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NC State’s Dave Doeren’s Week 8 ACC Media Teleconference Transcript

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Today NC State head coach Dave Doeren answered questions on the weekly ACC Media Teleconference before the Wolfpack’s matchup against Clemson this Saturday. Here’s the transcript:

THE MODERATOR: We are now joined by NC State head coach Dave Doeren. Coach, please make an opening statement and then we’ll open it up for questions.

DAVE DOEREN: Excited for the opportunity this week, play Clemson on their homecoming at their place. Two really good teams, undefeated. Great rivalry team between Atlantic Division foes. Excited for that. In the bye week, sure for them as well, has been very productive, not just from a scouting standpoint, but to get a little bit of a head start on a great opponent, also be able to heal up a few guys that were banged up, put us in a better position. Excited for the opportunity down there and looking forward to it.

Q. Could you share a few specifics about why you’ve matched up so well against Clemson the past few seasons? Some great games. How much is your run D going to need to be special in this one?

DAVE DOEREN: Yeah, I mean, both games have come down to one possession, single plays in the game that swing it one way or the other. Our kids have played hard. Two years ago we forced a bunch of turnovers against them defensively, weren’t able to capitalize, which really ended up losing the game. I think we had five takeaways in that game and didn’t get enough points out of them. Last year is more of a shootout, a lot more points scored in that game. I just think we’ve been able to execute, not enough to win, but to make it a game. That’s kind of where we’re at now. Obviously want to be able to put them away if we’re in that position. Try to make it a four-quarter game, make the key plays at the key moments. You have two teams that are battling, I know that. It means a lot to both programs.

Q. Your run D is going to have to be a real key in this game?

DAVE DOEREN: Absolutely. I mean, everybody playing in this league, you have to stop the run. What makes them challenging is their tailback is the fastest guy on the field. When No. 9 is in the game, he is super explosive. Each week you’ve got a different challenge in this conference. When you play Clemson, it’s always the explosive plays you’re concerned about from a defensive standpoint. He just adds a different dimension to their run game.

Q. I’m asking coaches this week with Nick Bosa withdrawing from Ohio State, preparing for the NFL, do you sense that’s going to be a trend in college football, for guys that project that high, do you think it’s going to be one or two guys that might do that going forward?

DAVE DOEREN: I couldn’t tell you. I mean, I’m not able to read the future, buddy. I’m worried about this game and our team, not Nick Bosa.

Q. Have you ever had that discussion with players that have been injured, obviously have NFL futures, whether they would try to come back and play for you or shut it down and prepare for the NFL?

DAVE DOEREN: We dealt with it last year. We had a couple seniors that didn’t play in our bowl game. Bradley didn’t play, was healthy. I feel like that was a good decision for him. Tony Adams didn’t play and wasn’t healthy. Didn’t think it was worth the risk for him. He wanted to play. He just couldn’t get back in time for it. I’ve had those discussions with them. The thing I loved about our guys is they were both on the sidelines cheering on their teammates, being a part of the preparation, helping those guys finish out their senior years. To me that was special, still having that leadership from them.

Q. You mentioned how one play, one possession can make a difference. Your kids that have been through these last two games, is that something you emphasized it or something they already know?

DAVE DOEREN: No, we’ve emphasized it. I have said ‘every rep matters’ to these guys for the past two years. I’ve probably said that as much as I’ve said anything. You don’t know what the play is that can cost you or win you a game. You have to approach it that way. People all talk about the last play of the game because that was the one they remember. There was plenty of opportunities in both of those games where we could have won and didn’t. Dropped the pass, had a pass interference on a critical third down, had a field goal blocked before we missed the one that was a chip shot. Every rep matters is a big deal in a big game. I think you look across our game last year with them, the punt return they had for a touchdown is really what gave them the lead. That wasn’t the last play. The guys just have to strain that way and understand the importance of every rep that they get.

Q. In light of all the personnel you lost on the defensive side of the ball, what have you been pleased most with in terms of your defense?

