There is a lot of buzz surrounding the NC State football program heading into the 2017 season. The defensive line unit is getting national attention, and the linebacker corps might be one of the better one’s in the ACC, but the Wolfpack receiver corps might be one of the deepest and most talented in years.

NC State returns a dynamic duo of Stephen Louis and Kelvin Harmon.

After missing the 2015 seasons due to two shoulder surgeries, R-JR Louis brokout to lead the Wolfpack in receiving yards in 2016, with 678 yards and two touchdowns. He was the first player since Jerricho Cothcery in 2003 to record three games in a single season of over 100 yards receiving. Louis’ 19.37 yards per catch ranked 3rd in the ACC, and 13th in the FBS. With that being said, 2016 could have been much bigger for Louis. He only caught 50 percent of the balls that were thrown his way. The rust should be off, a full year removed from surgeries, and entering his second season with quarterback Ryan Finley, should only make that percentage rise.

Sophomore Kelvin Harmon had one of the best freshman seasons in NC State history. The big and strong young buck set the freshman school record for touchdowns in a season with 5, which also led the team in touchdown receptions as well. Harmon’s 462 receiving yards were the 3rd highest mark ever by a Pack rookie, and he was the fifth frosh to ever record a 100 yard game (101-Syracuse). His 17.1 yards per catch…2nd best ever by a Wolfpack rookie…you’re getting the picture…Harmon’s a stud.

Heading into last season, most expected JuMichael Ramos to be the Wolfpack’s most significant wide receiver, after collecting 34 receptions , 457 receiving yards , and 3 TD’s, but he had to have knee surgery last July. Ramos will be the lone Senior in the Wide Receiver corps. His size and experience will be will be welcomed back.

Last season the Wolfpack coaches were talking highly of true freshman C.J. Riley, but unfortunately we were unable to see the impact he would have made as a rookie, going down with a torn ACL in the summer. Another summer is here, and deja vu, the Wolfpack coaches are talking highly of C.J. Riley. Fresh off recovering from ACL surgery, Riley tied for the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.48 seconds. He’s 6’4″ and he can freaking blaze.

Maurice Trowell has the ability to burn someone deep with his 4.48 40 time as well. Gavin Locklear can easily be forgotten in the mix, but he is a steady leader at the slot, and Jakobi Meyers, the former QB, flashed some last year at the slot as well. We will also get our first look at what Redshirt Freshman DaeShawn Stephens is made of.

Don’t sleep on the Wolfpack receivers. They quietly could be one of the better units in the ACC.