Stony Brook, N.Y. - StonyBrookAthletics.com recently sat down with senior offensive linemen Cody Precht and Mike Lisi to discuss their thoughts about their careers, where they see Stony Brook going and what it’s like to start more than 40 games among other things.

Describe the differences in playing as a redshirt freshman in 2011 to competing as a senior in 2014?

CP: I think everyone coming into the program today is ready to play. I definitely have seen the level of talent continuing to rise.
ML: In 2011, I was the young pup, and now guys are looking up to me. It’s been much more of a leadership role that I’ve enjoyed taking on.

As a player, in what area have you grown the most?

CP: I think being part of a program matures you. You learn to set an example. As a younger guy, you can struggle with the balance of school and football. You get used to playing through pain and adversity.
ML: I think I’ve gotten better in the mental aspect of the game. A lot of what we do has become second nature. As I’ve become more comfortable, I’ve passed on what I know to the younger guys.

How do you describe the significance of starting more than 40 games in your career?

CP: It’s a comfort factor. I’m not sure if it’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to. I’ve just been lucky to stay healthy.
ML: It’s a testament to being prepared to play. I think for the most part we came into the program expecting to compete for playing time. We did the best job we could do and we showed our coaches we came in ready to play.

Do you think you benefited from having Coach Priore as your position coach?

CP: For sure. For the most part, it taught you how to deal with pressure. He’s a great coach and an intense coach. Coach Priore is a genius when it comes to (teaching) technique and footwork. He’s helped me become more versatile than I ever thought I could be.
ML: Oh definitely. I’ve tried to channel his demeanor through my effort on Saturdays. I never played center in high school so he helped learn the position from scratch.

Toughest player you ever faced?

CP: Khalil Mack (Buffalo All-American and Oakland Raiders first-round pick) was really good. He was a handful.
ML: Mack was definitely the best player we’ve faced. I didn’t get to block him. The nose guard from Montana State (Zach Minter) was really good.

What memories do you have regarding the game at UTEP in 2011? It was against an FBS opponent and your first career start.

CP: Nervous, obviously. The whole game was a blur. Once the first snap happened, you got settled in. Our coaches were really supportive. They told us you’re ready to play. We had those butterflies you’d expect to have.
ML: It’s hard to remember. Seems so long ago. Being the center, I had a lot on my plate. We were playing in a great stadium with a lot of fans. It was a great experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

Do you approach games differently as an upperclassman than as an underclassman?

CP: I think the difference is mostly emotional. Now I try to focus on everyone’s job. I want to be a crutch for someone else just in case they need me to be.
ML: When I was out there as a freshman, I had Joe Faiella (senior left guard) playing next to me. Now I try to help Timon (Parris) and Armani (Garrick) like Joe helped me. Like Cody said, it’s no more than acting as a crutch for them.

Best block you ever made?

CP: I had a good pull (right guard sprints right to left in front of the running back) against Villanova in the playoffs in 2012. It was a cut block to help Miguel Maysonet score.
ML: Definitely against Syracuse on Miguel’s touchdown run. I pulled to the right and blocked two guys into each other.

What have you done to help your fellow linemates?

CP: Help them with the evolution of becoming a great player. It’s a lot to learn. I’ve tried to let them know how much preparation goes into it.
ML: Film work. I watch film Monday and Wednesday with Timon and Armani. I try to keep them comfortable. It’s important to stay loose and not get too tight.

Can you describe the perfect block?

CP: I think it’s just driving the defenders off the ball. If you know everything that supposed to happen, it makes the play that much more smooth. It’s easy to tell when you’ve made the right block.
ML: It’s hard at this level to drive your guy off the ball. You want to finish your guy off and drive him to the ground.

After losing your first three games in 2011, did you ever doubt yourself? (Stony Brook won nine straight after a loss to Brown)

CP: I was just trying to stay afloat through those first few games. Once we started winning, all of our demeanors changed. I think we meshed more and it was a season I’ll never forget.
ML: We had such good leadership that year, I think it was just a matter of getting through it. My head was spinning a lot early on. I’m not sure anyone was really thinking about our record. We were just trying to prove to the coaches that we could compete. We knew the wins would come.

Was there a specific moment when you knew you could play at this level?

CP: Not really. I’ve got a great foundation at home. My family talked me through some of the growing pains. On the field, I kept practicing and doing what the coaches wanted us to do. Everything is easier when you’re winning. A lot clicked as we won a few games in a row. You could see the confidence in your teammates when you’re winning.
ML: I never doubted myself. I knew I could do it if I kept at it. In the third game (vs. Brown), I knew I could be successful at center.

Has it started to sink in that your career at Stony Brook is winding down?

CP: Yeah. Driving to school from home, I was thinking that we got one more game left. It’s weird when you’ve done something for so long and then it ends.
ML: Yeah, I’ve thought about it, but it has yet to sink in. It still feels like I’m going to be here forever.

What can some of your fellow offensive lineman and teammates take away from your experiences?

CP: Hopefully they can take away that hard work is key. I pride myself on being a hard worker on the field and in the weight room. I think a guy like Timon can be an awesome player. He’s athletic, strong and has a good base. He can hang in there physically with anyone.
ML: Work ethic and leadership. I don’t think I was the most talented player on the team, but I always worked as hard as I could. Hopefully they can do the same. Armani has grown so much during the season. He’s got a lot of exciting football ahead of him.