Bailey Hockman: "It's Going To Be A Great Night For Us"
NC State redshirt junior quarterback Bailey Hockman met with the media via Zoom to discuss the Wolfpack’s upcoming matchup against the Powder Springs, Ga. native’s former team, Florida State.
Hockman is currently completing 61.2 percent of his passes with 779 yards and five touchdowns through the air. He’s also scored twice on the ground and caught a 31-yard touchdown from Thayer Thomas.
Below is a transcript of Hockman’s remarks to the media.
Can you talk about your excitement for this game considering your history with Florida State?
“I’m definitely excited. I’m just trying to keep the momentum going from last week. I’ve played this game before; I played in it last year. It’s good to see all the guys. I don’t know nearly as many guys as I did last year just because they’re younger. A lot of the guys [that I played with] left. It should be a lot of fun to see those guys and play against them.”
Can you give us details on why you left Florida State?
“There’s a lot that went into it. Obviously, I went there to play for Jimbo [Fisher]. When he left, it was kind of hard. [Willie] Taggart and I just kind of ended up having a bit of a disagreement on things, and ultimately it wasn’t where I was supposed to be at. I felt like I just needed a change, and it ended up working out pretty well.”
Do you want to expand on the playbook you and Tim Beck utilized in the Miami game, or will you stick with it as it stands?
“We definitely have to expand on it because Florida State plays a little bit different of a defense, so we’ve got to get our plays that work against that defense. It’s the same sort of memo, I guess, in the way that Coach Beck is going to teach, the way I’m going to learn it, and how we’re going to have to put it all together. It shouldn’t really make too much of a difference, but we’re ready to go. We’re working hard.”
What are your discussions with Beck like in terms of analyzing the playbook?
“It’s him telling me, ‘This is good because of this reason,’ I’m like ‘I don’t really feel comfortable with that’ or ‘Oh yeah, that looks great. I like that.’ It’s kind of back and forth. It’s a good dynamic.”
How much did the second half of the Carolina game and your performance against Miami boost your confidence?
“I feel extremely confident. It takes a minute. I hadn’t really played in a game in three or four years up until last year. It takes a second, especially at quarterback, to get the real bullets flying because you don’t really get hit in practice or anything. Those real bullets flying just make it a lot different, so it takes a second to get used to it and be able to keep your eyes up and not worry about the rush or things like that. It’s definitely made my confidence go up a lot.”
How important is it to get the extra reps in practice as the starting quarterback?
“Reps are extremely important. It’s almost like building a résumé. I keep making this play and keep making this play so that, when it’s game day, I don’t ever need to second-guess myself, so I can just pull the trigger when I need to. That’s what those reps do.”
Does not getting those extra reps as the backup hold you back?
“It’s kind of good as a backup quarterback. I’ve only been a starter or a backup at NC State. The starter will get four plays, and the backup will get three, so it’s only one less. I still get a good amount of reps, but getting those reps scripted out for me, the plays that I need against the looks I need to see, definitely help out a lot.”
What jumps out at you when you look at the Seminoles’ defense on film?
“They’re very similar personnel-wise, but their scheme is just a little bit different. They play a lot more two-high rather than one-high like Miami would play. It’s still very similar. There’s just little things that change up reads or different calls based on where people are lined up.”
More on confidence…
“My confidence is feeling great. I’m feeling ready to play. I just want to do the best I can to give the guys a chance to win. That’s my job: throwing the ball so receivers can make a play and staying behind those offensive linemen. I think it’s going to be a great night for us.”
How helpful has Devin Leary been for you throughout this time?
“Devin and I have a great relationship. We always have. It’s always good to have another guy that’s played and has heard the same things you’ve heard from coaches. Sometimes, a coach will say something to a player, and you might interpret it a little bit wrong, so it’s good to have somebody to talk to and say, ‘It’s all right. Just keep moving, do this, do this and that, and you’ll be good.’ It’s definitely good to have him around, and he’s done a good job helping out."
What’s the relationship with Ben Finley been like?
“Off the jump, Ben reminded me of myself when I was young. I just tried to take him under my wing, being an older guy who’s been all over the place and seen everything. I’ve tried to help him understand what it takes to be a college quarterback and the work you have to put in, and he’s done a really good job. He’s really smart, so he’s going to be a really good player, and I’m definitely excited for him."