Notes From the 1st Day of NC State Fall Football Practice

NC State Football kicked off their Fall Camp this morning, which is the only day the media is allowed to observe a practice in action all season. Media members get to absorb as much as they can for an hour.

Observations

Every year, in this article I give the disclaimer that who is currently running out with the 1’s and 2’s, isn’t a guarantee of who will be the starters and backups in NC State’s first depth chart that will be released prior to their matchup against ECU on August 28th.

Offense

As expected, Redshirt Sophomore Noah Rogers and Senior Wesley Grimes were the two starting outside receivers. One of the questions entering Fall Camp, was who NC State would roll out as their slot receivers. Sophomore Keenan Jackson was the first man up.

At Running Back, Redshirt Sophomore Hollywood Smothers was the starter, with Redshirt Freshman Duke Scott up next. Scott ran numerous sets with the 1’s. Redshirt Freshman Jonathan Paylor worked strictly with the Running Backs, but I would continue to expect the Wolfpack to find a variety of ways to put the ball in his hands.

The starting Offensive Line was Redshirt Junior Jacarrius Peak at Left Tackle, Redshirt Senior Anthony Carter Jr. at Left Guard, Redshirt Senior Jalen Grant at Center, Redshirt Sophomore Kamen Smith at Right Guard and Redshirt Sophomore Teague Andersen at Right Tackle.

At Tight End, Senior Justin Joly is the clear starter, and Redshirt Sophomore Dante Daniels ran out 2nd. Senior Cody Hardy has created a lot of buzz this offseason, and from what I saw today, I don’t think he’s the 3rd string Tight End. He lined up opposite of Joly in a 2-Tight End set, and also ran numerous reps with the 1’s.

Special Teams

The following players were returning kickoffs: Hollywood Smothers, Jonathan Paylor, Duke Scott and Freshman Running Back Deandre Desinor.

The following players were returning punts: Noah Rogers, Wesley Grimes, Sophomore Wide Receiver Terrell Anderson, Freshman Wide Receiver Teddy Hoffmann and Freshman Wide Receiver Je’rel Bolder.

Defense

The starting Defensive Line was Redshirt Senior Travali Price and Senior Brandon Cleveland on the outside, with Redshirt Senior Chazz Wallace in the middle.

At Linebacker, Redshirt Seniors Sean Brown and Caden Fordham were on the outside, with Redshirt Senior Tra Thomas in the middle.

Senior Devon Marshall and Redshirt Sophomore Brian Nelson II were running with the 1’s at Cornerback, and Redshirt  Seniors JJ Johnson and Rente Hinton were at Safety.