Mike Rose is “The General,” and everyone respects “The General.”

He has earned his teammates respect by being one of the most consistent and hard working players on NC State’s team.  Rose has played in 38 college football games, which ties him with Hakim Jones and Juston Burris for the team lead.  The veteran defensive end is joined on the defensive line this season by 3 sophomore starters.

“I’ve got to instill in them every day that giving up big runs isn’t good enough,” said Rose. “The faster they realize it, and they’re starting to get it in camp, the faster we’ll make plays and win games.  I think games are won and loss on the line.”

To be “The General” you have to be able to lead, and Rose told me that even though he has a big personality, being a vocal leader is something that has developed over time.

“I was a lead-by-example before.  Over time I’ve learned to talk when they need it.  I speak when the time is right,” said Rose. “I try to push them to be more than a football player.  I graduated.  That shows them that it can happen.  I tell them to go to class.  Do what you’re supposed to do, so that off the field you can set yourself up, even if football doesn’t work.”

Rose had 15 tackles-for-loss last year, and only one returning ACC defender had more.  He wants to prove that you don’t have to wear a particular teams jersey in the ACC to actually be one of the best.

“I want to prove that just because you don’t play for a bigger school in the ACC, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be just as good, or even more talented.” said Rose.

Some players have a knack for being a disruption behind the line of scrimmage.  Rose believes that getting behind that line takes a different mentality.

“You just have to have the want and desire.  Not too many people want to play this position.  It’s a position where you just have to go and get it, and make things happen,” said Rose. “Most people want to be a quarterback, running back, or wide receiver.  I’d rather do what I do.  I love it.”