WATCH: NT Brandon Cleveland Talks With the Media During NC State’s 1st Week of 2025 Spring Practice (with Transcript)

Senior Nose Tackle Brandon Cleveland spoke with the media yesterday during NC State’s 1st week of 2025 Spring Practice. Last season, he had 36 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup and 1 fumble recovery. You can watch the press conference above, and read the transcript below.

You’re one of the elder statesmen now at this point in the trenches.

It goes by so quick, sometimes I keep forgetting I’m the older guy. So, if I’m doing something wrong, I’ve got to make sure I correct it.

I’m believe in hard work.

What’s the first few days of practice been like for you? How did you come back out there and feel again?

It’s been good, I’m just trying to get back into the flow of things since I’ve been out of it for a little bit, so just trying to get back into the flow.

How much did you learn from a guy like Davin (Vann) last year and the last couple years about being that leader?

Definitely just leading by example and doing the right thing all the time, because you got a big target on your back, and being vocal, and just loving to support people.

What have you learned from Coach DJ Eliot, just in the first month or so of him being here?

I’ve learned a lot. He came from the NFL, so he knows what the NFL is looking for and that’s what I’m trying to do next year as well. So he’s enhancing my skills and I’m glad for it.

You got a chance to see it before we did last year, but you’re trying to stop Hollywood (Smothers) in practice last season and now going into this year. How frustrating was it when he broke off a big run, despite you almost being there on it?

I mean, it pisses me off, but I know it’s going to be better for the competition.

Did you know that was coming from him last year?

Yeah.

What gave you that first kind of hint?

Just when I practice against him.

What’s it like for you to see Coach Shaw take this next step?

I’m happy for Coach Shaw, because he’s been through the process. He started from the bottom and now he’s starting to see the fruit from his labor, so I’m happy for him.

A lot of new Centers on the team. How have you kind of introduced yourself as the Nose Tackle to them?

They pretty much know who I am, coming in.

I was going to say Spike (Sowells) actually talked about it at the All-American Bowl, talking about facing off with you. Have you had some talks to him about ways that he can improve as well.

Obviously, you want to beat him up all the time, but I just want to help him out, so when I leave here, at least he’ll be prepared for his career and the next person that comes in.

Do you think in terms of legacy yet, being a senior, or are you still just in the moment?

Kind of just in the moment right now, just enjoying it.