NC State’s Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has a tremendous track record of developing the running game. Over the past 4 years, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois rank in the top 5 nationally in yards per carry, and Canada was the offensive coordinator at both of those schools during that span (N. Illinois in 2011 and Wisconsin in 2012).  Last season NC State averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a team, which is the highest season average in school history.  The only other time NC State averaged over 5.0 yards per carry was back in 1973 (5.0), when Willie Burden, Stan Fritts and Charlie Young each rushed for over 600+ yards.  What makes last seasons average of 5.2 so impressive, is the fact that the average in 2013 was 3.8 yards per carry.

I talked with Canada after practice on Friday, and he reminded me that they have room to improve in a lot of areas, and that stats are just stats at the end of the day.

“We’ve got to get better at everything.  It’s about winning,” said Canada. “Stats aren’t anything that matter.  Stats are just stats.  The only stat that matters is whether we win.”

Senior Shadrach Thornton and Junior Matt Dayes both averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season, and form one of the most dangerous running back tandems in the ACC this year.  This season they are joined by two 4-star recruits, true freshmen Reggie Gallaspy and Johnny Frasier.

Canada looks at the depth at running back for the Wolfpack and thinks that it is a good thing.

“I don’t think you’re ever going to say you have too many good players.  A coach is never going to say they have too many good players,” said Canada. “Competition is a good thing.  It’s something everyone has to do.  Players want to play and they work themselves up there, and go get it.”

Thornton and Dayes are doing more than just competing with one another this year.  They are also the leaders of a crew of talented younger running backs now.  Canada says that the tandem is an example of why competition is good, and an example for the younger backs to follow.

“They are an example of going and getting it.  You mentioned the numbers we had last year.  They are an example of guys who have done it,” said Canada.” The young guys can watch and say ‘How can I be like him.  I can emulate that a little bit.’  Those two work very hard and practice very hard.  That’s why they’ve had the success they’ve had.  They want to have more success, and we want to have more success.”