2024.08.01 ACC Road Trip: NC State Wolfpack Football

we've reached stop number four of 17 on the ACC football road trip up next is NC State it is going down tonight so the wolf pack Dave Dorn's 11th season the pack finished 9 and4 winning at least eight games in four straight seasons for the first time in program history the pack they have numerous incoming transfers including a new signal caller Grayson McCall makes the move from North from Coastal Carolina to Raleigh he passed for more than 1900 yards and 10 Tes for Coastal Carolina over 10K over his career for passing if he's going to hook up with someone it's got to be the ACC Rookie of the Year KC concepion and then on the dline Davin van he will be the key to helping replace a big loss in the off season which is Payton Wilson who's drafted into the NFL all right emac you got a chance to see Grayson mcco early on during his time at Coastal Carolina what did you see then that really impressed you and how much has he grown since that moment yeah man you know I saw a winner right it was so interesting uh that was kind of his come uh to to start a moment you know I'm covering his game as a freshman he's playing uh against Louisiana and he has a walk-off game winner and uh just to see that to see that Moxy to see that confidence then uh you know it's only imaginable what he is now and and the player that he is now so he can do it all super accurate a guy that can really throw the long ball we keep showing you know his stats from last year he was injured the these stats aren't impressive this dude has over 10,000 yards in his career over 88 touchdowns I mean he's an absolute baller and quite frankly guys I think what's going to make him you know take NC state to another level is his ability to distribute the ball NC state has so many weapons they're going to get it out and expect Grayson to be able to get it to all of them [Music] all right so before we talk about the weapons cuz you're out there in Raleigh you got to see them a little bit uh during fall Camp already when you're watching Grayson now in an NC State uniform with the team what what was your thoughts when you got to watch it live in in color ma yeah just how accurate he was Tay I mean that was one of the things that you know just emerged very quickly kind of jumped off when when we were watching him I was going to say jumped off the screen but we're here in person uh you know he he's dialing it in and he's threading the needle making these tight window because listen NC State's defensive backfield is really good that that is going to be a big point of emphasis for the Wolfpack and he's just dialing it in there making some big time plays and uh I think that's something that he's going to need you know all year long to to have that trust uh that he's already been able to build with those wide receivers all right EAC we mentioned pay so The Playmakers yeah you yes for Justin yeah emac so we mentioned pton he's one of one no longer there now in the NFL getting a great opportunity is it going to be by committee or is Shawn Brown essentially going to take the mantle now yeah yeah the look at the defensive side of the ball uh you know I think a lot of Outsiders are saying uh that the defense is in Pittsburgh with the Steelers right because you mentioned Peyton Wilson how good he was but you know Shawn Brown is a guy that they are very excited about he's sliding down into the box from the safety position really long Wings span a guy that I think that's going to help him immensely play the position very fast 44 4-3 type of guy and not afraid of that physicality you know the the the will linebacker spot you know you're not really taking on those guards and centers you know you might have a tight end in space or one of those guys when they're pulling uh but you don't quite have to really worry about that Kade is another guy Kade forom that's going to step up and and really be able to call the defense he's just been buying his time uh and now it's here now he's the guy and he gets to fully do that and Excel in that position yeah but that's how it kind of works there in Tony Gibson's defense is is you wait your turn and when it's your turn it's your time to shine so they expect those things from Kate forom and now I know last year they were high on Shawn Brown and heading into the spring and and he's already proven it it feels like so far this spring everything they're saying back on the other side though when you mentioned The Playmakers he's going to have Grayson McCall more Playmakers to distribute the ball too who jumped out to you when you were out there watching I know we talked a little bit about it at kickoff last week but they have some dudes now yeah they they absolutely do and it's hard not to just immediately say KC concep cuz he did he he pops as well I mean he's so fast so electric looks like he gained a little bit of weight uh maybe changed his composition a little bit more muscle still as fast as ever guys he's not wearing any gloves people are too sweaty there's too much moisture so he has no gloves on so that tells me he has Surefire hands and just his swag I mean you guys will hear it here in an hour tonight when we were talking I know it's impressive but you know just his confidence that he has was very impressive Wesley Grimes from Wake Forest very fast very quick a guy that can really make some things happen and some mismatch uh J Jolie excuse me the tight end big I mean you talk about mismatch nightmare a guy that I know coach Robert and I is GNA love to have you think of Kon Thompson you think of gelani Woods at Virginia and then lastly uh the the the the five star that came home you know Noah Rogers the the separation he's able to get the big play ability that he is able to make right now as a red shirt freshman very impressive and I expect again because of all those guys KC to kind of just be able to naturally be a star Tay and obviously our resident offensive lineman the Run game has been a problem for NC State over the last couple of years and Dave Dorne and Company will be the first ones to tell you we got to get a ground game going they got a running back now in Jordan Waters I know they like the depth at the position too but it all all starts up front in the trenches with with that old liny Mac no there there's no question about that and you have a potential first round draft pick in Anthony Belton I mean a guy that is so big and Nimble I mean he reminds me a lot of Makai beckon a couple of years ago at Louisville maybe a little bit more athletic you know with with his ability to get out we were talking with a couple of guys earlier today and they say they call him Escalade you know because he's that big and still able to move very quickly uh and then you bring over Zeke Carell from you know Notre Dame a guy who has instantly evolved into a leader of this team leader of this offensive line coach Tu offensive line coach called him the bcow that's the guy that he's going to lean on uh so you look at those two and then others that have really emerged and Ste forward this offensive line is going to be fantastic and it doesn't hurt to look behind you and see number seven not in blue but in red and black right yeah a lot of high expectations emac I'm sure you've seen the list they were projected right now to finish fourth in the conference on the defensive side Davin van what type of Step can he take in his game what does that look like in 2024 yeah Jay he he's a guy that has been such a veteran such a great leader you know I was talking with Grayson McCollin he said his blood is in the bricks if you know anything about NC State there's a lot of bricks all over the campus so that's just a guy that's been there done that and he he's trying to get to that double digit sack number he's wanting to play Both Sides at defensive end left and right obviously we know right is is more of a a run stopping guy and left that's where you make your money so so you know to have that ability to move around uh is key but also just understanding hey you're the guy now you know it's been these great linebackers for so long and there's it's been about five six years of them uh where they can be the face they can be the voice they can be the leaders of the team it's your turn and he understands that and I think is really spearheading it it's going to be fascinating to see H how does he just take it though to another level statistically Mac I want to follow up on a point that Taylor brought up on the offensive line and how you have a new quarterback back as well as a new center even though Zeke is really high highly tiled one of the best transfers that was in the portal Anthony Belton and you as a former o lineman how much onus has he taking responsibility for making sure there's cohesiveness when you have a new quarterback and Center for this season well you know it's one of those things leadership wise that you know those two guys are such vets you know when you look at Zeke and and when you look at Mccall there that they're going to get the time in but you know I think when you have a guy like AB that you know just maybe sh things up that you don't have to worry about that left side ain't nothing coming through there right when you have a guy that big and that strong and and everybody wants to win the one thing that was so uh just just obvious while we were here is the expectation is High I mean and everybody's kind of embracing that understanding that