Since transferring from Campbell University, senior defensive end Jacob Kahut has made a name for himself at N.C. State. He was recently awarded scholarship status and is currently an intern with the athletics communication staff. The Technician sat down with the Wake Forest native to discuss his time in Raleigh.
Technician: What made you choose N.C. State when you decided to transfer out of Campbell University?
Kahut: “Campbell just wasn’t a good fit for me, and I came to State and really liked what the campus had to offer. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play football or not actually. I walked on in the spring of 2010 and just went from there. It wasn’t necessarily a choice of the football team. It was more of a choice for the campus, and then I fell in love with the football program.”
Q: How was it when you stepped onto the field with the Wolfpack for the first time?
A: “It was great. My first game was against South Alabama, and the adrenaline rush was everything I had ever hoped for. The fireworks went off, the crowd was cheering and the smoke was going. It was a lot of fun. I really don’t remember much because it was one of those times where you just enjoy the moment. I ended up getting in toward the end of the game on offensive line, and that was a lot of fun.”
Q: Were you disappointed after missing this past season due to your ACL injury?
A: “Definitely, but injuries are a part of the game. If you give it 100 percent every play, they are bound to happen. It was just an unfortunate circumstance.”
Q: How did your recovery go and getting back up to game speed?
A: “ACL recovery is tough, but it has made me a better person, and it made me enjoy the game that much more. If you have the game taken away from you, then you really enjoy what you had and just try to keep working toward coming back.”
Q: Talk about how the transition has been between former head coach Tom O’Brien and current head coach Dave Doeren.
A: “Coach Doeren and his staff are real up-tempo. They have a lot of energy, and we all really like them. They’re younger and more family-oriented. They bring their families in, and we know their families. There’s a lot more chemistry on the team this year for sure.”
Q: How was it when you learned that you were getting upgraded to scholarship status?
A: “It’s definitely an honor to think enough of me, Milton Hall and Josh Stanley, who also got scholarships. All the walk-ons always work hard, but we’re all aiming to get that scholarship, and it was really a great honor that Coach Doeren gave us.”
Q: How has interning with the media relations department been going?
A: “This is one of my first days here. Annabelle is a great media relations director. She gave me the opportunity to come here, since I’ve always wanted to stay in media after football. So far it’s been a great experience.”
Q: Are you pursuing a career in media relations after college?
A: “[I’ve considered] maybe that or coaching football. I’d like to stay around sports, around the game and hopefully around N.C. State. But my focus is on the season right now, so I’ll worry about that afterward.”