Brennan Armstrong says being a leader for NC State is a 'huge deal'

New NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong knows what it is like to be a leader for an ACC program. The southpaw signal-caller was the starting quarterback for three seasons at Virginia, where he earned All-ACC third team honors in 2021.

But despite his impressive resume and success at the Power Five level, there are never any guarantees that a quarterback like Armstrong will be able to develop the relationship needed to win over his teammates after transferring.

Armstrong has appeared to earn that trust.

Armstrong was asked at ACC Media Days about the responsibility he has as one of the team’s leaders for the 2023 season.

“I think it’s a huge deal,” Armstrong said. “Obviously I’m a new face. I think Coach Doeren hit it. My coming into the team, I just put my head down and worked hard, and now I’m just trying to start — I’ve kind of started to be a vocal leader.”

The sixth-year quarterback has some big shoes to fill as he replaces Devin Leary, who himself is going through the same transition at Kentucky.

Head coach Dave Doreen addressed with the media how he has seen Armstrong gain the trust and respect of his teammates.

“From my standpoint, I like how he just came in and put his head down and went to work,” Doreen said. “He proved himself and his competitive spirit…You see how he cheers on his teammates when they win things, and his excitement level for that. How hard he competed in spring ball, and you would see him coaching guys. The way he goes about his business is where the respect for me is.”

Armstrong finished his career at Virginia with many program records. The records include single-game passing yards, single-season passing yards, career passing yards, single-game passing touchdowns, single-season passing touchdowns, career passing touchdowns and consecutive games with a passing touchdown.

“I kind of said this a few others times out there.” Armstrong said. “I think I’m going to start showing a little bit more fiery side of me. I’ve been cool, calm, and collected. I don’t want to scare some guys on game day if I get fired up out of nowhere because technically that’s how I play. I’ve been kind of playing it cool, so I think I’m going to incorporate that here in the fall camp and just continue to be a voice, try to instill confidence and just determination on the offensive side.”