New Orleans Saints Defensive End Alex Okafor - 2018 Training Camp Presented by Verizon - Sunday, August 5, 2018

When the defense has kind of a two-minute drill like you had today, how much does that get you guys going?
"We practice it all week man. The only difference tonight was that we had we an audience. It was somewhat like a gameday environment. The competition was going, and we showed up and we showed out and we were proud of our practice today."

Is boot gang back?
"We'll see. We'll see if we hold on to it and make up something else. We're having fun out there."

Was it a nice change, a night time practice in front of all the fans?
"Yes, camp you have the same exact schedule every single day. So, it is absolutely a grind. Anytime you get a chance to come out here with a change of scenery, change of environment, it brings a little more energy and a little more competition."

Are you surprised you're as far along as you are? I know your type of injury usually takes more time [Tore right Achilles Week 11 of last season].
"No, not at all. Ever since I got hurt, talking to the doctors and talking to other guys that rehabbed it, they say if you stay on top your treatment and stay on top of your rehab that you don't lose anything."

Do you have any idea on your pitch count this preseason?
"No, we haven't even talked about that, right now we're taking it one day at a time. I am still working on my pitch count in practice."

So, you haven't had any issues [with Achilles]?
"No, no. I feel great so far everything has been smooth. No setbacks. I feel great."

You're not surprised by that at all?
"Not at all. Coming back into the season, that's exactly what I expected. From when I got hurt I said I was going to do training camp and it's held true."

Before you got here how much did you know about [David] Onyemata?
"'Big O'? Before I got here I didn't know much about him. When I got here I found out about him quickly and he's one of those guys that gets better. You can see it every single day man. You can ask any player out here and they'll tell you 'Big O' gets better every single day."

How's it been with Marcus Williams roaming around in the back like that?
"The thing about Marcus is he's kind of a taller, longer free safety but he has range and you can't coach that. You'll blink and he's from one deep third to the other. You just love playing with a guy like that because you know the quarterback's going to hold onto the ball with somebody back there like that."