NC State Wolfpack Preview 2022: Offense
There’s nitpicking to be done with the 2021 offense. It wasn’t balanced, the ground game didn’t do enough, and overall it should’ve been better on third downs, but the passing attack averaged over 288 yards per game, it was the second-most efficient in the ACC behind Pitt’s attack.
There are a whole lot of very good parts back, but the O is missing top receiver Emeka Emezie, the top two running backs – Donovan Knight and Ricky Person – and …
Ikem Ekwonu. The new Carolina Panther franchise tackle isn’t going to be replaced talent-wise, but the line that was second in the ACC in fewest sacks and tackles for loss allowed returns enough experience to be more than fine.
Bryson Speas will likely move from his right tackle spot to the left side, Grant Gibson is one of the ACC’s best centers, and there’s good size and depth across the board.
Now the ground game has to do more.
It failed to get to 200 yards over the last nine games and had a hard time getting to four yards per pop. There should be a rotation around leading return rusher Jordan Houston, who only ran for 83 yards and a score. But …
The offense will work around Devin Leary. He’s not all that big, but the 6-1, 212-pound junior can bomb away, throwing for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns with five picks.
Emezie might be done, but Leary spread the ball around – six players came up with over 200 receiving yards – with the combination of Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter good enough to keep all the fun going. Landing Darryl Jones from Maryland will help.
NC State Wolfpack Preview 2022: Defense
The defense that was third in the ACC overall and 14th in the nation in scoring D should be even better. There’s a ton of ACC all-star talent, great depth, and more big-time players about to get back into the mix to make a great situation even better.
As is the linebacking corps was going to be good. Fourth-leading tackler Vi Jones is gone to the NFL, but First Team All-ACC Drake Thomas is back in the mix after leading the team with 99 stops, and Devon Betty is a good young option in the middle.
However, Isaiah Moore is back after missing last year with a knee injury, and Payton Wilson – the team’s leading tackler in 2019 and 2020 – returns after missing all of last season with both shoulders hurt. This will be an All-ACC linebacking corps if everyone can stay healthy.
Most of the pass rush came from the linebackers, and Daniel Joseph is gone on one end after finishing third on the team with five sacks. The tackles are active – Cory Durden is a pro prospect who can work inside or out in the 3-4 – and Savion Jackson has to do more on the outside.
The corner tandem of Shyheim Battle and Derrek Pitts is solid, and the safety situation is terrific around First Team All-ACC 82-tackle playmaker Tanner Ingle.
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