The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1000643
JULY 2018 ■ 163 ■ PACK PROS the NFL Network's annual top 100 list, which began following the 2010 season. The first pair was Florida's Tim Tebow (No. 95) and Cam Newton (No. 40). The latter was more famous for his exploits at Auburn, but he began his career with the Gators and attempted 12 passes in six games. They both made the cut for the only time in 2012 (following the 2011 season). Wilson and Rivers have both made it in each of the last five years. Wilson has been included each season, with an average of 24.2 and high of No. 11 in 2018. Rivers has been left off just once in the eight editions, with an average of 48.4 and high of No. 26 in 2011. California's Aaron Rodgers (No. 10) and Jared Goff (No. 38) joined the exclusive club after this past year. Although Rivers, who turns 37 in De- cember, may be in the twilight of his career — and it's worth noting that Tom Brady was just named league MVP at 40 years old — the future is bright for NC State to continue to Quarterback U tradition. Wilson is only 29 — and the Seahawks are devoting more resources to the offense after being defense-heavy so far in his ca- reer. Still, he has set an NFL record with 65 wins in his first six seasons, while his 161 touchdown throws in that time frame rank third, trailing only Dan Marino (196) and Peyton Manning (167). If rushing touch- downs are added, Wilson would inch past Manning (177-176) and trail only Marino (199). His 98.8 passer rating in his first six years is also the best among the top 100 in wins during that time period, according to pro-football-reference.com. Glennon, 28, might not start a game in Arizona this year — but he is not that dis- similar from the player the Buccaneers wanted to make the highest-paid backup after the 2016 campaign, and it wouldn't surprise to see him at the very least make it a decade in the NFL. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Brissett is proving his value as a top backup quarter- back and possibly more. His 2017 perfor- mance alone could earn him a starting gig when his rookie contract ends (or the next time Andrew Luck is unavailable, which could be as early as the start of 2018). The next field general heading to the NFL from the NC State quarterback assembly line is Ryan Finley, who would have been drafted if he left after the 2017 season — but instead he decided to return with school records and much more in his sights. Raleigh has proven to be one of the most fertile breeding grounds for professional quarterbacks, and Finley may be its most productive product coming out of college. That guarantees nothing, but could give Strickland Organics & We Back The Pack! stricklandorganics@gmail.com W.B. Thompson Inc. Farm, Lawn & Garden Supplies Proudly Suppor ting NC Sta te Athletics for More Than 40 Years 916 NC Highway 33 East P.O. Box 69 Aurora, NC 27806 (252) 322 - 4519 HVAC Predic ve & Preventa ve Maintenance System Retrofits & Special Projects Energy & Sustainability Services Building Automa on Systems Chiller Projects & Services Electrical Services Ligh ng Retrofits PiedmontServiceGroup.com Proudly serving North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. 919.851.5800 FOOD MASTERS, INC Restaurant Operations Professionals FM ACCOUNTING SERVICE For All Your Bookkeeping and Payroll Needs Food Masters, Inc • 5017 Memory Rd. • Raleigh, NC 27609 919-876-0957 • www.foodmastersinc.com Matt Moore: m.moore@foodmastersinc.com Proud Sponsor Of The Wolfpack Club Since 1977