POP-TARTS BOWL: KANSAS STATE VS NC STATE

December 26, 2023

Desmond Purnell

Camping World Stadium

Kansas State Wildcats

Press Conference

DESMOND PURNELL: Hanging out with the kids today, we all enjoyed that.

Q. How does it feel being able to give back to the community like this?

DESMOND PURNELL: It's amazing. The Commissioner of this whole Pop-Tart Bowl [Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan], he came and talked to us about how big of an impact this is for the kids around us. Then, them coming to the game and just spending time with them. I know that is going to bring joy to their day.

Q. How has the bowl week been so far?

DESMOND PURNELL: It has been fun down here in Florida, just keeping the mindset straight, keeping the goals in front of us. Just attacking each day.

Q. What's the experience been like, you're in Florida on Christmas, probably a little bit different than years past, right?

DESMOND PURNELL: Yeah, just a little bit away from family, but again, this is like my second family. Ever since, I got here. They accepted me and everything like that. These are all my brothers. We have been enjoying our time together here.

Q. What does this mean for you individually and as a team?

DESMOND PURNELL: Just as a defense, our last game was not up to par and we want to improve that and set a good season-ending goal for us.

Q. What's the season been like for you? You had some changes.

DESMOND PURNELL: Just a lot of ups and downs just like the other previous years. Just staying focused, attacking each day.

Q. Individually, what do you attribute to your success?

DESMOND PURNELL: Just everyday preparation. Thanking my coaches for teaching me and especially the strength staff for building my body to where it is now. Just attacking each day.

Q. How excited are you to go out and play with some younger guys who have not had as many game represents as other guys in the past?

DESMOND PURNELL: It is going to be fun seeing those boys just cut it loose and just play ball. Their training will definitely be a factor there. Just falling back on their training.

Q. What is the team looking like with all the new guys, are you embracing that?

DESMOND PURNELL: Oh, a hundred percent. We know that we are going to bring those new guys in. I know they are going to be great. They are going to trust us, and we are going to trust them. It is going to be fantastic.

Q. During the season, you guys didn't make time for the younger guys in everything; how big is this for them?

DESMOND PURNELL: Oh, hundred percent. Those guys just getting in there and getting the reps that they need, just to see the pictures more clearly and understand their job and what they should do.

Q. Coach Klieman talked a lot about Deuce Green the other day and his leadership role. Just how nice has it been to have him around the whole year?

DESMOND PURNELL: Oh, it has been fantastic. Him, not only just me, but teaching the young guys how to play football as well. Him just being there the whole year, it made a huge factor.