| Chuck Amato Builds for the Future Wolfpack Football Recruiting 2001 By Michael Hughes February 7, 2001 After completing a successful first season at the helm of the NC State Football Program, coach Chuck Amato and his hard-working staff continue to rebuild the NC State football program. While the season record of 8-4 was filled with major accomplishments, the lack of depth made this team vulnerable. Losses to Maryland and Virginia, and struggles against Duke and Wake Forest exposed the need for more athletes at practically every position. February 7th marks the end of Chuck Amato�s first full recruiting year, and the level of talent joining the Wolfpack this year is unbelievable. This group should have an immediate impact. Openings exist throughout the depth chart, and the youngsters are athletic enough to challenge upperclassmen for starting positions. In addition to talent, this recruiting class is numerically larger than any in memory. Not only have specific needs been addressed, but all positions will have the benefit of fresh young talent. Providing depth is only part of the projected impact of this class. This group will push the upperclassmen at every spot on the roster, forcing them to compete to maintain starting positions. Even the most seasoned veterans will be forced to elevate their performance a notch to hold off the talented youngsters. Loss of players through graduation and defection has created a more urgent need at some positions. For example, the void left by superstar receiver Koren Robinson will be tough to fill, and fans remember the letdown the year after Torry Holt departed. Amato and receiver coach Doc Holliday faced a tough challenge, needing a top-ranked group of receiver recruits to replace Robinson and senior Eric Leak. Chuck and his staff came through in spectacular fashion, signing arguably the nation�s best group of wide receivers. Sterling Hicks, Dovonte Edwards, Chris Murray and Fred Spann, along with athlete Tremain Hall, will be shredding opposing defenses for years to come. In concert with the receivers, an assurance of continuity at the quarterback position was a priority. Philip Rivers was an iron-man last season, playing nearly every down. A marquee quarterback recruit was needed to compete with Rivers, provide depth in case of injury, and become another quarterback of the future. The Wolfpack got all of that and more with Jay Davis. It now appears that the Wolfpack passing game will be among the nation�s best for years to come. However, great quarterbacks and receivers do not ensure success, as games are won in the trenches. Injuries last season exposed the limited depth along the offensive line, and performance occasionally struggled. Next year, three of the projected starters will be seniors. Therefore this year�s recruiting efforts needed to include players capable of cracking the starting lineup as redshirt freshmen or true sophomores, and the recruits must also be capable of providing immediate depth at all five positions. A solid group of offensive linemen will be joining the program. Two prep school players, Brandon Moore and Brian Archis, have enrolled for the spring semester. Three high school recruits, John McKeon, Jed Paulson and Antoine Colvin, arrive in the fall. The recruiting publications don�t rank these offensive line recruits quite as high as our skill players, but it�s a strong, solid group. They should provide immediate depth, eventually develop into starters, and benefit from working together as a group for the next four or five years. The passing game definitely appears promising for the next few years, as new quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line recruits roll in. The future of the running attack also needed to be addressed. Ray Robinson was an iron-man, taking most of the carries last season. But with Ray being a senior next year, a replacement is needed. The staff has signed a variety of backfield talent, led by versatile superstar Tremain Hall, a high school tailback that could also play receiver or defensive back. Josh Brown was the North Carolina Player of the Year, and is small but very fast and elusive. Lamont Reid is a more conventional back, with size and exceptional speed. This class of backs provides plenty of depth and opportunity to challenge for a starting position in the future. With Derek Roberts graduated, fullbacks are needed, and the coaches signed enough versatile players at linebacker to allow a position change to fullback. Kenny Covington and Freddy Aughtry-Lindsay had experience running the ball in high school, and