Dave Doeren Talks NC State’s 1st Day in Pads

Head Coach Dave Doeren spoke with the media today after NC State’s first day in pads. You can watch the video here, or check out the bulleted breakdown below.

• On looking Forward to Pads…
  • Today we were able to tackle a little bit. Last 12 plays for each group got some live work. Practiced our short-yardage situations. It’s good to see guys finish plays.
  • We’ve been in shells the previous 2 days (shoulder pads and helmets). We weren’t taking people to the ground.
  • It was fun to see how guys are going to tackle at the end.
  • With pads, there’s more on the line. They play to the whistle.
• On Quarterbacks…
  • All three of them (McKay, Leary and Hockman) are getting equal reps right now.
  • Each is getting reps with the 1’s, 2’s and 3’s.
• On Sophomore Running Back Ricky Person…
  • Ricky didn’t practice today. Just a little sore. Doing well. Being protective.
• On Junior Receiver Emeka Emezie…
  • Quiet leader.
  • So respected because of work ethic.
  • Guys look to him more for that than his speeches.
• On whether more depth makes evaluation easier…
  • Tougher to evaluate with more guys in competition.
  • Sharing rep load with 9-10 guys.
  • It’s good, because it takes reps off guys.
  • Doesn’t wear guys out.
• On siblings on the roster…
  • Thayer and Drake Thomas
  • Tyler and Will Dabbs
  • Matt and Timothy McKay
    • Says a lot about program when older brother comes, has a good experience, and parents want younger brother to follow.
    • It’s fun to see them together.
• On Freshman Running Back Keyon Lesane…
  • Can Run.
  • Really Strong.
  • Good with the ball in his hands.
  • Tough.
  • Like’s contact. Makes him a unique receiver. Has a little bit of running back in him.
  • Fearless.
  • Has kick returner knack.
• On Freshman Defensive End Savion Jackson…
  • Gotten a lot better.
  • Spring really helped him. Lost when he first got here. In a lot better football shape now.
  • Learning the speed and what to expect. Has a lot of ability.
• On Nickel position…
  • Redshirt Senior Stephen Griffin and Sophomore Tyler Baker-Williams are in a good competition.
  • Good depth. Freshman Jalen Frazier is coming in there.
  • Sophomore Tanner Ingle is probably our best contact player.
    • Getting him in Free Safety like Josh Jones in past.
    • Fitting him in box where he can make plays will help offense.
• On Freshman Running Back Jordan Houston…
  • Probably hit a wall today. Really good first four days, and not so good today. He’ll bounce back.
  • Very athletic. Good vision. Can Catch the ball. Not afraid to block. Courage.