and I think that's a good thing you know it's it's one thing to have a chip on your shoulder and and to want to you know kind of create that but it's also another thing to know you're good and to know the expectation and then to go out there and delivered let's not read all the Press clippings but it's okay to peek every now and again yeah we were talking at the start of the show obviously the ACC preseason poll comes out and there's NC State sitting at 4 and we can talk about the Virginia techs and Georgia Tech and everything they have coming back but it looks like especially schedule wise emac and that Tennessee game early on that it shapes up really well for the pack to be able to do some damage in this league this season if they get it done on the field no there's no question about that and I don't like saying easy because football is hard winning is hard but they certainly have a favorable schedule they certainly have a Louisville of last year schedule I think this is a better team you know so what are you able to do how are you able to take advantage of that and you know make a run it's about time NC state has never played in the ACC football championship game they have you know not won 10 games but once in their entire existence as a football program this is the year it is time to cash in all the stars are aligning the players are there the schedule lines up nicely you have to take advantage of that and and quite frankly again I talk about that expectation I think they're ready for that I think they are ready to take that step yeah they're going to have week two in Charlotte against Tennessee and they're hoping that in early December they are playing in Charlotte for that ACC Championship emac don't go anywhere uh we need you back in a little while as we get ready to reveal the ACC pre-season team player of the year so don't go anywhere just yet but we do want to know coming up after ACC PM ACC football road trip continues in Raleigh which is why EAC is there with Mark Packer and Mark herlick as well the Takeover coming up tonight we're going to keep it on the East Coast because the pack is next on our ACC football road trip and we're going to preview it literally with Mark Packer and Company uh stay tuned one more block left here on accn today welcome back to ACC PM the ACC football road trip continues coming up in just a couple of minutes it's NC State Wolfpack getting it done over there in Raleigh and our crew is out there getting it done Mark Packer and Company take it away a little sneak peek of what we're expecting to see coming up at 6 o' NC State Road Trip boys have been working hard Grace Mall in town bunch of newcomers NC State looking good in practice number two it's August it's hot but you know what this team's got a chance to absolutely be terrific and look at all these newcomers especially on the offensive side man they are absolutely loaded weapons everywhere you look a new signal caller and Grayson McCall that I am ecstatic about that he's in the ACC specifically here at NC State and you like that tight end hers justtin Jolie man at Yukon he was such a physical presence but also has this amazing ability to use his body and Body Control in the air and can break tackles and run down the field I mean he's going to be a weapon that Robert and I deploys frequently you know the ACC road trip again we're going to be busy in the month of August but this is a team that can get to Charlotte win an ACC Championship for the first time since 1979 punch that ticket get in the college football playoff huge upside for NC State there there's no question in my mind that because of the schedule because of the additions that they've made offense and defensively that absolutely they're they're one of those teams and I think it's it's bigger exactly what you said it's not just an ACC Championship we're talking about a playoff caliber team and maybe even if you f somehow Find Your Way sitting out of that game because of the head-to-head or something happens you can still because of you're out of conference having Tennessee on that schedule you can still find your way to a playoff with 12 teams first time this year yeah I think they're going to have to win the AC Championship to make the playoff though right CU I mean we're talking about strength of schedule being low you know people are going to look at that so right so like what's the clearest you beat Tennessee and you're a on loss correct you got see got to see what Tennessee does too but but I do think like their goal is say hey look we're going to win this ACC Championship game they haven't even ever played in the ACC Championship game since it was formed in 2005 they obviously won ACC championships but it's say we got to get to that game we got to get past 10 wins and now everything's lined up and I think if you want to if you ask Dave Doran it's probably like hey screw the schedule we don't care about the schedule we've got guys that can beat anyone right put anyone out there just so happens that we as analy we can take a look and say wow it's not that hard of schedule and I think they can do it well and I think again just to keep talking about you you look at the teams that are on that list of who they play we kind of came up with our top six of the five potential teams in the ACCC that they could play that we have in that top six they play one I mean that's a big deal when when you have that and how can you take advantage of it because this is the year 10 games once ever in the history of this program and they play Clemson on the road early so even if they a hiccup there plenty of time to get on a run and go on a roll I think Tom luganville said at best if you're going to be a college football playoff team double digits almost needs to be the worst case scenario to get to the table but if you win that ACC Championship man you you ain't got to worry about it you punch that ticket you're good to go no question especially after what we saw with Florida State last year you got to win that Championship no doubt yeah there's no question about that all right it's going to be great and this all the folks that are coming on the program busy busy day here in Raley North Carolina but this team loaded with stars and Dave Dorne has done such a nice job hard to believe his 12th season yeah I mean look at this lineup we've got coming on the show today man absolutely loaded excited for the walkr excited to have coach and I kind of miked up with us in practice there's some superstars on this list yeah there really are excited to talk to KC concepion I mean he's just phenomenal last year I haven't gotten a chance to meet him in person uh and I've seen him on the field he looks a little taller little bigger yeah not this much uh they're going to kick me out of Raleigh and put me back in the basement tomorrow for PM but guess what ACC PM you guys keep on rocking Justin Taylor take it away holding it down for holding it down for our main man Mark Packer hers and emac of course and we appreciate emac for joining the the show today he'll be back in the basement tomorrow though as as we continue our road trip tours that's a heck of a lineup Justin that they're getting coming up here in just a bit at six o'clock and and honestly I'm really excited for NC State and their potential this season I know uh can talk about it all day but really there is a lot to be pumped about if you're a Wolfpack fan that's a phenomenal lineup I cannot wait for tonight's show but why didn't mark Packer have sunglasses on that is a question that needs answers because you have Mark herlick as well as emac too cool for school and Mark Parker Packer didn't have sunglasses I don't know maybe he left them in the car but it been nice always got to be different Justin you know him by now you know he's always got to be different it's a contrarian without cause but when we go to NC State absolutely something that I think is worth keeping an eye on and Dave Dorne brought up a great point when he was at um ACC football kickoff last week in Charlotte and he said that this offense needs to average and the goal is more than 30 points per game last year was 26.9 and the reason why he has that as a benchmark is because he believes this defense will not give up more than 30 points per game so if Grayson McCall can hook up with Robert and I and make sure that everything works out and then I think no Rogers having a big time uh first season there coming over from Ohio State that is going to be important it feels like Grayson McCall holds the keys to the success this season of course it's going to be both sides of the ball but if they can just make sure to get the job done on offense and put up that many points the defense they're going to be Stout even though you don't have Payton Wilson there yeah that's kind of just what Gibby's defenses do there at NC State but but for me in order for this offense to be success uccessful obviously Grayson McCall and his health is key Casey conception not being the only playmaker looking around running around trying to figure out where number 10 is you got to have some help it's going to be on the ground because for NC State as we talked about with emac they've struggled to run the ball a bit over the last couple of years last year uh finished 10th in the league in terms of rushing so Jordan Waters comes over from duke and this is a guy last year in a Duke uniform who ran all over NC State and that really good defense so he