Ibrahim Kante steps up
The Wolfpack’s defensive line is clearly in transition after having to replace all four starters from a season ago, who were selected in the NFL Draft. The coaching staff had an extra challenge though as they saw two starters, James Smith-Williams and Eurndraus Bryant, have to leave the game due to injuries.
This gave redshirt freshman Ibrahim Kante a chance to see extended playing time and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. He entered the game with the Dukes facing a third and goal down 10-7 however Kante was able to sack the quarterback and force a fumble, which was recovered by the Wolfpack. That play kept his team ahead and on the next drive, the Wolfpack extended their lead 17-7.
He finished the game with two tackles and two sacks.
It will be hard to keep Kante off the field if he keeps producing the way he did against James Madison.