our building and with us on the sideline in the game. So yeah, it is tough, but we all believe in Coach Smith, and the guys we got around and all the coaches have with them too, because nobody else is left. We are confident in what we got in our room in our building.
On what it means to have fun while we are on a business trip:
Tre Stewart: You can have fun, but at the same time, still got to be locked in, and focus on the game and what you’re actually here for.
J-Rock Swain: Same thing with Trey said, understand, like in a moment when we’re going to practice, make sure you are at practice. We are going make sure your mind is not somewhere else, and make sure you attack the date and don’t let any time just pass by attack practice.
Tyler Huff: Yeah, that’s the biggest thing. When we’re playing football, when we’re in the meetings, whatever it is, our mindset has to be on that — nothing else. Our free time is in the evenings, and everybody’s being responsible and respectful at that time. But whenever it’s time to play ball, and whenever we have meetings, everybody is going to be locked in, and we have been so far.
On the activities that you do for the community:
Tyler Huff: Yeah, I mean, it’s been good. I mean, like I said, I just moved up here about six months ago in May, so community wise. I have just been around the campus a lot, just helping out around there. I said, they’ve been nothing but good to me. Six months I’ve been here, so I’ve been trying to get back on that standpoint.
Not particularly Honestly, my schedule is pretty busy, whether it’s either school or football. So, anytime somebody asked for me for help, I’m always there for it. But yeah, based on my schedule, I’m pretty busy.
On playing in a game with two conference champions:
Tyler Huff: It’s a great feeling. It’s good whenever you are playing good teams, that means you’re heading in the right direction. They’re very good opponent. They’re 10-3, and two of those losses are to Power Four teams. So, it’s a very respectable opponent. Like you said, there are champions as well, but they’re a good team. We’re just confident us as well, and we got everything we need to beat them. We’re excited to go out there and play.
Ohio Interim Head Coach Brian Smith
Opening Statement:
Our program is extremely excited to be playing in the Cure Bowl. It’s one that I have not had an opportunity to be a part of yet, but have heard a lot about. The thing that makes this bowl special, aside from the great location you get to be at, is what it represents. Once our players got to really see what the bowl does to help raise money for cancer research and how it has affected so many of our guys in our program and their families, the bowl really means a lot to them. It’s cool to be a part of something that represents more than just football during the bowl seasons.
On where the Jax State offense among the teams you have played:
Definitely, one of the more dynamic I know. Their quarterback is extremely special and makes a lot of things go for them. They’re very explosive. They can play at a high tempo, and that creates some problems, but absolutely a very formidable opponent and very talented group.
On having to step in and be an interim coach:
Well, there’s definitely challenges, anytime there’s change. I think that’s always hard for especially young kids. The great thing about our team is they’re extremely resilient. They’re very close. They really love and trust each other. Through this process you have them rely on each other and the assistant coaches who have done a great job with them. Just to trust that are their best interests are in mind, and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that they’re successful and prepared. With the group that we have, there’s a lot of trust in the staff and with their teammates. They’ve been doing a great job.
On playing in a bowl game that matches up conference champions:
I think it’s awesome when you have a chance to play another really successful program. I think it’s a great opportunity for your team. It’s great for competition, and it’s great for the competition between different conferences. I think it’s awesome that we can match up that way.
On the team being able to travel to Orlando and experience the theme parks before playing in the Cure Bowl:
It’s one of the great bonuses of being successful as a football program and having the opportunity to have this for your team. It’s definitely a celebration of a job well done for the season, and it’s an opportunity to keep competing together as a group. The great thing with our team is that they’ve all hung together. For us to do it as a complete team, which most programs right now aren’t getting the opportunity to do, I really commend our guys for staying together.
On the culture that has been built at Ohio:
Well, it’s been built for years. It started with coach [Frank] Solich and coach [Tim] Albin continued it, and we’re trying to continue with that tradition. We have some really strong core values that our guys build into. The program is based upon our players loving each other, trusting each other, doing things the right way. We’ve been really lucky with this group, that they enjoy playing with each other. They’ve had so much fun this year and had so much success that they really just want to see this thing through together as a group. We’re extremely proud of them. It shows a lot of integrity as a group for them to do that.
