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ATHENS, Ohio – Entering his first season as Ohio's tight ends coach, Kyle Obly is ready to showcase the preparation and hard work he and his players have built together. After the tight ends' strong showing against Rutgers (Aug. 28), Obly is ready to continue building momentum. 

Now that you've coached your first game as a full-time coach, how did it feel to be on the sidelines in that role?
Obly: "I'm proud of the way we played. I thought we represented who we want to be as a program: tough-nosed, fundamental football. We checked a lot of boxes, but there are still plenty of things to clean up. If we execute one or two more plays, I think we win that game. Personally, I'm living the dream, but our focus now is on improving and getting to where we want to go."

In what ways did your time as a graduate assistant at Ohio prepare you for this new position?
Obly: "This program is unique in how much access the support staff has with the players and full-time staff. As a student assistant and GA, I was in front of players daily, coaching, building relationships, and learning from guys like Dwayne Dixon, Tim Albin and Brian Smith. I recognized what a privilege that was and tried to take full advantage. Watching how others did their jobs prepared me to step into this role while still making it my own."

Heading into the Rutgers game, what were your pre- and postgame messages to your tight ends?
Obly: "Beforehand, I told them it was our first chance to showcase who we want to be as a group: play together, be sound fundamentally, and play through the whistle. Afterward, I told them I was proud we found the end zone three times and had some strong blocks at the point of attack. But situationally—short yardage, red zone, third downs—we had lapses. That's been our focus moving forward. I also reminded them that there are no moral victories. We had 24 hours to be disappointed, then it was time to learn from it and move on to West Virginia."

The tight ends accounted for three of the team's four touchdowns against Rutgers. What did that mean to you, and what went into that success?
Obly: "It was just everyone doing their job. Nothing was forced—we didn't go into those plays saying we had to get the ball to a tight end. It was simply a byproduct of executing and letting the scheme work. When everyone does their part, eventually you get your chance."

After seeing your group in week one, what's something you want to build on and something you hope to improve?
Obly: "We want to keep solidifying our style of play and continue emphasizing situational football—third downs, short yardage, the plays that decide games. I also want us to keep being selfless. One thing that stands out about this group is how excited they are for each other's success. When one guy scores, the others celebrate just as much. That speaks to our culture, and if we keep sacrificing for each other, everyone's day will come."

The Bobcats return to Athens on Saturday, Sept. 6, hosting the West Virginia Mountaineers for their home opener. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPNU. 

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