could make a strong contribution at fullback. At tight end, depth is good now, but with two seniors atop the depth chart, talent is needed for the future. Three tight ends were brought in: Sean Berton, an experienced, proven player transferring from West Virginia; John Ritcher, the versatile son of our Outland Trophy winner; and Lamar Smith, a tall, rangy raw talent who played wide receiver in high school. These three recruits provide distinctly different assets, and it will be up to the coaches to work these guys into the lineup. The Wolfpack defense played very well at times last season, but was plagued by inconsistency. As promised, Amato focussed on bringing in more team speed, with excellent results. At linebacker, the existing players are experienced and talented. Two of the projected starters are seniors, however, and one a junior, such that replacements must be groomed. Levar Fisher will be the most difficult to replace, and will be sorely missed in 2002. The coaching staff responded to this need by talented linebacker class. Avery Gibson was a finalist for the Alabama Player of the Year. Kenny Covington is a large, fast, strong high school running back likely to end up at defensive end. South Florida is again represented in Pat Thomas, with typical Sunshine State speed. The defensive line struggled at times last season, particularly against the run. Depth is adequate, with enough players to stay fresh. But a few fast, powerful young recruits would go a long way towards challenging the upperclassmen and improving the defense of this football team. Seniors return as incumbent starters at both defensive end spots, so replacements are needed soon. Amato and staff, particularly Demarest, did more than get future replacements for Corey Smith and Brian Jamison. Two top-notch junior college defensive ends have been brought in, which will force the upperclassmen to put out maximum effort to earn playing time. Price and Chapman will likely see a lot of action next fall, with much of that time being spent in opponents� backfields. The freshmen defensive ends brought in are talented in their own right and won�t be far behind. At tackle, the coaches also went the junior college route and landed a huge individual with an abundance of potential in Terrance Martin. One of last year�s signees, DeWayne Herndon, was able to commit again after year of prep school, and will use his raw athletic ability to provide help in the middle. Adrian Wilson is the only departing defensive back, and the depth chart is filled with promising young players. However, the secondary was vulnerable at times last season, giving up huge chunks of yardage and facilitating record-setting days by opposing quarterbacks. Replacement of players is not needed immediately, but talented recruits are needed to push the veterans, compete for starting positions, and solidify a strong defensive backfield for the future. The Wolfpack coaches landed an outstanding group of defensive backs. Greg Golden is one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the nation, and he can look forward to competing for a starting position immediately. Fellow south Floridians Andre Maddox and Marcus Hudson will add to the safety corps. Buddy Green is high on J.J. Jones, who will report immediately and have the advantage of spring practice. With additional athletes and a strong pass rush, those record-setting days from opposing quarterbacks should become a thing of the past. |
| Depth Chart Analysis: For each position, the depth was evaluated to determine the number of recruits needed at that position. The criteria was based on the need to have a three-deep roster at every position heading into spring practice 2002. With eighteen seniors and a couple of kickers, the numbers balance out pretty well (85 minus seniors and kickers equals about 66). The returning players are listed, the number of recruits needed at that position is given, and the players signed are listed to show how the needs are being met. A narrative follows, describing the potential for playing time for upperclassmen and all members of this recruiting class. Quarterback: Philip Rivers (6-5, 220) So. Olin Hannum (6-1, 190) Sr. Jatavis Sanders (6-0, 190) Jr. 1 Recruit Needed Jay Davis (6-3, 185) Fr. Recruiting a quarterback was a top priority. Last season Philip Rivers got banged up a few times and was forced to play hurt. Due to Rivers� exceptional understanding of the offense, the coaches seemed reluctant to turn over the controls to anyone else. Olin Hannum played extensively, and was involved with the offense, but