Chat Reel: NC State's Jamie Barnette
Record-setting QB discusses season with CNN/SI users
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 03:03 PM
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Jamie Barnette: "I'm focused on leading my team to a bowl game at the end of the season." Scott Halleran/Allsport |
NC State QB Jamie Barnette chatted with CNNSI.com users as he prepared for 1999 season. A transcript of the conversation follows: CNNSI Host: Welcome to Jamie Barnette, quarterback for NC State... thanks for joining us today, Jamie!
Jamie Barnette: Glad to be here.
From Greg: With the loss of Tory Holt (your favorite target last year) what should we expect from the Pack's offense this year?
Jamie Barnette: We expect the offense to be similar and balanced out. We got Rahshon Spikes and Ray Robinson in the backfield returning and receivers like Chris Coleman.
From Kenny: Who will be your main receivers for your season opener in Austin against The University of Texas?
Jamie Barnette: I'm going to read the defenses and whoever is open, I'm going to hit.
CNNSI Host: Two parter... From Vince: Jamie, does your leg feel better this year (more mobile) and do you see Koren Robinson being as good as advertised?
Jamie Barnette: My leg does feel better this year. I've had a full year of rehab and time in the training room. I do expect things from Koren. I'm not going to put him under a lot of pressure yet because he's young.
From WolfPack Brian: What do you think of the team this year and what do you plan on doing after you graduate if you dont go to the NFL?
Jamie Barnette: I'm not sure right now. Either go back for my master's or be a TA and hopefully go back and be a coach.
From Steven: How high are coaches, scouts, etc. expecting you to go in next year's NFL draft.
Jamie Barnette: I'm not sure. I can't really worry about it right now. I want to help my team have a good season.
From Guest: Has the defensive side of the ball improved since last year?
Jamie Barnette: We improved a whole lot experience wise. People need to know where they have to be and make things happen.
From Brant: jamie, do you think heat will be a factor in our opening game with texas?
Jamie Barnette: Texas heat is different than Carolina heat. We can't worry about it, we have to play a ball game.
Guest: Are you opposed to playing a different position if you enter the NFL?
Jamie Barnette: Whatever it takes to get to the next level, I'm not focusing on it. I'm focused on leading my team to a bowl game at the end of the season.
From KR: For you as an individual what are your goals this year, and what enables for you to keep your concentration on them?
Jamie Barnette: Hopefully I can break the ACC record. Whatever it takes to win -- either running the ball or passing the ball. As for keeping my concentration, I just look at my son and talk to my mom all the time.
Guest: Do you feel more pressure this year as a QB?
Jamie Barnette: No more pressure than last year. People are expecting me to do more things this year and pick up the team when it's down to help win ball games.
CNNSI Host: From M. Stewart: Do you think expansion would be beneficial to the conference--Why or Why not? And if so what teams do you think should be asked to join the conference?
Jamie Barnette: I don't think expansion is good. The fans look forward to the non-conference games and going to different places, seeing different teams every year.
The fans probably wouldn't like seeing the same teams every year.
Guest: Do you expect that the offensive line will do a better job of protecting you this year?
Jamie Barnette: I'm expecting the line to do their job, just like last year. There are going to be times when bad things happen. But we have to persevere and just move on.
From Guest: In your 3 years at NCSU, what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Jamie Barnette: Fun with all the different guys I've played with.
From Guest: Do you think your playing experience would have been better in another conference?
Jamie Barnette: That's hard to say. If I was in a different conference, I would've been doing different things. If I had to do it over again, I'd do it the same.
From Scott: Can we finally beat Carolina this year in Charlotte?
Jamie Barnette: (laughs) We're going to give it our best shot. Hopefully we won't get off to a slow start like last year. I think fans know who the best team was last year. We just have to play all four quarters, instead of two.
From Guest: What would the pack have to accomplish for you to feel satisfied with this upcoming season?
Jamie Barnette: Our focus is one game at a time. If we play hard and come out with a W each week, the season will be great.
From Guest: Have captains been selected yet and who are they?
Jamie Barnette: We'll pick a different captain every weekend.
From Guest: Jamie, over the last 3 years I've been most impressed with you toughness and ability to take a lick and keep on playing--what do you attribute that to?
Jamie Barnette: Hard work I see my family go through. Even though they go through hard times, they keep on going.
From Guest: How are the Freshmen QB's doing?
Jamie Barnette: They're showing signs of improvement everyday, which is all we can ask for right now.
From Jelacy: Do you think the high paying salaries have taken anything away from the professional game, and if so, what?
Jamie Barnette: No comment.
From Guest: At tailback, how's Ray's arm, and can we expect to see he and Rashon in the backfield at the same time?
Jamie Barnette: Ray's arm is doing great. Our offense is with a fullback and tailback ... so ray and Rahshon will be there at different time. Maybe we'll get a chance to play them together later in the season. It remains to be seen.
From Guest: Do you think that you can get consideration for the Heisman?
Jamie Barnette: There could be a possibility. That's not my focus right now. If my team is winning, then consideration may be given. If not, I can't be worried about it.
From Andy: My question is in regards to your backups , McCray and Sanders. What are the strengths and weaknesses of both given the short amount of time you have been able to see them practice?
Jamie Barnette: they both show good signs of playing division I. They still need to get some experience, though.
From Guest: How is Mike O'Cain to play for? What was the team's reaction in 1997 to all the talk of Coach O'Cain being fired?
Jamie Barnette: It's a great system. He understands what kind of pressure a QB goes through from his days at Clemson. He's very understanding but he knows when to put his foot down.
From Wade: What are your feelings on the upcoming Texas Game? You guys had a great victory over FSU last year, but then stumbled against a relatively weak Big 12 team in Baylor.
Jamie Barnette: It's the first game of the season and we want to get off to a great start. It's a great chance to play a school with a great history of football.
From Guest: How do you assess the Wolfpack's chances in the ACC and getting into a big bowl game, not necessarily BCS.
Jamie Barnette: Our chances are real good. Hopefully everything will fall into place.'
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining us today, Jamie... best of luck in the coming season!
Jamie Barnette: Thank you for having me.
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