Doeren: "We're Excited To Be 1-0"
NC State head coach Dave Doeren met with the media after the Wolfpack's 24-13 win over James Madison.
Opening Statement...
“We’re excited to be 1-0, and thanks to our fans, students, band and everyone that endured the heat. It was a hot one out there. A lot of our players are getting IVs right now and I’m hoping a bunch of fans come out of here without any heat issues. Thank you for doing that, to those that stayed all four quarters that’s unbelievable and we appreciate it.
“As far as the game goes, James Madison is a good football team. We knew they would be. Our red zone defense was exceptional. They found a way to stop them. I thought our stamina in the fourth quarter with the drive we put together at the end on offense was critical. Jacobi Meyers had an incredible game and Ryan (Finley) had a 300-yard passing game. I thought Reggie (Gallaspy) ran hard but I didn’t think our run game was as good as it will be in time. We’re missing some parts right now, particularly at tight end.
“A lot of guys played today, and it was good to get them out there. I thought Thayer Thomas didn’t play like a freshman at all. He had a nice punt return and great touchdown. There was some really good stuff and will be great film for us to watch.
“I was impressed with James Madison. Their staff does a great job, their players are classy, and they play hard. They’re going to have a good season.”
Update on Eurndraus Bryant...
“He said that when he hit the ground that his neck locked up, so they had to do all of the precautions. He was fine and was joking while he was down there on the sideline that he was mad when he fumbled. He’s okay though. I talked to him and he feels good and he actually said he could have played which is nice to hear.”
On C.J. Riley’s catch/development...
“It was a great play. Last year I know he was a little more nervous and timid in those situations. Now I think he’s playing with his size. If you’re going to be 6’5” you have to play like you’re 6’5” and that was a nice play to go up and have strong hands and come down with the ball and keep it in his body.
“The second part of that is I think those guys being behind Kelvin and Stephen and seeing them work hard every day had made Emeka (Emezie) and C.J. that much better.”
On level of depth today...
“Depth is critical in a lot of ways. One when you have players that can’t play you don’t want to have a big drop off at a position and that can happen. I don’t think it did at all today. Second it creates competition in practice because those guys are competing for reps. You can’t have a bad day if there’s a great player behind you taking reps. Both of those things matter on your roster and we’ve definitely improved ourselves there in a lot of spots.
On Reggie Gallaspy from last year to this year...
“The biggest difference physically is that he’s been able to train. Unfortunately, he’s had small injuries throughout his career that have kept him out of training for an extended period of time. He’s in really good shape going into the season, which is different than it has been in previous seasons.
“He’s also a father. I think his personal life is in order. He’s done a really good job focusing on what’s important. His family is really supportive, and I think he’s in a really good place physically and mentally right now.”