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Friday, December 13, 2002
Chat wrap: Texas A&M's Chris Valletta
BCSfootball.com
On Tuesday afternoon, Texas A&M offensive lineman Chris Valletta made a special appearance in the chat room to discuss this weekend's game between the No. 24 Aggies and No. 1 Oklahoma (ABC, 1 p.m. ET).
Valletta, a native of Plano, Texas has played in all 48 games since he has been at Texas A&M. The 6-foot-3, 302-pound Valletta has helped the Aggies to a four-game winning streak. Texas A&M is averaging 390.1 yards of total offense this season.
Here's what transpired.
Kyle Warren
What do the chances look like for WR Robert Ferguson playing this Saturday against OU?
Chris Valletta
As far as I know, it's promising. I'm not exactly sure, since I haven't spoken to him since Sunday. But as far as I know, he's going to be fine.
|  | | A radio personality, Chris Valletta is one of the more vocal leaders of the Aggies' offense. |
Mike '96
I've been watching the Aggies play for about eight years, and in my opinion, this is by far the best offensive team I've seen. Has the coaching staff finally made significant changes to develop a passing game, or would you attribute the difference in play to something else?
Chris Valletta
I'd attribute the difference in play to the coaching staff and the new blood that Coach Slocum has brought in. He's brought in offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe, Pete Hoener to coach the running backs, and Larry Kirksey. Those three guys have done a great job in diversifying our offense and making it more problem-oriented.
Rock
What do you expect from the OU defense? Blitzes, zone coverages?
Chris Valletta
Oklahoma's defense plays with great effort and intensity. They play all over the place, and we expect them to throw the book at us. This is just as big a game to them as it is to us.
Bonfire 1999
First off, good luck this weekend. Second, what is the attitude of the team so far this week, confidence or pure excitement?
Chris Valletta
I'd say it's a mixture of both, since our next game is always our biggest game. This game just happens to be against the No. 1 team in the country. We're going to go out and execute to the best of our ability with great emotion and great intensity.
Mark '85
What do you feel will be the key to a successful running game against OU? Seems like it will be crucial to establish the running game and try to control the clock.
Chris Valletta
It's crucial to establish the run in every game we play. In order to do that, as an offensive line, we'll have to have the best game we'll have all year, hit all our blocking assignments and do the little things. That's the only way to get it done.
Michael
Will the game last year serve as motivation for Saturday?
Chris Valletta
No, only because last year was last year. We're both different teams -- much improved. This is a new season and a new football team.
PLC guy
How about your knee injury? Didn't you go down against Oklahoma State?
Chris Valletta
I had to go out for one play against OSU. (laughs) It doesn't even remotely qualify as an injury. It was a quick mishap, and I'm fine.
RalphNader
Do you think you have reached your full potential as a lineman?
Chris Valletta
No. One of my goals is to constantly improve. I think you can always improve, both mentally and physically. Every day I play I'm growing and maturing in this game.
I always try to look to the best -- guys like Larry Allen from the Dallas Cowboys, who has dominated the NFL the last several years, Bruce Matthews from the Tennessee Titans, who's been around forever and is just so durable. I watch those guys all the time and try to emulate them, but I still have a long way to go.
Brian '99
How much do you think the crowd noise attributed to the home win over K-State, and do you think crowd noise can play a larger role than normal against a pass-happy offense that may have to rely on audibles?
Chris Valletta
The crowd will be a factor, but I don't think it will be the determining factor. They've played in a lot of big-time football games this year. They've prepared for it and are ready for the crowd noise.
Jimmy '01
What is your single greatest moment at Texas A&M, or will it come this weekend?
Chris Valletta
Hopefully it will come this weekend. By far the single greatest moment for me, besides when I graduate, was when we beat Texas at home last year. The circumstances surrounding that game can't be explained, with the tragedy of the bonfire and everything that was happening on campus. A lot of emotion went into that game. It was a great time to be a part of that football game and this program.
AJ
Hey Chris how much has Mark Farris improved over the season?
Chris Valletta
Mark has done an absolutely tremendous job this season. He's been nothing short of spectacular for this offense. I've said all along since the first snap of the Notre Dame game that he can handle this offense, and he's proven he can do that and be a leader. We're fortunate to have such a great quarterback.
jbwollock
Do players get as excited about having the ESPN GameDay crew in town as much as fans do?
Chris Valletta
Definitely. It brings great exposure to the team. It gets us fired up on Saturdays before the game starts, because we watch it, too. It's going to be neat seeing our fans do the same things that fans at other schools have done.
MD
Chris, I know you are a radio DJ. What do you plan on doing after your football career? Play-by-play guy? Sportscaster? Or would you like to stick with radio?
Chris Valletta
Hopefully, I can continue to play football for as long as possible, but after football, who knows? It would be fun to do the analyst thing, but I haven't really researched it or thought about it that much.
Michael
Are the coaches adding any new defensive schemes to deal with the OU aerial attack?
Chris Valletta
I wish I could answer that question. Unfortunately, you'd have to talk to the defensive coaches. Other than the basic fronts, I couldn't tell you what defensive stunts we run.
Boom Boom
Who are you voting for, Gore or Bush?
Chris Valletta
Bush, definitely. He's a Texas guy.
Smiley81
Last year there was a lot of talk about poor team chemistry, which I think was blown out of proportion. What is the team chemistry like this year?
Chris Valletta
I think we have great team chemistry. The great thing about our team this year is that we have no unselfish players, which makes for a team that plays as a team, and that's what we have this year.
Maverick
Other than Kyle, what's your favorite stadium to play in?
Chris Valletta
There is no other college stadium in this country that I would rather play in than Kyle Field. Once you've played a game on that field as a member of Texas A&M, you'll understand what I mean.
Valletta Rules
Who is the best defensive lineman you have gone against?
Chris Valletta
There are two: Shaun Rogers from Texas, and Mario Fatafehi from Kansas State. They are both great players. They're very good technicians, strong and quick.
Jaydoug'96
Tell us a little about your fitness schedule. I've heard stories about the quality of food at Cain. I mean, a lineman can't get too fit and trim right?
Chris Valletta
No, we can't. We actually stay on a strict fitness schedule. Mike Clark, our conditioning coach, is one of the best in the country at that, and he's educated us enough on how to get the proper nutrition that will lead the maximum performance out of our bodies.
Thanks a lot for all the questions. We look forward to a great game on Saturday.
Gig 'em Aggies!
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