**UPDATE** Video Posted At The BottomToday at 1pm, NC State coach Tom O'Brien met with the media at Backyard Bistro in Raleigh for his first official weekly press conference of the 2009 season. With less than a week left before the Pack takes the field against the Gamecocks, Coach O'Brien fielded questions about the depth chart, which was released today and the looming game against South Carolina. Oh and in case you were not aware, the South Carolina game will be kicking off at 7:03pm on Thursday, not 7:30pm as it appears on both schedules.
Quarterback- Russell Wilson
Obviously, Russell Wilson was listed as the starting Quarterback for the home opener this Thursday. O'Brien talked about Russel's psyché and what Russell will have to focus on to pick up where he left off a year ago. "Russell is hyper. Sometimes we just need to calm him down." said O'Brien. Who mentioned that when Russell is calm, he gets in a rhythm, but when the competitive juices kick in, he can go into overdrive. "We need Russell to relax and play at normal speed, not Russell speed." O'Brien added. Last year, while playing at Russell speed, Wilson was injured after taking a vicious hit to the head and leaving him with a concussion, something the coaching staff does not want to see happen again. "(Wilson) worked on his sliding this year during baseball." joked O'Brien, but added "We don't want to discourage him from doing the things he does well." The staff worked with Russell on situations, explaining when to go for the extra yard and when it's smarter to simply use the sideline.
Quarterback- Mike Glennon
With two more than capable quarterbacks on the roster, the question had to be asked about the type of action Glennon can expect to see in the opener. "Mike will get in sometime in the second quarter in a meaningful situation." O'Brien told reporters on Friday.
Runningback- Tony Baker
Surprise, surprise. After questions were asked all off-season about Tony Baker's health, the question has finally been answered. Baker showed up #1 on the depth chart ahead of last years starter Jamelle Eugene. This was a shock to many and most felt that Baker would not truly be 100% to start the season (knee surgery). However, O'Brien was quick to mention that just because Baker is number one on the chart does not mean he is being dubbed "the starter" and Eugene "the back-up." "How we start might not be how we finish." he said, before mentioning that they will certainly share time. Baker's job was won "through spring practice and summer camp. That's what we have to go on.." said O'Brien.
Corner - DeAndre Morgan
Another surprise to many was the fact that Junior cornerback, Morgan, was listed 2nd on the depth chart to redshirt freshman, CJ Wilson. When asked if this was because of injury, O'Brien simply said "He's on the two deep." When pushed again about whether it was an injury, he simply stated that today is Friday and the injury report doesn't come out until Tuesday. Hmmm, definitely an interesting response, and definitely worth checking out on Tuesday, when those reports become public.
On the kicking game...
Jeff Ruiz was named the starting punter today, something Coach touched on briefly. "Jeff was much more consistant and earned the right to start. It was a competition and the #1 won the job."
On being on national TV for the home opener...
"It's a great opportunity to be (on ESPN) for the opener...It's taken the Wolfpack Nation to a new level." said O'Brien who mentioned that the players are pumped up even more, knowing that it will be the first game and everyone will be watching.
On South Carolina Quarterback, Stephen Garcia...
Coach O'Brien said that the coaching staff is well aware of what Garcia can do since O'Brien recruited him. He said they are aware that he possesses a "strong arm" and the ability to "pull it down and run." Coach also mentioned the possibility that South Carolina tries to run "wildcat sets" at times on Thursday.
On, much talked about, ESPN reporter Erin Andrews being on the sidelines on game night....
"I didn't even know she was coming."
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Video (part 2)
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10 Responses to "O'Brien Talks South Carolina"Hopefully DeAndres health doesn't impact his participation. If not then there will be players ready to step up and compete.
I'm a bit dissappointed Jeff Reiskamp doesn't show on the 2 deep. Although I know Augustine has been trying to live up to all the Amato era hype and maybe he has finally bought into TOB's system and learned to be a complete player. Certainly is a luxury to have so many great DE's going into this year and I know if Jeff is healthy that he will definitely play a big time role on special teams. Great motor and team player in #99
#99 is likely injured or working his way back to the 2-deep because of injury.
So SC only runs the wildcat on thursdays?
Audi played really well at the end of the year. I am not suprised he is on the two deep at all.
I get the feeling that TOB is saying that Morgan got beat out for the job. I can't believe that Morgan's ethic or attitude had anything to do with this, so Wilson must be really good! I know he has the size and speed to start at corner, but if this hypothesis is correct, he must also have the motor and the drive necessary to grab the job. That bodes well for our secondary.
The only question mark on the LB two-deep is Cureton. I thought that WPP had a write-up on him in the archives, but I'm not finding it. I'm going to be really excited to see what Audi Cole can do, along with Maddox and Manning.
Man, it's getting good!
Russell Speed + Trademark = Really cool T-shirts
I'm thinking DeAndre might have gotten beat out, and is getting a message similar to Willie Young last year. DeAndre is a big hitter, just like his brother. But he misses tackles a fair amount because of that. I like having a thumper like him at the boundary, but he can't miss tackles. That's a killer in the secondary.
im really excited this season, i think were going to be good. Also, cant wait to see what u WPH guys have in store for us during the season, u keep it intresting and in depth during the offseason so i cant imagine what ur goin to show us when things are in full swing. Keep up the good work
Interesting that Allen is second team LT. Has guard size and seemed logical for the RG position. Is Sam Jones going to RS?
Not overly concerned with the Cole/Cureton 1-2 punch at stongside LB. After seeing what the staff accomplished working with Robbie Leonard in just one off seaon I'm confident that it will be allright.
Cureton had by all accounts a very strong year on the scout squad at LB - specific position inknown- and it is not surprising an unknown LB from the NC prep ranks could end up being high caliber. Probably the most depth of great athletes in the state are LB type players.
My biggest concern is at the OL and specially to Larsens left side. Will Williams get the knack early moving inside? Have read that reaction time from T to G is very different. His health has always been an issue. Will he slide out when Jake needs a rest or will the high potential Zach Allen get reps? And whats with Allen playing the all important "protect the blind side" LT position after reportedly being a G all along?
One thing I know for sure is that you can bet the farm TOB and Coach Horton have a great plan for this OL, but with new faces in new places showing up at the two deep it will be interesting.
I really feel great about the right side at the first snap. I think Mattes will be a monster once he gets a little experience.
Two deep Owen Spencer and TJ Grahm? How many teams in the country and bring the raw speed and big play potential of that pair of slot wideouts?
"Coach, right now who is your 3rd TE?"
"Asa Watson".
Yep. Going to be really exciting offense this year. We have the potential to have a Big Twelve type team this year with a team like Missouri or Texas Tech in mind. Programs like these, Okie State and Kansas of '07 have took on the OU and UT programs successfully w/o a major defensive presence.
A team that could chew up yards, especially in big chunks could really turn the ACC on it's head. Moving the chains and finishing drives would help build leads and pressure teams like Clemson, VT, FSU and Carolina to play catch up and become one dimensional by passing more then they want. A couple of those teams mentioned are not going to be pretty throwing the ball against any secondary.
That's why I think NCSU and GT will rise to the top of their respective divisions and meet up in the end. The ACC has not had 2 dynamic offensive teams since FSU first joined the league. Our Gator Bowl year was one the best since and we did not have a two deep at skill positions like this- no way.
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