Brandon Cleveland: "I've Learned A Lot"

NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland recently met with the media to discuss his role as  a leader, spring practice, and much more.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.

What’s it like being one of the elder statesmen now at this point along the trenches? 
It goes by so quick, sometimes I keep forgetting I'm the older guy. If someone's doing something wrong, I gotta make sure I correct it and be even harder with it.

What's the first few days of practice been like for you? How did you get back out there on the  field again? 
It's been good, I'm just trying to get back into the club thing since I've been out of it for a little bit. So just trying to get back into the club.

How much did you learn from a guy like Davin last year and the last couple years about being that leader? 
Definitely just leading by example and doing the right thing all the time. Because you got a big target on your back and being vocal and just loving to support people. 

What have you learned from Coach DJ Eliot just in the first month or so of him being here? 
I've learned a lot, I mean, he's came from the NFL, so he has, he knows what the NFL is looking for, and that's what I'm trying to do next year as well. So he's enhancing my skills and I'm glad for it.

You got a chance to see it before we did last year, but you're trying to stop Hollywood in practice last season and now going into this year. I mean, how frustrating it was when he broke off a big run, despite you almost being there on it?
I mean, it pisses me off, but I know it's gonna be better for the competition, so. 

Did you know that was coming from him last year? 
Yeah.

What gave you that first kind of hint? 
Just when I practiced against him. 

What's it like for you to see Coach Shaw kind of take this next step and he's created, kind of on that D-, like a full time coach now? 
I'm happy for Coach Shaw, because I mean, he's been through the process. He started from the bottom and now he's starting to see the peace in his labor, so I'm happy for him.

A lot of new centers on the team, how have you introduced yourself as the nose tackle to them? 
They kind of pretty much know they are coming in, who are you? 

I was gonna say Spike actually talked about it, the All-American Bowl, talking about facing off with you. I mean, you kind of had some talks to him about the ways he can improve as well. 
I mean, obviously you wanna beat him up all the time, but I just wanna help him out, so when I leave here, at least he'll be prepared for his career and the next person that comes in.

Do you think in terms of legacy yet, being a senior, or are you still just in the moment? 
Kind of just in the moment.