NC State defensive end Davin Vann returned for his senior season to improve his draft stock and grow as a leader. He spoke to the media following the opening session of spring practice
De, I mean, you're deciding on whether to come back, that you, um I didn't really like how, like where they had me going, like what round they had me going and I felt like there was a lot more I could do before I left here. So that, that was kind of the biggest factors coming on, whether coming back or not, where is it, where were you projected? Um Talking to the scouts and stuff, it was kinda lower on the lower end, um, fit this six, something like that, but not where I wanted it to be. What do you wanna do? Um Just work on finishing cause, um, my biggest issue right now is just like, I kinda fade off through our games and I don't really stay consistent throughout the game. So I guess consistency. I know roster roster size has changed, but I think they have you listed 10 times less, um that by design or? No, no, not really. Uh I'm working on getting my way back, uh, just kinda lost a lot of weight towards the end of the season, but it's coming back slowly but surely. Are you looking around seeing 100%. Yeah, it's, it's a little weird, uh, being the only older guy really, um, in the room, um, only have like, two or three older guys on defense as a whole. So it's, it's real weird but it's something new and I'm looking forward to it to be a part of the, you know. Oh, yeah, for sure. I'd say it's real exciting. Um, just because, like, you know, us, three or however many older guys we have on our defense, we kind of set the tone and set the standard um and kinda lead by example. So it's like we're able to not really build a new culture but build off of the culture that we had before. A lot of new faces again this year. Just kind of as you guys have gotten ready for spring practice. What are some of the things you guys do to help build chemistry off the field? I just focus on like hanging out outside of um football uh and weights, lifting weights and stuff like that, watching film together, going out to eat, just hanging out having a good time with each other, you know, building that strong bond being from one of a gazillion siblings. Does that help you with these younger guys that uh you're already kind of used to being around younger your entire life? I would, I would say it does. Um You know, I, I struggle with patients sometimes but that's something I'm working on but I think it does help, help a little bit for you to move to line now and, you know, a little bit against function. Uh, I think it's cool. Um, you know, and our DA packet, he is real, he was real efficient and effective in, at linebacker and our da so I think it's a real good, uh, change up for him and I think he's gonna be able to make a lot of plays a linebacker in your second season wearing the number one jersey. Just what do you think you've, um, kind of grown as a leader? Are you aware of that? Uh, I, I think I'm more vocal now. Um I don't, I don't really like to talk too much, um, like things like this make me nervous. Um, but I think, you know, getting comfortable stepping in front of the team and being able to talk to multiple people at once, that's something that I've grown with and I'm continuing to grow with first impressions of, of Gray mccall and what you thought about the ladies come in the to, uh, I got a great first impression of him. Um, first time I met him was actually in study hall. Um, that was the first time I got to talk to him, like for real, but he's a great guy. Um, he works hard and he's a great leader too. No, II, I don't really get to see too much cause you know, I'm in there just doing my thing but, um, I'm gonna watch the film and see what, see what, what it's talking about. You kind of need names for all the new offensive players. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Um, seeing old numbers and kinda forgetting who's who? Thank you. Have a good one.