What NC State freshman QB CJ Bailey said ahead of his first career start — at Clemson

N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey has appeared in two games for the Wolfpack this season.

First, he played briefly in the team’s blowout loss to No. 6 Tennessee. Then he helped the Pack secure a comeback win over Louisiana Tech last week.

Now comes his biggest test so far: Start on the road at No. 21 Clemson.

Bailey was thrust into the limelight when graduate transfer Grayson McCall exited the Louisiana Tech game late into the second quarter with an undisclosed injury. N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said Monday that McCall’s injury was not season ending, adding that Bailey would be the starter until McCall was cleared to play.

That means the true freshman will start his first game in Death Valley, a rather hostile place to play.

This isn’t Bailey’s first time playing in front of rowdy fans or against a tough opponent, so he’s projecting a calm demeanor. The Wolfpack and Tigers meet at noon Saturday in Clemson.

Here’s what Bailey had to say

His initial reaction to being named starter

“I was excited. I’m ready to play. Man, got a big one coming up, and I’m ready to step out and have fun on that field.”

Is preparation any different because he’s the starter?

“No, we keep it the same. Of course, we’ve got to strain and work hard every day, but it’s pretty much the same as any other week.”

Have any coping strategies for the environment at Clemson?

“I’m expecting to go into Death Valley, hearing a crowd and hearing everybody screaming, trying to get inside (our) heads, but I’m expecting it. We’re practicing for it, so I’ll be prepared and ready for it when I get there.”

How Bailey’s experience playing for Chaminade-Madonna Prep in high school prepared him

“That helped a lot, especially playing at Chaminade. We had a couple games like this. I know how to handle it, know how to stay level-headed throughout the game and finish the game strong. Death Valley is just another one of those games.”

Does his success last week takes the pressure off?

“It definitely took some steam off of me, and I want to do that same thing going into Clemson. That first play, I feel like that first good completion I have is going to keep rolling after that. It’s great to have those completions, and hopefully I’ll score again this week.”

Safety Devon Marshall on the defense helping Bailey

“I think we’re definitely gonna just play as hard as we can and try to put them in the best position possible. … We’re just gonna try to go out there as a defense and give them a good field position so he can just go in and won’t have to feel under pressure as a freshman in a hard place to play.”

Why defensive end Davin Vann says Bailey is the guy to replace McCall

“I think he’s ready. I think he’s very mature for his age. He takes things very serious, and he pays attention a lot he’s shown in the practice. We just have the utmost confidence in him to go get it done. ... I just try to remind him every day that he just doesn’t need to stress. He has the ability. He’s done it before. It’s just football, because I know that being a freshman, not playing any, having one game last week and going down the Death Valley, that can be tough mentally.”