No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.
5. College Football News Preview 2020: NC State Wolfpack Offense 3 Things To Know
– All of a sudden, the offense just stopped. The Wolfpack attack that had no problems blowing past the 5,000-yard mark for five straight years under head coach Dave Doeren – and flirting with 6,000 in 2018 – wasn’t even close last year, finishing 11th in the ACC in total yardage and 12th in scoring.
After scoring 28 points or more in nine of the last 12 games two years ago, the 34-23 win over Ball State was the only time in the last ten games last year when the team scored more than 26.
There were two massive problems: 1) turnovers – more on that later on in the Keys To The Season – and 2) a lack of passing efficiency.
QB Matt McKay left for Montana State, but Devin Leary is backs after taking his lumps as a freshman. The 6-2, 212-pounder only hit 48% of his passes for 1,219 yards and eight scores with five picks, and 6-2, 208-pound junior Bailey Hockman hit 56% of his throws for 546 yards and a score with four picks. Leary has the inside line on the gig again, but freshman Ben Finley will get a long look.
CFN in 60 Video: NC State Wolfpack Preview
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– The running back corps was really, really, really young – three then-freshmen and one sophomore – and they’re all back. Now-sophomore Zonovan Knight led the team with 745 yards and five scores, sophomore Jordan Houston is a slasher who was second on the team with 526 yards and two scores, and 6-1, 220-pound Ricky Person Jr. is back after running for 229 yards and three scores despite missing half the season with an ankle injury.
The offensive front that was good in pass protection and wasn’t a huge part of the problem – even though it wasn’t quite consistent enough. Fortunately, most of the starters are expected back. Starting guard Josh Fedd-Jackson is in the transfer portal, but there’s hope for an even stronger season around the other four parts.
– Tabari Hines is gone, but everyone else returns to a receiving corps that should be good if the quarterback play is better. 6-3, 210-pound senior Emeka Emezie is a big No. 1 target who led the way with 56 grabs, but he didn’t do much deep – that’s not his game, though.
6-4 sophomore Devin Carter is another big target – he was second on the team with 456 yards – and Thayer Thomas smallish quick receiver who can do a whole lot more than 31 catches. Throw in All-ACC tight end Cary Angeline, and there’s a lot to like about this group.
NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: NC State Wolfpack Defense 3 Things To Know
Looking at Wake Forest transfer QB Jamie Newman, now with Georgia football, as a high school prospect and some of his best highlights
We know that Wake Forest transfer quarterback Jamie Newman is one of the highest-graded quarterbacks returning in 2020, but what was Newman like as a high school prospect before playing for Wake and later transferring to Georgia?
Newman was a 3-star prospect at Graham High School in Graham, North Carolina and was ranked as the No. 17 dual-threat quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
Newman recorded a 4.7 40 in high school and held offers from NC State, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, North Carolina and Wake Forest, among six others.
Although Newman took unofficial visits to Duke, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and East Carolina, his college decision really came down between Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, NC State and West Virginia. And ultimately signed with Wake Forest in Feburary of 2016.
See some of our favorite highlights from Newman’s high school days here:
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with North Carolina State defensive line prospect Larrell Murchison
NFL teams love prospects who never quit, and who have proven they can adjust to changing circumstances and still succeed. That’s why North Carolina State defensive lineman Larrell Murchison should hear his name called early in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A disruptive force with a nonstop motor, Murchison recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about making the transition from the junior college level to the ACC, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You made the transition from JUCO to NC State. That can be a tough transition for some. What was your experience like?
LM: There was definitely a bit of a culture shock involved with that. There’s so much that goes into that. Typically, JUCO schools are a lot smaller. You might live right across the street from your classroom. You get to NC State and that’s a huge campus (laughs). There’s a lot more people around. There’s a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds on your team.
I was basically starting from scratch. I spent two years at JUCO and I came in with those guys. There’s a lot of familiarity there. Coming out of JUCO, you’re not a part of the same class as those guys. The junior class had already established themselves. I’m a new guy coming to the school. I didn’t have that relationship with the junior class coming in. That was really the only hurdle for me.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
LM: It was a fun experience. It was a long week. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it, both physically and mentally as you prepare for the on-field testing. I feel like things went well for me.
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left out there?
LM: I think a lot of teams realized that I’m a pretty athletic guy. I’m an athletic player that does exactly what he’s supposed to do out there. I feel like I checked a lot of boxes in Indianapolis.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
LM: I didn’t really get anything too strange. I had a lot of questions about my background coming from JUCO and what not. Everything was pretty straight forward though. I guess I was one of the lucky ones.
JM: Were you able to make any private visits or workouts before COVID-19 shut everything down?
LM: Unfortunately, I was not. We had some things scheduled but they were all impacted by the spread of the virus. Everything I’ve done has been through telephone.
JM: Which teams have you been able to meet with via FaceTime and such?
LM: I’ve met with the Titans, Patriots, Jets and Giants so far. We have a few more teams on the schedule.
