NC State Football

Could Jake Bentley Transfer to NC State?

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2019

South Carolina Quarterback Jake Bentley announced yesterday that he would be transferring from South Carolina.

Bentley got his career started as a True Freshman, and played extremely well against NC State as a Sophomore, when the Gamecocks beat the Wolfpack 35-28. In that game in 2017, Bentley was 17 of 29 for 215 yards with 3 touchdowns (1 interception).

In the first game of this year, Bentley suffered a season ending foot injury. Since he has yet to use a redshirt year, Bentley is able to be a Graduate Transfer, playing somewhere immediately in 2020.

Ironically, NC State’s current Quarterbacks Coach Kurt Roper served in that position in South Carolina for Bentley’s first two seasons, including the defeat of the Wolfpack.

NC State just wrapped up a 4-8 season, and one of the biggest flaws of this years squad was poor play at the Quarterback position. Matt McKay started the year, and has since transferred. Bailey Hockman had his chance, and was benched. Devin Leary was given the reins, but by no means showed that he was a guarantee to turning the ship around in 2020, and the ship has to be turned in a quick manner.

Could NC State be where Bentley lands?

247Sports lists the Wolfpack as 1 of 6 schools that could snag Bentley.

Why NC State? The Wolfpack were one of several region programs to offer Bentley and have battled through a myriad of quarterback issues this season. Head coach Dave Doeren faces a pivotal 2020 campaign after a disastrous eight-loss finish and Bentley would provide immediate stability under center — even if he was a one-year band-aid at the position. Close to home, immediate starter status and a chance to be the face of a program in the ACC are the draws to NC State. Bentley would get a chance to play Clemson again, too. The Wolfpack travel to Death Valley next fall, in addition to hosting Mississippi State. (247)

For perspective of what the Wolfpack could possibly gain in Bentley, his Passing Efficiency Rating was 146.3 as a Junior. Ryan Finley only had one season at NC State with a better rating (148.0 – 2018). Jacoby Brissett’s Passing Efficiency Rating never crept over 140 in his two seasons in Raleigh.