Garett Tujague: "You're Only as Good as Your Last Play"
No. 24 NC State offensive line coach Garett Tujague met with the media Monday afternoon ahead of the Wolfpack's season opener versus Western Carolina.
NOTE: Click on the video in the player above to watch Tujague’s interview.
On his excitement for the talent and depth on the offensive line…
I’m excited for year two, very excited. They've done a really good job preparing over the summer, just understanding each other at a much higher level. The guys are finishing sentences; I’ll start it, and they finish it. I'm really excited and looking forward to spotting the ball.
On the difference between last year and this year…
[This is home] 100 percent. Again, we’re understanding each other at a much higher level and understanding the expectations. This summer, they went every day, “Hey, let's pick up.” They went through their inside run game without even having me or Coach [Brian] Greene be there with them. They just ran the table with it. There's great leadership in that room. I’m very excited for Thursday night.
On the experienced players aiding the newcomers…
It's phenomenal. Actually, the guys that went from spring that might have struggled a little bit, but then being with those guys all summer, and then going throughout fall camp… A lot of times, I'll be coaching a guy over here, and Zeke [Correll], [Anthony Belton], or Tim [McKay] will be coaching a younger guy. The trust level is off the ceiling right now with the amount of phrases or sentences that we have that we can finish with each other. Now, I'm very excited. The best part about this group right now is the legacy they get to leave. We’re only going to be judged on that, so is the room better when they leave, or does it go backwards? Dylan [McMahon] did an amazing job of that last year. I think that's why we're having success with having that.
On the O-line’s ceiling…
(Reaches well above his head) Here. As high as it can go. That's the expectation.
If the group goes day-by-day or discusses season-long goals…
It's absolutely day-by-day, play-by-play. You’re only as good as your last play, so put it on film.
On Matt McCabe moving to tight end…
It’s awesome. The more you can do, the more you can do. The more available you are and the more dependable you are, the more you can do. I'm excited for him. Play one is going to be interesting. It'd just be awesome to see him take the field and help us in both the run and pass game.
On the parallels between McCabe and what Jacarrius Peak did last season…
I think Matt's a little bit ahead, to be honest with you.
On seeing his teachings manifest on the field and in life…
That's a coach. That's a coach. It doesn't matter what I can do or what I know. It’s what they can do and what they know. Again, having your players hit that pinnacle, it's so rewarding. If I can make a difference in one, I've had a very successful life. It's very fun for me to watch them achieve their goals, set goals, strain, work through them, and then achieve them. It’s very exciting and very rewarding.