Robert Anae: "This Is A Very Important Game For The Program"
NC State offensive coordinator Robert Anae met with the media as the Wolfpack prepares for the upcoming road matchup at Duke.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
Opening Statement...
We’ve had a topsy-turvy couple of weeks on the offensive side of the football. Position changes, expectations not met, a lot of soul-searching... it’s been that kind of a couple of weeks.
We made a change at quarterback and felt that was needed for the betterment of the team, and boy, that first half was rough with our new quarterback. A pause and a need to hang in there as we adjust to developing that young man.
I’m really pleased with the way his teammates responded in the second half and came out and did some really good things.
What did you see from him leading up to that position change to give you confidence?
He’s the next man up, and he was the next man up. We felt the team absolutely needed a spark. The team absolutely needed a spark, and he has that quality in him to do that. We’re looking forward to a very competitive performance.
He’s a very collected kid under pressure and still competitive. That dynamic is very unique because normally the emotions are out racing, but he kept his emotions in there, and by the time the game slowed down for him we had a better person.
Anything about the schemes you saw to free up Trent Pennix?
No, we’ve been working on stuff like that all year it just never sorted the way it did. To MJ’s credit, he saw it and he got it, and it came with some chest pain, but he delivered when needed and made a really good play there.
Thoughts on Kevin Concepcion’s emergence...
You hope to see that spark from several players on the offense. It was great to see KC spark when needed at a big-time in the program, and now that it’s established, that’s who we are.
But, if that’s all you are, it’s going to be a rough road. So no, the invitation to all offensive players [is] to please join that effort and be ready when your number is called.
What does Javonte Vereen have to do to join that group?
Continue to develop. Continue to develop.
What was it like to see Trent make those plays?
He has a very unique skillset. Not a Travis Kelce tight end, so it was great to see some of the drawings get connected in a real game. They’ve been there; we just haven’t connected with them.
How encouraging was it to see the running backs contribute with Brennan not in there running as much?
So now without that type of quarterback we get a different brand of running the football here and there. It’s very different.
Thoughts on getting the playmakers get the ball in space...
Like I said, it’s an open invitation. Earn that. No. 10 is not the only guy that can do that. So I think as we grow and develop we’ll take an identity down that road.
Is the offense coming together how you wanted?
I feel like baby step one. Finally coming together? No, there’s so many other things we have to close the gap on. If this thing was two hours long I could point those out, but we have a long ways to go to be consistent, efficient, and securing the ball.
That’s the task and the goal. We’ve shown we have the ability to be explosive on occasion.
Thoughts on Duke’s defense...
That’s a very good defense. Very well-coached, very solid team. The scheme is excellent and the players play hard.
We’ve got a really good scheme and really good players, too, so I hope you boys come for four quarters because we are planning on a four-quarter game with everything we’ve got.
Thoughts on the o-line in the jet game...
It’s all offensive-line driven. It’s good to have guys see the hole from a different vantage point and create that opportunistic run. That was a fresh take on it, not just coming from the running back spot.
Thoughts on it being a rivalry game...
This is a very important game for the program. I’ve detected that, being in this matchup in year one.
What’s the next step for MJ?
This week... tomorrow. Nothing more. This week and tomorrow, nothing more.
How important is it to take a day-to-day approach?
That’s what you do, even if you’re an established vet. The game is that competitive. To lean back and fall asleep on your laurels... it changes so much that even the best ones don’t live in that world.
Thoughts on cutting down turnovers...
You hit the nail on the head. That’s why we have to grow as an offense, securing the ball.
The human element of making personnel changes... how difficult is that?
For a kid like Brennan who has poured in, now he’s not the only one we’ve shuffled around, but the quarterback is the most visible.
I couldn’t tip my hat and respect that young man [more]... of all my years, that’s the best, most stand-up approach to now becoming a good teammate that I’ve ever been around.
What does it mean to you?
It means the world that he has that type of character, and outstanding... the team sees it and the team feels it.
Do you see him as someone on the sideline who can improve the team?
Oh yea, and there is still stuff on the field with an attacking type running quarterback, our team needs that. The best is yet to come.
He’s been a quarterback. Do you see any other potential role, changes?
Oh yes, right now there are. The other day in short-yardage things, under center, all the things he does, there’s a huge addition to the offense that puts pressure on the defense in certain situations. Without saying more I’ll end on that.