Alston: "People Are Sleeping On Us"
Johnathan Alston likes where his team is and is not concerned with what lies ahead.
He is also confident that NC State will use its bye week properly.
The Wolfpack slipped early but has emerged as a conference contender since. NC State is currently ranked 16th in the AP poll and the games ahead have as much meaning for the program as any have in recent memory.
With a five-week stretch to close the regular season that is grueling, NC State is using its bye week for two purposes.
The Pack is honing its craft and getting a jumpstart on its next game.
“We are coming in and working on the little things, the fundamentals,” Alston said. “We are still keeping the main thing the main thing. We are not looking ahead. We are looking forward to Notre Dame.”
The move from wide receiver to cornerback has had its bumps in the road but Alston continues to adapt.
The redshirt senior from Bunn, North Carolina has a team-best two interceptions, including one in the Wolfpack’s win over Syracuse on September 30th, and he enjoys the thrill of helping the team with a turnover.
In fact, Alston equates an interception with a touchdown reception.
“I am still adapting to corner,” Alston said. “Everything was new. Technique is just the biggest thing with me. I just keep working on that, staying with my coaches and watching film.
“It is the same feeling. To catch the ball on defense, that is rare. It doesn’t really happen like on offense so it feels really good. That is what we have to do to win. Takeaways give the offense chances, more scores can happen with more chances to get the ball.”
Alston also likes the resolve NC State showed in its last game at Pittsburgh. The Wolfpack rebounded from a sluggish start to take control in the second half en route to a critical road win.
It is a stark contrast to the way NC State closed in its opener against South Carolina. To Alston, that symbolizes growth.
"We get better in every game," Alston said. "A lot of people are sleeping on us and doubting us. Our technique is getting better, our eyes, and everything else.
"We are taking each game a day at a time. We attack it the same like we usually do. The D-Line is coming strong but everyone is playing their role."