The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337646
40 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL 2014 out to be his last game played in Gainesville. "I knew the situation and that there were better days ahead," Brissett said. "I made the most out of it and still tried to get better and prepare to be the starter. I never knew when I was going to play, but I kept a positive mindset. I was just proud to be on the team and be a part of something that was bigger than me." Brissett knew that he didn't want to re-enact a yearly battle with Driskel, and elected to transfer. His relationship with Doeren from his first recruitment was revived, now that the former Northern Illinois head coach had just landed in Ra- leigh in December 2012. Brissett eventually narrowed his second recruitment down to NC State and West Virginia, but it became clear the best path for him was in Raleigh. "Coach Doeren thinks it is a sign [to have another chance to recruit Brissett], but every- thing made sense and timed up right," Bris- sett said. "What it came down to was that West Virginia wanted another Geno Smith, and Coach Doeren just wanted the Jacoby he knew in high school in the 10th grade. That is what really sold me." Brissett immersed himself into the football culture Doeren was working to create at NC State, and participated in the spring practices for both 2013 and 2014. He watched all of the home games in person and took in the road games on TV, and even traveled to Flor- ida State. Brissett also kept a close eye on his friends playing at Florida. Driskel ended up suffering a season-ending injury in the third game against Tennessee, but Brissett didn't hold any regrets. "I was watching a lot of games [and not just NC State and Florida]," Brissett said. "Physically, I felt like there was nothing I can do, but I tried to boost up the team and pump up the players by jumping up and down and talking to them. It's hard to not do something that you have done for so long. It was my second straight year not doing it." The year off let Brissett know how he could help the Wolfpack offense, which has a blend of younger players, but also some experienced juniors and seniors. Brissett is a senior academically, but he also has three starts under his belt and will need to shake off the rust. "I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of the players, and the receiv- ers especially," said Brissett, who will graduate either next December or May with a degree in communica- tion. "Right now, it's just about get- ting better and progressively learn about each other. I need to know what do they like and don't like, or who does this better or that better. "I feel old on this team. There are a lot of young dudes on this team. I'm the vet on the team." NC State's 3-9 record, which included going 0-8 in the ACC, is a strong motivating force for Brissett. He is hoping 3-9 could be 9-3 or better, and he wants to do it this fall. "It is harder than what people think it will be, but it will get done," Brissett said. "I feel like I am the right person for the job. I'm just ready to go. I am pretty much done talking about it and just want to do it. "This school deserves a winning record. They deserve to be back up on top of the ACC." ■ "I feel like I am the right person for the job. I'm just ready to go. I am pretty much done talking about it and just want to do it. This school deserves a winning record. They deserve to be back up on top of the ACC." ■ Brissett During his time at West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer High, Brissett won a state championship in football in his junior year and then won one in basketball during his senior year. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 38-40.Jacoby Brissett.indd 40 6/27/14 12:23 PM