DAVE DOEREN: Really just the way that they go about their work. I think you have a bunch of guys that play for each other, play hard. They’re getting better. They know that they have things to work on and they work on them. It’s just week-to-week. I think they’ve rose to the challenge depending on what the offense was we were facing. Played a great receiver at Marshall, shut him out. Played really, really well on the road up there against them. That guy had 240 yards on us the year before. To be able to play Virginia the way we did, I don’t think that team gets enough respect. I think that’s a really good football team. I think what they do offensively is really, really challenging. Our guys took a quarterback out that was basically on the highlight reel of every ESPN SportsCenter for a week hurtling over people. He had 20 yards against us. Then Boston College, I thought we might have played as good of football as we’ve played since I’ve been here in that first half with their difficult offense, holding them to three points. They’ve rose to the challenge. Obviously this week presents another one and the most difficult one of all of them because of their personnel.

Q. You and Brent Venables are Kansas guys, coached in the Big 12. He told us he gave you an endorsement at Kansas. Describe how your relationship has evolved over the years, what makes him such a good coach?

DAVE DOEREN: Yeah, Brent is a great coach. I’ve known him since I was a GA at Drake, when he was a GA at Kansas State. I have great respect for him as a person, as a football coach. We used to recruit the same area in Dallas, talk football, talk linebacker play. Obviously compete against each other. But he did, he helped me get an interview with Kansas when he was at Oklahoma with Coach Mangino. Obviously I got the job because he got me the interview. I definitely owe him for that. But I think a lot of him. What makes him a great defensive coordinator, I think he’s a very detailed guy, I think he’s a passionate guy, very knowledgeable guy that understands how to relate and connect to people, but also how to push them, get a lot out of them. I know his players play hard for him and he competes his ass off in practice every day as a coach. I know that about him. I have great respect for him. He deserves every dollar he gets down there, he does a great job for them.

THE MODERATOR: Coach, thank you

Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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NC State Football

DJ Burns Had a Word for Wolfpack Fans After Winning the ACC Championship

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When NC State’s DJ Burns was giving his acceptance speech after receiving the 2024 ACC Tournament MVP Award, Burns had the following quote to say when asked what he wanted to say to the fans.

“I’m going to keep it real simple. Thank you to the ones who’ve been consistent throughout the ride, and welcome back everybody else.”

Burns’ words struck a chord.

Throughout much of this season, it was embarrassing to see all the empty seats in PNC Arena.

As the Wolfpack lost 7 of their final 9 regular season games, it was clear that this team wasn’t just losing games, but they were also losing much of the fanbase.

It’s clear from Burns’ words that the empty seats were noticed, and so were the words of fans online.

NC State finished the regular season 10th, and much of the fanbase was frustrated, and rightfully so.

But, frustrated doesn’t have to mean giving up.

‘Never giving up’ is kind of supposed to be NC State’s thing.

The words of Jimmy V reverberate throughout the history of NC State basketball.

This team didn’t always put W’s in the Win column this season, and it wasn’t always an easy watch, but never for a moment were these players not playing as hard as they could for their school, one another, and their coach.

They never gave up.

Fans have a right to be frustrated, but you can still show up for a team, even when they struggle, because that’s what loyal fans do. When players wear a jersey with NC State across the chest, and they don’t give up, their fans shouldn’t either.

NC State fans aren’t known to be fair weather fans. Let’s not get in the business of leading our players to think we are.

But, like Burns said, whether you’ve been along for the ride all season or not, it’s time to hop on.

 

 

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NC State Football

WATCH: PackInsider’s 2023 Sean Brown Highlight Reel

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This past season was a breakout season for Junior Safety, now turned Linebacker, Sean Brown.

This past season, Brown started in 11 of the 13 games that he played in, and ranked 3rd on the team in tackles (66) and pass breakups (5). He also had 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. Brown’s PFF Grade of 63.7 ranked 13th on the team. His Tackling Grade of 86.6 ranked 2nd on the team behind Payton Wilson.

As you will notice in our Highlight Reel ABOVE, Brown lived in the box, and is a very ferocious tackler. He will fit right in at Linebacker next year for the Wolfpack.

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NC State’s Aydan White Has All-American Aspirations on His Mind

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NC State fans are extremely happy that Senior Cornerback Aydan White decided to return to Raleigh for his final year of eligibility, rather than remaining in the Transfer Portal.

