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ESPN’s David M. Hale recently published an article talking about how NC State is searching for a new identity under new offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz. It brings forward some great points as Dave Doeren has done a good job at building the talent pool for the Pack, but has not seen any results in the form of wins against power 5 conferences. In the following excerpt Hale highlights this fact on how Doeren has yet to beat a power 5 conference team with a winning record…

The hype last offseason was perhaps a bit ahead of schedule. NC State had been the beneficiary of an easy schedule, and a few young players performed above their expectations as the Wolfpack finished with eight wins. All those “dark horse” predictions for 2015, however, quickly disappeared after NC State went just 3-6 against Power 5 competition, and to date, Doeren has yet to topple a Power 5 opponent with a winning record. What Doeren has accomplished, however, is stocking the roster with far more talent than he inherited. From Dayes and Jaylen Samuels to Jerod Fernandez and Kentavius Street, NC State has players capable of competing against the best of the ACC. The question is whether that potential will ever translate into signature wins. Last spring, the buzz was that NC State was on the verge of something special. This year, there’s a palpable sense that the window for Doeren could be closing — and that might actually be a good motivator for a team that probably needs a chip on its shoulder. ESPN

NC State must find a way to beat some quality opponents and win some ACC games. I agree with Hale that the window could be closing, the Pack have talent but some other areas may dictate how well that talent performs. The offensive line is that area that should be front and center. The Wolfpack lost Joe Thuney and Quinton Schooley both were three year starters, if State is going to have a dominate ground game they will need to create some hole for the tailbacks.

Obviously the QB battle will be the focal point this spring, but it might be the vacancies on the O-line that matter more. NC State’s offense will be built on the running game, where Dayes, Samuels, Reggie Gallaspy and redshirt freshmanJohnny Frasier form one of the more dynamic backfields in the ACC. But with established starters Joe Thuney and Quinton Schooley — both three-year starters — gone, job No. 1 for Drinkwitz and new O-line coach Dwayne Ledford will be finding the guys who can clear a path for that stable of backs. A strong run game can open a lot of options for NC State’s offense, but that success will start up front, and finding those answers begins now. ESPN

You can check out the full article in the link here. The Wolfpack have talent but they will need to bring it together quickly in order to improve upon last seasons results.

 

 

 

 

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week

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21 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.

After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.

Martin Jr. is familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.

Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.

This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.

In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.

In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

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NC State Football

NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.

ACC Teams in the Top-25

11. FSU

14. Miami

16. Clemson

20. NC State

24. Virginia Tech

25. Louisville

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NC State Football

NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years

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4 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and NC State had two players drafted: Linebacker Payton Wilson in the 3rd round, and Center Dylan McMahon in the 6th round.

Over the past 10 years, NC State has produced 25 NFL Draft picks, and 3 1st round picks. The 25 Draft Picks ranks 8th in the ACC, and the 3 1st Round picks is tied for 7th.

NC State produced 18 NFL Draft Picks in the first 5 Draft’s of Dave Doeren’s tenure. Only 8 Wolfpack players have been selected in the past 5 NFL Drafts.

Players selected in the NFL Draft under Dave Doeren:

2024

Payton Wilson, LB – Pittsburgh – 3rd – 98th
Dylan McMahon, C – Philadelphia – 6th – 190th

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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5 days ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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