NC State center Daniel Cruz met with the media to discuss his first career start against Louisville, his relationship with Coach Tujague, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
What was your first career start like?
It was fun. It was good to be out there with my guys.
Every single time I tried to make a play, these guys were right next to me, encouraging me. It was really fun to be out there, and I just love being with my guys.
When did you find out that you were starting?
I'm not really sure when it was. I was prepared, regardless, to be starting out there just in case anything happened. I was ready for my name to be called.
How helpful were the spring reps you were able to get with the starting unit for this moment?
I feel like they were very helpful because I got to build relationships with all the guys who were here before — Teague, Kamen, Trent, and Yousef.
I got to build relationships with all of them to become a better guy for them and a better leader.
How important is that relationship with CJ Bailey in all of this, considering he's had to go through three different centers over the course of five weeks?
I feel like my relationship with him is growing really well.
I knew him from high school, from the Under Armor All-America Game, so I did snap to him. I snapped to him and Michael Van Buren, I believe.
We've been building our relationship, just stacking days and making sure I'm dialed in for him.
How much has Spike Sowells Jr. helped you, considering he was already in the system before you got here?
He helped me a lot when I first got here to understand the calls, since I came from Sark's offense.
That offense was a little more complex, so coming into this one felt a little different from what I had previously learned.
Transitioning to this offense, understanding the schemes and making the calls and stuff like that, he helped me a lot.
What attracted you to NC State?
Definitely the environment and Coach Tujague.
I'm a Texas boy, so I never left Texas unless I went to Mexico with my family.
I was just like, "Why not take the opportunity and take the chance to go a thousand miles away from home and see if I can make something happen?"
What has it been like being coached by Garett Tujague?
I love being coached by Tujague.
Every single day, I love coming into the room, being there and seeing him. I love joking around with him, but when it's time to be serious, I walk in with him and ask him serious questions because I want to become a better offensive lineman and a better center for my guys.
You guys spend a lot of time talking about the next-man-up mentality and how everybody works together in that room. What's it like being in a room where everyone is encouraging and helping each other get ready for their moment?
I just love being there.
All the guys know it's always one play. Unfortunately, you're one play away from football being over, so everyone has that mentality of, "OK, I can be called in."
You have to make sure you're dialed in on the plays and the game plan for that week.
I feel like everyone's locked in. They just want to be next up.
What are some questions you ask Coach Tujague or your teammates? Can you give us some examples?
Usually, I'll joke around in there.
When it's time to lock in, I'll ask different personnel questions, like, "Do they match personnel?" or, "Coach, what do you want me to make this certain call here? Would this be better?"
Stuff like that. Just a few tidbits of information I need to know to be a better center out there on the field.
What was it like for you when you guys had to shuffle the offensive line last weekend?
It was good. Trent knows what to do, so I trusted him, and we've been training together for a while now.
It's just plug and play. Everyone can play, and I've built great relationships with everyone here to keep grinding with them.
Is it basically that no matter who's out there, you guys are confident?
Oh yeah, absolutely.
Was it nice to start your career at home instead of on the road in a different environment?
I was just happy I got my first start regardless.
I didn't care whether it was home, away, rainy, or sunny. I was just happy I got to be out there playing with my guys.
How did your family react?
I flew my mom out that same day. She was excited.
I told her, "Hey, Mom, I think I'm starting this weekend."
She was super excited, so I ended up flying her out, and then she stayed with me that weekend just to come support me.
It was really good to see her after the game and see that we won.
With this being your first time playing in the ACC in an in-state rivalry matchup against Wake Forest, what have you heard about the rivalry? Is preparation for it different from other ACC games?
I've been a part of many rivalries from high school all the way to college — Texas-OU and stuff like that.
I've heard that this rivalry has been going on since 1910, so it means something here at NC State.
I'm excited to go out there, compete against them, and just make a statement.