mainly as a receiver and a running quarterback on trick plays. Hannum is a valuable member of this team, but has yet to demonstrate proficiency running the offense. Jatavis Sanders played only a handful of plays at wide receiver. This limited and unusual involvement by Sanders indicates a questionable future. A back up to Rivers is needed immediately, with the opportunity to play significant minutes. There will be times next season when Rivers gets temporarily banged up or fatigued, and assurance is needed that the offense will remain productive. A dependable back up is critical, to share responsibility and relieve some of the burden on Rivers. The possibility of a prolonged injury to Rivers must be considered also. The coaching staff responded to the recruiting challenge, looking in familiar territory in Florida and signing one of the nation�s best in Jay Davis. The coaches targeted Davis early, stuck with him and hardly looked at anyone else. While it�s unlikely Davis will immediately unseat Philip Rivers, he will become a valuable member of this team from the outset. A redshirt year for Jay Davis is far from guaranteed. Depending on the progress of Olin Hannum, Davis might see significant playing time next fall spelling Rivers. Like Philip Rivers, Jay Davis is a coach�s son, with an intelligent grasp of offensive schemes. Davis may need a few weeks to learn the plays, but by mid-season he should be fully capable of directing the offense. Halfback: Ray Robinson (5-10, 200) Sr. Carlos Doggett (5-10, 205) Jr. K.J. Stone (6-0, 190) Jr. 1 Recruit Needed Lamont Reid (6-0, 190) Fr. Josh Brown (5-9, 180) Fr. Three years ago several running backs joined the Wolfpack, and of the three who remained at this position, Ray Robinson has turned out to be the star. During this period the ACC has been blessed with several outstanding backs, so Ray hasn�t been given high recognition beyond ACC rookie of the year. But Ray Robinson is one of the best in the conference and an extremely valuable member of this team. Robinson carried the ball on almost all rushing attempts by the Wolfpack last season, was a favorite receiver of Rivers, and gained 1154 yards rushing and receiving. With Robinson in his final season, a talented replacement is a critical need. Carlos Doggett and K.J. Stone have some talent, but have yet to show consistent results. Doggett is a hard, steady runner, but with only average speed, and it�s not clear if Doggett can hang on to the ball consistently. Carlos played in only one game, towards the end of the Wake Forest contest. Stone has been plagued by injury, has yet to fully recover, and his ability to avoid fumbling is also in question. Like Doggett, Stone played in only one game last season. Cotra Jackson was the surprise of the running backs. Jackson came on strong, running with intensity, and was hard to bring down. Cotra played behind Robinson most of last season, but could be moved back to fullback as a starter next fall. A talented freshman is needed to assume the second string halfback position, give Robinson breaks, and be ready to start as a sophomore. Two halfbacks were signed. Lamont Reid has a good combination of size and blazing speed, evidenced by his track medals. Although not ranked extremely high by recruiting services, Reid was heavily recruited by some of the best teams in the southeast such as Auburn and Clemson. Josh Brown is smaller, but quick and elusive. Reportedly the coaches saw film on Brown and immediately offered. Brown could also play the slot receiver position. And speaking of a slot receiver, Tremain Hall said he may be used some at halfback also. Fullback: Cotra Jackson (6-0, 215) Jr. Lee Tornabene (6-2, 225) So. 1 Recruit Needed Derek Roberts will be missed, and Cotra Jackson could be moved back to fullback to fill the void. Cotra slimmed down last year to play halfback, and did very well, but he may start at fullback by default. No fullbacks were signed, but at least two recruits ran the ball in high school and have the ability to contribute at fullback. Freddy Aughtry-Lindsay and Kenny Covington have experience in the offensive backfield and could be called on to help replace the departed Derek Roberts. Wide Receiver: Bryan Peterson (5-10, 190) Jr. Jerricho Cotchery (6-2, 185) So. Andy Bertrand (6-2, 180) So. Troy Graham (6-2, 180) Fr. 5 Recruits Needed Tremain Hall (5-11, 180) Fr. Sterling Hicks (6-2, 170) Fr. Dovonte Edwards (6-1, 180) Fr. Chris Murray (6-4, 180) Fr. Fred Spann (5-11, 170) Fr. With Koren Robinson riding his superstar year into the NFL, and Eric Leak finishing his