NC State tight end Dante Daniels met with the media to discuss his play in the Georgia Tech win, the Miami matchup, and more.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
Obviously, you got a chance to step up a little bit more in the receiving game, what was that like for you?
Oh, it was awesome. First of all, I thank God for everything that happened in that game. Thank my coaches, thank my teammates. I think we just, we didn't, we knew it wasn't like stepping up in this facility, it was kind of stepping in. We, as a tight end room, we know we all can do what we like, everyone else can do the same thing. So, it was more of stepping into a role and just helping Justin recover basically.
It seems like you and the tight ends, they were inside jokes. What were some of your funniest moments?
Oh, I know Justin always talks about the muffin man, that thing is so annoying, I'm not going to lie. That one, calling Lock a leprechaun. I mean, that's the biggest one for us, I think. It's a fun group to be around, though, it's like it's family. When I went home the bye week, I used to talk with them. They're my brothers for real.
The offense is rolling pretty good right now. What's been going right for you guys offensively?
I think we're just stepping up and playing grown man football, really. Being detail oriented and playing fun mentally sound. So, I feel like the past couple weeks and stuff like that, you haven't seen messed up plays here and there. I think we're being more detailed and playing grown man football. It's a grown man sport, so we've got to step up and play that.
What defines grown man football?
Basically, just not being a baby. I'm not going to cuss, but just not being a baby, honestly. Just playing fun mentally sound, playing strong and not backing down from the opponent.
Is there another B word that you guys are using there?
Yeah.
You actually graded out as the highest rated run blocker in that game against Georgia Tech. What does that mean to you to see that come to fruition and be a guy that's been a very good run blocker for the season?
It was awesome to see, honestly. It was nice to see it come from a Juco standpoint. I was never really taught how to block. This year, I kind of emphasized my blocking a lot more. I think I just played a really fun mentally sound right there. It was awesome, honestly. It was a good feeling, but I need to do it again next year.
Your thoughts on Miami and what you're facing?
They're a really good team. The D-line is really strong, fun mentally sound. We've got to play at a really low pad level. Rueben Bain is really, really good. Number Zero is really good, too, at nickel. Honestly, it's come down to physicality. It's come down to physicality and details. If they outdo us with their details, then they're going to win the game. But if we come out there and actually show our details, be fun mentally sound, and play with each other, then we're good.
Do you get a little more excited playing these named teams, like Miami and Florida State teams, the named teams that are associated with them? Do you get a little more excited playing teams like that?
Honestly, in my perspective, I get excited to play any team. It could be Campbell. It could be anything. I'm just very glad that God blessed me to wake up every single morning and play football. I just came from a position where I wasn't going to play football growing up. So, coming here and playing any single team, not Power 4, I think I'm just blessed to play it.
