Transcript Of Philip Rivers' Wednesday Chat

July 31, 2002

On Wednesday, July 31, NC State quarterback Philip Rivers hit chat to discuss the Wolfpack's upcoming season. Entering his junior season, Rivers is expected to be one of the ACC's premiere quarterbacks, if not one of the best in the nation.

John, Charlotte NC: Philip, congratulations on the birth of your daughter earlier this month. What part of your game have you specifically been working on the most this offseason. How was your job this summer at Prestonwood CC? I helped build that course when I was at State 15 years ago.

Philip Rivers: Like always, I'm just trying to improve on everything. I worked a lot on decision making and seeing different looks. It was a very productive summer.

The job was fun and I met some great people.

Gary Stevenson, Raleigh: Philip, Do you feel confident that someone will step up and become an effective Running back this season if Cotra doesn't qualify?

Philip Rivers: I do. Certainly T.A. McClendon is a true freshman and it's tough to ask them to do that. But if he is asked, he will really step up and be that guy.

Jason (Orlando, FL): How is the offensive line coming together with respect to protecting the QB and giving you enough time to throw downfield? Good luck. GO PACK!!!

Philip Rivers: The OL, I feel will be the best since I have been here. As far as throwing the ball downfield, you may see more of that. Maybe not necessarily the bomb, but some 15 yard plays, things like that. We are just working to get better in all areas.

Kevin (Wilmington, NC): Philip, my wife and I got season tickets for the first time this year and we are so excited!!! My question is do you think Chris Murray will play an important role in the WR core this year? I just have a feeling this guy is going to be special. Go Pack!!!!!!!

Philip Rivers: He has the potential. It has taken him some time to get going. But he's big, tall and has great hands. We have 5-6 guys that can be great receivers.

Junior(Tallahassee): Do you think you will have success against the Noles again? Would you have ultimate bragging rights with back to back wins against the Noles?

Philip Rivers: FSU will have a great team this year and they did last year as well. We got to them early. It will be the last game for us and hopefully there will be a lot riding on that game.

Robby (Atlanta): Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. How has being a daddy changed your perspective/focus?

I pray you & your OL will remain healthy throughout the longest season in NC State history. Go Pack!

Philip Rivers: It hasn't changed me as far as the game goes. You know you have someone depending on you all the time at home adn that is great. It should have a positive impact really.

LAURINBURG NC : DO YOU PLAN TO RETURN FOR YOUR SENIOR SEASON?

Philip Rivers: My plan always has been to stay and graduate. I just want to do all I can this year and see what happens from there.

Dave-Raleigh: How has the recent comments of Rival Tarheel Coach Bunting fueled the desire of the team to excel this year.

Philip Rivers: When you get a big rivalry like that, that is just how things go. Things get said. We are just going about our business. It will be a big game for us but we haven't thought much about what has been said.

Nick (Greensboro): Is the whole ACC finally getting some respect?

Philip Rivers: Yes. I grew up in Alabama and didn't know much about the ACC except for FSU. We have gained a lot of respect and feel we are a football conference now. We can battle with anyone in the country.

Robert (Birmingham): Are you sorry that you have not had a chance to play Auburn and/or Alabama in a football game, to show them what they passed up?

Philip Rivers: Last year I would have been lovin' it if we could have played Auburn in the Peach Bowl. That would be fun to play either of them.

Mike (Boise): Besides yourself, who is the best quarterback in the ACC? Country?

Philip Rivers: I think Chris Rix is a great player. He can really run. And he's big and strong. Willlie Simmons from Clemson should surprise people this year as well. He has a great arm.

JD (Charlotte): More screen plays and short passes like last season? Or will you plan to have more time in the pocket with the improved O-line and look deep more often?

Philip Rivers: We are going to run our NC St. offense which means lots of short passes and some deep ones as well. We will mix it up quite a bit and surprise people.

Mark (Raleigh): Do you hope that a little more faith is given to the running game this year to help balance out the air attack. It seemed like during the last two seasons that the coaching staff would prematurely give up on the running game during most games.

Philip Rivers: That is one thing we haven't been consistent at .. running the ball. Our improved line will help that. And we have a great mix of runners and receivers.

Aaron(NC): What do you think of yourself as an NFL athlete?

Philip Rivers: That is my goal .. to be an NFL QB. I feel I can get a whole lot better. If I keep improving I will have a shot at it.

wilmington: First, congratulations on the new arrival. What are the differences and similarities in the way former QB coach Norm Chow & Current coach Dan Canailles work with the qbs?

Philip Rivers: They have similarities. Coach Canailles uses footwork and moving in the pocket and that is what I need. He's a great coach but you hate to see a guy like Coach Chow leave.

Harrison(Seminole, FL): What do you think about the talk of your unorthodox throwing motion?

Philip Rivers: It's been going on for two years! It's just the way I throw and it's natural to me. It doesn't' hinder me and it works for me. If that ends up being my trademark that's fine!

t mcneely (wilmington, nc): if you compared your game to an nfl qb, who would you say you most resmble?

Philip Rivers: I've heard people say Bledsoe and Kosar but not really any recent guys I can think of.

Doug (Myrtle Beach): Is there a chance thay having so many receiving targets may hurt the offensive chemistry?

Philip Rivers: In some schools that could be a problem, having that many guys that need to be on the field. But we are a close bunch. Everyone wants to make the catch but they are all pulling for each other and it won't be a problem. It will be a positive aspect.

dave: What do you think about the non conference schedule this year?

Philip Rivers: There are a couple games folks are looking at saying we could have had tougher teams but we have a tough game at Texas Tech. We will play every game like it's our last game. As far as my outlook, it could be a very tough schedule if we don't have the right attitude.

Nick (PA): Do you think you might get any Heisman consideration this or next year?

Philip Rivers: That is nothing I worry about .. but that is a goal also to have a shot at it. As the team succeeds, individual awards will be mentioned. I have to worry about getting us into position to win and those things will take care of themself.

Tom, Raleigh: How in the world are you guys beating the heat during these practices!

Philip Rivers: It's really hot .. it's been around 100 degrees so we have plenty of water and have been eating right. Our coaches take care of us.

Andy (Gainesville): Is this the year NC State wins the ACC?

Philip Rivers: We definitly have a shot. That is our goal. We will have a shot to win every game. You never know what can happen!

Thanks for all the questions .. and all the support. Go Pack!!!

North Carolina State University Athletics

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