Devon Betty and Jakeen Harris share the latest on NC State's defense
NC State built a reputation as one of the best defenses in the ACC over the past couple of years. Even though the Wolfpack lost six starters from last year’s squad, the bar remains just as high going into the 2023 season.
Between Devon Betty, Jakeen Harris, Devan Boykin, Jaylon Scott, C.J. Clark and others, the program is filling those spots with upperclassmen who have plenty of experience on the field. Both Betty and Harris met with the media Wednesday and shared their thoughts on the team two weeks into fall camp.
When the ACC Network stopped by campus last week, Eric Mac Lain shared that he believes this year’s NC State defense is even faster than the 2022 group. Betty pointed out this week that last season’s squad was extremely quick as well, but the Wolfpack is healthy and competing at a high level.
“I just think we’ve got everybody on board right now,” Betty said. “We’re flowing, we’re going. Everybody wants to get to the ball, so we look fast as ever right now.”
NC State has one scrimmage and around a week left in fall camp before it is time for game prep. The practice field has been extremely hot recently, and the linebacker said the team is putting in the effort off the field to make sure their bodies are ready for those conditions.
Post-practice trips to the cold tubs are mandatory.
“The body is the business, and you want to keep that going,” Betty said.
Preparation for this time of year starts during the offseason with director of strength and conditioning Dantonio Burnette.
“Doing extra in the summer really helped us get to this point,” Betty said. “Now, we are out there running like the weather doesn’t even affect us.”
Betty and Harris have plenty of experience in the Wolfpack linebacker and defensive back rotations, respectively. Harris said his experience at a variety of positions will help him take on a larger role this fall because he knows where everyone is supposed to be on the field.
During fall camp, the senior Wolfpack defensive back said he is practicing at free safety. He shared why that position matches his skill set well.
“I can tackle, I can get the ball on the ground and then I can cover,” Harris said.
The safety recorded 2 interceptions last year and said he has improved his ball-tracking skills this offseason. More than halfway through the preseason, the safety shared his thoughts on NC State’s talented secondary.
“It’s just great to have a lot of guys competing for a starting spot,” Harris said. “That’s just pushing everybody, getting everybody better.”
NC State welcomed around 40 total new players to the roster this year, and Harris said the energy in the locker room is buzzing.
“It’s awesome,” Harris said. “It’s just vibes. Everybody’s talking here, talking there. You can talk to this person, this person, it really doesn’t matter.”
