NC State Coach Mike O'Cain on WolfChat (Transcript)
Saab Siddiqui
Mike O'Cain was the guest on WolfChat on April 8, 1998 at 8.00 pm
EST. Here is the transcript:
1. Mike O'Cain at 08:00 PM April 8, 1998 :
Mike O'Cain Hello everyone, thanks for joining me. I'm ready to
chat!
2. Bob Radford from Columbus, Georgia at 08:01 PM April 8, 1998 :
Greetings from Columbus, Georgia Coach O'Cain! I have two
questions. It seems as though our recruiting efforts focused
back on our home state this past year; we had great success in
North Carolina. Did we intentionally focus on in-state
prospects this year? How would you characterize the staff's
connections with North Carolina high school coaches and others
throughout the southeast?
3. Mike O'Cain at 08:05 PM April 8, 1998 :
We did not focus more on NC it just so happened there were more
players in those positions. When you are trying to recruit
defensive linemen, NC is very limited. NC is better for WR, DB,
etc and one of the reasons we've been successful this year.
There are several of us that have been in NC for a long time
and we have very good connections.
4. Matthew from Concord, NC at 08:02 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, who is going to replace Stevens, and how do they look in
spring practice.
5. Mike O'Cain at 08:07 PM April 8, 1998 :
Rahshon Spikes will replace Tremayne. He's a jr. from
Connecticut and will do a great job...very good spring and a
hard runner. He's not as well versed in the passing game, but
he will improve.
6. Matt from Rhode Island at 08:02 PM April 8, 1998 :
How do you look for linebackers? I know Derrick Roberts, and
was wondering what his chances of starting next season were?
7. Mike O'Cain at 08:09 PM April 8, 1998 :
Derrick's chances are very good. He has not developed as
quickly as we hoped, but he is maturing.
8. Charlie from Raleigh at 08:02 PM April 8, 1998 :
Mike, good luck this year. What kind of training will the team
be doing over the summer?
9. Mike O'Cain at 08:10 PM April 8, 1998 :
Quite a bit of training and a lot of running. We also have a
good lifting program...over the summer our main focus will be
conditioning. We as coaches, are not allowed to work with the
athletes during the summer, so they need to work out on their
own. A lot of people don't know that.
10. Dave from Rocky Mount at 08:03 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, who has been the biggest surprise for you in Spring
Practice?
11. Mike O'Cain at 08:14 PM April 8, 1998 :
I don't like the term surprise, but the young man who really
performed well is Darius Bryant. He's done a great job and he
is a solid force....6' 295lbs. Corey Smith has had a great
spring and will do a lot for us. Cecil McCurty is from Syracuse
and one of the best athletes we've had in the defensive tackle
positions in a long time. Jason Perry has had a great spring
and will give us some added depth in the secondary.
12. Mr. O from Greensboro at 08:03 PM April 8, 1998 :
My main concern is replacing our outside linebackers from
last season. Can you talk a little bit about who is going
to be playing these positions and also address the depth
at this position.
13. Mike O'Cain at 08:16 PM April 8, 1998 :
Duane Everett will be replaced by Clayton White. The other OL
position is still up for grabs....Derek Roberts and Tremayne
Simmons are competing for that position. The depth is not good
at all, we are counting on 2 or 3 of the incoming freshmen to
at least be back up players for us.
14. Bubba 11 from Raleigh at 08:06 PM April 8, 1998 :
At the spring game, I saw a great improvement in the defense.
Also, I saw the hook up between Barnet and Holt. Will you run a
lot of plays where those 2 hook up?
15. Mike O'Cain at 08:19 PM April 8, 1998 :
Yes, we've made big strides in our defense. We our more sound
up front, but we are still inexperienced. Yes, we will work
very hard to get Torry's hands on the ball. When you have
talent on the team, you need to use it.
16. Ron Terry from Greer, SC at 08:09 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach O'Cain, How are we proceeding in making our offensive and
defensive lines more physical?
17. Mike O'Cain at 08:20 PM April 8, 1998 :
One of the major areas is trying to get more talent, and we've
done that. Another part is getting more experience...we still
aren't as deep as we need to be.
18. Joel Ozbolt from Mebane at 08:10 PM April 8, 1998 :
Teddy Chavis was hurt in the spring game. I was wondering if
his shoulder will require surgery and if so will he possibly
red shirt this year.
19. Mike O'Cain at 08:22 PM April 8, 1998 :
His shoulder did require surgery TODAY. It was a major repair.
We won't know for another 2 or 3 months before we will know
when he will be able to play. Teddy does not have a red shirt
year available to him. We just don't have the answers yet.
20. Mr. O from Greensboro at 08:12 PM April 8, 1998 :
Who do you see being contributors at wide receiver beyond
Coleman and Holt?
21. Mike O'Cain at 08:25 PM April 8, 1998 :
We have a list of young men that have the ability, but none
have stepped up as yet. We are considering Roderick Brown, a sr
and played a bit last year; Ryan Hamrick a jr, Rusty Russel,
Willie Wright, Ricky Collins, David Stringer have all done some
great things this spring. The talent is there, it's just a
matter of someone stepping forward.
