Devin Carter: "I Saw Great Leadership, Great Poise From Everybody"
NC State redshirt sophomore wide receiver Devin Carter met with the media via Zoom to discuss the win over Wake Forest and the upcoming game versus Virginia Tech.
Carter caught three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown in the Wolfpack’s season opener against the Demon Deacons.
What have the offensive coaches touched on in terms of what to build on and what to clean up from last week?
“We always look to improve our technique every week. We focus on what we’re going to attack in the next game. Whether it’s pass or run, we work on our technique and clean up on that.”
When the run game gets going like it did Saturday, do the receivers take pride in their contributions blocking, as well?
“Yeah, that’s the main focus every day, not just every week. We know the O-line is going to get their job done, so if we block, we know we help create explosive plays. We take great pride in that as a receiver group.”
What did you see from Bailey Hockman throughout camp in his demeanor and leadership, especially after he became the starter?
“Both guys [Hockman and Devin Leary] shared equal amounts of confidence and growth as leaders throughout the offseason and throughout the tough times in general. Both of them really stepped up, and I’m glad I didn’t have to be the one to make the call on who started. I’m comfortable with whoever is back there.”
Did Hockman help calm the offense at the start of the game and keep everyone relaxed?
“Yeah, he shows great poise. Most of them do, really.”
Is there a difference in the way the ball comes out between right-handers and left-handers?
“Not really. When he first got here, I could tell a little difference, but as you get reps with both of them, it slowly becomes the same.”
How about Ricky Person, Jr.’s throwing?
“He throws great balls.”
How stressful was that pass play with Person?
“We worked on it all week. I don’t really say it was as stressful as it may have seemed. I was kind of calm during the play.”
How much did you learn in the offseason to help you increase your role at wide receiver?
“We learned a lot of stuff even though we were out after about five spring practices. We learned a lot on all the different techniques we use versus a DB’s certain techniques. We had a lot of Zoom meetings, so I feel like we didn’t really lose a step as a group.”
What does losing the 14-point lead and then overcoming Wake Forest say about this team, especially after 2019?
“It was great. I saw great leadership and great poise from everybody. [Losing the lead] didn’t really affect us. We went up 14-0, and they made their way back into the game, even taking the lead at one point in the game, and I didn’t see it affect anybody. Usually, somebody lets it get to them and slips up on their assignment. We’ve been through a lot of stuff in the offseason; we’ve been through adversity, so we know how to get through it together. That’s the difference with this team this year rather than last year.”
Where does that come from?
“It comes through leadership, and I feel like we’re a lot closer this year.”
What goes through your head when you see a skilled Virginia Tech secondary coming up?
“Really, just beating the coverage. We’ve got to know the coverage, beat the coverage, play with technique, and execute. We’ve got to be on our toes and execute every play.”
What’s the number one thing you like about this offensive system this year?
“I think it’s the person you play for, not necessarily the system. I feel like the leadership Coach [Tim] Beck brings, how he gets us to do stuff, the speeches he gives us, and his leadership role fuels the offense.”
How much is it a read-and-react offense for the receivers versus just running a play?
“That’s almost our whole concept this year. We do a lot of reading and reacting to the coverages and techniques the DBs are doing?”
How much of a challenge has been adjusting to that?
“In the spring, it was new, not necessarily challenging, but I like it. It helps you make full-speed decisions and play fast.”