NC State wide receiver Ashton Locklear met with the media to discuss his touchdown against App State, his journey as a walk-on, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
What was it like scoring that touchdown?
It was fun, but I was a little embarrassed. I did have a little celebration planned, but I just ended up shaking my head. I blacked out when I got out there.
What celebration were you going to have?
I’m not even going to … It was a little dance.
How rewarding was that after what took place the previous week at Vanderbilt on that fourth down?
I just have a lot of gratitude, man. That play really had me down for a couple of days. I didn’t really know how to feel about it, but I just put my head down. My teammates had my back. I love those guys, man. I would have scored that touchdown.
What does that say about the coaching staff's trust in you to put you back out there and make you the lead receiver, the first read on that play?
It means a lot, man. Last year, I messed up a couple of times due to mental mistakes, and I missed opportunities for myself. This year, it wasn’t really much of a mental thing. It’s more, “Just make that play next time.” It means a lot that they trust me and feel like I’m going to make a play.
What has this experience been like for you?
It’s been a long experience. I’m thankful for every moment of it. I grew up right down the road, so I’ve always been a fan of NC State. It means a lot to finally be able to play and make some plays for the team.
Did you ever consider any other colleges? What was it like? Was it NC State or bust?
Yeah, I had an offer from Howard University, but it got to the point where their roster was full. During that time, all the sixth-year receivers were there, and their roster was full. I had nowhere else to go. My parents were like, “What are you doing? Just walk on at State.” I was like, “OK, bro, I’ll do it.”
Gavin said he’s tougher on you than anybody else on the staff. What is it like to have a brother on the staff, and how tough is he on you?
He’s really tough, man. When he was my position coach here two years ago, I think I ran a lap every day for the entire season. If I just dropped the ball, I’d be reprimanded. But I’m grateful for it, man. I wouldn’t be here without him right now.
Obviously, you and Gavin are here in different roles, but you also have Popo and Chino, and you’ve had the Thomas brothers come through here. What does it say about the program that it’s almost like a brother factory?
It’s the culture, man. Everyone’s brothers, to be honest. Then you have people’s little brothers who want to come here because their older brothers are telling them about the culture here, and they want to be a part of it, too.
How much did Gavin playing here make you want to do the same thing? Obviously, you grew up down the road, but how much did seeing him out there playing influence you?
Words can’t even describe it. I’ve been chasing that feeling since I was watching him play. It’s always been a dream of mine.
Coach Doeren on Monday alluded to the health issues you had to battle when you first got here. How difficult was that, and what were you facing to get on the field and be healthy?
I had a hamstring problem for about two years, on and off. I just kept pulling it and eventually tore it. I just had to find a routine. In high school, most guys never had that problem. Then they get here and have a workload they don’t know how to manage yet, and that was kind of my problem. I just had to grow up and mature. I’m thankful for the athletic training staff and the strength staff for helping me.
