NC State OL Tim McKay on Clemson's Front: "They're Really Active"

NC State right tackle Timothy McKay has had a great start to the 2022 season, and he discussed his play and the upcoming matchup against Clemson with the media.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.

Your thoughts on this Top 10 matchup?
We're definitely excited. We train for this moment. And we're top 10, they're top 10, so we can go out there and play our game and just really get back to the basics.

Should be a nice atmosphere down there.
Oh yeah, definitely.

Unless it's raining like crazy.
The rain, it won't really affect us up front, because we're offensive linemen, just playing hard and just playing our game. If it's wet, it's wet, but it'll be a great game.

You prefer it dry, though, I would think?
Yeah, of course.

When you look at Clemson's defensive front, Coach Shore was talking yesterday just about how impressive they are.  Just what stands out that they do so well?
They're really active. They're a great front, front seven. I think that's a strong hold in their defense. So just going out there and playing our game, just making sure we're staying key to our technique and our footwork and stuff, we'll be good.

How do you feel like the offense has played the first four games?
Pretty good. Every offense has stuff to clean up and we'll get that done.

What do you need to clean up now?
First thing, I think short yardage and goal line. That's a big thing for us, especially up front, just getting our pad level down and really getting after the ball.

You've had a few pre-snap... Not you, but the offense in general, have had some pre-snap penalties so far this year. How do you focus on that and get that, knowing the environment that you're going to see at Clemson?
So always, we just got to emphasize focusing before the snap, like mental reminders telling yourself, just stay in there, just stay in there. Because you know it's going to be loud, just stay focused on the snap.

Growing up in Raleigh, I'm sure you were following NC State before they recruited your older brother, but what is it like to see the program mature the way it has while you've been here?
Yeah, well we knew it was going to be this way, like it's finally happening. So I know we still have a long way to go, but I'm really excited for where we're at right now, because we always thought we were going to be here. I'm excited to see NC State at this point.

Do you remember the first time you went to a Wolfpack game?
The first time, I don't remember. It's been a while.

Like little kid?
Probably not little kid, because I moved from New York. But I know the best game I've been to was a Louisville Thursday night game.

Do you anticipate, whether permitting, that it could have that kind of electricity?
Oh yeah, definitely.

Coming up on Saturday?
Yes sir.

You're playing more and more as the years have gone on. How do you feel like you've grown as a player, and what are your strengths?
Yeah, definitely got a lot more comfortable just being out there. As an offensive lineman, the first snap's not going to always be perfect. But as you get repetition, you get more comfortable and your hands get better, your feet get better. So just getting those mental rests and being out there is really helping me a lot.

Their front four is known nationwide as one of the best out there. What's the challenges of this offensive line going up against those guys on Saturday?
It'll be a challenge, just like every week is, but just playing key to our technique, key to our footwork, keeping a good base and just playing a hard game. I think we're a solid offensive line as well, so just playing a hard game, we'll be just fine.

What are your personal memories of the Clemson game last year?
Just storming the field with Grant Gibson after the game, that was one of the best moments. And doing it at home at Carter-Finley, that was amazing.