comes over he's still playing at home he got his degree from duke and said I wanted to stay in the area I think the offensive line and Jordan Waters there toing the pig skin is going to be the big difference for this offense it opens up the rest of it allows Robert and I to use that creativity he's known for and now a couple more Playmakers added to the Arsenal they can be a really potent offense so I I don't I think they will average minimum 30 points a game just because of the weapons they have at their disposal Justin yeah one of those dudes and Playmakers they alluded to in the preview that's going to be coming up the full show just in minutes is Jus Jolie I got a chance to cover several of his games last year at Yukon when I tell you you mention the word dude like this dude is going to be a great Red Zone Target he is a mammoth of a human being and especially at the tight end side he's agile Telling You Justin Jolie check him out nor Rogers obviously would be a great addition and then of course Casey concepion and Jordan Waters but there's no shortage of options for Grayson McCall to hook up with but on the other side of things because pton is one of one it's nice to know that Shawn is going to have an opportunity to prove that it's by committee the whole defense knows that Payton is no longer there but if you're going to have Shawn at the weak side linebacker position Brown is going to be able to step up for this team getting more reps coming down from the safety position as emac mentioned though but I think it's going to be really exciting to see in a different role how he's able to adjust to that because it's more by committee Payton is gone that is one person that you just truly can't replace the best linebacker in the country but Shawn Brown is just as fast as him he runs a 4443 and I know they've been able to tout him and push him out there but Shawn Brown the new leader or one of the leaders of the defense along with Davin van yeah and Kaden forom too that they do this at linebacker there people wait in the wing they wait for their turn and he's certainly going to have his chance this upcoming season all right Justin holding it down over there on the East Coast I'm over here on the West Coast appreciate you joining us after us coming up ACC football road trip continues in Raleigh a big thank you to the San Francisco Media Group for this wonderful setup we'll see you later enjoy the show all right man we're here beautiful Raleigh we've got a show to do I don't know where pack is we're looking for him but Coach Dave DOR coming on the show Casey conception have you seen him do you know where he is D I never know we need a ride he's in he's in the basement oh yeah oh we had to get Bojangles got Bojangles and I got NC State football attitude boys it's all about a road trip H North Carolina it's all about the NC State wolf pack let's go meatballs we're opening there it is rileigh North Carolina the capital city of the great state that is where you're going to find us because we are excited to back those guys right there at NC State Carter Finley already sold out this year bu Corgan life is good got to add some more seats that's how excited people are and they're looking forward to an ACC football championship haven't had one since 79 this could be the year for NC State no doubt about it all right look at this cast of characters found them in the parking lot picking us up that's the least I could do I had Bojangles for you in the back but you jumped in the bed of the truck knocked me out of the back of it you peeled out so fast lot of power Ford F-150 potential sponsorship opport that 91 Ford F-150 like 2010 it's on great shape I'm glad you guys didn't Dent it up uh this going to be an exciting team to watch from NC State all right there's another question look at this we're going to got all kinds of folks here in the next hour yeah it's going to be fun man Loaded show excited for the walkr with Coach Gibson uh you know just and talking with all these guys cuz they're excited to be here you see some new faces on there as well it's going to take some getting used to seeing these guys in red and black I can't wait to talk to KC too like you know they protected him a little bit in the his freshman year I can't wait to talk to him yeah there's no question about it it's hard to believe though Dave Dorne in his 11th season with the wolf pack N9 and four last year and they've won at least eight games again in four straight Seasons first time program history but they're looking for double digits and even more coming up this season the packs got numerous incoming transfers including a new signal caller in Grayson McCall he makes the move from Coastal Carolina to Raleigh last year again 1900 yards 10 touchdowns for the shanon clear and of course returning for the pack that includes the 2023 Rookie of the Year we're talking about Casey conception got Davin van those guys are going to join us later on tell you what all kinds of keys what they're going to do with the biggest loss in the off season with Payton Wilson some question marks but man the upside for this football team is big no it's huge and and that graphic a little bit misleading there for Grayson right 1,00 yards you're like okay what is that that dude has over 10,000 yards in his career he was hurt last year barely could play uh he's a game breaker 88 touchdowns so last year was was a bit of an anomally in regards to production because of the injury I think by adding him with all these weapons they have offensively he he's going to be like Chris Paul he he's a point guard Distributing that rock getting it out and uh quite frankly I I think it's ACC Championship bus for these guys yeah and I mean you see all the big names right in the Ohio State transfer but you look at the Yukon transfer Justin Jolie to me he is a guy that's the missing piece in this offense right when Robert Den's offense was clicking and Kon Thompson was like that reliable tight end Target galani Woods over the middle it was like that's the guy like I really think if Justin Jolie has a great camp in beginning of this season it's going to open up that offense again uh it's one thing to talk about the ceiling but again all these newcomers especially on the offensive side EAC and this was a team last year at that time struggled offensively I don't think that's going to be the issue in 24 and especially struggling to run the football but you see Jordan Waters right there and you know we're talking about all these notable additions how about Zeke Carell from Notre Dame I mean we we got to talk about that guy he is a war daddy that is a guy that is going to be on an all ACC team to finish it got to see him in practice yesterday Mark he is so cerebral so smart sitting in meetings you know he's helping a young guy out coach says so you know Zeke what do you see here he looks at the board for 2 seconds and can quickly identify that's going to spread throughout the entire offensive line make them better yeah and at center right with over 2,000 snaps at Notre Dame didn't give up a sack last year I mean when you have that guy as your anchor and then Anthony Belton on the left side you're like oh wait a second we have an offensive line oh wait a second we got a running back we got a tight end we got wide receivers all these things they didn't have last year you know it's been a great year for NC State Sports from the beginning of last year into 2024 I think it's going to continue this year I think the fall I think the Olympics no question I think NC State's going to be one of those teams it's not going to shock anybody to see them in Charlotte I completely agree and we we'll look at the schedule I'm sure later but it sets up perfectly and uh you know hers to me it reminds me a lot of Louisville last year when you have the opportunity with the schedule you have the dudes coming in to do it how can you take advantage and how can you make the most of this time right here well you got to I think that's the thing it's like you have to and when things lay out like this for you and you're like ah this is the and you haven't won 10 games yet and you've never played the ACC Champion game it's like Now's the Time 12th season at NC State in Good Company most wins since 2013 there is the number you will be tested at the end of this program because it's all about the wolf pack here for this entire show guarantee you all right let's bring on the main man for NC State running the show Coach I just mentioned at the 12th season man time flies done it what's different now versus when you rolled into town everything literally literally everything how about your football team I mean you know the the eye test of this team forget about what was going to happen with wins and losses just the eye test of what these guys look like yeah we've got really good competitive depth you know uh we talk about retention then you talk about developing your roster and then bringing guys in with experience and we've done well in all three phases of that and got a good group of people that have been with me a long time and we're all drinking the same red cool-aid around here you know so they know what to do with him Coach one guy in particular that just jumped off the screen and then when you find out he's a true freshman Casey concep on I mean what you guys threw at him the amount of knowledge that he was able to hang on to uh and I remember you and I talking over the summer you said