On the team staying together and not having any players in the transfer portal:
It just shows how much our guys care about each other, care about being Bobcats, and how much they love their teammates. They have something special that they really get a chance to be a part of the program that has won 10 games six times in the program’s history. These guys as a group have done it the last three years. The program has never won 11 games, though. They have an opportunity to win six-straight bowl games as a program. So, there’s a lot that they’re playing for, there’s a lot that they’re motivated about, and really they they’ve had a lot of fun playing together and winning games, and have really enjoyed that process as a group, which is fun to be a part of.
For the most part, it was established. When it initially happened. I’m sure there was doubt with guys, and I think a lot of them really leaned on each other and the core group of our leadership group, I think drives the team, which helps a lot.
On the players rallying around you:
I think their support is great. It’s not necessarily what I was definitely looking for. I’m more in service of them than I’m looking for them to serve me. That’s my role as a coach, to put them in an opportunity to be successful. That was something we talked about from the beginning in terms of my promise to them was that I would make sure that they’re prepared for this game and that we’re going to work as hard as we can to make sure that they are in the best opportunity to win this game. Then, the thing that I asked from them in return was that they took care of each other. They handled things in the locker room the right way, that they supported each other and made sure that we all stick together.
On the culture that the four players speaking today had an impact in building:
Parker’s impact comes a lot from his character and his work ethic. I think guys respect that a lot about him. All off season, he’s going to out-compete just about everybody in the program and everything that he’s doing, which is which is special. Starting off in spring, he wasn’t the starting quarterback. He had to earn that position, and he did that through how he worked, how he competed, and he had a lot of ups and downs for the early part of the season. He didn’t lose trust. The players didn’t lose faith in him. Everyone really stuck together and continued to play hard for him, because of the respect that he gained with the type of person he is, the character that he has.
I think Adonis’ impact. He’s more of a silent leader, but it’s how he practices, and that’s what has always stood out to me. There’s a lot of things that you stress on teams with how you practice day in and day out, how you’re taking care of each other, how you practice at a high level and still do it in a safe manner. He’s been amazing with that. He will go full speed, and he’s going to practice at a high level, execute at a high level, and he’s going to do it exactly how you’re trying to teach him to practice. And that always shows, and it’s a reflection of type of person that he is.
Trey’s impact was quick, because he was a transfer. One of the cool things with him was he graduated from Northwestern, and was a very high academic kid there. Because they were a quarter system, he graduated the Friday before we started spring ball, packed his things in his car, drove down to Athens, got his physical on Monday, started practicing with us on Tuesday. His impact was fairly immediate within the type of person that he was, how he approached learning our system really fast, and was able to execute at a high level. I think he’s a very high character kid as well, and provided a lot of leadership for us. You know, the unique thing with us was we lost a lot of guys from the portal last year. We’re talking about how everyone stuck together this year. The year before, we lost a ton, just offensively for us. It was nine guys that moved up to Power Four programs, so we needed some influx of older players through the transfer portal to come in and make an impact as people. Trey was one of those. Coleman Owen was another one that impacted our program right away, because of their character. Then, Roman [Parodie] does an amazing job with how he serves whenever there’s opportunities that D’Angelo Smith coordinates with our program in term of service opportunities in the community. He’s always one of the first people that’s always wants to be a part of it. I think he has a big heart, and I think guys respect him a lot because of that.
On what it means for Parker to come back to Orlando, where he started his career at UCF
I think it’s very full circle for him. I know he was able to hang out with a couple of his friends that he played with, while he was at UCF last night. All opportunities are good opportunities to learn and I think he was able to learn and grow a lot through his time here. He’s really flourished with us this season. I’m sure he’s looked at this as an opportunity to really show what he can do in the area where he started his college career.
