NC State safety Hakim Jones wore #20 on his jersey last season, but on the first day of practice this week, he walked out with the #1 across his chest.  This number change didn’t happen because it’s Jones’ favorite number.  This number was a gift from his head coach.

“Hakim is a guy that’s been here a long time.  He graduated already.  He’s played in a bunch of games,” said NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren. “He’s going to be a three-year starter.  He’s a great leader.  He’s earned the right to wear that number.  It’s just a way of me showing what it means to wear something like that.”

The #1 isn’t a number that can be chosen by a player under Doeren.  It’s a number that has to be earned.  It is given when it’s deserved.  The distribution of this jersey number is about much more than what’s on the front and back of a shirt.  It’s about a mindset he hopes to develop in his players.

“We believe in earning things around here.  A lot of players come in here and want things, with a sense of entitlement,” said Doeren. “We try to strip that when they come in, and make them earn it.  For me it’s not about the hype.  It’s about earning what you get.”

Hakim Jones has been given the #1, and his head coach thinks he has earned it.