at the byee we were just like let's go yeah is that rare have you ever seen something quite like that no it's rare I mean you don't see it often um we were worried about it going into the season cuz we could tell he was by far our most electric player but putting all on a freshman and as the season went on he showed us that he had earned that and that was the right move for our program with him and going you know being his second year and you're leading the ACC and in receiving yards and as Scouts look at him right for the next level I know that's not where you are yet but do they do they look at him as a returner too like are we going to see him more in that role you will yeah if you just watched the last period we were in punt return and he was back there catching punts and so we're still trying to decide where that goes but he's definitely going to be a part of that return turn game yeah I know when he kind of reminds me of like Z flowers and his skill set and he's able to break tackles and I know Scouts were thinking hey we could draft this guy first round if he can also prove to us that we can use him right away in that return game and so getting the the ball in his hands kind of any way possible was the really the goal last year this year yeah you got to say okay well we got to ration in the football because we have a bunch of other guys who have joined the team that can really do something big how do you communicate that with Grayson and how comfortable is he with that kind of spread round type offense well I think it's great for Grayson you know it's not a oneman thing over there he's got a lot of weapons like you mentioned the tight ends running backs and the outside receivers that we've added to the roster make it a more complete thing and so we can still do a lot with KC and we are like they're going to have to know where number 10 is but if you Center your defensive package on stopping him it opens things up for Noah darari Wesley Justin Jolie and then the running backs coach watching just the early part of practice the one thing that's obvious is Team Speed it it feels like this may be the fastest team you've had uh yeah I don't know you know I think we got some good we we have competitive speed I think that's the thing I like we've always had some guys there's depth you know and so when one guy leaves and next guy comes in you don't see a drop off and that's the biggest thing as a coach because we all know it's a long season for us it's eight games without a buy you know so it's the longest stretch I've had without a buy week so we're going to need that you guys also have great game speed right like you might not be the fastest guy but on film they're always running to the whistle right so it looks and the effort and I know coach Thunder and those guys coach set up yourself uh effort matters let's go to the defensive side of the ball for a moment because that's secondary it was day one let me pull back the reins a little bit myself uh but I'm excited I I see some veterans I see some guys making plays on the football interceptions pbus it's impressive to see that how much of a a luxury is that to have a good defensive back field as we think well it opens up the call sheet for Tony you know for Coach Gibson he's a guy that likes to be multiple bring pressures from a lot of places show pressure and drop and we have experienced guys but we can play man you know and that's the thing that opens up the blitz packages for you how important is you for that defense and just showing Davin van here you guys so often were able to only Rush three and get pressure on quarterbacks in key situations how how big is that and how big is that communication to those front three of like hey you got to be the ones who make the pressure so we can do all those coverage adjustments yeah you know being a d lineman in this package there's times where it's a three-man rush there's times where it's four it's five it's six and so when it is three they got to strain they got to fight there's going to be double teams for them at times there's games going on where we can try to pick and get guys free on picks and things like that but there's also a lot of pressures where it's one-on-one and you got to eat when you get those one-on-one blocks mhm coach real quick the ability to get off the field last year I thought you guys were Sensational third down it was almost automatic hey and from a momentum standpoint now that you got a kind of more of a an offensive team that can really score the ability to get off the field on Def defense will be critical again in 24 yeah I mean the drive start analysis we do on where the offense gets the ball based on where we stop them right and and what our punt return team can do to set up uh our offense and our defense and our punt teams and it's a big deal to go three and out you know and some we make a big deal we call it turkeys you know but just getting those guys off the field whether it's a takeaway or a three and out it's a big part of what coach Gibson talks about all right well let's you get back to work all right I appreciate it you got it Hey listen it's a pleasure we appreciate all the hospitality I think good things are happening for you thanks for having me go pack you got it here's Dave D when we come back you know you just talk about that defensive line come on then guess what big man's going to join us DAV van that's all coming up NC State Road Trip it continues here in beautiful Raleigh North [Music] Carolina NC State Road Trip continues here on the first day of August Our Man Mark hers looks got a front row seat but Tony Gibson talk about that NC State Defense we got situation day today last play 8 seconds left trying to get in field goal range so we're going to uh this little fourman pressure dime package yeah how's it been with the cornerback rotations good really good we got the four or five guys we like a lot yeah that's great here we go base in base in and it was great to get Aiden white back yeah really good I mean you know you talking about one of the best corners in the country in my you know in my opinion the dude is two years without giving up a touchdown he's just a steady guy does things right works his tail off so he was really hot at the end of the last season too so it was nice when you saw him come back out of that transfer portal no doubt that was uh that was a big recruiting win for us when we did that so how's Kaden pom done making the calls as a young guy in that linebacker spot doing really good you know he's uh obviously he's been very fortunate to learn from yeah Isaiah Mo drg Thomas pton Wilson been in a meeting room with those guys and you know same thing with Betty I mean those two guys have played a lot of football for us and yeah they're they're just uh they're extremely smart to me training camp right like training camp offseason workouts is about building toughness and resilience and like I've talked to you about this before why do we see so much soft football like why do we see that and and how are you battling against that yeah well it's you know everybody here and we talk about it you know the transfer portal doesn't scare me if a kid's not tough enough to play in for NC State and the brand of football we play defensively they can leave I I'll welcome I'll escort them right out right out the door to the parking lot but uh you know we play with a certain Edge and and do things a certain way and we hold these kids accountable to everything what they put on film is their resume and you know we're going to make sure that they play hard and play our brand of football and if not they're not going to play yeah that's like the old school mentality I that's when when I played when you I mean it was like it was the hardest thing you ever did that day right like everything you did was the hardest thing you've ever done and it seems like you guys culture nourishes that mentality and the leaders on this team like they Foster that with the young guys yeah and they have a standard to live up to you know from from what we've been able to do the last few years yeah uh you know and I don't hide behind that you know we put it up and I challenge these guys to to be better than last year's grp and and play hard and all those things and on Sunday we hold them accountable we we make sure that that they understand that they're going to play with effort and play hard and two people don't fit with me soft and lazy and you know they it's hard for to play for me on defense if they're soft or lazy yeah no I hear that my wife tells me sometimes I'm soft and lazy and that doesn't fly with her [Music] either who's you have any newcomers yeah Jihad Carter yeah I mean we know him from from Syracuse he's he's really fitting in really well with our uh with our guys and our scheme uh you know day one had a really really good day uh we have uh Donan cof safety to transferred him from Auburn we really like fitting in well KJ Martin is a guy that came from akan yeah that actually I recruited at West Virginia and isn't it wild how that always happens yeah and it just kind of came full cycle with that so and then Cory Coley is a corner we got from Maryland yeah uh so Chaz Wallace a nose guard from Colorado so we've we filled holes that we need to fill and do do you see your yourself rotating at linebacker spot more like trying to play more guy I mean you know last year it was you know you can't take pton off the field right you can't