Emptying The Notebook: NC State QB Grayson McCall tests defense and more
NC State quarterback Grayson McCall has seen a lot of defenses in his five years of college football. But ahead of his final year of college football, McCall has to face one of the top defenses in the ACC every day at practice.
And for the veteran signal-caller, who is working to mesh with a brand-new offense full of playmakers, that has been helpful.
“I really think the defense as a whole, it’s important for us as an offense to see those looks every day,” McCall said this week. “Starting with the front … we have to block. And then the guys on the back end make it challenging for us, so it’s really iron sharpening iron every day.”
McCall, who has thrown for more than 10,000 passing yards with 88 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions at the collegiate level, is no stranger to tough defenses. In the Sun Belt Conference, he faced the likes of Appalachian State and Troy, while also playing at UCLA last season.
But NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson’s unit presents a different challenge. The 3-3-5 scheme allows the defensive backs to make plays, while also being aggressive in often-times 1-on-1 coverage. That, in turn, has required immense attention to detail from McCall.
“They’re coached at a high level and the coaches expect good things from them,” McCall said. “It just makes me that much better going against guys like that. I have to have perfect ball placement or it could be tipped and picked. Going against those guys every day makes me better.”
While the defense has provided a tough challenge for the Wolfpack offense, McCall has done the same for NC State’s defenders.
“He might be one of the best quarterbacks I’ve seen,” graduate safety KJ Martin said. “[He’s] cerebral. I’ve played against a few Heisman Trophy winners, so big ups to Grayson. He’s the real deal.”
“He really takes care of the ball. I don’t remember him throwing an interception this whole camp practice,” Martin continued. “That’s big, shoutout to him.”
Ruffin McNeill is a ‘national treasure’
Look around NC State’s practice field and you’ll find a golf cart parked nearby. Ruffin McNeill is in the front seat, and every day, he’s the greeting party for the Wolfpack’s team.
Players, no matter how long they have been within the program, stop by to say hello. So does practically every NC State staff member. That positive influence from McNeill, the Wolfpack’s special assistant to the head coach, is why he’s still around football.
For NC State coach Dave Doeren, there is nothing better than McNeill.
“He’s a national treasure, in my opinion,” Doeren said. “In many ways, coaching knowledge, the way he treats people, his humanity, his love for people in general. He’s a great human being and he wants to help people — it’s personal to him.”
McNeill serves as a sounding board for Doeren, but he has turned into more than just a football advisor. The two bond over life events and just everyday activities.
No matter the conversation, Doeren seems to always enjoy his interactions with McNeill.
“I love being around him,” Doeren said. “It’s so awesome for me to be able to go into his office every day and sit on the couch and just talk. We’re talking about life, our dads … the players, the coaches, the opponent, our families. It’s awesome to have that. It’s like being at grandpa’s house.”
“I love Ruffin McNeill,” Doeren continued, “and I’m so thankful that I get to work with him every day.”
‘He’s found the right way to do it’
Joker Phillips has seen a lot of football during his career. The 61-year-old NC State wide receivers coach was previously an SEC head coach at Kentucky, while also working seven other college programs.
Oh, and he was the Cleveland Browns’ wide receivers coach in 2015.
So what’s different about NC State, a place he has been at for four years, which is the longest stint in his career since he was at Kentucky for 10 straight seasons? Let him explain.
“I love working for Coach Doeren. He’s found the right way to do it, in my opinion,” Phillips said. “We have family time, we have together time as a staff, and I think that’s helped. And you wonder why the staff has been intact. We’ve lost two guys in four years that I’ve been here. … I think this guy’s done an unbelievable job of building the culture.”
Phillips was key in the Wolfpack’s offense overhaul this past offseason. He helped recruit former five-star wideout Noah Rogers from the transfer portal, while fending off Georgia for Terrell Anderson’s commitment.
And Phillips does not appear to be looking to leave anytime soon.
“This is a place that I truly enjoy being at,” Phillips said. “Raleigh’s a great town.”
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