NC State offensive line coach Garett Tujague met with the media to discuss the start of fall camp, his position group, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
On the differences between this year and last year...
I think, man, one of the biggest differences with this year and years past is there's so much back and forth with the offense and defensive line, like iron sharpening iron, and when that happens, sparks fly. They're having a play, we're having a play, so being able to feed off of that energy, testing us early, man, I really like what we've got going. I have like maybe five, six, seven guys that could be in a starting rotation, so it's good to feel really good about that. We're getting better every day, and it's not about walking out there and kicking someone's butt every single day. I mean, it's back and forth. The defensive staff has done an amazing job of getting their guys ready to run their scheme.
Is that something different this year? Are you guys doing more and more head-to-head drills?
Yeah, it's a lot of 11-on-11, which is really helpful for run-pass stuff and makes a big difference, helps us be honest, helps them be honest, in just playing football. It's been a lot of fun to watch.
What brought about that change, maybe?
Oh, just playing ball, right? Just having an opportunity to have young players, getting into situations where we're 11-on-11. Coach Doeren has done an amazing job of putting this fall camp schedule together, allowing each position to grow as the days go by.
Tell us the story behind why you decided to wear a winter hat right now.
That's a really good question, and it's personal, so I'm going to, and I love that you asked. No, no, you're okay, you're okay. I love that. It's a very personal reason. At some point, I'll probably share that towards the end of my career as to why I do it, but I appreciate you noticing and asking. Yeah, it's okay, it's okay.
I'm curious how much of the offensive line's play is related to the quarterback and what they might see pre-snap, and we've heard a lot about CJ's growth and development on the mental side. What have you seen about how he sets protections?
It's not like night and day. It's awesome. He understands our protection at an elite level. We see our alleys, and we see what's going on in here, and he sees that deep, and sometimes we'll be in a call based off of a look and he'll flip it, right, or switch it on us, which we love, and then it puts us under pressure, or he sees something that he really likes. He's done a really good job—command presence, like elite leadership, right? Last year, good, right? We're all riding on his coattails.
This year, it's like he's way over the top. Everybody steps in line. Really fun. There's a lot of respect. CJ talks to the offensive line quite a bit about why he's doing things and explains it to them. As coaching staff, we do the same thing, so, I mean, it's been next level. It's been a lot of fun to watch him as a true freshman. Being in the shoes he's in today has meant tremendous growth.
On watching the interior offensive lineman grow over time...
Yeah, no, it's been fun. A lot of young players are getting a lot of really good reps based on the way we're running practice, and so, again, you're getting a chance to develop them, have some young guys that are moving up in the depth chart, but inside, I feel really good where we're at right now. Obviously, Spike's doing a great job of anchoring down the whole middle. You got Kamen, Yousef, Rico; all three of them are in the mix in there, too. Rico's playing outside, so I feel really confident about how physical, how tough, and how strong we are inside.
How has the depth been on the line?
Yeah, good. I think, again, that the format that we're going to a lot of 11-on-11 stuff is letting the younger players develop at a higher level instead of just getting it in certain pod situations or whatever, so I'm really pleased with the depth, and again, the key to every season is staying healthy, and you hope that you're playing a lot of guys because the opportunity presents itself and not because of a brick glass type of deal.
With about two and a half weeks left until you guys start the regular season, what are some things you're still trying to fine-tune with this line to make sure that it's at its best come the regular season?
Yeah, no, that's a great question. I think, first and foremost, everything we approach and everything we do is going to be at the standard, right, and again, understanding that this is what we're trying to get to and anything less than that is unacceptable, and again, if I'm the one who's always having to demand that, probably not as effective. Love the growth of our leadership in our room.
My guys are holding guys to the standard, so again, just every single play, man, I want you to empty the tank. Snaps over, balls over, breathe, fill it back up, and let's go again, so that's one of the things we're working on, starting to establish longer play drives so that we get that going, but that would be the key.
On Spike Sowells Jr. and his development...
Yeah, confidence in the system. He's not a true freshman anymore. He understands; he anticipates the next call based on his relationship with Kurt Roper and knowing what he's going to do. I mean, his knowledge of the game, his IQ, and level of anticipation are 10 times what they were last year.
How much do you enjoy the instructive part of your job?
It's my favorite part.
When you see a kid take the teaching and it manifests itself in success, describe that feeling for me.
Very proud. I think coaches really, truly are master teachers, and again, not to discredit, math teachers are extremely important, but our stuff's out there on Saturday, and if my guys play well, it's not because of me, it's because of them and what they've been able to do, and so when you see a young man struggle with a certain technique or whatever, and then he nails it, it's a pretty proud moment. Now, you've got to get them to do it again and again and again and again, but man, as a coach, that's the beautiful thing about this, is getting to affect young men's lives through master teaching.