On the impact that Roman Parodie can make on Friday:
A big impact. He’s one that can be an annoyance to me the time I’ve been here as an offensive coordinator. I think he is a smart player, a smart defensive back, and has a good feel of reading routes, and he’s one that I’ve talked to quite a bit during practices, okay, what were you seeing on there? How did you know that was coming? Just to pick his brain a little bit, because I think he is a very smart player. He’s given us some problems in my time here.
I mean, it’s great the it’s not necessarily that feedback, it’s more just the connections that you make with the kids is what’s important.
On being able to spend time with family and go to Universal Studios, Islands of Aventure and Citywalk:
It’s awesome. You work so hard throughout a football season, you’re so committed to your program, it is extremely time consuming. The commitment that your families have to make because of the jobs that you do is…it can be taxing, so for them to be rewarded with these opportunities when you have success is awesome. The families love going on the bowl trips, and when they’re in great locations and with people that do a great job with their hospitality, it makes it even better. I have a daughter that’s 12. She’s excited to be going to Universal tomorrow, and my wife is very excited to be here and enjoy the week.
Ohio Bobcats Players — QB Parker Navarro, RB Anthony Tyus II, CB Roman Parodie and S Andonis Williams Jr.
On having an opportunity to being in Orlando to go to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk during Cure Bowl Week:
Roman Parodie: I personally am super excited. I’m from Broward County, so it’s like a little bit down in south Florida, so it’s kind of like a homecoming party for me. I never been to Universal either, so that’s also pretty cool. I’m, like, pretty excited through all that, and it’s all for a great cause.
Anthony Tyus III: Personally, it’s a great pleasure to be here. This bowl supports a great cause which has very close ties to my family as well. Like Roman said, it’s a privilege to be down here. We’re excited. You know, thank you for having us.
On being down in Orlando after winning a conference championship:
Parker Navarro: Yeah, I’m really excited. I think the whole team is excited to be down in warm weather. I’m just looking forward to celebrating with these guys this season, but also coming against a good team and putting a good four quarters together. I think the team’s looking forward to the challenge. Jax State is a good team with good players. We’re all pumped up to get to go and play against them and showcase our ability as one last time.
On dealing with the transition from Coach Albin to Coach Smith
Parker Navarro: All the guys on this team love Coach Alvin. The culture that he has instilled in the team. It just means so much. I can speak for everyone on the team that we wish him all best of luck, and we love him. He is a great coach. We’re excited to go out and play this game under Coach Smitty, and we look forward to it. We’re all rallying behind him, and we’re excited for what he’s going to do. Definitely love Coach Albin and wish him the best.
On the culture that team has with no players in the transfer portal:
Parker Navarro: I think it just speaks to how much everyone wants to play for each other. These guys on defense want to play for the guys on offense. Guys on offense want to play for the guys on defense. We have a true brotherhood on this team. I think it speaks to the coaching staff too, and how much we care and want to play for them, that we all want to be here, and we all want to play this game, because we’ve done something special this year, and want to play one more game, at least with all of us here.
On playing for a cause in the Cure Bowl:
Anthony Tyus III: Personally, like I kind of said. Well, you never know who’s going through cancer, who may know someone going through that. We have a lot of goals, but this one, it’s a great cause for the people, who struggle with it on a day–to-day basis. The people who have it surprises them. For us at Jax State, we are all very privilege for us to be here for this cause raise money, and find a cure to help people in these situations.
On preparing to go up against the Jax State offense:
Adonis Williams Jr.: I’m very excited. It’s another chance for us to get out there and show what we can do against another team, like to run the ball. I think our team is very aggressive team. Talk about the culture as a part of our culture, we’re ready to play all four quarters, aggression all day, so we’re good. I put our talents a good team like to run the ball.
