The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1000643
60 ■ THE WOLFPACKER RUNNING BACKS Reggie Gallaspy II, a former four-star recruit according to Rivals. com. Gallaspy rushed 117 times for 505 yards and seven touch- downs as a junior, ranking second on the team in both carries and yardage. Running backs coach Des Kitchings appreciates that Gallaspy knows who he is — a power back that runs best behind his pads. However, the 5-11, 236-pounder missed the spring following a proce- dure to clean his knee up. "He's a smart guy, it's just a matter of him stay- ing healthy because he's going to get the workload, at least coming into the season," Kitchings said. Gallaspy has been patiently waiting for this op- portunity. He was Dayes' primary backup in 2016 and then Hines' last year after initially starting the season splitting carries with him. "He's the feature guy coming back," Kitchings noted. "I think he's excited about that." However, the coach is quick to note that it's rare to go through a season with just one primary running back. The depth behind Gal- laspy, though, is made up of a group of tailbacks that have never carried the football for the Wolfpack in a game. The most experienced is a walk-on, redshirt ju- nior Damontay Rhem. He ran for 90 yards in seven games at UNC Pembroke in 2015 before making his way to Raleigh. Among scholarship players, it's redshirt freshman Nakia Robinson Jr., who had a good spring game performance in the rain in April with nine carries for 87 yards and a score. "Nakia from practice one to practice 15 in the spring probably had the biggest improvement out of the running back group," Kitchings said. "His body is still developing, and he is growing stronger in the weight room. "He's got a little juke to him. I think there are things he can bring to us." Another player who did not participate in the spring is four-star freshman Ricky Person Jr. Rated as the No. 85 player nationally NC STATE'S TOP RUSHER THE PAST 10 SEASONS Year Name Yards 2017 Nyheim Hines 1,112 2016 Matthew Dayes 1,166 2015 Matthew Dayes 865 2014 Shadrach Thornton 907 2013 Shadrach Thornton 768 2012 Shadrach Thornton 694 2011 James Washington 897 2010 Mustafa Greene 597 2009 Toney Baker 773 2008 Andre Brown 767 Getting To Know: Nakia Robinson Jr. NC State redshirt freshman running back Nakia Robinson Jr. is in the mix to battle for playing time after the departure of star back Nyheim Hines. Hines entered the NFL Draft and the shakeup at that position was felt throughout the depth chart. Robinson, along with incoming signees Ricky Person Jr. of Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage and Trent Pennix of Raleigh Sanderson will all try to join senior Reggie Gallaspy II in the rotation this fall. The 5-11, 193-pound Robinson brings solid speed and the ability to catch the football. He embraced what running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Des Kitchings taught him during the spring. "Coach Kitchings does a great job of teaching all of us the same thing," Robinson said. "I saw for myself, if you do what he says, you can go pro too." Robinson arrived to NC State as an under-the-radar recruit. Rivals.com had him as a three-star prospect in the class of 2017, and he was discovered by Wolfpack wide receivers coach George McDonald. Some colleges liked him at running back and others as a cornerback. "Defensive back is easier than running back," Robinson said. "At running back, you have to know everybody's position and have to read the defense, read the cornerbacks and read the linebackers. "Running back isn't hard, but it is more complicated than defensive back." NC State beat out Appalachian State, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Idaho, Navy, Southern Miss, Temple and Utah State for his commitment in the summer before his senior year. Oregon State pursued him following his announcement, but he stayed loyal to NC State. Robinson had a modest 836 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 152 carries at Jackson High, and was a second-team All-Dade County selection. What wasn't under the radar was the Jackson High coaching staff, which featured a female head coach in Lakatriona Brunson and the star of the hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, Luther Campbell. Former Miami and NFL safety Earl Little was also a Jackson coach. "In Miami, you want to do big plays," said Robinson, who is majoring in sports management. "Luther was my coach at Miami Jackson my senior year. "He brings everybody to the games, so you have to make a big play. You have to get yourself out there." Robinson said 2 Live Crew's music is still popular decades after they shocked the establishment in the 1980s. "We would listen to it a lot growing up, and even at parties now they still play their songs," Robinson said. While proud of calling Miami home, he's glad to be in a different part of the country at NC State. He has embraced the changes in his life and is glad he was able to "get out." "The journey has been pretty good," said Robinson, who credits his parents and coaches for guiding him along his path. "I've had to adjust to the culture and meet - ing new people. At school, I have to focus more. "I'm a long way from home, so I have to really put the reason why I am here before anything." — Jacey Zembal Redshirt freshman Nakia Robinson Jr., who played his senior season for a celebrity-filled coaching staff at Jackson High in Miami, rushed for 87 yards and a score on nine carries in the Kay Yow Spring Game. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN