Noah Rogers: "There's A Lot Of Ways That They're Going To Use Me"

NC State redshirt freshman wide receiver Noah Rogers met with the media to discuss fall practice, the Wolfpack's playmakers, and much more.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.

First of all for you, what's it like, first fall camp at NC State? 
First fall camp, second time around. Well, second fall camp around, you know, it was a lot smoother. I feel like, you know, I know everything I'm doing now. And especially here, you know, it's clicking. I just got to keep getting used to the pace of NC State’s offense. I'm excited to meet you.

Coach Doeren said he met you in the 7th grade. Is that right? 

Yeah. 
 

What do you remember about first meeting Coach Doeren? 

When I first met him, I was actually at Drake Thomas' home visit. And me and Lex was getting ready for a tournament to go to Florida. So we left that night and I got to meet him. It was pretty cool to see how far we became in our relationship. And, you know, Coach Doeren has been great to me.
 

How tough was that initial decision to go to Ohio State over NC State, a place that you have grown so fond of? 

Getting recruited really is a very difficult decision, especially when it's time to come sign and everything. But, you know, sometimes you got to lean with your heart and you feel it's the right decision for you. So my initial decision was wrong. But, you know, at the end of the day, I'm just thankful for every opportunity I had. 
 

What did you learn in that one year in that Ohio State system that you can take with you over here?

I learned how to grow faster. So, you know, during that time, it just taught me how to become a better man and a better player. So I just learned different aspects about myself that I really wasn't aware of. 
 

Anything from Marvin Harrison Jr. that you were able to learn from?

Oh, yeah, I've learned a lot. Literally, on and off the field, about him, just watching from afar. He's a great player. You know, everything that he does, you know, I try to simulate it and see what I can do better at.
 

Coach Anae talked a lot about the number of offensive weapons and how you can kind of go to any guy at any time. Do you feel like that makes this camp a little bit more competitive when you’re like competing against each other a little bit for reps out there? Oh, yeah, it's always a competition. Out [on] the field, in the weight room, probably in the meeting room, just knowing all your information. So, you know, it makes it very competitive. And especially having like great receivers like KC, Wesley, and Dacari, beside me. You know, we have competition every day. We actually got one right now. Whoever drops the most balls kind of gets dumped in the close-up. So, you know, it's always a competition.
 

Who won that today? 

Oh, no, we're still stacking up. Yeah, we all got one drop. 
 

How has being at home helped you in this transition? How has, you know, being back here and being with family, and just overall, just kind of helped you with this transition to being back here? 

Yeah, it's helped a lot. I mean, transition, I came back to a really smooth transition. And, you know, the biggest thing for me was just focus on what I need to get done, my responsibilities and everything. And, you know, it makes it real smooth having a lot of people around you who want to help you, who want to make you better. So, it's just very helpful. You know, I have a lot of resources around me for anything I need, and I take advantage of everything.
 

How's the rapport been with Coach Anae and learning his offense? 

You know, his offense, I really like his mastermind, the way he thinks it through. You know, he doesn't try to make it too hard for you. He just tries to make it a way where you understand the whole offense and why we're doing that. What is the main reason why we're doing that? 
 

How many different ways have you been utilized in this offense? 

I've been utilized in a lot of ways, especially early in this fall camp, I've seen a lot of things that I've liked. They've also been telling me there's a lot of ways that they're going to use me sooner or later this season. 
 

Obviously, DJ Horne came back home for the men's basketball team and did a lot of great stuff. Does seeing someone like that inspire you to do the same for the football team? 

Oh yeah, it does. Especially from somebody from Raleigh, I have a lot of respect for him because, you know, we're from the same city. And, you know, we're doing a lot of great culture things for the university. And to see what he did for his team is very special because, you know, he said something very smart like, why not us? So, obviously, why not football? Why can't we do the same thing and be successful?