What Head Coach Dave Doeren had to Say at Media Availability in Week 2 of NC State’s Fall Camp

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren met with the media after practice yesterday during Week 2 of Fall Camp. You can watch the video ABOVE, or check out a Transcript BELOW.

“There’s really good leadership in a lot of positions. We had a good test yesterday with the downpour right in the middle of practice. Stayed outside of it. Didn’t turn the ball over 1 time, didn’t have a bad snap 1 time. It was pouring. You could barely see the film. Sometimes teams will complain like ‘Hey, there’s an indoor over there. Let’s go use the indoor.’ Nobody said a word. They just kept playing. That was great. That was a test.”

“Today it was, as you know, super muggy so we had another test. Started camp, it was 95…felt like 106. We’re getting Mother Nature’s touch right now, and seeing who’s got a little bit in their tank. Today we pushed them. We’re going to scrimmage tomorrow. It really wasn’t a long practice but we had some sustained, long drives today. You got to see stamina and where guys are at. They’re figuring out who they are right now. There’s good competition.”

Battle between the Receivers and the Defensive Backs

“There was a lot said about the receivers all through Spring. Then we added these older players (Defensive Backs) after Spring. That iron sharpens iron mentality that we carry, you’re really seeing it. DK (Kaufman), transfer from Auburn, plays really good football. Great command. Understands the scheme, talks to guys.”

“Seeing the same thing from Ja’Had Carter (Ohio State). Consistent, quick learners. Kerry Martin (Akron), same thing. Now you’re seeing that older player against older player. It’s been fun. It’s been a lot of fun to see these guys compete. Definitely making each other better.”

Adding Older Defensive Backs

“Helps a lot. You guys are talking to DK, but he’ll tell you he’s been through 5 position coaches in his career. He’s had to learn a new language almost every year. Easy for him to adjust. That’s one thing as a coach you can’t do. You can’t make a player more experienced. That’s the value of bringing an older player in. Even though you may have a talented young guy, he won’t have the game reps and learning from success and failure. They’re also at the end of their time so that urgency to be good is different.”

Recruiting Noah Rogers in High School and in the Transfer Portal

“We carry a mentality here , and it has nothing to do with the portal, and that’s do the most right thing. We put a lot of time into recruiting guys. We want them to be happy and successful in college. Sometimes it works out where we get them. Sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t think you get any benefit out of mistreating somebody when you don’t get it your way. Wish them well. You may get them back, you may not. You never know when you’re going to run into that guy again or he’s going to run into you. Doing the right thing, treating people with respect.”

“The second time around, I’ve known Noah since he was in 7th grade. There was a very big relationship timeline there for us, and for the players on our team who grew up with him.”

Running Back Room

“There’s competition. The guys have worked hard. Bringing in Jordan (Waters) (Duke), an older player. Allowing Kendrick (Raphael) to have a guy like that, that can help him off the field. Kendrick did a great job in the offseason, building his body up.

“Through recruiting, bringing in Daylan Smothers (Oklahoma), bringing in Jayden Scott (Freshman). Seeing those guys. DeMarcus Jones has always been a workhorse for us. Does anything and everything.”

“It’s an experienced and young group that has good leadership, experience and brotherhood. These guys really do a nice job of helping each other.”

Allowing Coastal Carolina to Practice this Week in the Indoor Facility

“Mother Nature. We feel for the folks that are going through it, this hurricane. Tim (Beck) (Coastal Carolina Head Coach/Former NC State Offensive Coordinator) called and asked if they could use our indoor. Obviously, yes, if it’s outside of our practice times. We’re happy to help them. Hopeful that it won’t last too long and create too much damage to their town.”

Defensive End Travali Price’s Offseason Improvements

“He’s completely changed everything…his habits, his routine. He’s benefited from that. He’s built his body up to 280 pounds. Last year he was up and down, up and down. When you’re up and down in body weight, the results are up and down, because your energy is going to be different day in and day out. Very proud of Travali. Really proud of his growth on and off the field.”

Cornerback Brandon Cisse

“He’s got a great mentor in there with Aydan (White). He takes every rep to heart. He’s really serious about getting better in the competition. We got him in a lot of games as our starting Dime last year. He has valuable game experience in our defense. “