Payton Wilson: "We've Been Working Really Hard"

NC State linebacker Payton Wilson recently met with the media to discuss the Duke's Mayo Bowl, Maryland, and much more.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.

After you guys had the rug pulled out from under your feet in San Diego last year, has that continued to be a motivation for this team as your finally hopefully get the chance to actually play?
Yeah, last year was pretty devastating for a lot of guys. Even the ones that weren't playing, us injured guys last year, we were really excited to just go out there and show everybody what we've been working on. We're super excited to go out this year. We've been working really hard. And like you said, we didn't get to play last year. So really excited for Maryland and ready to go out there and compete.

How much did you guys talk about elder players, some of you playing for the last time together? How much has that been a topic?
Yeah, It's been, I wouldn't say emotional, but it's been on everybody's mind. I've played ball with some of these guys five, four years now. Drake, Isaiah, Tanner. A lot of those guys out there are family to me now, and we're all about to go on a different chapter in our life. It's something we're looking forward to, and we're happy for each other. But at the same time, we're all going to miss playing with each other 'cause we love each other so much. But hopefully we can send everybody out on a good note.

How's it been like trying to navigate the NFL waters?
I'm still here right now, so that's where my feet are at. Until training comes and stuff like that, I'm not going to worry about that. We have one more game to play, so I'm super focused on that.

What do you like the most about a bowl game?
It's a game at the end of the day. The end day, you need to go down there and win. But most game weeks, they're very stressful. You're here in Raleigh, you're working as hard as you possibly can. You get to go to the ball game and finally celebrate. Not a season that we were expecting, but we gave what we can. And we're just really excited to go celebrate with our family and friends.

How much pride do you take in being a part of what really has become one of the better defenses in school history?
Yeah, it's awesome. Credit to Coach Gibson. He's on us all the time and saying that we can always do better. The contract he just got, credits to him. He deserves all of it. And our defense, I don't think it's talent. I think it's just brotherhood and the love for each other and knowing the system.

NC State fans loved your recruitment. What do you remember about national signing day?
Well, for me it was a little weird because obviously I'd just decommitted from UNC. So it was bitter and sweet. I had people over there that were not so happy. But all the Wolfpack Nation, like they've always been, I've loved them, they loved me. And I’m just glad that I was able to be a part of it.

You've prepared for Maryland. You looked at Tim some. What did they show you?
Well, it's Maryland. They're fast, they're athletic. That quarterback, he can extend plays really well. Running back number 24, one of better running backs that I've seen on film this year. So we just have to go out there, know the system, know the game plan, and play as hard as we possibly can.

How much better does your body feel this time of year after getting a little bit of a break?
Yeah, it's amazing. After that UNC game, first week, you break down a little bit. Your body's kind of done. But then those next few weeks that Coach Doeren gave us, it did a really good job of letting us recover. Feel like this is beginning of the season again. Ready to go out there and play fast and physical.

Do you have time to shop for your whole family?
Yeah, I did. Nowadays with inflation, that's pretty tough, but it was pretty fun.