career, a big void exists at wide receiver. The passing game is critical to the success of this team, and the coaches obviously gave receivers a top priority this recruiting season. But even in their wildest dreams, Wolfpack fans didn�t expect this much All-American talent to arrive in a single recruiting class. NC State has produced some of the best, such as Mike Quick, Haywood Jeffries, Naz Worthen, Eddie Goines, Torry Holt and Koren Robinson. Getting the stars is not surprising, but having them all in one recruiting group is incredible. Dovonte Edwards is an outstanding multi-sport athlete, one of the best basketball players in the state, but football is his best sport, and he�s one of the top ten recruits in the state. Tremain Hall was next to join, giving fans the first indication that Chuck and Doc Holliday were not bluffing when it comes to south Florida superstars. Hall is one of the best athletes in talent-rich Florida, and may be the highest rated recruit in this class. Hall could play several positions, but is starting out at receiver in order to get his hands on the ball and make things happed, similar to Eric Leak last season but with much more potential. As a compliment to the 5�-11� Hall, an athlete with exceptional running ability, Doc Holliday brought in the 6�-2� Sterling Hicks, a high leaping, sure-handed wideout with blistering sub-4.5 speed. Like Hall, Hicks was rated top 25 in Florida, and will be one of the favorites to earn a starting role in fall camp. Coach Demarest brought in Fred Spann, a talented player in his own right with an offer from UVA, who talks straight by saying he �makes plays� and will catch the ball over the middle. He will get that opportunity next fall. Just when fans think the coaches are finished, that we have everything we could hope for, Doc Holliday makes a strong move on a wavering University of Miami recruit. Doc is held off for a while, but when coach Butch Davis resigns, Holliday immediately secures a commitment from yet another superb Florida receiver. Chris Murray is a tall, lanky athlete with outstanding speed, who says he�s the next Koren Robinson. Others compare him to Randy Moss. As well as Philip Rivers throws the fade pattern, Murray will be out-running or out-jumping every defensive back in the league. Florida State receivers used to punish smaller ACC defensive backs with their height, speed and jumping ability, and now NC State will be in the enviable position of having uncoverable athletes at wide receiver. These five recruits will join four existing players, who are talented themselves. Bryan Peterson is the only receiver with more than one year of experience, and has been a dependable, successful receiver in his two years with the Pack. Jerricho Cotchery and Andy Bertrand gained valuable experience playing as true freshman last year, giving them a slight edge heading into fall camp. Troy Graham sat out last season, but a year in the program including spring practice will help. It�s amazing that six of the nine Wolfpack receivers are from south Florida. And all nine receivers in the program are capable of starting, and it�s likely the coaches will use platoons of fresh sprinters, in an aggressive air attack with Rivers pulling the trigger. Tight End: Willie Wright (6-4, 220) Sr. Andy VanDerVeer (6-4, 235) Sr. Joseph Gray (6-5, 235) Jr. 2 Recruits Needed John Ritcher (6-3, 230) Fr. Lamar Smith (6-6, 215) Fr. Sean Burton (6-4, 240) Jr. The tight end position was used very effectively last season, and all three players return. Wright will be making spectacular catches, VanDerVeer critical blocks and surprise catches, and Gray will be preparing for his breakout season. The new recruits and transfer will not be expected to contribute immediately, but need to prepare to take over the position after next season. Transfer Sean Burton has all the tools to assume the starting role in 2002. Ritcher is a versatile player who would be successful both blocking and receiving, but may be moved to another position, such as fullback, linebacker or defensive end. Lamar Smith is the heir apparent to Wright, a tall wide receiver moved to tight end, who could easily get open against linebackers. Offensive Tackle: Scott Kooistra (6-6, 305) Jr. Chris Colmer (6-5, 295) So. Tim Turner (6-6, 305) Jr. Lonnell Becoate (6-4, 280) So. Matt Broel (6-5, 295) Sr. 2 Recruits Needed Brandon Moore (6-4, 280) Fr. Brian Archis (6-5, 270) Fr. Kooistra and Colmer had decent seasons last year, but were slowed by injury, especially Kooistra. With an extra year of maturity and conditioning, these two guys