take Drake off the field the year before no it's and you know as long as we have enough that we're not going to drop off we rotate them and and that's what I tell these guys and my goal is to have you know Five Guys m in the rotation and you know if they're good enough and and we're going to keep holding our you know holding up of what we do and how we do it then I'm good we play more guys but they can't yeah then then we're going to ride the uh the guys that are in there right you're mentioned off camera got a little a little guy a little young buck in in your wings that you're saying hey you're going to be pretty good tell me about him yeah Elijah Groves uh he he's a big athletic kid was you know a really good basketball player out of high school he's you know reminds you stature wise of pton he's 6'4 6'4 and A2 he's gained 18 lbs in a month so uh he's uh feeding him good down here yeah he he's going to be a creature time com hopefully it will be this year but if not uh you know he'll get a lot of good reps and be ready to roll that's awesome coach thanks for your time man go practice and fun building these creatures I like that take care coach there's old Davin van we're going to talk to him coming up here momentarily but uh Marky just did the dog and pony with Tony Gibson and let's talk about this Wolfpack defense really good last year great getting off the field created a bunch of turnovers kind of took more the same this year I I really do and you know it's funny to me the folks that think that this defense is up in Pittsburgh with the Steelers with with you know pton Wilson There these guys just reload man and anytime that coach Gibson is a part of your program your defense is going to be elite but for me hers where I think this team can really take a massive step forward is the defensive back field I mean I think they have a chance to be the best they've been since you know this staff has been here I ran into you know big Isaiah from a couple of years Isaiah Moore and he said I love what I'm seeing they're explosive they're they're guys that are going to get after it and get the football yeah they are and you know they're going to have to obviously replace pton Wilson and they're going to do it by committee right you know Kaden forom is going to call those plays in the middle and Shawn Brown coming down from safety to that will linebacker position like that's going to be big right he's a fast rangy safety and that now is putting on a few pounds and playing that kind of cover Blitz linebacker role so when you have that right you get pieces filling in for where pton Wilson was and then you think okay we got DAV van up front we have Brett hibler up front and then you bring in Jihad Carter at safety right and and you and you have Aiden white at corner and they've added other pieces too that there's going to be competition for who's going to be that second corner right and anytime you have that sort of competition vers this improved wide out group in Camp like that's going to be the position group to watch and and I think if there's an X Factor for this defense I I have very high expectations you just laid it out there for the secondary Shawn Brown that you mentioned at the linebacker spot kind of replacing uh you know what they had in pton Wilson yesterday or last year I speaking with Coach Dorne speaking with this staff they love his physicality long Wings span he's a 44 43 guy uh it'll be interesting to see how does he handle that physicality moving from safety getting a little closer to linebacker with big offensive lineman trying to grab him but running tracking blitzing I have no problem with what he's going to bring NC State's defense last year out of sight 20.8 points a game ranked third in the ACC turnovers they created a bunch of them with 24 third down percentage the best in the league we talked about it getting off the field NC State does it as well as anybody all right let's talk about that defensive front Davin van Jordan just uh hot and bothered just the way defensive lineman like it in early August right yes sir yes sir uh you know conditioning is obviously key here we've already seen again it's a th000 degrees but you guys look like you're in unbelievable shape yes sir it's just summer workouts we've been working hard uh chip on the shoulder still some unfinished business here yes sir always you know that excited to see you man and Devon you know I think one thing that's interesting about you is just your presence as a leader you know who you are for this football team we were talking to Grayson McCall at at media day and I asked him who's the alpha of this team of this defense and he said you he said your blood is in the bricks uh at this program what does that mean to you to be that type of leader it means a lot um it means a lot coming from a guy like Grayson um but yeah it just means a lot what does it carry I mean do you feel that pressure do you have to do extra how are you embracing I guess being the voice the face of NC State I wouldn't use the word pressure I mean um I enjoy it um it makes me become better every day um I mean it makes me want to push people harder and hold myself to the same standards that I'm holding my teammates to all right give me goals what are your deavin Vans goals for this year uh double digit sacks um of course and then just seven last year right I had like five and a half five and a half Sorry Seven tfl all right and then just be the best leader that I can be um I've learned a lot from Zay pton Drake all those guys so just trying to take what they taught me and build off that DAV a lot of folks already buzzing about the offense but the defense never gets enough love but you guys have really brought the heat I mean getting off the field I know we talked to Coach earlier today third down got to get off the field how about some goals team-wise on the defensive side um I mean like always we want to be 70% or better on third down um get at least 4 four three and outs per game you know little things like that we're just trying to focus on the details of the game when I look at your defense you know for the last however many years you've been so linebacker heavy I mean the star power that you've had the leaders one of the best if not the best player in defense on the defensive side of the ball last year and Peyton Wilson this year it feels like the secondary has a chance to be really Elite how does that help you though I mean when you have a secondary like that and name some guys tell me who's back there but how does that help you as a defensive line yeah it helps a lot um I'm really excited for our secondary um it helps us with allowing allowing us to get to the quarterback uh a lot more um cuz they can strap on the back end but you know we got guys like DK uh Jihad Carter uh Carri Martin um Aiden of course CeCe all those guys so I'm real excited um and it definitely helps us a lot you guys as a defense have always been one of my favorites to watch because you never quit it's like to the whistle through the whistle you're always running to the play I know my favorite thing always as a linebacker is when that defensive lineman gets out of that that rush and goes tackles a screen what how like how have you guys built that right because everybody tries to every coach will say hey we want our guys running through the whistle but I watch film and not everyone does but you guys do what is it different about the way you guys practice or train that allows you to do that I mean it's just the way we practice um we practice you know you go off to get a sack you can't really hit the quarterback in practice but you know you get to the quarterback and as soon as that ball comes out you got to plant your foot and retrace your steps run to the ball um so it's just habits that we've built in practice over the years Davin how's it going against Anthony belon in practice I mean a guy who's potentially a first-round draft pick quick feet very good athlete what does that do for you on game day um it's I mean going against him in practice is fun um it helps me a lot um especially this year cuz I'm trying to you know work both sides now so it's not just me playing Left in I'm trying to play more right in um but yeah I mean it helps me a lot cuz you know he's a great player um real big athlete one of the best athletes I've seen at that weight um so it's a big uh Advantage I would say for me on game day D I know you like to hang here but Tony Gibson needs your services we wish you the best stay healthy yes sir thank you very much I appreciate you right there at DAV Gan taking care of business everything's good by the way the Huddle road trip how about Ireland how about across the pond and then some yeah I'll be at home yeah you'll be on the couching that's it no no no that's right you're still in spirit the left side will be an Ireland the right side will be at home there you go the Huddle Ireland August 24th it literally is right around the corner we kick off the 2024 season and when we come back I me everybody talking about this offense you know about KC and the Sunshine Band but there's others we'll talk about it next road trip continues from NC State right in ACC Network NC State Road Trip Man rileigh North Carolina beautiful day for practice it's the first day of August but it's it's day two and for the pack on the grass and let me tell you something man NC State nation is fired up and rightfully so look at the transfers here