Shyheim Battle: "I'm Excited to Take This Last Round With the Boys"

NC State cornerback Shyheim Battle met with the media as the Wolfpack prepares for its opening-week matchup versus Connecticut.

NOTE: Click on the video in the player above to watch Battle’s interview.

On going from fall camp to game prep…

I would say it’s a lot more laid back compared to fall camp. Fall camp is way more intense, going at it full speed everyday. Now, we’re just getting a feel for how UConn does things and trying to figure out how we’re going to fit to what they’re doing and make plays against the QB.

On getting first-team reps earlier in his career as a backup…

It was very important. Seeing both sides of it as a backup and as a starter, I really took advantage of being a backup. I played as if I were a starter. When I was on the scout team, I always went against the best guys on our team, so that also helped me develop. As a backup, you’ve got to take a lot more mental reps. That’s what’s really going to help you because you don’t get a lot of playing time. Being able to know the game mentally and also challenge ourselves to stay focused, even though you’re not playing, that’s something that helps the most.

If it was stressful to get reps with the first team as a backup…

It was stressful, but you’ve got to accept the challenge. Whatever opportunity you have, you have to attack it.

On the receivers who have stepped up…

I would say Julian Gray, for sure, Terrell Timmons, and Keyon Lesane. Those guys have been working hard from spring through fall camp to now. I’m excited for what those guys are going to do this year. I’m really excited for the whole offense.

On Cecil Powell…

Cecil and I came in together. He was one of the first guys I played with. It was pretty good to see him back out there again. He’s having a lot of fun, flying around, and just smiling every day. I can tell he’s excited to be out there. I’m excited for him because we didn’t know if he was going to play ball again. The fact he can be out there and play ball just makes his day.

On what excites him about the offense…

It’s just the way they can move the ball. There’s a lot of talent on that side of the ball, and they’ve got weapons everywhere. You don’t know who’s going to get the ball in their hands and make plays, so I’m just excited for the different ways they can execute and get down the field.

If it feels weird that the first game of the season is just eight days away…

It’s wild. I looked the other day when it was 19 days away. Now, it’s just eight days. This is my fifth year. It’s coming by pretty fast, but I’m really excited to take in this last round with the boys. Hopefully, we’ll do what we need to do to take care of business.

On the younger cornerbacks who have stood out…

Brandon [Cisse] is a guy who learns fast. He’s a really active corner, really aggressive. I like his play style. Being an older guy, I can still learn from younger guys as well. When I came in as a freshman, I wasn’t as talented as he is now. I look at some of the things that he does, and I still critique on what he needs to be critiqued on, but he’s going to be a great corner.

On who he learned from as a freshman…

Chris Ingram, Nick McCloud, and Teshaun Smith. Those were my big bros.