The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/157974
tracking the PACK Getting To Know: Quintin Payton ■ Football best in the offense? "Any way possible, like blocking on the edge for bubble screens, or for the running backs to flare out. I can go across the middle to catch the ball and to get jump balls in the red zone. In any way the coaches can fit me in, I'm willing to make a play." Fifth-year senior wide receiver Quintin Payton entered last season a bit of an unknown, but quickly made an impression. The 6-4, 212-pounder caught four passes for 129 yards in the season opener against Tennessee, which nearly eclipsed the yardage he had accumulated his first two years (145 yards). Payton went on to catch 51 passes for 798 yards and two touchdowns, but he still sees areas that need improvement. Payton caught at least four passes in eight games in 2012 and hopes to build off that performance for his last year with the Wolfpack, whether he has fifth-year senior Brandon Mitchell or redshirt junior Pete Thomas throwing him the ball this season. The Anderson, S.C., native, who is majoring in communications, recently took the time to catch up with The Wolfpacker. Do the older receivers talk about making it easier for whoever is the new quarterback? "All the receivers, we have to get in the playbook and know the routes and know where we are supposed to be, just to make it easier for the quarterback. If we are in the right spot, it's something less that they have to worry about in playing the quarterback position. "We have to make sure there are no mental errors. That will make them better quarterbacks, and they just have to stand back and throw the ball." How have you tried to form chemistry with the quarterbacks? "I just want to make plays so they have confidence in you. The more you catch the ball, the more confidence the quarterback is going to have in you to throw you the ball. I'm trying to catch the ball better and have confidence." Do you have some personal goals this season? "I'd love to make All-ACC and to bring a championship to NC State. I want to make a bowl game again and be a 1,000-yard receiver. I have a lot of individual and team goals that I've set personally." How would you judge what you accomplished last year in your first year starting for NC State? "I felt like I played well, but there is always room for improvement. I can catch the ball better and not have any drops. I can make a person miss or break a tackle or two to get more yards. There are always little things." What kind of adjustment has it been to have a new system for your last year? "It hasn't been that tough because I accept change well. It's just a mindset. Some people want to accept change, and some people go against it. You have to know that the coaches have our best interest in mind in everything they do. We are willing to back them in the process. "I think in the spring I had a few moments where everything was different. I was like, 'Man, change again.' What is it like going from being one of the younger receivers at some point to now being a leader of the numerous freshman receivers? "Every player adapts differently. Every player takes coaching differently. You have to know your players and to know the guy.You can teach as much as you can, and hope they take it in. I know some will take it in and some won't.You just keep teaching." Which freshman receiver has caught your eye already? "We don't really consider Bra'Lon Cherry a freshman [after he enrolled early], but everyone is making plays. [Jumichael] Ramos and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are doing a really good job of making plays. We don't consider Cherry a freshman anymore since he has been here since January. He is one of the guys and knows the system." Do freshmen receivers Ramos, Valdes-Scantling and Pharoah McKever remind you of yourself in any way since they are all at least 6-3? "They have bigger bodies and can go up and get the ball. They have been making plays at practice and looking good." Payton hauled in 51 receptions for 798 yards and two touchdowns last year. photo by ken martin Now, I know the system and what to expect. It is sinking in." Is it hard to not think about playing Louisiana Tech in the first game during fall camp? "Right now, it's all we are thinking about, the first game, going one game at a time. Right now, we are focusing in on getting better. When game week comes, then we'll play." How fast does this time of the year go for you, especially with it being your last season? "My mom is always telling me it is going to go fast. It hasn't really sunk in yet, but after game one, it will probably fly by. I will miss it before it is gone." After months of talking and thinking about the first game, how much changes when it is actually game week? "It is becoming real now. Everyone is switching their minds over and it is time to get in shape. We got in shape over the summer, but now it's about game shape. It is time to play against someone else." What is first-year wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson like? "He is a great coach. He is hyped and yelling and he knows his techniques. He knows exactly what to do at the receiver position." How do you think you fit in to do what you do Quick Questions What's your favorite place to eat in Anderson, S.C.? JC's Sandwich Shoppe and J Peters Grill & Bar. Favorite football player growing up? Growing up, I was mainly a quarterback so I would say Michael Vick. Who would you like to see in concert? I've always heard Beyonce has great concerts. I wouldn't mind seeing R. Kelly or Charlie Wilson in concert either. What athlete do you enjoy watching at NC State? During the baseball team's run to the College World Series, I really enjoyed watching Carlos Rodon pitch. Favorite class at NC State? Bowling. Any special meaning about wearing No. 88? Not really, it's just the number they gave me as a freshman. What is a memorable comment from head coach Dave Doeren so far? In camp, he told us that the only history that matters is the history you make today. If you didn't attend NC State, what college would you have picked? LSU. What is you favorite road ACC stadium? Clemson, that's back home for me. What was your welcome to the NC State-UNC rivalry moment? I would say last year when we lost to them and seeing everyone's reaction, as far as the players, fan base and students. 24 ■ the wolfpacker 16-18,20,22,24.Tracking The Pack.indd 24 8/23/13 3:36 PM