Grayson Mall we're going to talk to him momentarily transfers from Coastal Carolina Noah Rogers doing his thing Jordan Waters we've seen him enough at Duke he is going to be a problem for the rest of the league and Justin Jolie man a tight end is going to be really good too listen NC States got weapons they're going to be dangerous and with all that said man they cannot wait to show it off all right Grayson Mcall joined us hey Grayson last week it was Charlotte suit and TI now you really have your business suit on boy you picked a nice cool morning get to work yeah man it's been hot out here but uh always good to get back on the grass the guys were excited fire up to to be back out here Grayson something that was so evident yesterday when I was able to come by see practice you've got a receiver room I mean you you've got some real guys out there's the some additions that you've made some guys that are coming back tell me a little bit about that room and maybe who has elevated this offseason yeah a bunch of dudes I mean obviously the guys you saw from last year deari Collins and KC concepion and then you bring guys like Noah Rogers and and Wesley Grimes in then you got young guys um like Keenan Jackson and Terrell Anderson so a bunch of dudes around me man uh they work hard uh really bought in this spring to getting on the same page with route Concepts and timing and things like that so uh we're in a good spot man got you know 20 practices out here um but it's about time to go so a lot of dudes around me make my job a lot easier but love working with those guys yeah it's kind of awesome too because I you didn't know all those guys were going to be here when you committed I would assume but you knew what you had but what was it about NC State that you said hey I need to go to this spot yeah I think just what you know they've been able to do over the years you know coach Dorne has a very strong culture here and some he's built for a long time um a team that's been you know right on the edge of winning 10 games and really winning the league so um something I wanted to be a part of something that I was extremely intrigued in whenever I was able to come on my visit and um the people are great here it's a family identity and and everybody's Trea me like that and uh it's been awesome man really really excited with the decision I made and just so happy to be here that's how did how did they show that right you know people talk all the time hey we got great culture and different things and that's a great thing but how do you see that in a day or two right yeah I think it you know it was immediately when whenever I put my name in the transfer portal they showed a lot of interest they showed me that they wanted me and uh really cared about me throughout the process and really you know kind of gave me time to explore other schools and and do the whole thing so and then whenever I was able to come on campus just the way they treated me um you know I I I was here to to learn football learn the guys I didn't want to you know necessarily do the photo shoot and see camps and everything like that I want to sit down with the guys and learn ball and and they respected that yeah they respected it and they were awesome and the coaches here they really care and a lot of really good coaches in this building so you know it was kind of a no-brainer for me when I got here that's awesome gra it's only the second practice but what about the leadership the voice on the offensive side do you take a sense that hey I'm the guy let's go yeah no doubt I think you know it kind of comes with the position it's something that uh that I've kind of always embraced um and then you you bring a guy like Zeke Carell and a guy that's you know a four-year starter um and Notre Dame that's played a lot of football played a lot of big football football games and um he's really turned things around having him out here um this spring has been awesome he really you know leads the charge up front and he's done a phenomenal job so um and then obviously Jordan Waters in the backfield it's like having another quarterback back there with me so um th those guys really you know kind of take the weight off my shoulders but um you know I I try to be the leader the best I can I tell you what we're going to let you get back to work I know you like to be chilling out with us but you got to get back to work yep no doubt thank you guys for having me uh go pack a lot of work to to put in but we're excited to be out here and can't wait to get this thing going you got stay healthy yes sir thank Grayson Mcall Teek care of business for NC State NC State I tell you what last year this guy Casey concepion what a season he had man you look at the numbers they speak for themselves the dude is a baller and this year he gets even more help I tell you what watch out for the wolf pack watch out for this guy this guy is a star matter of fact it's so bright he's wearing Shades and it's not this neily star Factor know you could go there but somebody try to poke in the eye today for man yeah man crazy who was it Jad Jad Ohio State guy comes in I can't stop him he's still a Syracuse guy in my book go I'll tell you what um what a year right what are we doing for noncore what you say what are we going to do for noncore What's happen 24 a year or two um I would say that I'm trying to go for a thousand like receiving yards um I'm going to be doing some punt returns so I can I can get in some more yards there um trying to go for overall like around 15 1500 1700 yeah 10 10 to like 12 touchdowns come on we got it laid out we got the blueprint laid out I mean it's it's right there for the taking uh we were so impressed with your year last year brother the the way that you did it the amount of pressure expectation at the end of the year everybody knew 10 was getting the ball and they couldn't stop it what what was that like for you as a true freshman having all that kind of placed on you honestly it was it was honestly crazy you feel me but but I mean I had my teammates that I can lean on I have my I have my coaches that I can come to talk to every day so just so just so just leaning on the guys around me just like just like made it better for me yeah and I think my you know I'm a former linebacker and my favorite part about watching you was how guys couldn't take you down right you weren't running out of bounds you were lowering your shoulder into guys you were making guys miss you were consistently fighting for that extra yard just have you always had that mentality was that instilled in you here at NC State dog dog but um I would say that I would say that um my uh I feel like I feel like my my uh dad he um he uh drew that into me while I was younger so um so so I feel like I just always had that dog in me since I was young and then I just brought it to the colle you seen any more dogs come in this wide receiver and tight end room and running back room Year tell me about these guys oo hey hey's go we got we got Noah from from Ohio State dog we got Wesley from Wake Forest we got my high school teammate Hollywood in here I know yeah how crazy is that man it's going to be man we got Grayson in here we got Justin Jolly like this this offense this year is about to be crazy yeah well I know this much the shades I know that wasn't intentional because I know folks going be like oh man's going Hol this could be a new marketing campaign yes yes sir hey Ray B com holl at you man I'm telling you you got Ray B tell you man can't hide money yeah you'll be wearing those even in the Prime Time games right yes sir that's exactly listen stay healthy you're a great player yes sir I got you you got it there's Casey [Music] concepion since he stayed unfortunately they're waiting for basketball to start for the 19 for Club Nick 25 seconds to go here is your football game trying to extend the play throws it up for grabs incomplete ball of the turn Dave Doran 77 wins in NC State he ties the legend Earl Edwards from most in school history I love these guys and I'm proud of them I wish more people had faith in them I sure as hell do and tell Steve Smith in the studio this ain't a basketball school he can kiss my [Applause] ass one of the all-time great lines and you did they show the Clemson just because of me and you there was that there I thought it's never good when the last play says up for grab never good yeah it's not fun especially when it's not in the end zone I tell you what is going to be good is this offense right again we were going to touch base with a number of guys coming up but uh nevertheless I think NC State offensively in 24 much better than what you saw last year and this was a team that won a bunch of games and the the biggest reason for that is they just have weapons and I think you have a very Dynamic quarterback that's coming in in Grayson McCall so to me you know Distributing the ball is going to be at all-time high yes we know what 10 is going to do the exceptional explosive ability that KC conception has and was really forced into you know action of being the guy last year I mean he was it you know we we've talked to multiple coaches and and just saying hey at the byee we just flooded the the the game plan with 10 how can we get him the ball this year that's not going to be the case they've got a ton of guys Noah Rogers is going to be a superstar a guy that went and started his career at Ohio State now he's back Wesley Grimes yesterday and practice