NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland met with the media to discuss the upcoming matchup against Pittsburgh.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
What's the bye week been like for you? What have you done? How have you rested?
Honestly, I'm just taking a little break. Went to Florida to reset my mind, but just focusing on the small details, just to improve my game and give the team a better chance to win.
Did the bye come at a pretty good time for you guys, you feel?
Yeah, I think so. I mean, playing seven games straight or six games straight, I mean, without no bye is taxing on the body. So I think it came at a pretty good time, especially just running about the goal line here at the end of the season.
So right now, do you feel rejuvenated a little bit? I mean, can you explain that?
I feel pretty fresh, so you'll have to see Saturday.
What's the biggest thing you've learned, kind of looking back at the film from the first seven games?
Just a little small details, just always improving on those and just studying ourselves and the opponent, just getting better.
What have you seen from this pit offense so far that makes them difficult?
I think their running backs are really good. So I think if we stop them, we'll have a good chance to win. And then their line is big, but I think we'll do good.
Lyndon Cooper transferred from here up to Pitt. He won the starting job, I believe. When he was here, what was it like competing against him in practice?
I mean, just like anyone else I compete against, him going to Pitt is, I mean, still football to this day, just because he was here, it's another game to me.
Is there anything you're able to take away, though, from going against him in practice, kind of knowing things he likes to do as an offensive lineman?
That was like three years ago, so I'm sure he's got better now. So I don't really depend on that, but I'm just watching this film, so.
What's it been like seeing the younger defensive linemen, whether it's Josiah or Adrian, kind of be able to step up coming down the stretch here?
I think it's pretty impressive and inspiring, and I try to give them guys a ton of confidence. Because it is intimidating being a freshman D lineman going against a really big guy. But I think they're ready for it, and I'm excited to watch.
How have you seen them grow throughout the season so far?
Just in the weight room, maturity, learning the plays, playing fast. So it's good as an older guy to see it's your last year and you get to see the young guys up and rising like that.
What's your perspective on having possibly six games left, knowing that it's a wrap?
You get your four years or five years and that's it. I can't do nothing about that.
