4. NC State Wolfpack College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– The defensive production wasn’t always great – the D allowed 415 yards and 29 points per game – but there were a whole lot of plays made behind the line and just enough takeaways to offset the gajillion turnovers from the other side of the ball.
Nine starters return with linebacker potentially the team’s biggest strength. 6-4, 240-pound Payton Wilson eats up everything on the weakside, 242-pound Isaiah Moore is a veteran force in the middle, and 236-pound Drake Thomas adds even more size to the mix. The corps is outstanding at getting into the backfield.
– The line loses heart-and-soul anchor Alim McNeill on the nose, but top pass rusher Daniel Joseph returns at one end 285-pound Savion Jackson returns on the other, and the line gets Cory Durden from Florida State to play where needed. The front three’s job is to hold up against the run, and there’s depth to go along with the size to keep everyone fresh. More on the nose tackle gig a bit later.
– The secondary got production from everywhere, but there wasn’t a true interception threat at any one of the five spots. Tyler Baker-Williams is the best of the bunch from his nickel spot – he made 60 stops last year – and the rest of the safety position is terrific – helped even more by the addition of Cyrus Fagan from Florid State – as long as big-hitting Tanner Ingle can stay healthy.
The corner spots are a bit more up in the air, but in a positive way. Shyheim Battle all but has one spot locked down, but the other side is up in the air with Marshall transfer Derrek Pitts an outstanding option to make a push.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– NC State Wolfpack Schedule Analysis