SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS

July 23, 2026

Quincy Rhodes Jr.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Press Conference

Q. At the top of your goals, obviously, they're all team. But what individual goals do you want to meet to get to those team goals and be successful?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: I was always told never settle for less than your best. So just sacks. My goal is anywhere from two to 15. The tackles for loss are going to come with it. That's me main goal this year. I just want to win.

Q. As an Arkansas native, you're going into your senior season with the team you grew up around. What does this season mean to you, particularly?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: It means a lot. Being in my senior year, staying and taking the time out to, again, understand the game a lot more. It has prepared me for the next level. That also helped me, returning has put me in the position to where I can understand the game more and understand how football actually works. That's also a reason, if anybody wanted to know that question, that's why I stayed.

Q. What would your message be to anybody that's doubting Arkansas right now for why things will be different this year?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: Last year was last year. Anybody could win. So that's probably the biggest thing to me is anybody can lose. Each Saturday is different. We put our best foot forward.

Q. I'm wondering if you could tell us about the differences between last year and this year. Maybe the main thing that's different -- is it overall talent? Is it coaching? Is it culture? Something else?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: It's a collective of everything. Everybody has a role. I feel like if everybody plays their role well, we can win.

Q. Anything different that stands out in terms of structure or how things are managed with the staff?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: At this point, I feel like the biggest differences between last year and this year is we have no choice. It's get with the program or get going. That's what has stood out to me the most.

Q. Let's go to a Saturday afternoon in September in Fayetteville. You're standing in the tunnel. It's rocking. Everybody's yelling, pig sooie. You've been there before, but do you still get goosebumps?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: Oh, yeah, that moment never ends, especially coming through the A, you touch the rock before you come through the A and then go through the tunnel. Then everything opens up and you just see everybody. It's a wholesome moment for me.

Q. You said last year was last year. Last season Arkansas's defense was ranked last in the SEC. What have you guys been working on to change that negative narrative that's around your defense?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: Understanding our scheme, understanding each other, because the biggest thing for a successful defense is who you are playing next to and what their weaknesses are. And if you guys can complement each other and pick up where they may be weak, I think that's what helps the defense, and it can showcase a strong defense.

Q. Who were some of the most influential teammates you've had during your time at Arkansas to get you to where you know you're going into your senior year as a leader on this team?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: I'm going to give -- sometimes it makes me emotional because Cam Ball has always been there for me. Cam Ball, believe it or not, I used to hate Cam because he used to get on my tail a lot. He used to joke and play around a lot.

But Cam has always supported me and believed in me. I've had, my first year with other individuals as well, but Cam Ball has been outstanding, a brother to me. I looked at him like a brother. I can call him any at any time, ask him for advice.

And he's going through the draft process right now. He's been through the draft process. And he's putting me on a game of what to expect, what questions to answer and the list goes on and on. But Cam Ball has been the guy for me.

Q. Being a kid from the state, getting to be in your senior year at Arkansas, what did it mean for you to get selected to come to this event and to represent the team?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: I'm very honored. I'm very blessed. Like I was telling a group of individuals earlier, being from North Little Rock, I've never seen myself here. And my dad's always believed in me, and I would tell my dad my vision.

And when I would doubt myself, he would kind of get mad at me because he asked me and he told me if this is what I want, I gotta learn how to believe in myself. And I just try to remain humble as I can and not think too much of myself because it could cause you to be boastful, bragful and all that stuff.

So I just try to stay within the median and just stay calm, cool and collected.

Q. Both tackles on the offensive side have been replaced or are new guys. Obviously a very important position. Lots been made of the quarterback situation, but you gotta be protected. I'm wondering how Bryant Williams and Kavion Broussard, when you've gone up against those guys, how you feel they've performed and what are their strengths?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: Those guys have worked tremendously hard, especially for the starting role. Bryant is a guy who is pretty big. And, Kavion, he's pretty big as well. But they have two different playing styles. Kavion is quick and Bryant's patient.

So going against those guys has helped me develop my eyes and what to see, how to pinpoint their weaknesses. And everything relates to Saturdays. And when you practice, depending on who you're going against, they can have the same playing style, but those guys have worked extremely hard to be where they are now.

Q. One of your former teammates you went up against day in and day out E'Marion Harris, now in Norman. How have you seen him grow the last couple of years, and what impresses you about him?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: Just his leadership. Again, him understanding the game. E'Marion is a great guy. He's all about the team. He wants to win. And sucks he left, but me and him are great buddies. I can still call him to this day.

Very smart, very intelligent and somebody who works hard and expects high things for himself. And the ceiling is high for him.

Q. Rip, swim, spin, bull, what's your go-to technique?

QUINCY RHODES JR.: I don't know if I want to say that because they might try to use that against me. It just depends on what they give me. Whatever they give me, I'm taking it.