guys Shifty as all get out I can't wait to see side by side uh and then the the big tight end which you like a lot yeah Justin Jolie coming from Yukon I really like him and I love I love his physicality I love his speed combination it's just he's a very prototypical like you move tight end in the pros but think about this right Casey concepion moved almost every play last year right they always trying to hide him and move him now they can use Jolie as some of that move Guy where you get Casey you can hide him you can move him in motion you can do a bunch of different things and The X Factor of all of them is Robert andai right I mean when you talk about like mad scientist offensive coordinators look at what he did with Brandon Armstrong who I I think Grayson McCall has better physical talents than brenon Armstrong look what he did with Garrett shider right at Syracuse he took a guy that you know was a former wide receiver turned him into a really good quarterback and so what he's going to be able to do with all of these pieces like to me that's the most exciting and you're never going to have the same game plan week in week out and on top of hey we should have a run game like that's been something that has been the Achilles heel of this team taking that next step in my opinion because they haven't been able to do it and they've had first round draft picks at offensive line they've had great running backs that are in the UFL NFL that just they haven't been able to take that next step Jordan Waters does that having a potential first round draft pick uh and Anthony Belton does that but the biggest difference as what you just said there in coach Robert and I life football offense is about mismatches and have all the pieces to do that yeah that's why there's so much enthusiasm about this team and what they can possibly pull off for the upcoming season it is going to be great see what the schedule is with notable games you got a couple big ones early Tennessee and Charlotte the road trip down to Death Valley we're going to know a lot about NC State early in the season there's no question about that no question at all I mean you're talking about week three week four we're going to know exactly who this team is yep no question is right uh by the way speaking of road trips we're having a good time here in Raleigh North Carolina but guess what we got a bunch more coming up we're heading back out to the Left Coast Cal tomorrow and then it just keeps on rocking and rolling for the next couple weeks again it's August boys and girls check the calendar that means football is right around the corner but before we kick things off in Dublin we're going to take you all over the place when we come back Jordan Waters is going to join us he comes from duke to NC State to the set next right here road trip continues NC State on the ACC Network [Music] NC State the offense practicing and again I think all of us are kind of excited to see what this looks like in 24 got a chance to be explosive and of course we're going to talk to all the coaches all that stuff come up as well but you know when you start talking about NC State man you got to talk about this guy he comes from duke right down the road to NC State goes from the royal blue to the red and white of NC State uh Jordan man it's kind of a crazy thing here on Tobacco right we see transfers all the time but literally right down the street yeah I'm still getting used to it every morning I walk in I see red and it feels weird but I'm just happy to be here I bet what all what all went into that man because it it is weird it's weird for us too I mean we've covered you for so long at Duke what went into that decision and and how ultimately did you land here at in uh definitely my coach leaving and Coach EO I love coach EO though and him leaving paid a a role on that and then hitting the portal and realizing I could stay in North Carolina be close to my family another year they come out my games and then play some good football n State I couldn't turn it down and you know they're always winning nine games nine N N I feel like this year we can go way past that like how way how way past that yeah at least 10 baby oh yeah ACC I'm talking playoffs all that see I like that right like the all the rhetoric out of NC State is not like Hey we're going to be the best we we got to win a championship I always thought that like when you have that Big Goal the rest things follow and how about I mean I feel like you particularly this fan base has embraced you at least all the message everything they're like you're like this you're second coming right now like we need a running game right how is this running game evolved and how are you going to bring your your skill set to this running game uh it all started in offseason and with Coach down and the way we work the way we run and then not just me but we got other dogs and Kendrick and uh Dal Smothers then we got DeMarcus and Jordan P who do who does all the dirty work but then it starts out here out here running around in the Heat and this where we this where we get right how how that room right La you know last year there was questions okay who's going to be here you got two guys transferring out mid year and now you got a whole bunch of new guys right a couple guys coming back from injury but how have you kind of bonded as a bunch of new guys uh in that running back room well I'm a old head man so well you are but you're new you're old come man and it it was great though everybody nobody had a ego nobody was too bigheaded or anything cuz they all know we got the same goal and that's the go win this ACC Championship so everybody welcomeing man and now it's just time to work you know last year concepion didim many things for this offense you mentioned about all these new guys man it seems like there's weapons all over the place on this team everywhere tight ends receivers even the defensive side but those guys work and KC man he's a dog the way he the way he playing games the same way he's going to practice out here and I love it let's talk about your offensive line man I had the privilege to watch tape with them yesterday saw them in a lot of practice I mean AIG Mass right right right uh I mean you've got some guys up there that can really move the pile what are you looking forward to with that unit man I'm I'm looking forward to some physical football man I I love playing hard I love o Leman being dirty and nasty and we got that and Zeke and he's Zeke is a natural born leader man he's always loud first to do everything then you got even like a first we got a first- round Draft pick on our line in ad and I tell him that all the time and if he play like it he could go first round but I'm excited I'm ready I'm ready to run and I mean you've seen that you've seen a first rounder last year with Graham and the things so what I guess does does AB have that maybe Graham had as well man I've never seen a big dude can move like that and we call him Escalade and he he's big man but he he run like a like a lineman like a linebacker should and then he can move wow well listen I know you'd like to hang with us but we're going to let you get back to work is that all right yes sir all right listen stay healthy have a great year appreciate you have a good Jordan Waters taking care of it and again you're going to see him a bunch and here you go most games with 24 or more points go down the list Florida State last year with a dozen Carolina goes double digits their state Miami Duke with the nine spot NC State man I tell you what they're going to score a ton of points this year you can count on that that that number if it's nine this year something's wrong all right Robert and I joins us coach uh a nice cool morning to get things started uh so far so good I guess with practice well yeah we had uh one day so this is day two we're still in the acclamation period where there's no pads just uh you know helmets and all so a lot of focus on uh the pass game and that kind of stuff yeah you you love to see that coach former offensive lineman you you can't tell a ton physicality wise about your team till those pads come on SO for these first couple of days what are you looking for what are you trying to evaluate from your team well would' like to be able to connect the dot when it's time to throw throw the ball to the open guy when the ball Comes Your Way catch it sometimes there's a contest for the catch that's what we're looking to develop in these uh yesterday and today coach you got some uh some some veterans returning but you got us a lot of new guys uh on your team any anybody who's young who's fresh out here at practice that you're excited to see first time on the [Music] field ah well uh you know it's uh we got a young running back that smashed it in Spring ball and smash it in the off season uh uh Duke uh Johnson he uh young first fall Camp doing a hell of a job we're looking for good things that come out of him we got two receivers that came in January uh Keenan and Terrell Anderson and both of those receivers have sparked as young guys and uh Jonathan Paylor just got aboard uh you know kind of playing uh Casey's position with some of his skill sets not all but boy he can run and he can go and he's a talent coach Grayson uh gives you the ability to have another quarterback with unbelievable experience uh what things does he bring to the table that may be a little bit different from a year ago and with what your