NC State OT Jimarion McCrimon met with the media to discuss the Vanderbilt game, how to carry last week's momentum into this week, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
On getting ready for Vanderbilt's defense...
I treat it as getting ready for any defense, really, just picking up stunts. They always have a physical D-line. We always have to prepare for that.
But it's just taking it as another step, preparing for a new team.
What do you feel like you've learned or improved on in just the first two games?
The first two games, I feel like I've definitely become more vocal as I've stepped up my game and tried to be more of a leader. Obviously, my physical skill set has improved as well, whether it's passing or anything else.
Did you play anyone at ECU that blitzed a lot? Anybody that you just knew going in, that's what they do? Anybody, any defenses you faced where it's like, "They're blitzing this week"?
I don't really think a specific person in general blitzes a lot. Our defense here blitzes a little, too. So, each player blitzes in their own way. I'll adjust to that.
What's the communication among the linemen to pick up six or seven guys?
We have our rules for our pass game, so we follow the rules we've been coached on. It's pretty simple. We make it pretty simple.
Do the running backs and tight ends get a little bit of a workout when teams bring that much pressure?
I know the running backs sure do, of course. If they're blitzing six or seven guys, they obviously have to scan the field. So, I know they're getting their shift pulled.
After struggling in Week 0, how rewarding or validating was it to see the run game explode last week?
We all knew that we didn't play our best Week 0. We just kept working on getting back to who we are: a run game. So, us stepping it up and making it better this past week, it definitely is better for us, and we know where we are.
How important is it for you guys now to put together a more complete performance against a team like Vanderbilt and another Power Four opponent before you head into ACC play, not the following week, but the week after that?
We always do what we're trained to do. What we just played, that's how we play. As long as we keep playing the way we are and the way we're taught, we're sure to be fine.
Has there been an added emphasis on hydration this week, just knowing you're going to play in the middle of the day on a hot day?
We all get our hydration. We all treat our hydration pretty importantly. So, each day and each week, we all go through the same intense process we're taught with hydration.
