NC State cornerback Brian Nelson II spoke with the media to discuss the start of fall camp for the Wolfpack.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
What was it like for you coming back as a returning player this season?
Man, it's amazing just coming back to this program. This program just makes me better overall. I know I have a chip on my shoulder this year, so I just feel like it's going to be a great year—not just for me, but for this whole team.
Where does that chip on your shoulder come from?
The chip on my shoulder has always been there since I was a young kid. But it's even bigger this year just knowing the expectations I have for myself and the people depending on me. I know the things I can achieve this year and all the goals I have for myself are out there. I know I can go get them and make this a great year.
Does the team have that same chip on its shoulder?
Oh yeah, the team has a big chip on its shoulder. We've seen what people have been saying in the media and all that type of stuff, but we really don't care because we know the guys we have on this team are amazing people and amazing players. We take time off the field to spend time together and really grow.
We're grateful to have this opportunity, but we know this year is going to be a statement year for us.
Coach talked about your leadership. What went into becoming more vocal?
Stepping into a leadership role was big for me. I've always thought of myself as a leader, but I really didn't talk much. The guys pushed me to step up more, talk more, and lead because a lot of people respect me, and I really feel honored about that.
It's a great thing to be a leader on this team. I lead by example, but you've also got to speak life into guys and let them know you believe in them and that they're great people and great players.
Last year the defense struggled at times. Why will it be different this season?
This year it'll be way different because we spent a lot of time this offseason working on the details and doing the little things. We want to make our layup plays.
This defense is going to be different. We're going to play our butts off, run to the football, and this defense definitely has that fire behind it. Like I said, this is going to be a statement year, especially for this whole team.
With players moving on, who are some guys on defense that have an opportunity to step up and surprise people?
I feel like my guy Ronnie Royal is going to step up. He played last year, but Ronnie has been working his tail off this offseason.
I also think Jaren Sensabaugh can step up, Caden Gordon, too. There are a lot of guys on defense who can really step up and make a statement this year.
You mentioned a couple of the corners. What's it been like watching them compete for playing time?
It's been a great experience seeing those guys compete every day. Like I said, I try to speak life into every one of those guys in that room. It's important that they believe in each other.
As the leader of the room, I have to do my job making them better, making them uncomfortable, and helping them step up to the plate.
Does this program get the respect it deserves?
No, I don't think this program gets the respect we deserve. We do a lot of great things. Some people respect this program, but they'll respect us even more after this year once we do what we're supposed to do on the field. That's been the missing key.
I know for a fact that after this season a lot of people are going to wake up to NC State.
Does this roster feel different than last year's team?
This roster is completely different. Like I said earlier, the team bonding is completely different. We've built a lot of chemistry on and off the field. We do a lot together outside of football.
Starting in January, we knew building a brotherhood was going to be important because we feel like the most connected teams are the ones that win.
Building that kind of chemistry can't be easy. How difficult is it?
It's very hard. It takes time. It doesn't happen overnight.
I'm just glad every guy on this team is on the same page when it comes to brotherhood and what we want to accomplish this year. It takes time to build that, but all of our guys are bought in.
You seem more confident this year. Where does that confidence come from?
I just had to realize who I was and where I came from. But mainly my confidence comes from God—Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Last year wasn't the season I wanted to have, but I realized it doesn't define me. This year I've just focused on my mindset, my mentality, and having that chip on my shoulder every day.
What's it like practicing every day against a quarterback like CJ Bailey?
It's great competition on both sides of the ball. We always say iron sharpens iron.
CJ is our quarterback, and you've got Keenan Jackson at receiver, JoJo Trader—really the whole offense. It's great competition every day in practice. It makes us better, and it makes them better because we're competing every single day.
How significant is it to have players who have competed in the College Football Playoff or a national championship join this team?
I think it was important for guys like Popo and the other players who have won championships to come here because they bring experience. They know what it takes.
Those guys have really helped us understand what's required to reach that level. They're inspirational, too. Popo is a great leader because he let us know what it took to get to that stage. He told us that we have what it takes—we've just got to keep believing. That's what we're going to do.