offensive approach is going to be well Grayson's AET and he's been in a couple different offenses and this being the next one but dang of all my years of all my guys and all my breaking for first year quarterbacks he's the best mastering at a higher level so man I'm really looking forward to uh keeping him healthy and giving him opportunity to perform coach you mentioned some of those young guys at the wide receiver position uh you bring in some other vets as well in the transfer portal and I only know that's going to help KC uh take his game to another level what have you seen from that wide receiver core this spring and and early in Camp well God bless those uh Wesley Grimes and and and Noah those kids have really stepped up the wide receiver uh relevancy that uh within one year boy that group is now booming and be going to be a threat on the field going to be very relevant in the offense coach we you know your defense is always known for toughness right you brought in some tough guys right Jordan Waters you got Justin Jolie these guys are physical breaking tackle guys like what is bringing more positions like that an element of that to your offense like to bring that toughness to your side of the ball uh well we can't uh omit uh Dante Daniels and the contribution he's going to make uh Dante weighed in at 275 he's 67 so there's a big tough guy for you he came right out of junior college and you know junior college man I coached four years every kid's got a story and every kid's underfed uh but Dante got here in January and boy we put him on the trading table and put him with our strength people and boy that kid is just that's the tight end we're looking for 67 275 so Dante's there uh Justin is 250 lbs at 6'4 so he's not a flyweight so we look for contributions for for Justin in that tough man world uh with Dante and so those are kind of the new element pieces that uh we look for contributions in the Box blocking [Applause] coach listen uh stay healthy it's August the countdown is on we look forward to watching the pack you guys have huge upside and can't wait to see what it looks like for 24 but have a healthy practice for the rest of the month my man appreciate it NC State I tell you what not only are they good and going to be good but I'll tell you what's really good this schedule uh if you're an NC State fan yeah that Tennessee thing in the Queen City is going to be a monster there's no doubt about that Road Trip To Death Valley a couple weeks later humongous game but you talking about manageable for a team that expects to be a double digit winning team a team that could be in the college football playoff an ACC Champion you got to look this schedule now there there's no question about it and here's the deal at at media day hers we kind of came up with our top six teams going into the preseason that we felt really good about and it was pretty close to to unanimous there out of the possible five opponents that NC State could play they have one of those teams talk about favorable you talk about the stars aligning and everything happening uh or setting up to happen this year for NC State you have to take advantage of it when you have this type of opportunity right there for you 10 wins I mean we better Sleepwalk to 10 wins I'm not disrespecting anybody but for the second time ever they have that opportunity yeah and I think they can do it and I it just right you start fast I think the one the one concern and why Camp is so important right now is you got to start fast because it's week two when it hits you in the face and and if you beat if you beat Tennessee right then you got Clemson coming another you know two weeks later so that those first four weeks are going to be really big right you're going to have to find out you're try to get big leads find out what you have as backup quarterback right week one week three week two and week four you got to really win and then the rest of the schedule is going to be a lot of teams we don't really know what they're going to be like so you should beat those teams and then UNC at the end could be you know another major one the and the biggest thing to me you you talk about starting in a hurry I always loved when we opened at Clemson with Georgia with auburn because it created a a different sense of urgency throughout Camp because it's right there you got to go we have to be ready as you said with Clemson week four Tennessee week two that they do have the luxury of a warm-up game they all count we don't do preseason in college football but there there's a different sense of urg urgency out here and they understand the task at hand yeah NC state has won nine games 13 times in their history Dave doran's done it four times but nine is now no longer like okay cool we've done that check let's get the double digits you mentioned Philip Rivers way back in ' 02 got to double digits but this is a team that thinks they're going to win the ACC Championship getting the college football playoff and just kind of shatter all these scenar and they're embracing that too every guy that you've talked to or if you talk to them off camera they know that and I think that's important yep there's no question about that by the way uh they let me out of the basement for today only get back only because tomorrow PM is back I'll be in the basement Justin will be up in Bristol I believe he'll be tag team partner tomorrow but ACC PM weekdays Monday through Friday at 400 p.m it all gets started so again I'll enjoy Raleigh for about another couple more hours and have to get back and make sure everything's good to go in the basement so there's that deal when we come back final thoughts where will NC State finish in the ACC we'll give you our predictions coming up next [Music] NC State Road Trip great time here in Raleigh North Carolina today watching a really talented team practice I know it's August it's go time for the Wolfpack and everybody else for that matter but man this is a team that is good enough to get to Charlotte and win an ACC title ACC preseason poll came out earlier this week the media 170 media voters eight different teams received at least the first place vote as you see NC State received eight first place votes they're in the fourth slot which Le leads and begs the question gentlemen where do you think NC State will finish in 24 yeah I I've got him in the top four man I I really do and I know that's maybe a little bit of a soft answer it doesn't give you a definitive number uh but I think no two things that's how deep this league is this year and we're talking about a potential team uh that may win 10 plus games being in the top four not number one or number two and I think that gets you really excited but the talent they have at wide receiver unit specifically they make a big jump I think they're right there fighting for for Charlotte yeah you know I think this is a team that has an X Factor in the coaching staff right their coaching staff has been here for a long time Dave Dorne in his 12th season knows how to build winning teams you got Robert and ey on offense he's like a mad scientist with putting guys in right places and so when you get his influx of talent the biggest shame you can do is not utilize them correctly right in order to produce his wins and Tony Gibson on the defensive side he's been doing it consistently so to me all those players are great the coaching staff is going to get that going I see them in the championship game in Charlotte you know I remember a year ago we were trying to do the old crystal ball I said man Louisville schedule I think they're going to score a lot of points Jeff brom's going to scheme them up I think they're going to get to the championship game I kind of feel the same way with NC State this year it's the schedule's right but more importantly the team is right uh gron Mall you already got great experience you saw the Swagger today in our conversation even watching them in practice but this team offensively is going to be much better than he were a year ago and I still expect that defense to be salty % and you just look at that offense the headliner is KC concepion but all the additions no Rogers coming in Joe Lee the tight end coming in uh Waters at running back uh Grimes from Wake Forest a stud at wide receiver because of those guys coming in that alleviates some pressure on him he can now just be a star and not have to be the whole team and do everything yeah he beat Tennessee week two you beat Clemson week four smooth sailing from there right you get a lot a lot of teams that were un sure about they can capitalize on those they find themselves in Charlotte look out and then some and then some uh the road trip g a great time here in NC State but guess what the cool thing about this league fake left go right tomorrow let's go from Raleigh North Carolina back over to the other side of the universe heading to Berkeley that's it Cal baby get this one all over you the gang will be out there in the Bay Area having a good time it's all about Cal tomorrow and again this guy Jade not come on get ready boys and girls grab your popcorn he can play for anybody in the country he'll be hanging out with Eddie again everybody loot locked up and again Justin will Cox new guy to know to did a tremendous job last year so thanks to everybody great staff here at NC State all the smart people back in Bristol the movers and shakers and all that good stuff folks enjoy it get adios from Raleigh North Carolina