This morning NC State Fullback Jaylen Samuels was the offensive representative at the weekly press conference.  Here is a transcript of his conversation with the media.

On third down success…

“Our main goal is to be efficient on third down this year.  We’ve been doing a pretty good job these first three games.  We’re just trying to convert, and run a good play.  We’re just trying to keep the offense on the field.  First down we try to get half, and on second we try to get even more.  We try to make third down short so that we can just run the ball or do a short pass or something.”

Do other teams in the redzone ever look confused because you have so many options? 

“I can tell by the eyes of the defense, because we do a lot of shifts and motions.  Once we get in the redzone we try to get the linebackers eyes moving.  I can see it in their eyes.”

Do you think this offense is just scratching the surface?

“So far we’ve been doing pretty good.  We’ve got a lot of things we need to work on, but so far through the first three games we have been pretty efficient.”

On the offensive line… 

“I think the new guys have done good, with Will Richardson stepping in at Right Tackle.  I think he’s been doing pretty good.  They’ve all been playing good.  Joe Thuney has been having a good year.  Quinton Schooley…Tony Adams…they’re all blocking pretty good this year.”

On his success at getting in the end zone…

“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.  Whenever Coach Canada calls a play, I’m just going to execute it to the best of my ability.”

On increased playing time… 

“Last year my role wasn’t as big as it is this year.  When the game comes, I just try to prepare during the week.  I watch film and ask questions so I can be on top of my game.”

On his role as a blocker…

“The number one thing that Coach Faulkner stressed on me this offseason was just to get better at my run blocking.  He knew what I could do with the ball, so he just wanted to see me become better and more physical as a blocker.  That was the main thing I worked on this offseason.  When I know I have a good block, and I see Matt Dayes or Shadrach Thornton run through the hole, it’s very exciting.”

How did NC State discover you?

“I wasn’t really highly recruited coming out of high school, because of my size, and the position that I played.  I was getting recruited by State, and Coach Faulkner would always come up to my school and tell me how he was going to use me the same way that they did in high school.  It was close to home, only two hours away, so it was a good decision for me and my family.  I don’t really look at the rankings and stuff.  I just go out there and play ball.”

On offseason training…   

“Last year I was up to 235.  This offseason I tried to get down 10 pounds.  I’m weighing around 220 right now.  I feel like I’m faster and like I can move better.  I’ve been working hard in the weight room, and have more muscle mass now.”

On how this offense helps set him up to succeed… 

“We do a lot of shifts and motions where I can be at the wing, I can be in the backfield, or lined up as a receiver.  I think this offense really fits me because I can do different types of things.  I can run the ball and catch the ball, and even block.  It puts more stress on the defense.”

Is there a position on offense you can’t play…

“I don’t think I’m a good quarterback, at least throwing the ball.”