White is happy he’s back as well.

“I’m just happy to be back at NC State,” said White. “It’s a good group of guys here. Just want to keep building on what we have in this defense and offense, and be the best team we can be.”

It’s hard for White to believe that he’s an old man on the Wolfpack’s football team now.

“It’s crazy just thinking about how my time has flown,” said White. “I’m now the guy that drops Freshmen off at Wolf Village, when I used to be that guy that was picked up from Wolf Village to go to practice. Definitely just trying to encourage them and get them on the right path.”

Not only could White have remained in the Transfer Portal, but he also could have left for the NFL Draft, but after hearing from NFL Scouts, he determined he still had unfinished business to take care of.

“They want to see more on-ball production. Last year I had a drop off in on-ball production. The PBU’s are good, but they want interceptions, making a play on the ball more. Being more sticky around the ball,” said White. “Just being in that position to make that play, because when you get to the league, those guys are bigger, faster and stronger, so if you can make it here, it will translate to the higher level.”

When asked on Thursday what the next step was for him as a Senior, after already proving so much, he kept his responses simple and concise.

“Keep stacking accolades. Getting better,” said White. “Helping the secondary. All-American.”

NC State’s Football program has produced an All-American in 4 consecutive seasons, with Linebacker Payton Wilson being the most recent.

2020: DT Alim McNeil – PFF (1st) AP (2nd)
2021: OT Ikem Ekwonu – Consensus 1st Team
2021: KR Zonovan Knight (CBS Sports)
2022: PK Christopher Dunn – Consensus 1st Team
2022: LS Joe Shimko – AFCA (2nd)
2023: LB Payton Wilson – Unanimous 1st Team

Could White make it 5 years in a row?

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NC State’s Wesley Grimes Feels Good Being Back Home

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When Wake Forest Wide Receiver Wesley Grimes announced he was transferring to NC State on December 8th, he was committing to come back home.

Before playing his first two years of college football at Wake Forest, Grimes was a 4-star prospect at Millbrook High School, right down the road from NC State in Raleigh. ON3, 247Sports and Rivals all ranked Grimes as a Top-250 prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, with Rivals ranking him as the #36 overall player nationally, the #4 Wide Receiver, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.

For Grimes, Raleigh is home.

“It feels great. I feel real comfortable. I’ve trained in this facility a lot,” said Grimes. “I’ve worked out here a lot. I’m used to a lot of the stuff around here. So playing here feels like home.”

Home is a place, but home is also people. Grimes isn’t just coming home to a place on a map that is familiar. He’s also coming back to people he grew up playing football with, dating all the way back to 4th and 5th grade.

“It feels great (playing with Noah Rogers). It’s not just Noah. I played with Coelson (Fields) in Pop Warner. I played with Lex (Thomas) in Pop Warner,” said Grimes. “Just a bunch of guys I played with around Middle School age, 5th grade…4th grade. I played 7-on-7 with Keenan (Jackson). I knew of Terrell (Anderson). We’re all close. Being back with everyone is a good feeling. When you play with your brothers, it’s a fun time again.”

Maybe the most noteworthy connection Grimes had was with Noah Rogers, who like Grimes, just transferred back to Raleigh (from Ohio St.). Grimes played for Millbrook, and Rogers played for Rolesville, but the connection went back way further than that.

“Noah (Rogers) and I started playing Pop Warner together in 3rd or 4th grade. We played against each other. I played for Cap City and he played for North Raleigh,” said Grimes. “7th grade year we went to Disney, and got close. We started training in Covid a lot together, and got real close. In High School we played against each other. We’ve always been competing, getting each other better.”

Check out the highlight reel of Grimes and Rogers that went viral a few years back.

In the end, some of the players Grimes had connections with went to NC State, while others, went elsewhere, like himself. Nonetheless, like Grimes, they all found their way back home.

“Out of high school, we definitely talked about it a little bit, but we all went our different ways,” said Grimes. “We were all at different times, and we decided to go our separate ways, but in kind of a full circle moment, we all ended up in the same place, and it all worked out for the better.”

 

 

 

 

 

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