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ESPN’s David M. Hale recently published an article talking about how NC State is searching for a new identity under new offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz. It brings forward some great points as Dave Doeren has done a good job at building the talent pool for the Pack, but has not seen any results in the form of wins against power 5 conferences. In the following excerpt Hale highlights this fact on how Doeren has yet to beat a power 5 conference team with a winning record…

The hype last offseason was perhaps a bit ahead of schedule. NC State had been the beneficiary of an easy schedule, and a few young players performed above their expectations as the Wolfpack finished with eight wins. All those “dark horse” predictions for 2015, however, quickly disappeared after NC State went just 3-6 against Power 5 competition, and to date, Doeren has yet to topple a Power 5 opponent with a winning record. What Doeren has accomplished, however, is stocking the roster with far more talent than he inherited. From Dayes and Jaylen Samuels to Jerod Fernandez and Kentavius Street, NC State has players capable of competing against the best of the ACC. The question is whether that potential will ever translate into signature wins. Last spring, the buzz was that NC State was on the verge of something special. This year, there’s a palpable sense that the window for Doeren could be closing — and that might actually be a good motivator for a team that probably needs a chip on its shoulder. ESPN

NC State must find a way to beat some quality opponents and win some ACC games. I agree with Hale that the window could be closing, the Pack have talent but some other areas may dictate how well that talent performs. The offensive line is that area that should be front and center. The Wolfpack lost Joe Thuney and Quinton Schooley both were three year starters, if State is going to have a dominate ground game they will need to create some hole for the tailbacks.

Obviously the QB battle will be the focal point this spring, but it might be the vacancies on the O-line that matter more. NC State’s offense will be built on the running game, where Dayes, Samuels, Reggie Gallaspy and redshirt freshmanJohnny Frasier form one of the more dynamic backfields in the ACC. But with established starters Joe Thuney and Quinton Schooley — both three-year starters — gone, job No. 1 for Drinkwitz and new O-line coach Dwayne Ledford will be finding the guys who can clear a path for that stable of backs. A strong run game can open a lot of options for NC State’s offense, but that success will start up front, and finding those answers begins now. ESPN

You can check out the full article in the link here. The Wolfpack have talent but they will need to bring it together quickly in order to improve upon last seasons results.

 

 

 

 

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NC State Football

WATCH: Hollywood Smothers Leads NC State in Rushing at the Spring Game

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2 days ago

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April 18, 2024

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Redshirt Freshman Hollywood Smothers seemingly was the 3rd string Running Back in NC State’s 2024 Spring Game a few weeks back, but at the end of the game, he had more rushing yards than any other back.

Smothers rushed the ball 8 times for 75 yards. He possesses explosive speed, as well as excellent vision.

Check out Pack Insider’s Tape of Smothers from the Spring Game.





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NC State Football

NC State Offers FCS Interior Offensive Lineman D’Angalo Titialii

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April 17, 2024

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NC State offered Interior Offensive Lineman D’Angalo Titialii (6’2″/320) today. After entering the Portal, the Wolfpack were the first to offer him.

Titialii spent his first three seasons at Portland State, which competes in the FCS. This year, he was the starting Center for the Vikings, and the year before he was their starting Left Guard. Over three seasons, Titialii started in 28 of the 32 games he played in.

Titialii is an intriguing prospect, considering he can play numerous positions on the Offensive Line.

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NC State Football

NC State Offers FCS DT Elinus Noel III

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3 days ago

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April 17, 2024

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After Elinus Noel III (6’2″/230) entered the Transfer Portal yesterday, it didn’t take long for NC State to extend an offer.

He also has picked up offers from Baylor and Temple.

Noel III played last year at Texas Southern, which is in the FCS. As a Junior, he had 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 10 games.

Prior to Texas Southern, Noel III spent his first two seasons at Nicholls State, where he recorded a total of 53 tackles.

247Sports ranked him as a 3-Star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class out of New Orleans (LA).

Noel III has 1 year of eligibility remaining.

With Nick Campbell entering the Transfer Portal, NC State is in the hunt for some depth at Nose Tackle. Even if the staff were to feel confident with what they have in JR Brandon Cleveland and RS-SODJ Jackson, the Wolfpack is in need of depth at the position.

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NC State Football

WATCH: In NC State’s Spring Game, Tight End Justin Joly Showed He is Going to Be Trouble for Opposing Defenses in ’24

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April 17, 2024

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It was evident NC State Tight End Justin Joly (6’3″/235) is going to be a problem for opposing defenses after his performance in the 2024 Spring Game a few weeks back. He is an extremely athletic Tight End, but he’s also bigger and more physical than I expected.

According to my calculations, Joly had 3 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. He started things off with a 3-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. He followed that up with a 16 yard catch across the middle through contact. Finally, Joly was the recipient of a double-reverse flea flicker, from RB Demarcus Jones II to WR Kevin Concepcion to QB Grayson McCall to him, for a 37-yard gain.

Joly transferred to NC State this offseason from UCONN, and he was the #2 Tight End in the Transfer Portal according to ON3. He had an incredible Sophomore campaign this past year, catching 56 passes for 578 yards and 2 touchdowns. Joly had 4 receptions for 38 yards in the season opener against the Wolfpack.

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