should be the favorites to start at tackle. Tim Turner is extremely talented but has yet to play up to his potential, and Becoate and Broel have not seen any significant playing time. Two prep school linemen report in the spring, Brandon Moore and Brian Archis, and both have the height and quickness to play tackle. The spring practice should help these two prep school guys tremendously, and like Colmer last spring, give them an advantage towards playing time in the fall. Guard: Reggie Poole (6-3, 310) Sr. William Brown (6-1, 265) Sr. Travis Brinson (6-3, 260) So. Joe Lardino (6-3, 290) Jr. Chance Moyer (6-4, 255) RFr. 3 Recruits Needed Antoine Colvin (6-4, 310) Fr. John McKeon (6-4, 270) Fr. Reggie Poole was a surprise last fall, joining the team in August and quickly earning a starting spot. With a season of experience, spring practice and off-season conditioning, Poole should be even better and anchor the middle from one guard spot. William Brown started at the other guard spot last season, and is a mobile, athletic lineman. Brown will be a major contributor, but his size could limit his effectiveness. Other returning players, Brinson and Lardino, have talent but have not yet had much opportunity to contribute. Chance Moyer redshirted last season as a linebacker and has reportedly moved over to the offensive line. A major contributor to this recruiting class could be Antoine Colvin. At 6-4, 310, he reportedly plowed over people in high school, and has the size and power to continue that dominance at the college level. Colvin would make an excellent counterpart to the 6-3, 310 lb Poole at the opposite guard spot. Center: Keegan Weir (6-5, 285) Sr. Derek Green (6-3, 260) Jr. 2 Recruits Needed Jed Paulson (6-2, 270) Fr. Keegan Weir was projected to start, but was injured in the first game last season, and never returned to form. Derek Green filled in well, but with limited size he could not push around larger defensive linemen. Hopefully Weir will be back in full form, and Green should get playing time also. The highest rated recruit along the line is Jed Paulson. Paulson may not see a lot of playing time his first season, but he�s definitely the center of the future for the Wolfpack. Defensive Tackle: Ricky Fowler (6-2, 290) So. Sean Locklear (6-3, 285) So. Jerrick Hall (6-2, 280) Jr. Darius Bryant (6-1, 285) Sr. Shane Riggs (6-3, 265) Jr. 2 Recruits Needed Terrance Martin (6-4, 290) Jr. Dwayne Herndon (6-4, 260) Fr. The Wolfpack has several veterans returning along the defensive line, but help is still needed. Strong running teams like Maryland, Virginia and Minnesota punished the front line with powerful running. Hopefully, a year of maturity and conditioning will improve the effectiveness of the veterans. Ricky Fowler was a pleasant surprise as a true freshman, and improved steadily over the course of the year ending with a starting assignment against Minnesota. Sean Locklear also had a good first season, alternating between tackle and end and seeing significant action. Shane Riggs has battled injuries, but had the best game of his career against Minnesota, showing potential to chase down the ball carrier when others were grasping at air. Riggs also made the defensive play of the game against the Tar Heels, causing a fumble while sacking the quarterback and putting the Pack in control of the game. Hall has a good combination of size and quickness, and could be very good with more consistency. Bryant is a very powerful lineman but may need to work on his quickness getting to the ball carrier. During this recruiting season, the coaches targeted some high profile recruits, but came up empty on the high school superstars. NC State does not yet have a reputation for developing players along the defensive line (compared to wide receiver for example), so the coaches faced an uphill battle. However, two very good players were brought in. Terrance Martin is a mammoth defensive tackle, with a couple of years of junior college under his belt. Martin was supposed to report this spring, nut grade transfer issues will delay his enrollment until summer. If Martin reports in good condition, and plays every down with intensity, he could easily end up as a starter for the next two years. The Wolfpack coaches became reunited with Dwayne Herndon, a 2000 signee who spent a year at prep school. Herndon is very athletic for his size, an accomplished basketball player who also returned kicks and played fullback. Herndon has only been playing football for three years, and will benefit from the excellent coaching and physical conditioning programs