Samuels, Chubb and Cole named Preseason All-ACC

Jaylen Samuels (AP), Bradley Chubb (DE), and AJ Cole III (P) were named to the Preseason All-ACC team this afternoon.

This is just the latest in a barrage of media stories that have been hyping up the Wolfpack this season, which for NC State fans is both exciting and terrifying.

State fans love to hear their team getting the national pub, but they also have come to fear the worst when expectations get too high. This year, however, may be different. This isn’t a team filled with big-time names and high-end recruits. This is a team whose past statistics and seniority are beating the hype drum. This is a proven group, especially on the defensive line, and one that has been through the battles before.

Samuels is probably the biggest name of the bunch, listed at “All-Purpose” position, Samuels is forcing the NC State coaches to get creative in ways they can get him the rock. Last season he was the Pack’s leading receiver with 55 catches and also was their 3rd best running back. He finished with 14 TDs, one of which he threw. The excitement and versatility he brings will be key this season for NC State.

Chubbs finished last season with 22 tackles for loss. That was good for 4th in college football and 2nd in the ACC. He was 19th in the nation with 10.5 sacks and was named the team’s defensive MVP last season. He is already getting a ton of looks from the NFL.

Cole was on record for two 60+ yard punts last season (one was 72 yds.) Averaged 54.5 yds against Wake Forest last season, which was good enough for the 3rd best average in a single game in Wolfpack history.