22. bruce from cary at 08:12 PM April 8, 1998 :
Last year several key players stepped forward as leaders during
the off-season and inspired the rest of the team to improve. Do
we have a group like that this year
23. Mike O'Cain at 08:27 PM April 8, 1998 :
Yes we do. Quite a few young men will step forward as leaders.
This year's seniors will continue the example of last year's
seniors. Ian Rafferty, Torry Holt, Rodney Redd will be the
leaders.
24. Chris Phillips from Knightdale at 08:13 PM April 8, 1998 :
It appears we are finally getting quality depth on both the
offensive and defensive lines. Coming out of spring camp, who
would comprise the two-deep on each line of scrimmage?
25. Mike O'Cain at 08:34 PM April 8, 1998 :
There are a lot of things that can change but so far these
young men will be competing for starting positions: DT'S Darius
Bryant Cecil McCurty] Andre Wray Rashad Streets Jeff Kuh Jeff
Fisher DE'S Bobbie Cotten Clint Johnson Greg Derrick Corey
Smith and a couple others OL Tackle - We haven't decided yet is
Ian Rafferty will remain at tackle or will move to guard.
Others include: Jarvis Borum John Fletcher Tim Turner Todd
Boyle Guard Alex Santose Alex Rice Ryan Knudtson Center Justin
Burroughs (starter) J J Jones Keagan Weir
26. Saab from Dallas, Texas at 08:13 PM April 8, 1998 :
Greetings Coach O'Cain. Has Ricky Collins moved to a new
position, or still at WR?? Also is Jawan Clark officially a TB
now??
27. Mike O'Cain at 08:35 PM April 8, 1998 :
We moved Ricky to FS for the first 7 days of practice and to WR
for the remaining 8 days. He's much better at WR. Jawan Clark
is officially a TB.
28. Ryan from gastonia at 08:14 PM April 8, 1998 :
Who will replace Carlos King?
29. Mike O'Cain at 08:36 PM April 8, 1998 :
I don't think anyone will replace Carlos. He's one of the most
versatile players. Three young men have the ability...Jeff
Butler (sr.), Kevin Hubbard (Jr.) and Harold Jackson (reshirt
freshman).
30. Joel Ozbolt from Mebane at 08:17 PM April 8, 1998 :
Jaime seems to be a very good runner for a Qb. Will you
encourage him to take off and run more this season?
31. Mike O'Cain at 08:37 PM April 8, 1998 :
No, we don't encourage the QB to run. It needs to happen
naturally. If you encourage them to run too soon, sometimes
they don't develop as a pocket passer.
32. Dean Turman from High Point, NC at 08:18 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, Thanks for fielding a team Wolfpackers can be proud of.
Is it too early to make reservations in Atlanta?
33. Mike O'Cain at 08:39 PM April 8, 1998 :
I like to be optimistic and I feel real good about the team. We
will have much more ability than we did last year...it's a
little to soon to buy non refundable ticket!!!!
34. Mike Moore from Raleigh, NC at 08:19 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, are you happy with two Thursday games this season ?
35. Mike O'Cain at 08:40 PM April 8, 1998 :
Yes and No! Thurs is not the best time to play, the Saturday
game before Labor Day is not usually well attended. Maybe the
attendance will be better! The other Thursday game is on ESPN
and of course we love the national exposure and it's great
because it's the only game on.
36. Matt from Rhode Island at 08:20 PM April 8, 1998 :
In the NC State home page it was said that your place kicker is
strong, I was just wondering how much you plan to rely on him
in fourth down situations and what yardage you think you will
send him in at?
37. Mike O'Cain at 08:43 PM April 8, 1998 :
Let's not jump the gun too quickly...Scott Earwood and Kent
Passingham are competing for the position. It has not been
decided yet. Kent's accuracy is better than Scott's...but Scott
is a stronger kicker. We just have not made a decision yet.
38. Saab from Dallas, Texas at 08:24 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, in your opinion how big a part do the state of
facilities play when recruiting rolls around??
39. Mike O'Cain at 08:45 PM April 8, 1998 :
The facilities play a big role in recruiting. Young men are
impressed by good facilities and it shows the degree of
commitment by the university. We are now in a conference where
the facilities are getting bigger and better every year.
40. Tim Creech from Hope Mills, NC at 08:38 PM April 8, 1998 :
Do you project any true freshmen to play at this point?
41. Mike O'Cain at 08:46 PM April 8, 1998 :
Yes, several. Who they are, I don't know yet. We'll need at
least 2 LB freshmen and 2 freshmen TB to step forward. I can't
anticipate, so many things happen so early in training.
42. Gary from Gastonia,NC at 08:38 PM April 8, 1998 :
There appears to be a large number of walk-ons who are on the
squad. Do any of them have a chance to contribute?
43. Mike O'Cain at 08:48 PM April 8, 1998 :
Yes, quite a few and many that are contributing now are former
walk ons. Scott Earwood, Justin Burroughs are non-scholarship
athletes. Every year we have 20 or so athletes that are non
scholarship.
