NC State linebacker AJ Richardson recently met with the media to discuss his number change, transferring from a FCS school, the Wolfpack’s personnel, and much more.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview with Richardson.
On switching to #15...
Really just the number I had, so a lot of work, earned it, and the coach was willing to give it to me.
Is that a number you wanted originally and had to go out there and get it?
Something like that.
What do you feel like you've done this fall camp to really set yourself apart?
Really just preparation on the mental side of the game. Being mentally prepared through all things, whether I'm in, whether I'm not in. I'm in regardless, so if I'm on the sideline, I'm getting mental reps. Those mental reps are just like game reps and preparation. We always say here that the separation is in preparation. My preparation has been, I feel, is top tier, so that translates into the fall as well.
How tough was that, not really being a part of things in spring camp during injury?
I didn't focus on what I could not do. I focused on what I could do. Like I said, the mental side was big for me. I participated in everything as if I was on the field. I relied on my higher power, so everything was just fine. I just focused on what I could do, focused on the meetings, what I could do in the meetings, and participating in the meetings as best as I could and really attentive to the things that we were putting in at the game.
What's the journey been like for you going from being at Norfolk State to now getting to play a part in the stadium?
It's been a blessing. It's nothing short of a blessing. I can't complain about anything. I won't complain about anything, but just being able to be here back in North Carolina is a big blessing. Being able to be in the state that I grew up in is just a blessing. I'm excited to play in Carter-Finley on Thursday.
What are some of the ACC amenities that you've come to welcome back to playing for the state?
Indeed, definitely just everything. The resources, the locker room, the facilities, the weight room in front of the games. We've got a phrase we call Built by Thunder, so definitely the weight room.
What has it been like that the coaches trust you with recruits and then praise your leadership? What is it about your charisma that translates?
I won't change for anybody. I won't change for anything. I stand on my morals and I stand for anything. I stand for what I believe in, so just being myself, I'm big on that. Don't change. Just be who I am, be a great person, and just be kind to everybody, treat people as you want to be treated.
Does that always happen to an FCS player when they come to this level? Because there might be a little bit of a stigma for some people, but you know how tough that level is. So what is the biggest difference that you've noticed so far in practice between playing at that FCS level, 1AA, and where you are right now?
More scholarships, right? You see a lot of guys that really, you see why they play at NC State on full scholarship. But football is football. We've been playing football all our lives. So the big difference is the amenities and the resources that we tap into. There are great players on that FCS level, at that HBCU level, and I stand for that. So there are great players at that level. And football is going to be football, but like I said, more scholarships. You see guys, and you see why they're here at NC State, and you see why they're on scholarship, and you see why the players that they are, because of the work that they put in.
You played a lot of football in the first few years of your college career. What did you kind of take from those two years, especially being a captain as a freshman, that you can use in a new place?
Right, right. Just come here with confidence. Just come here with confidence, like I said earlier. Just being me and being myself. Just be who you are. We are where we are for a reason. We got here for a reason. So don't stop there. Just come in, be confident, and just build relationships with people first. As a leader, you have to build relationships with people in order to lead them, in order for them to respect you. So you give respect, and you earn respect. But everything is earned, nothing is given. So just come in with that confidence, and knowing and having faith in your ability, and falling back on your training at the end of the day so that you can lead.
What have you seen from this guy back here, Cian Slone?
Man, relentless, no wasted movement. No wasted movement at all. He's a great player, fundamentally sound. And his motor is through the roof, like high motor. I consider myself a high motor guy, but watching him on film just makes you want to beat him.
