NC State DL Isaiah Shirley met with the media to discuss the Vanderbilt loss, preview the Appalachian State game, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference.
Playing a hometown team, you've obviously loved your experience at State, but what do you think it's going to be like on Saturday?
It's going to be fun. I grew up going to App State games and playing Little League on that field. So, it's going to be fun.
It's an opportunity to go out there, compete, and play football. I'm excited for it. It's going to be fun.
Yeah, I can't wait.
What's been the team's response to seeing your teammate, CJ Bailey, have to take the brunt of that loss on that play?
I think the guys are doing a great job. We're just wrapping our arms around everybody. Everybody talks about the last play, but there are many other things we could have done in that game that would have led to a different outcome.
I think we're all just taking it on the chin. As everybody else has said, I think we've all moved on from it in the building. I think everybody else is still talking about it.
We're ready to go. I haven't thought about it in a couple of days. We've brought it up, but we're out here just ready to play football, getting ready for another opportunity on Saturday to put it on film.
What is out there for NC State in these nine games? What can you guys do?
I think we keep playing our brand of football. Hard, tough, together. Go out there and play physical, play complementary football. Then, when it's time to make the big play, we make it.
I'm excited for this team. I think that we're not backing down, and we're ready to go.
Are you thinking in the context of season-long goals, or are you just in the moment?
The most important game is the next one. The most important practice is the next practice. The most important play is the next play.
As you said, it's being in the moment. That's what we've got to do. We've got to stack each day, stack moment by moment.
Then, at the end, when we look up, it's going to be a result that we like.
Isaiah, CJ said he addressed the team afterward. Without giving away what he said, how did what he told you guys boost your confidence in the future?
He's got our back. We've got his back. That's as much as I can really say about that.
I'm all for CJ, and he's all for us. So, I'm excited.
Isaiah, what does it mean for you to be nominated as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy?
It means a lot. It's cool that people in my circle feel I'm worthy of being nominated for that.
That's big time. There are people who put a lot of effort into it. Annabelle, back there, put a lot of effort into getting me nominated for that.
I'm just excited. It's cool. When you do things for the community or serve, for me, when you follow Jesus Christ, you're called to serve.
So, when you get recognized for stuff like that, it's not why you do it. But it's definitely cool that the Lord is working in that way.
Isaiah, what have the group chats and family chats been like now that you're playing against that team this week?
The family ones have been smooth. I left my growing-up friend one. I left it for this week, just trying to stay focused.
But it's what you can imagine. Guys are just staying focused, in tunnel vision, ready to compete on Saturday.
