CHARLOTTE– NC State Football is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent years. Not only in the ACC, but also at a national level with a school record seven draft picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. It is a representation of incredible accomplishments on the side of players and coaches alike.
Coming into the 2018-19 season, the Pack look to replace all four starting defensive lineman, making the offense an easy pick for the strongest side of the ball. As explosive as the offense will likely be, head coach Dave Doeren and graduate linebacker Germaine Pratt expressed their confidence in the defense at the ACC 2018 Football Kickoff.
“I think it’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talent since they’ve not been on the radar,” Pratt said. “They’re ready for their opportunity and showcase what they’ve got.”
Pratt was one of those guys, playing behind two seniors last season and has finally been moved into a starting role. He is motivated to show the country and those at the next level how good he is.
“Motivation first starts with yourself, you have to motivate yourself,” Pratt said. “You see four of the guys go to the NFL, then what will you do? I’m gonna go to the NFL too. So it should drive them, it doesn’t matter what outsiders say, it’s about internally.”
Bradley Chubb led that group of draftees last year and Pratt explained how that motivates everyone trying to make it to the next level. The returners on defense learned a lot from one of the best players in College Football.
“We have some questions marks, there’s no doubt,” Doeren said. “But the guys that worked hard, they’re excited for the opportunity and I think it motivates them. We we talk to the D-lineman about how you’re going to replace these guys, that motivates those guys. It’s not ideal to replace four NFL players at one position group, but it’s a pretty good topic of conversation.”
The Pack received ample publicity about it’s defensive line last season, with Doeren getting a lot of credit. It has set up a number of top level recruits coming to Raleigh in that position and in all positions, because of the coaching staff’s ability to develop players. In that case, the players who are out there should be prepared to take on any opponent and provide help to a talented offense.
“Our goal is to be the best version of NC State we can be,” Pratt said. “And every day we come out and try to win today. One day at a time and staying focused.”
An ACC Championship is the goal of every team at the start of the year, and if the best version of NC State comes out of the tunnel for every game, there will be a lot of success. The pieces are there for another great year starting in the fall.
