Davin Vann: "I Plan to Leave My Mark Here"

NC State defensive lineman Davin Vann met with the media Monday afternoon after the Wolfpack announced the Cary, N.C. native would wear its No. 1 jersey for the 2023 season.

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

“It means a lot. It’s a real honor. I’m following in some big footsteps, but I plan to leave my mark here.”

“I think my coaches […] forced me into leadership positions that I wasn’t really comfortable with all the time. It kind of forced me to grow in my years here.”

“Like I said, it’s a big honor. Getting No. 1 means you're the one guy that leads when you need to, and I take the responsibility seriously.”

“I’m really excited. I’m ready to play. I’ve been waiting for a long time to play. I’m really excited.”

“[UConn’s] O-line is really athletic. They move side to side really well. They’re good at losing ground and gaining ground. That’s their best asset.”

“100 percent. I think the biggest reason why [NC State will be better this year] is because the guys last year laid the groundwork for us. They showed us the things to do and the things not to do. We’ve learned a lot from last year and the years before that. I think we’re going to be really good, and we’ve had the most depth we’ve ever had.”

“It is [cool to see NC State regarded as a defensive school]. I think it is, especially with me playing defense. I’m a little biased, but I think it’s really cool.”

“I think it’s our mentality. Every time the defense hits the field, we go out there with the mentality of, ‘Nobody’s going to outwork us.’ That’s the biggest thing.”

“I think I will [surprise people] a little bit just because I’ve been wearing No. 45 for so long.”

“[Playing on Thursday night] doesn’t really matter when I play. I’m just ready to play.”

“I guess the biggest lesson to take from last year is not getting comfortable that you’re going walk into somebody’s house and that they’re going to roll over for us. It’s college football, and everybody can [beat] everybody. That’s how big it is.”

“It’s a little bittersweet. My mom really wanted me to stay No. 45, but I felt like it was hard to say no; it’s a great opportunity. I thought about it for a week or two before I decided to wear No. 1.”

“My mom has nine kids, and four plus five is nine, and my sister also passed away on the ninth.”