NC State Football Preview - SCACCHoops.com

NC State Football Preview

by Will Ojanen

Posted: 8/14/2014 3:41:16 PM


The first season in Raleigh for Dave Doeren did not exactly go the direction that he intended. Plenty of the blame lies with him, of course, but he was not handed a roster that was ready to compete in the ACC. After a strong recruiting class, a key transfer, and offseason growth, the Pack has a sense of optimism coming out of preseason camp. With transfer quarterback Jacoby Brissett running the show, it gives many Wolfpack fans reason to hope for postseason play. If some of the many underclassmen starters make a jump at some point this season, Doeren can start to see the progress he envisioned when taking the job. If he does not guide the Pack to a bowl, year three could be a pressure packed one for the head coach.

Offense

For the Wolfpack, it truly starts with the performance at quarterback. Last year, the combination of Brandon Mitchell and Pete Thomas did not get it done for NC State, but Brissett offers promise of improvement. The transfer from Florida completed 41 of 74 passes for three touchdowns during limited action in two years in Gainesville. Reports from the scout team last year and in practices have raved about Brissett's play. The backup options are limited, with junior Garrett Leatham (a walk on who is on scholarship for the season) and true freshman Jalan McClendon filling out the position.

The Wolfpack bring back all of their options at running back, as well as adding some new contributors. The core trio of Tony Creecy, Shadrach Thornton, and Matt Dates will carry the load again. Creecy, as a fifth year senior, appears to be the starter heading in to the season, mainly on the merits of his experience and leadership. He had the least amount of carries of the three last season, with 42 carries for 125 yards. Ideally,  Thornton would step in as the feature back in his junior season, but off field issues have hindered his chance to be that back. His 4.7 yards per carry average for 768 yards as a sophomore illustrate the promise that he exhibits. Matt Dates showed plenty of promise early in his freshman season, ultimately finishing with 252 yards and four touchdowns. True freshman Jaylen Samuels could play some combination of tailback, fullback, and tight end as a 5'11", 240 pound weapon.

The Wolfpack finally have numbers at the receiver position, but still no bona fide star. Senior Bryan Underwood has the best chance to become the top target after battling several injuries to finish third on the team with 32 receptions. Sophomores Marquez Valdes-Scantlind and Jumicahael Ramos became major targets and combined for 46 catches in their first collegiate season. Fellow sophomores Bra'Lon Cherry and Jonathan Alston saw some action in their first seasons as well and could increase their snaps. True freshman Bo Hines had 10 catches in the spring game and could end the season as a top two option in the passing game. At tight end, junior Benson Browne and sophomore David Grinnage bring different attributes to the table. Grinnage is more likely to make a difference in the passing game, racking up 15 catches last season.

The offensive line was one of the positions where the Wolfpack struggled the most last season. With almost all contributors returning, the hope is that the experience gained will make the difference this year. It helps to have two fifth year seniors at the tackle spots, with Rob Crisp returning after missing almost all of the year with a concussion to bookend with Tyson Chandler. On the interior, junior Joe Thuney is a lock to start after playing all over as a sophomore. Juniors Alex Barr and Quinton Schooley appear to be the starters at the other guard and center, but true freshman Tony Adams is pushing time at both spots.

Defense

The defensive line has long been a strength to the Pack, but in 2013 it was rather average. Now, the rotation of the front four is filled with upperclassmen and talented newcomers. On the ends, senior Art Norman and junior Mike Rose look to have the starting nods licked up. Sophomore Drew Davis has made great strides in the summer and should see a lot of snaps. Touted freshman Kentavius Street will see time as he settles in. The interior of the line is less settled but there are plenty of options. Senior T.Y. McGill is the likeliest starter with his extensive experience. Fellow senior Thomas Teal will compete with sophomore Monty Nelson, redshirt freshman Kenton Gibbs, and true freshman B.J. Hill for snaps.

Linebacker has been a trouble position for the last year and a half, and depth may be short even after switching to a 4-2-5 base in the offseason. Seniors Rodman Noel and Brandon Pittman will likely start at the two spots after the injury to junior M.J. Salahuddin. The two lankier linebackers will have to be strong in run support with the loss of the junior. Redshirt freshman Jerod Fernandez should see plenty of time along with several freshman and walk ons. 

The secondary has experience at the starting positions, but injuries could deplete the ranks. The cornerback positions are locked up, with junior Junston Burris and sophomore Jack Tocho returning after showing signs of a solid combination in 2013. Sophomore Niles Clark will push the two starters, and will be joined by several freshmen as backups early in the season. Troy Vincent Jr. could be one name that makes an impression in his first season on campus. At safety, NC State has a combination of depth and experience, particularly with junior Hakim Jones and sixth year senior Jarvis Byrd. Jones is a lock to start, but Byrd will likely be more of an on field leader. Redshirt freshman Josh Jones and true freshman Germaine Pratt are both more than ready physically to contribute right away. Junior Tim Buckley and sophomore heavy hitter Dravious Wright will rotate at the nickel spot this fall.

Special Teams

The kicking specialists will be the same as they have been the last three years, with seniors Niklas Sade (kicker) and Wil Baumann (punter) at the helm. Sade has been particularly impressive, hitting on 19 of 23 field goals as a junior. Returning kicks will likely be a committee responsibility, with Cherry, Alston, and Dayes as the likely candidates.

Schedule

The Wolfpack's schedule sets up nicely for a team in transition. Non conference home dates with Georgia Southern, Presbyterian, and Old Dominion mixed with a trip to struggling South Florida could give the Pack the boost they need to make a bowl. Within the conference, NC State has a relatively challenging slate as usual within the Atlantic Division. They kick off conference play by hosting reigning national champions Florida State, and also host Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest. Road trips to Clemson, Louisville, Syracuse, and UNC round out the conference schedule.

Prediction

A winnable schedule and improved depth should give Dave Doeren some momentum in his second year, but anything less than a bowl trip would be a disappointment. Behind the arm of Brissett, the Wolfpack should be competitive in most games and take care of lesser competition. That said, a few injuries could severely hinder the team's prospects. The most important games in making a bowl are the trip to South Florida and the home dates with BC, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest. In the end, expect the Pack to win six regular games, but that number could reach as high as eight if they can stay healthy. 

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