Cian Slone: "This Is Just A Great Opportunity"
NC State outside linebacker Cian Slone met with the media about his time in Raleigh, preparing for East Carolina, the Wolfpack's defensive scheme, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the press conference.
What's it been like transitioning to the defense and being one of the later additions?
It's been great, honestly. Yeah, everyone here at NC State has kind of welcomed me with open arms and really took the time with me to learn the playbook, kind of get me acclimated to the area. Obviously, Raleigh is a lot different than Logan, Utah, so just kind of getting used to the culture, getting used to everything, and yeah, it's been a really smooth transition all in all.
Did it help having Teague here? Did that help you transition?
Oh, for sure. Yeah, yeah, that's my guy. Our two years together at Utah State, he made me so much better in practice and his physicality, leadership, he's a great addition to this team and I'm just glad I can play another year with him, honestly.
We've heard this defense is pretty multiple. I mean, how much have you kind of had to adapt to that as well?
Yeah, I would say it definitely is multiple. I feel like I've adapted pretty well, honestly. It's not a traditional four-down defensive end. I'm able to do a lot of different things, so I think the scheme we have in place kind of makes sure if I do my job, if I just focus on my one weapon, everyone else is going to make plays, so I'm just really excited to be a part of the defense.
What do you feel like made you ready to make that jump from the Mountain West to now the ACC at NC State?
I would just say, I don't think there's one thing in particular that made me ready. I feel like just my hard work, my preparation. I had a pretty solid year last year and this is just a great opportunity, honestly. I mean, I entered the portal and I went on a visit here. The coaches were great and it was a perfect fit, so I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
What has your whole football journey been like outside of just making the move from here, just making the move from your freshman year to now?
Yeah, so I started off in high school. Didn't have any offers out of high school. Went to junior college for two years. First year was decent. I played on special teams, played middle linebacker. Second year came around. That's when I made my biggest leap. I feel like I was the defensive player of the year for California Juco All-American and then took that momentum into Utah State.
First year, I was a starter for most of the games, but I wasn't really an X-Factor. I wasn't the guy on the scouting report. People were looking for me. And then learned a ton from that year. Moved on to the second year. Had some adversity in the first four games. Didn't play a whole ton. And then injuries happened. I just stayed ready, kept my head in the playbook. And then on week five, came out, had a pretty solid game and just rode that momentum for the rest of the season.
So then I thought I was done, honestly, after that year. And then the whole Diego Pavia situation came over where the Juco guys got the extra year of eligibility. Heard that, freaked out, super happy. Hopped on the portal and then obviously I'm here now with my brothers and I couldn't be happier.
What's your physical transformation been like since you were in your sophomore year in high school with everything you’ve overcome?
Physical transformation, obviously I was a lot smaller. I was a safety back in the day. Just kind of really focused on putting on the weight. Yeah, because obviously I want to play defensive end. I want to play safety. Can't be a 175-pound defensive end in college football. So yeah, just physically keep my body healthy and just do everything I can do.
Dave said late in the offseason how important it was to improve the pass rush this season. How big of a factor is that for you and for this defense as a whole?
Yeah, I feel like the pass rush is a huge part of the whole scheme, the whole part of football. I can't try to do too much. Obviously I'm going to do my 1/11th. I'm going to trust in all my teammates for them to do their part and then the plays are just going to be the plays. Honestly, I have tremendous trust in all other 10 of my teammates out there. So yeah, I'm super excited.
What are some of the aspects of Raleigh and the campus, aside from obviously football, the area? What are some of the neat things about this area that you really like?
It's a very vibrant environment for sure. I mean, it's the capital of North Carolina. It's definitely a different atmosphere than I'm used to. But I mean, like I said before, everyone here is great. The energy. I mean, I haven't seen game day yet, but I've heard stories of game day and I'm just super excited to be a part of it.