Camp Q’s: How will Nyheim Hines adjust?

Speedster Nyheim Hines has spent his first two seasons at NC State as a wide receiver (63 receptions/781 yards/1 TD), but in 2017 he will be returning to his roots. Coming out of Garner High School, Hines was a 4-star running back, ranked 16th nationally at the position by ESPN. As a Trojan, he compiled 6,242 rushing yards and 126 touchdowns.

When Hines arrived at NC State, his rushing skillsset was put on hold, because the the Wolfpack backfield was clogged with Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes. Hines’ time would come, but he was a player they couldn’t keep off of the field. Hence, the move to wide receiver.

For the past two seasons, Hines has had the opportunity to look down the line of scrimmage and watch Dayes handle the pigskin with greatness, finishing his career as one of the greatest running backs in NC State history.

With Dayes now wearing a Browns uniform in the NFL, Hines time has officially come. In two seasons, Hines has rushed 61 times for an average of 4.7 yards per carry, but some of those carries came on end-arounds from WR position.

After being spread out wide for two seasons, how will Hines handle the return to running back? That is a legitimate question for the Wolfpack as they enter camp today. In fact, that’s a legitimate question for everyone that covers the ACC.

The ACC Digital Network listed Hines as their #3 running back in the ACC who is ready for a breakout.

Fortunately for Hines, he doesn’t have to carry the pressure of the backfield on his shoulders. The Wolfpack also returns explosive Senior Dakwa Nichols (73 carries/265 career rushing yards) and the bulldozing Junior Reggie Gallaspy, who was a 4-star running back coming out of high school himself, and averaged 4.8 yards per carry last year.

Hines and the rest of the backfield have huge shoes to fill after the exodus of Dayes. All 3 of these running backs will touch the ball in 2017.

Will Hines standout amongst the rest?