JM: At this point in time, are you more comfortable in the passing game or run game?
LM: I would say that I’m more comfortable in the run game for now. I feel good about my technique in the run game. That’s how I’ve been coached throughout my time as a football player. I understand how to stay low and strike a block in the run game. I’m able to penetrate and get into the backfield. I’ve been able to make a lot of plays in the run game.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme you guys ran at NC State and what your coaches asked of you?
LM: I played the 3-technique in our defense. I had to control my gap and do my job basically. We tried to build that wall in the middle of the defense. We were very much a gap-based defense that stayed in attack mode.
JM: You’re more comfortable against the run, but what can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
LM: I can be honest and say that it has room to grow. I can definitely say that. The ceiling is very high for me and I can’t wait to learn some new tricks and moves. Getting to the NFL means I get to meet new people, play for a new coaching staff and what not. I can’t wait to learn what they have to teach me. I’m excited for the opportunity.
JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?
LM: Colton McKivitz from West Virginia definitely stood out to me. Clemson had a great offensive line as a unit. I wouldn’t even name them individually, I thought they worked great as a unit. They were tough up front.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize an offensive linemen?
LM: I’m not gonna lie to you, I love it when an offensive linemen feels like they have me early on in the rep but I just outwork them and still end up making the play. My motor always wins out at the end of the day. I end up making the play anyway. I run to the ball and continue to make plays in the backfield. I always try to get off the ball first. You’re not gonna outwork me. A lot of times, I get off the ball so quick that they think I’m offside. I’m never offside. That’s the best way for me to get into an offensive linemen’s head.
JM: When a team uses one of their draft picks on Larrell Murchison, what kind of guy are they getting?
LM: They’re getting a high-character guy, first and foremost. My motor is always running hot. I’m gonna give it my all for the team. I’m ready to learn, put my head down and get to work.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with North Carolina State edge defender prospect James Smith-Williams
Even for some of the top prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class, planning for life after football should be a high priority, even as they prepare to make the jump to the pros in their current profession.
One prospect who already has a post-gridiron plan? North Carolina State edge defender James Smith-Williams, who recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his focus on off-field endeavors, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him.
JM: You’ve put on 60 pounds since your freshmen season. What went into that transformation?
JSW: I embraced the motto that you eat with a purpose. I eat several meals a day. I make sure that I’m getting my protein, carbohydrates and calories in. We have such a great staff at NC State. They really helped me transform my body. They’ve helped out so many guys in the weight room. They were very beneficial to my transformation and overall development.
JM: You spent the summer of 2018 working a paid internship with IBM. You were working within their robotic automation department. You actually have a job waiting for you with IBM once your football career comes to an end. Tell me a little about that experience.
JSW: I’ve actually worked a paid internship at IBM for the last two summers now. I first worked in their RPA department, that stands for Robotic Process Automation. I was working the daily tasks. I was putting emails together, gathering different reports and making sure the proper information was reaching the higher ups. I was putting things into spreadsheets and making sure the process was properly automated.
In 2019, I worked more on the marketing side for them. I was working with Photoshop and what not. I actually helped create a commercial that they’re currently using internally. That was a cool experience. I’ve been really blessed and fortunate to receive an opportunity at IBM, and I definitely did everything I could to make the most of it. They decided that they wanted me to become a permanent member of their team. I have a job waiting for me there one day. It’s a huge blessing.
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
JM: How important was it for you to plan for life after football?
JSW: It’s incredibly important. Growing up, I was always more focused on academics than anything. I was gonna go to Columbia for med school. NC State offered me a scholarship, and the opportunity to play football at NC State while remaining close to home was too tempting to pass up. I fell in love with that offer. I wanted to make sure that I had a plan. Obviously, football started to take shape for me. I had a future in the sport and I decided to take that route. I’m very blessed. I was also fortunate to receive the opportunity at IBM. That opened up a whole new avenue for me. I’ve enjoyed every step of the way.
JM: NC State head coach Dave Doeren asked you to wear the No. 1 jersey in 2019. That’s something that means a lot to the program, and it’s only given to student athletes that exemplify work ethic, character and leadership. What did that honor mean to you?
JSW: It was awesome. I’ve had the pleasure to see a lot of great guys wear the No. 1 jersey for us. Jaylen Samuels received the same honor, and he’s with the Pittsburgh Steelers now. It’s meant for somebody that handles his business both on and off the field, and in the community as well. It really meant a lot to me.
JM: You suffered a lower-body injury that cost you part of the 2019 season. Where are you at health-wise right now?
JSW: I feel great. I was fortunate enough that it wasn’t an injury that required surgery. I just needed time to rest and fully heal and recover. I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time at EXOS during my pre-draft preparation and was able to rehab at their top-notch facilities. I was able to go to the combine and be a full participant. I was fortunate that it wasn’t a serious injury. I feel great right now.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
JSW: There’s nothing like it. Everyone sees the stuff on TV, the exciting stuff like the 40-yard dash or broad jump. I feel like the drills were the least important aspect of the combine. The medicals and interviews play a huge role. You’re up late at night and early in the morning. It’s a crazy, hectic process. I think I did a pretty good job out there.