Roman Parodie: Just from watching film, I know that they got a good quarterback that does a lot. Thankfully, we have Parker scrambling, doing stuff in practice, getting us ready for that too. So, we prepare for that, but they have good receivers. They got a great offense, but I think we got a great defense too. So just, I’m excited for the game
On how he has grown as a player from his time at UCF:
Parker Navarro: Yeah, and I’d say my time at UCF, a lot of growth for me as a player in my development. Obviously, I didn’t get a whole lot of opportunity on the field, but I think a lot of that growth can happen in practice, especially being behind a quarterback like Dillon Gabriel for two years. Just as a friend and as a player, he’s helped me so much in terms of watching how he prepares, how he attacks practice, games, and his preparation. So, my time at UCF has meant the ton to me, and a lot of that patience during that time and some time at Ohi. It’s coming to fruition now, and I’m pretty excited and just blessed to be a part of this team.
On Strengths that Anthony sees in Parker; Parker sees in Anthony; Roman sees in Adonis; Adonis sees in Roman:.
Anthony Tyus: This is very easy. There’s nothing Parker Navarro can’t do in the backfield as you guys see. I’ve told him multiple times. He is the most athletic quarterback I’ve ever played with from the countless spin moves he does. There are times where we’re scrambling and I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m here, I’m open,’ and he’s just spinning, breaking tackles and making big plays for offense when we need them. But more than that, a great roommate, a great man off the field, a great leader, always there to pick the guys up, help guys bounce back, especially the young guys. You see that from him and guys take after him, especially in the quarterback room, the running back room. Me personally, like I said, just great athlete, a ball player, when you need a play to be made, get the ball to Parker. It’s going to be made.
Parker Navarro: Yeah, Trey like he said. We’re roommates, a great roommate, a great friend, as well. Trey’s a baller on the field, and it makes my job easier having him back there, because he’s just bouncing off tackles. He’s getting the first down. He’s making plays. I talked to him, and people key on Trey, then it opens stuff up for me. Or people key on me, it opens stuff up for Trey. So, it’s like the one-two punch, and to have a guy like that in the backfield with me, it’s just such a blessing. I couldn’t have asked for a better running back to share that backfield with, because it has just made it such a fun year. Even those little conversations you have mid game, it’s been great. He’s a baller and a great player.
Roman Parodie: I mean, first of all, when I first met Adonis, he was pretty quiet. Guy didn’t like really talk about a lot, but I feel like, this year, he’s really came out his show. We talk a lot on the field. From playing with him for so long, I think his best feature definitely is tackling. If I was running the ball, I would definitely be scared seeing [No.] 5 coming up, in the hole. But outside of that, I mean, he is a great cover guy, and he got speed. He’s pretty much a Swiss Army knife of the defense. We could really put Adonis anywhere, and I think that he would play that position just as well as anyone else. Outside of that, just a great friend, great guy. He hit something. I rock him, you know, he rolls him.
Adonis Williams, Jr: Talking about Roman man. I think he just doesn’t get the enough attention that he deserves. Talking about that corner and that boundary, you want somebody to get locked down. It’s the guy to do it every day. Put him on the island, he’s going to get the job done 10 times out of 10. Just on the field, a great guy that gets the guys motivated and wants to get the ball and get the ball down the next play. Just a great person, great football player overall.
On what the fans can look forward to on Friday:
Adonis Williams Jr.: A very physical game from the defense, and very physical too. But just talking about defense, we’re on it from the start to finish, and not letting up, full pedal to the metal for all four quarters.
Roman Parodie: We know they like to run it, so, we got something for that. Hopefully, we get him passing the ball a little bit, so I’m not bored all game.
Anthony Tyus II: I like to run though. Give me a lot of action.
Parker Navarro: Add on to that, I say from the offense, you can see a lot of juice, a lot of energy, a lot of big plays for
On being able to comeback from injury after missing games to start the year:
Adonis Williams Jr: There and just having a blessing and this opportunity to be able to get back? Because I know a lot of people get hurt, and sometimes they can’t come back, but you know, God gave me the opportunity to come back. It’s just going to be good. Go out get my old guys that are let alone.
