Old North Banter
Fansided

N.C. State Football: 3 Reasons to be Optimistic about 2019

By Christian Candeloro

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Dave Doeren and the North Carolina State Wolfpack prepare to take the field during their game against the James Madison Dukes at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Dave Doeren and the North Carolina State Wolfpack prepare to take the field during their game against the James Madison Dukes at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 31: C.J. Riley III #19 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a nine-yard touchdown reception against Myles Jones #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the second quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 31: C.J. Riley III #19 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a nine-yard touchdown reception against Myles Jones #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the second quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Offensive Talent

While hasn’t always equalled big-time wins, N.C. State has consistently recruited well. As a result, the cupboard isn’t bare for Doeren and company on the offensive side of the ball.

Running back is one the deepest positions on the team, with sophomore Ricky Person looking to lead the pack. Person averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 2018, gaining 471 yards and scoring three total touchdowns. His usage skyrocketed after returning from an early injury.

Redshirt freshman Trent Pennix and redshirt senior Damontay Rhem both return and will couple with prized running back recruits Zonovan Knight and Jordan Houston to form a talented backfield. Knight is the most exciting of the group after gaining 139 yards in the spring game.

The receiving corp. is less stocked but still talented with redshirt junior C.J. Riley (28 catches, 315 yds., two TDs), junior Emeka Emezie (53 rec., 616 yds. five TDs) and redshirt sophomore Thayer Thomas (34 rec., 383 yds, three TDs) all returning.

The addition of graduate transfer Tabari Hines gives the Wolfpack depth, along with a bevy of young receivers who will have a chance to step out.

The talent at the skill positions alone gives the offense a chance, despite questions at quarterback. If the Wolfpack can find a competent quarterback in the group, he should have no shortage of playmakers around him.

Home/North Carolina Sports