GAME CENTRAL vs. WSSUCoach Lee's Monday Presser Part 1 (video)
Coach Lee's Monday Presser Part 2 (video)
North Carolina A&T head football coach Alonzo Lee spoke during the MEAC's Tuesday teleconference. Coach Lee discussed starting quarterback Carlton Fears, his defense and girlfriends.
Coach Lee on preseason preparations
"The bottom line is we've been working hard all summer long. We're looking forward to going ahead and applying our trade this year. We've been working hard with the expectation that the end result is going to be wins. Offensively, we've been doing some things in the running game that is going to increase our chances. We have some young talent here that we're really excited about. It's a matter of letting those young guys go out there and get acclimated to college football. Our veteran guys have to make that process easier. We are excited about (senior quarterback) Carlton Fears. He is showing the great leadership we're seeking."
Coach Lee on the Aggies game plan
"We have some young backs out there toting the load. We're excited about those guys. And then we have a bulldozer once you get tired of chasing those guys. So we're going to look to establish our running game. I don't there is any question about that. But we have some young talented receivers as well. Larry Raper was top 15 in the state. Defensively, we're going to run a multiple attack. We plan on getting out there and getting after people."
What coach Lee expects from Winston-Salem State
"I know coach (Kermit) Blount has a new offensive coordinator, so it's up in the air about what they're going to do. (The new offensive coordinator) is coming in from Savannah State, so we have an idea of what he likes to do, but we can't be totally sure. Coach Blount has a good solid quarterback, and defensively they're going to be sound. They have all 11 guys coming back, so it's going to be tough sledding trying to score on that defense."
Coach Lee on how big a win would be for the Aggies
"The guys have really been working hard all summer long. To come out and get the leading lady would be big. A win over your arch-rival always makes the alumni happy. Our biggest thing is getting that confidence by getting wins under our belt early. There are no limits to the things we can do if we get that confidence."
Coach Lee on how to keep the team away from the hoopla of the game
"We can't control outside sources. The hype is going to be there. I tell the guys that the only team that can beat us is us. We must stay focused throughout the week. We have to behave and perform like a champion all week long. We can't let the outside sources take away from our concentration."
Coach Lee is asked to describe the rivalry between Winston-Salem State and N.C. A&T
"This game carries the weight of a championship game. Some of these guys have grown up together, and some of them have even dated the same girlfriends at the same time. So these guys are going to be out there charged up and ready to win this one. But like every other football game, it comes down to who executes better."
Coach Lee on his relationship with WSSU head coach Kermit Blount
"It's going back to that old spring time battle. We coached together at Howard and I was there at his wedding when he got married. I'm wishing him luck all year long, but I can't wish him luck on this one."