Meyers: "I Like Being The Underdog"
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is one of NC State's top returning weapons after his breakout 2017 season. He finished near the top of the leaders in the ACC in receptions, and he was outstanding on third down.
Meyers is eager to take the next step in 2018.
How much does the other receivers work ethic push you?
I just want to match them. It’s tough to match them because they are always here, always doing something. They push me to be better and make sure I’m not going back to the bench, just progressing.
If a receiver isn’t working hard, does it stick out?
Definitely. If you aren’t here doing something then they notice you aren’t here. Kelvin is always here, Steph is always here. If you aren't’ doing something, you definitely stick out.
What is something you are better than them at?
They are definitely more athletic. I can play more positions than them. I played quarterback, Steph played quarterback, he thinks he still has it, I’m better than he is though.
Can you beat them at basketball?
Oh definitely. I try to stay off the courts, but if you went back, they wouldn’t have a shot.
Kelvin said you play basketball when you’re playing football, what does that mean?
The way I try to get open, I take a basketball approach because I played when I was younger. When I get up on my man, I try to cross them up.
How do you open things up in the middle?
I don’t think you can double cover the outside anymore. Safeties are playing over the top, then you leave the middle of the field open for me and Thayer and we can go up the middle of the field and make catches. If they try to be honest, then they’re open on the outside, if they go out there then we are open.
People have forgotten about you, you had 60 catches last year. Did you sneak up on people?
That's fine with me. I like being the underdog. They get all the hype so I like coming in when they aren’t watching and taking those catches.
Do you have a goal this year?
I want to be the best Jakobi I can be. I want to stay on the field and help my team, no outside distractions, be there for every game and help as best I can.
What have you seen from Thayer and how are you helping me?
I love Thayer as a person and as a football player. He’s a really great guy and a really great football player in my opinion. I think he’s earned everything he’s gotten so far, I think he’ll continue to earn more. He can make tough catches, he can run routes, he can get open, he can do a lot.