supplied by the NC State football program. He should help immediately, but may need some time to learn all the tricks of being a defensive lineman. Defensive End: Corey Smith (6-2, 245) Sr. Brian Jamison (6-2, 230) Sr. Drew Wimsatt (6-4, 245) Jr. George Anderson (6-0, 230) Jr. 4 Recruits Needed Shawn Price (6-2, 230) Jr. Terrance Chapman (6-4, 240) Jr. Kenny Covington (6-2, 240) Fr. Brian Cross (6-2, 240) Fr. Renaldo Moses (6-6, 220) A major area of concern for this defense has been the ability to pressure the quarterback. The Wolfpack secondary frequently got beat on long patterns, as the opposing quarterbacks either stood in the pocket with impunity, or scrambled out for long yardage. Corey Smith and Brian Jamison, both of whom have shown signs of excellence, return for their senior year, and must exert leadership to keep the younger players focussed and fired up. Smith is a steady, dependable performer, and Jamison is a super-quick end specializing in pass rushing. Drew Wimsatt had earned the starting spot over Jamison last spring, but injured his back and was unable to contribute much last season. Anderson is a converted linebacker who has made some good plays over the years, but may not have the size to be a dominating defensive end. The coaches went hard after defensive ends, and signed two outstanding junior college prospects that will help immediately. Chris Demarest recruited Shawn Price and Terrance Chapman, and was taken for a wild ride. Price and Chapman are similar in that they both played at L.A. Valley Junior College, they are both 4-star prospects with outstanding speed, and they both committed early to play for the Wolfpack. However, they took distinctly different routes to signing day. Shawn Price, originally from New Jersey, visited only the Wolfpack, and remained strongly devoted after giving his verbal commitment. Terrance Chapman, a Florida native, gave NC State a verbal commitment shortly after Price. However, Chapman kept his eyes open and became dazzled during a visit to Kansas State, a trip he reportedly was reluctant to take. KSU secured a commitment from Chapman, beginning a whirlwind of emotions from the junior college players and coach, college recruiters and fans during the last couple of weeks before signing day. Finally after the dead period started, Chapman again reversed his direction and reaffirmed his plan to come to Raleigh. Chapman and Price are good friends, who argued heatedly after Chapman�s KSU visit, as Price fought to keep Terrance committed to the Wolfpack. On February 7 all is forgiven, and both Price and Chapman will report in August with a good chance to earn starting positions. Kenny Covington was the Pack�s first commitment, and impressed coaches during camp with his combination of size, strength and speed. Covington played running back in high school, was recruited as a linebacker, with the likely intent of moving to defensive end at 240 lb. Brian Cross also posses an impressive balance of size and speed, and could be one of the major sleepers of this class. Renaldo Moses was a late addition, and has potential to be an outstanding pass rusher, but needs to add some bulk. While Price and Chapman may get the immediate playing time, Covington, Cross and Moses appear to be the ends of the future for Cary Godette�s defensive line. Linebacker: Levar Fisher (6-1, 225) Sr. Corey Lyons (5-11, 200) Sr. Dantonio Burnette (5-10, 225) Jr. Edrick Smith (6-1, 230) Jr. William Pannell (6-4, 230) Sr. Roger Pollard (6-1, 200) So. Chip Thomas (6-2, 220) So. Andrew Purcell (6-2, 200) So. Corrie Dawson (6-3, 225) RFr. 3 Recruits Needed Avery Gibson (6-2, 215) Fr. Pat Thomas (6-2, 205) Fr. Freddy Aughtry Lindsay (6-2, 225) Fr. Coach Joe Pate returns a veteran group of linebackers, led by one of the nation�s best and most fierce in Levar Fisher. Fisher is poised for another All-American season as he chases down ball carriers from the weak side. Dantonio Burnette is a strong, hard tackler with a low center of gravity, perfect for middle linebacker. Corey Lyons is small for a linebacker, but uses textbook tackling form to stop runners in the open field. Edrick Smith struggled in his return from knee damage, but will hopefully be back to his true form at middle linebacker. Roger Pollard was the most impressive of the true freshmen last season, and appears to play larger than his listed size. Purcell and Thomas also saw action as true freshmen, and should benefit from the off-season strength program. Both have potential to be hard-nosed linebackers. Corrie Dawson redshirted. The coaches brought