Dacari Collins on His Return to Clemson: "It's Just a Game"
NC State wide receiver Dacari Collins met with the media ahead of the Wolfpack's upcoming Textile Bowl matchup versus No. 21 Clemson.
NOTE: Click on the video in the player above to watch Collins’ interview.
If returning to Clemson will be weird…
No, it’s just a game.
On C.J. Bailey…
First, I’d like to say C.J.’s a good kid. He loves ball. Through his journey, he’s followed Grayson [McCall], and that’s helped him as far as preparation, knowing what to do in practice, and how he carries himself so he can carry himself the same way. That’s a big part of him incorporating that into his character and who he is. That will help him a lot as a quarterback and as a leader, being so young. He’s come along. He’s made the plays, the layups he’s needed to. He threw a pick on Saturday, and that didn’t faze him. He came right back out. He had the tools he needed. He worked for this for his life, so he’s ready to go.
If Bailey’s calm demeanor after the interception surprised him…
It did. I wouldn’t say a lot of young kids like that would have the mindset to forget about it and go to the next play. That’s a big thing you need at this level and to get to the next level, keeping that next-play mentality in competition.
On differences from last season to this season…
I’d definitely say I’m helping my team more on the field. Last year, I was off the field a lot. I’d say that’s different. Also, Jakolbe [Baldwin] and I are the only guys left from last year’s team, so it’s bonding with a new group of guys and getting together to work, and I’d say it’s helped me because I know I have to be better for my guys for them to be better. Also, I’m competing against them as well, and they see me and go, “I’ve got to compete with this guy.” That’s the kind of mindset I try to have everyday.”
On him describing the Death Valley environment to his fellow receivers…
[I haven’t] really. Our coaches have. They talk a lot about the noise and the fans, but I’m used to it. When I’m playing, I’m locked in, so it’s not really a factor for me.
On perimeter blocking…
I take that very pridefully and very highly. That’s something we weren’t good at last year, and I feel like we have to be good at that this year to succeed within our system. That’s something we worked on a lot this summer, just blocking and knowing where to be in certain blocks.
On Noah Rogers and Wesley Grimes acclimating to NC State…
Noah’s good. He’s one of our starters. He’s learning the offense more in small details. That’s the only thing. He’s a great player. He has great athleticism. He just have to hone in on the small details, and he’ll be good. Wes is there. He’s a great player. He’s a guy that’s just ready. He doesn’t have to step up; he's already just ready to come in to do his job.
On embracing his role as a veteran leader…
It’s big. College has moved fast for me. I’m just trying to carry myself with a great demeanor, whether it’s on the field, off the field, going to class, or going to tutoring. Doing those things shows them that, “Okay, this is the right way. This is what I need to do. This is what I have to do if I want to get on the field.” I’d say that’s pretty big.
On Keenan Jackson and Terrell Anderson…
They’ve just shown that they’re dedicated. They’re smart. They love what they do. I really don’t see a problem with how fast they’re moving along. They’re doing well within our system and our offense. They’re big, fast, and ready to play, too. They’re going to help us a lot.