44. Wolf4life at 08:46 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach O'Cain: do you feel like the renovations to Carter-Finley
will enable us to bring in more "so-Called blue chippers"?
45. Mike O'Cain at 08:49 PM April 8, 1998 :
No doubt, we'll be in a position to compete with most anyone in
the country. It will be one of the finest facilities in the
country and will show the commitment we have to becoming a
national football power. It will definitely enhance the caliber
of the athlete we bring in.
46. jimmy from raleigh at 08:49 PM April 8, 1998 :
Maybe it was just me, but I was always nervous about our
kickoff coverage last year. Do you forsee any improvement this
year?
47. Mike O'Cain at 08:51 PM April 8, 1998 :
Every year you look for improvement. Overall our coverage was
pretty good last year and we will definitely improve. Our
football team overall is better this year and that allows
special teams to improve.
48. steve from pittsboro at 08:50 PM April 8, 1998 :
What have been Jamie Barnette's biggest improvements since last
season and what else would you like to see him improve on
between now and this fall?
49. Mike O'Cain at 08:53 PM April 8, 1998 :
His biggest improvement is the knowledge and command of the
offense. He's played in 18 division I games and has more
experience. That's the biggest factor...not so much physical
but mental improvement. I'd like to see improvement in 2 areas:
When the pocket breaks down to become a runner sooner.
Continually improve throwing the long ball. We need to be able
to throw deep.
50. jimmy from raleigh at 08:50 PM April 8, 1998 :
I love it when the pack runs on the field with the cannons and
smoke... Ever consider shooting off one of those cannons when
we score a TD?
51. Mike O'Cain at 08:54 PM April 8, 1998 :
We have had this discussion....have't bought the cannon yet!!!
52. Mr. O from Greensboro at 08:52 PM April 8, 1998 :
With an obvious focus of opposing teams next year to double &
triple team Tory Holt, has the offensive staff tried to be
creative incoming with new ways to get him the ball in
situations where he can explode?
53. Mike O'Cain at 08:56 PM April 8, 1998 :
The one thing that is hard is we move Tory around. He's not in
the same place all the time. At the same time, if they try to
double team the other men in our receiving position must step
up...if they don't we will have a tough time. We have to be
diverse and balanced. Tory cannot be the only "go to" player.
54. jimmy from raleigh at 08:53 PM April 8, 1998 :
How's the Berry/Dorn showdown looking as far as who will be no.
2 QB?
55. Mike O'Cain at 08:57 PM April 8, 1998 :
At this point there is no show down, Dorn did not participate
in spring practice and Berry has the ability to compete.
56. john from memphis at 08:54 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, do you have any speculation on who will replace Alvis
and Rahshon returning kickoffs? Will Torry be returning punts?
57. Mike O'Cain at 08:59 PM April 8, 1998 :
Torry will probably return punts, but we have not finalized
that. We don't know who will return kick offs yet. Rahshon may
still return kick offs, he has not been ruled out.
58. KEVIN from Greenville,SC at 08:56 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, How many scholarships will we have to give next year and
what areas of emphasis will we target our efforts on?
59. Mike O'Cain at 09:00 PM April 8, 1998 :
We will have 15 scholarships right now, but that could change.
We need to address bringing in a quarterback...that's major.
Another area is our defensive line, and our WR position.
60. hairywolf from Asheboro at 08:56 PM April 8, 1998 :
Coach, I know football and family are your priorities, but what
are your hobbies?
61. Mike O'Cain at 09:01 PM April 8, 1998 :
I like to hunt...quail, turkey, etc. I play a little tennis and
I like photography.
62. steve from pittsboro at 09:00 PM April 8, 1998 :
can you give us some information on the summer football camps?
63. Mike O'Cain at 09:03 PM April 8, 1998 :
We will have 2 camps, both "all position" camps and they are
held 6/19-21 (rising 7th-rising seniors) and 6/26-28 (rising
7th-rising seniors). There is more information on the camps on
our website at www.gopack.com
64. Mike O'Cain at 09:04 PM April 8, 1998 :
Mike O'Cain Thanks for chatting with me everybody, don't forget
to Back the 'Pack this fall!
*** Mike O'Cain has left the room ***
htimS werdnA
Saab Siddiqui wrote:
>
> Mike O'Cain was the guest on WolfChat on April 8, 1998 at 8.00 pm
> EST. Here is the transcript:
Saab,
Do you ever post anything about NCSU or do you just hate UNC?
--
War Eagle!
a.
..........oops, I got caught up in the whining.
Andy Driver
On Thu, 09 Apr 1998 13:35:48 GMT, htimS werdnA <bou...@bounce.bounce>
wrote:
>Saab Siddiqui wrote:
>>
>> Mike O'Cain was the guest on WolfChat on April 8, 1998 at 8.00 pm
>> EST. Here is the transcript:
>
>Saab,
>Do you ever post anything about NCSU or do you just hate UNC?
>
Huh?
Andy Driver
NCSU '84
Drop the "i" at the beginning and end for my *real* e-mail address. I grow weary of all the spam :(