NC State QB Grayson McCall: "We're Really Focused On Us"
NC State quarterback Grayson McCall met with the media to discuss preparing for Western Carolina, the skill position talent, his development, and much more.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
How are you feeling? It’s game week!
It's a good feeling. Week One is always a little unique. I obviously don't have a lot of tape to look at, so we're looking at last year's stuff. You know, what their coaching staff's done in the past. Got an extra week to prepare, so just taking it day by day. We feel good, feel like we're ready to go. Had a really good day today, so I feel good about it.
About Western Carolina…
Yeah, I think, you know, they were a good football team last year. They're really good on offense.
Not very multiple on defense, but they've shown to do some different things. So, we're really focused on us to go out there and have a good game plan.
Gettin’ to watch a little football this weekend, how cool is that to get to watch college football without playing?
Yeah, man, it's exciting. I think it was obviously a really good game in the ACC. So, a good one to learn off of. Just, you know, as a football player, watching the different situations in that game were fun to watch. So, it was a good weekend of football, for sure.
You were named team captain last week. What does that mean to you?
Yeah, I mean, one of my biggest goals coming here was to get the respect of my teammates and be elected team captain. So, it's a special feeling. It's an honor. So, I'm really excited about it, to lead my guys every day. Knowing that the guys trust me, that the coaching staff trusts me to lead the guys, and it's a good feeling.
What kind of atmosphere do you expect Thursday night?
Yeah, I've heard a lot about it. Ready to finally see it. I've heard we've got some of the best fans in the country. So, I think it's sold out. Excited to go out there and see all the fans, the environment, and play some good football.
Have you ever been to a game [at State], even as a fan?
I haven't. I've never been to a game. So, this will be my first experience. I'm pretty excited about it.
How do you kind of, like, settle those pregame jitters?
Yeah, I mean, I'm always nervous going into the game. But, you know, once I go out there and the ball snaps one time, I'm usually good to go. So, just really rely on my preparation and my training to go out there and feel good about the plan.
Coach Doeren, last week, there was a lot of talk about the offensive line, just how much experience there will be in front of you. What have you noticed? Just in camp, spring ball, and reps, just having so much experience kind of play in front of you?
A great group of guys. I think Coach Tujague does a really good job leading those guys every day. He really pushes the standard each and every day. A lot of experience, a lot of toughness on that front five. So, I feel really confident sitting in the pocket behind those guys and, you know, really just love interacting with those guys every day.
Is it different knowing that this is, for many of you, your last year of college football?
Yeah, I think it makes it unique. You know, Coach Doeren always talks about the hourglass and the sand running out. And I think there's a lot of guys on this football team that just have a little bit left in the hourglass. So, it makes the season unique and, you know, we're going to take advantage of every day and really soak it all in to go in and have a really good season.
What's even more urgent for you as a player, as a quarterback this year? The urgency will be there for you. How can that elevate a team, especially from your position?
Yeah, absolutely. I think it kind of pushes the note. You know, our word of the week this week is urgency. Starting off week one with the word urgency. So, just really getting out there, you know, pushing the momentum, pushing the system to get up and go. And I think with a lot of older guys that, you know, this is their last season. I think it really pushes that in the right direction. So, you know, that leadership definitely takes the team in the right direction.
NC State's had some great quarterbacks over the years. How do you sort of find the balance of maintaining that standard but also being your own guy?
Yeah, I think just going out there and being myself. I think being Grayson McCall this far in my career has brought me a lot of success. So, just trying to be the best version of me, leaning on my teammates and allowing them to make plays. Justnreally focusing on my preparation and going out there and feeling good about playing.