Technician: This is your first year at N.C. State after coaching at Boston College with coach O’Brien. What is it about coach O’Brien that made you want to follow him to N.C. State?Willis: Well, coach O’Brien is a fair individual, particularly to players and as a coach. He’s a guy that you always want to work with because his morals and values are particularly in line with mine.

Technician: Is it difficult for you seeing State struggling so far this year and Boston College being so successful with players you helped recruit?Willis: Not whatsoever. We knew that team was going to be good. It’s just that the way things went, you know; it was time to leave. That’s what the circumstances were, because why would we leave those types of players up there? But it’s just one of those situations where certain things happen, and they’re doing what they do, and we’re trying to get these guys at the level those guys are up at Boston College.

Technician: It seems State’s defense has had a hard time stopping the run this year. Why do you think that is? Willis: I would say we’re not doing bad, actually. A lot of people don’t see it, but we’ve improved greatly from week to week. When you come into a new situation with a bunch of guys that you don’t know and them not knowing you, there is some learning that has to take place. And what’s happening on a daily basis for us, as a staff and as players, they’re starting to believe in themselves as players. And we’re starting to put things in place that is much simpler for them to grasp. They show improvement every week, and that’s the great thing.

Technician: N.C. State in recent history has produced some great defensive linemen. You have also coached big-name linemen such as Mathias Kiwanuka. Are there any guys on the line now that you see as professional caliber?Willis: Yeah, there’s quite a few guys. You know, our guys are young. A lot of the guys that I’m coaching now are pretty much in the same role that Mathias was in. Mathias had to learn how to make a play on a consistent basis. And that’s what I’m trying to coach these guys, if they want to make it to the next level, is playing with consistency. Everyone at some point makes a big play. It’s how consistent you are at making those plays.

Technician: Would you say Kiwanuka is the best player you’ve ever coached?Willis: By far.