in a very good, but not spectacular, group of linebackers. Joe Pate struck early in Alabama, landing one of the top prospects in the state in Avery Gibson. Gibson reportedly has great instincts and a nose for the football, which will be much needed in the years following Levar Fisher�s departure. Pat Thomas is a south Florida player with the attribute indigenous to that region, speed. Thomas portrays himself as a sure tackler who roams sideline to sideline. Freddy Aughtry-Lindsay is a Winston-Salem product who defected from Wake Forest after the coaching change. Lindsay has good size and movement, and could play in the middle, outside, or be moved to fullback. John Ritcher may also get a look at linebacker, and if Covington can move his feet and avoid blockers, he would be a very good-sized linebacker. Cornerback: Brian Williams (6-0, 200) Sr. James Walker (6-0, 190) So. J.J. Washington (5-9, 180) So. Julius Patterson (5-11, 185) Jr.. Victor Stephens (6-2, 175) So. Anthony Cason (5-10, 180) Sr. Kerrick Sanders (5-11, 185) Jr. 1 Recruit Needed Greg Golden (5-11, 185) Fr. Brian Williams had a solid season, and has settled into the cornerback position after switching from free safety. Williams has all the tools needed at the corner, including speed and hitting ability. With the additional experience, his instincts will help him look back for the ball and make more interceptions. The same is true for James Walker, a fast athlete with good size for a cornerback, who is still learning the position and only needs better instincts in turning towards the ball. J.J. Washington is very quick and fast, who moves his feet as well as any back on the team. Washington had earned a starting spot before seriously injuring his knee halfway through the season. Julius Patterson, an accomplished skill player and good all-around athlete, competed hard for a starting cornerback spot, and earned playing time as a nickel back. Victor Stephens is a very fast player who played on special teams and back-up cornerback. With a little extra bulk, Stephens would make an outstanding free safety. Anthony Cason has helped this team over the years, but played sparingly last season and will be hard-pressed to beat out younger players. Kerrick Sanders redshirted despite his junior college status, and his future role is unknown. . NC State coaches targeted several outstanding cornerback prospects, and came away with a great one. Greg Golden has been heralded as the best coverage back in the state of Florida, which is an impressive label. Golden will immediately jump into the mix, and his chances are good of earning a starting spot. And if hardship hits the cornerback corps, Tremain Hall could always step in and make an immediate impact. Safety: Terrence Holt (6-2, 200) Jr. Quinton Allen (6-2, 195) So. Rod Johnson (5-10, 180) Jr. Craig Moody (6-0, 180) So. 2 Recruits Needed Marcus Hudson (6-2, 180) Fr. Andre Maddox (6-1, 190) Fr. J.J. Jones (6-0, 180) Fr. The departure of Adrian Wilson left a hole in the Wolfpack secondary. Terrence Holt is a hard hitter with good size, and would be a natural to move over to Wilson�s strong safety spot. Quinton Allen has not seen much playing time in games, but had a great spring last year, showing the ability to pick off passes and make hard hits. Allen would be considered the early favorite to start in the defensive backfield alongside Holt. Rod Johnson has seen duty as a nickel back, and has done well despite less than average size for a safety. Craig Moody was moved to safety last season, after showing strong tackling skills on kick coverage teams. In finding safeties of the future, Amato and his trusty sidekick Doc Holliday again dug into their favorite mine, Miami, Florida. Needing sprinter�s speed and a high jumper�s vertical leap, the coaches found two prospects that will make a name for themselves in the Wolfpack secondary. Andre Maddox was offered back in July, with good reason. Maddox made 123 tackles as a senior, and used his 10.8 100-m speed and 37 inch vertical leap to record six interceptions. Maddox will be joined in the secondary by another outstanding athlete, Marcus Hudson, who reportedly intercepts anything that comes near him. Hudson received many offers, from schools such as Ohio State and Michigan State, before choosing the Wolfpack. Hudson was reportedly promised some early playing time, and that shouldn�t be a problem. J.J. Jones will report in the spring to get a head start working in the secondary. Special Teams: No kickers were signed, but fans can rest assured there will be some exciting kick returns. |