Rod Smith: There's always opportunities that come around at this time of year. It's right time and right situation.
Rod Smith: I've had several opportunities to pursue. For whatever reason, whether it be timing or family, it just wasn't the right team.
Rod Smith: RichRod was involved. We had different dynamic with co-coordinators. All of us shared our role in playcalling duties. It was different, but we made it work.
Rod Smith: I think this style of offense can work in any conference. It's about us coaches putting guys in the right position to make plays.
Rod Smith: Lovie very genuine and good person. His history precedes itself.
Rod Smith: What Lovie wants to do fits with what I want to do.
Rod Smith: I'm new to (the Illini QB situation). I know coach has talked about Cam Thomas as one of returners. Evidently, now he's the lone returner.
Rod Smith: We want a winner at QB. Want a guy that understands the dynamics of QB position.
Rod Smith: At Arizona, I recruited San Diego, Orange County and dipped into Florida.
Rod Smith: I want to be a multiple, spread-type team. I want to spread teams and force defenses to defend all 53-yards horizontally and vertically. Try to get the ball out in space to good athletes.
Rod Smith: RichRod always been very supportive. Thought Illinois would be a good program.
Rod Smith: Lovie basically told me we have to get better offensively. He's intrigued by how we move the ball and how we score points.
Rod Smith: No gimmicky name for my offense. It's a multiple-type spread. Spread takes on many different forms.
Cory Patterson: I'm just grateful for the opportunity. I'm just ready to get to work.
Cory Patterson: Telling Trinity players was the hardest thing I've had to do in my life.
Cory Patterson: I got a lot of relationships in St. Louis. I'm just looking forward to come to our city and getting some of the players to come play for the Illini.
Cory Patterson: Had a couple phone calls about other opportunities to coach in college. Coach Smith is always someone I looked up to. Not many opportunities to coach with someone with that integrity.
Cory Patterson: I want to be around good people and help change the program.
Cory Patterson: St. Louis recruiting is relationship-driven.
Cory Patterson: Thad Ward is a dog. He's a hard-working guy. We built a relationship.
Cory Patterson: Larry Boyd is one of my guys. Saw him grow up and become the person he is. He's going to be big part of us recruiting the city.
Cory Patterson: We've talked about me recruiting Indianapolis as well
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