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JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
JSW: I’m a guy that loves to work speed-to-power. I use that to open up a whole realm of possibilities. I have some speed in my arsenal as well. Power is a very important aspect of my game. I have some finesse moves as well. I’m always gonna go power first.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before the spread of COVID-19 shut everything down?
JSW: I was not. Our pro day was unfortunately canceled. I was very lucky and fortunate to have the East-West Shrine Game and combine as opportunities to showcase my talent and meet with some teams in person. I had a chance to get out in front of the scouts. I had some visits lined up but of course they were all canceled.
JM: What were some of the visits that you had lined up?
JSW: I had a lot of visits set up surrounded around my pro day. I had some lunch and dinner plans. They were all visits scheduled around my pro day. We were gonna watch film together and hop on the white board.
The New York Jets were coming to town. I had something set up with the Patriots and Titans. The Ravens and Chargers were gonna meet me at my pro day as well. Those are the ones I can recall. I had a whole bunch of meetings planned. I’ve had some meetings via FaceTime as well.
JM: Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime and what not?
JSW: I’ve met with the Jaguars, Giants, Titans, Ravens and Jets. There’s probably another handful of teams that I can’t recall at this moment. My schedule is pretty hectic right now.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on James Smith-Williams?
JSW: I have a lot of intangibles to bring to the table. I’m a coach-able guy. I’m gonna come in and work extremely hard at my craft. I think my body of work proves that I’m a hard working guy, I worked hard to transform my body and I was able to secure that paid internship at IBM as well. I’m a versatile guy that can rush the passer out of a variety of stances. I can rush off the edge, I can stop the run and I can drop back into coverage as well. I’ve played both inside and outside. I’m gonna add a lot to a team both on and off the field.
Of course the Alabamas, Oklahomas, Clemsons and Ohio States of the world are going to do what they do, but other Power Five fan bases want to have some fun, too.
It’s always fun when teams rise up and be a factor? Which Power Five programs could be this year’s Minnesota, Louisville or Tennessee?
ACC: NC State Wolfpack
It was a whole lot of ugly last season.
NC State had turned into a consistent rock under head coach Dave Doeren – going to five straight bowls and winning nine games two years in a row before 2019. But last year was supposed to be a bit of a rebuilding campaign.
That should’ve meant winning six games and fighting to get into a bowl, but instead, all of the wheels came off with a six-game losing streak to finish up the season against a relatively easy schedule.
There’s a trip to Clemson that’s as tough as it gets, and the regular season is bookended by road games at Louisville and North Carolina, but that’s about it.
Oh sure, Mississippi State is a tough non-conference game, but that’s at home. Outside of the trip to Death Valley, the two other road games in the middle ten are at Troy and Syracuse.
Fine, but is the team any better after having major quarterback issues, massive turnover problems, and with the defense not able to overcome the problems on the other side?
QB Matt McKay is transferring to Montana State, but there’s a great chance that almost all of the offensive two-deep depth chart will be back. The hope will be that last year was a big step back to potentially see a giant leap forward, and for the D to be far stronger with nine of the top 12 tacklers are expected to return.
The New Orleans Saints lost Sheldon Rankins and Marcus Davenport, but added free agents Noah Spence and Ty McGill in four roster moves.
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Injuries forced the New Orleans Saints to make four roster moves on Wednesday, with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and defensive end Marcus Davenport (foot) both landing on injured reserve. In their place, the Saints signed veteran free agents Noah Spence, a pass rusher, and T.Y. McGill, an interior lineman.
Spence’s addition isn’t very surprising given the interest the Saints have maintained in him, going back to the months before the 2016 NFL Draft. He met with the team several times and was put through a private workout, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sniped the Saints by picking Spence before they had the chance. A history of shoulder injuries and inconsistent play — plus coaching staff turnover — resulted in Spence getting released by Tampa Bay earlier this year.
As for McGill: he may appear like a random pickup, but Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen knows him well. Nielsen coached McGill at N.C. State when they were both members of the Wolfpack from 2013 to 2014, when Nielsen held the same position on that staff while doubling as their recruiting coordinator. McGill’s N.C. State career ended with 110 tackles and 10 total sacks after benefiting from Nielsen’s tutelage, and their reunion now gives Nielsen an opportunity to see how his protege has progressed after some time in the NFL.
McGill’s early-week arrival also gives him time to prove he can play, or is at least better than the depth the Saints already have. Second-year defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth is on the practice squad after logging 300-plus snaps last season, and the Saints can promote him on game day if they feel he’s shown more than McGill has in practice. If McGill impresses, they can hold onto both players.
Because the Saints play on ‘Monday Night Football’ with the Indianapolis Colts this week, their practice schedule and injury report rollout are going to be arriving a day later than fans are used to. So we won’t find out much more on any of these players until the first Saints injury report is released on Thursday, rather than the typical Wednesday.
