Dave Doeren Q&A after first practice of NC State football fall camp

Wednesday morning marked the first of 21 practices for NC State football in preseason camp. Afterwards, head coach Dave Doeren met with the media to discuss the workout and more.

Highlights from that Q&A are below, as is video of his press conference.

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NC State Football Coach Dave Doeren Video

Q&A transcript

On the first day of practice:

Dave Doeren: “It was fun being back out there. It makes your heart feel good being on the field and doing what your love in life is professionally. Kind of special seeing some of the players back out there —  Payton [Wilson], C.J. Clark, Isaiah Moore, so many of them unfortunately. To have them back on the grass, it’s a great feeling as a coach to see those guys and the emotions some of them had coming out there again putting the helmet on.

“As far as practice, it was good energy as you’d expect on day one. Devin Leary has a great command. I was impressed with Jack [Chambers], coming in and learning the offense late, his ability to learn and MJ [Morris], both of those young quarterbacks.

“It was a good first day. Kind of see the experience factor on defense. You’d expect them to be a little bit ahead of the curve.”

On players returning from injuries:

Doeren: “Unfortunately for all of us I think tragedy, and injury in football, those kind of things put life in perspective, make you assess and take inventory of what you have and how much you appreciate certain things that you maybe take for granted, like practice. For these guys, some were probably more excited about games. Now, it’s like every day I get to be out here is a blessing.

“You never want a guy to be injured, but the lesson you learn as an injured player is a very valuable one when it comes to that. We’re going to have a lot of that from a positive standpoint from last year’s guys that are back.”

On handling preseason hype:

Doeren: “We’ve talked about that since January. Last year’s stats don’t win this year’s games. We know that. We’ve got some key pieces that we’ve got to replace, particularly on offense and at punter. There’s a lot of work to do.

“We are not going to earn any of the wins listening to things or hearing things from you guys. It is appreciated, and these guys have earned the opportunity. I think they are very aware of what we have to do to stay where we want to be.

“Make no mistake about it. We’re excited to play other people. We’re excited to get back on the grass. That bowl experience we had, I think, has left a big chip there to get back out and play a game.”

Related link: War Room observations on first practice

On potentially having his best defense ever at NC State:

Doeren: “If all the things stay like they are, yes. But so many things, this is our first practice of 21 in camp. We got a long way to go, and the health factor and all those things. If we can keep all these guys on track, we have a chance to be really good on defense.”

On handling heat:

Doeren: “The older guys do, for sure. They are in different shape I think than the younger guys. The heat didn’t bother a lot of the older guys that have been through this kind of stuff. That leadership I think rubs off, and it’s really a visible difference when you’re seeing a first and second-year player and comparing him to fifth and a sixth-year player.”

On Anthony Belton getting first-team reps at left tackle:

Doeren: “He’s had a tremendous offseason. From January all the way through summer. He’s one of the guys Coach Thunder [Burnette] really pointed out. Has changed his body in a good way. He’s in great shape. He’s bending well. He’s long, as you know, he’s got really good measurables.

“He had a chance to learn from the best last year, and I can see that he really took that to heart.”

On running back Jordan Houston:

Doeren: “Quietly behind the scenes just working and waiting his turn and making plays where he can make plays like he did with the blocked punt last year against UNC. Today he caught a deep ball, did a really nice job on a route.

“He’s ready. I’m excited for Jordan. Not a lot of players would wait their turn in today’s college football like he has. I’m pulling for him.”

On being the most experienced linebacker corps he’s had:

Doeren: “It’s the most my top three has been. I think behind those guys we’re fortunate that Jaylon Scott and Devon Betty have played. We’ve got to get Caden Fordham going and get him some reps. We’re counting on him.

“Replacing Levi Jones, you guys know how many things he did. That’s a big focal point for us right now, trying to figure that part of it with our SAM linebacker spot and have Jayland Parker and Jordan Poole, those guys we are looking forward to watch there.”

On receiver Devin Carter:

Doeren: “I think he’s not letting his emotions get the best of him. He’s an emotional player, which we like, but he needs to control that and not let them control him, and I think that’s something that comes with maturity.”

On Friday’s Victory Night:

Doeren: “I think it’s really important. It’s an awesome night if you haven’t seen it. If you want to feel good, come to that event. It’s awesome. Our players get into it. As a coach, and for me and Sara, it’s very personal to be able to give back to the community and make that group feel so special and feel like they are a part of our team that night.”

On Devin Leary’s leadership role:

Dave Doeren: “I don’t think we gave it to him. I think he earned it. It’s not like, ‘Hey let’s give this guy something.’ He’s ready.

“So now, assigning him some things he can do as a leader instead of worrying about other things. He’s put himself in a really good position.”