The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1000643
66 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WIDE RECEIVERS defensive backs to defend. "With those three guys you have the ingredients to have a special passing game if everyone does what they are supposed to do and we play unselfish, in terms of not worrying about who's catching the ball and just making sure when the ball is coming our way that we're making plays," McDonald said. Yet, there is depth behind those three. Redshirt sophomore C.J. Riley and sophomore Emeka Emezie in particular can come in and, McDonald noted, have a minimal drop-off from the starters. "Those two backups can go play and start at a lot of schools in the ACC," the coach stated. "To be able to have that depth at that position, that's kind of what makes this so special." ■ Getting To Know: Emeka Emezie NC State sophomore wide receiver Emeka Emezie gets right to the point on what motivates him this season. Emezie said a month doesn't go by where he doesn't watch the video clip of his controversial fumble inches from the goal line in the 30-24 loss at Wake Forest Nov. 18. That was close to being Emezie's breakout game, having caught a career-high five passes for 67 yards and a score. However, it's hard for him to let go of that potential second touchdown in the contest. He's ready to learn from the play and build off what was a promising freshman year. "Every single day," Emezie said of how often the Wake Forest snafu lights the fire inside of him. "I've watched that game countless times. I've seen that play so many times. I'll look at it on YouTube at night before I fall asleep. "I have to [torture himself by watching it]. It was so close to a different ending. … It's a big motiva - tion because I don't want to let my team down like that." Having quarterback Ryan Finley return for his sixth year was huge to Emezie and the other receiv- ers. "I saw his return on Twitter because I was tagged on something," Emezie said. "I was like, 'Oh what is this?' It was very exciting because he is a great quarterback. Sometimes you can be amazed." The 6-3, 209-pounder — who was a former Rivals.com three-star prospect — snagged 13 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown in his debut season for the Wolfpack. Emezie was a prolific receiver for Waxhaw (N.C.) Marvin Ridge High, catching 236 passes for 3,584 yards and 38 touchdowns in his prep career. He had 99 receptions for 1,387 yards and 18 touchdowns in just his senior year alone. The adjustment to college did take some time, but it wasn't as difficult as he pictured. "At first, I was like 'Wow, this is fast,' but once you get in, you find what works for you," Emezie said. "I realized that I fit in with these guys." Emezie has two great role models ahead of him in the rotation with fifth-year senior Stephen Louis and junior Kelvin Harmon. The two veterans have helped him learn small details that will help him on the field and even some off-the-field knowledge. "I'm trying to keep getting better and learn my craft every day," Emezie said. "Those guys are great. We have the best receiving corps in the ACC. That is what we tell each other every day. "I've learned how to work extremely hard to get to where I want to." Emezie's personality on the field is much different than off it. He can get boisterous and borderline cocky between the lines, but is quiet and mild-mannered in class or with his friends. Part of that has to do with his role model — fiery New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham. "Being on the field is how I can express myself," Emezie said. "I get the passion and that is the biggest thing, and that is where the swagger comes out. I just feel real confident about myself." However, there is no diva-like behavior from the youngster while walking around campus at NC State. "I'm the most quiet guy [off the field]," Emezie said. "My coach in high school, he knew I was a diva and would get mad at me for dancing [on the field]. He would say 'Act like it was not the first time.'" — Jacey Zembal Quick Facts Position Coach: George McDonald (fourth year) Returning Starters: Kelvin Harmon (16 career starts) and Stephen Louis (22) Starters Lost: None FYI: NC State's wide receivers and tight ends were ranked No. 6 in the country and tops in the ACC by Athlon … Lindy's rated the receiving unit No. 8 nationally … Both Athlon and Lindy's have junior Kelvin Harmon preseason All-ACC, with Athlon placing him on the first team and Lindy's on the second … Lindy's also lists Harmon as the No. 17 wideout in the country and the "most dangerous deep threat" in the conference … NC State hasn't had the same wideout be its leading receiver in back-to-back seasons since Jerricho Cotchery in 2002-03 … Redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers was also a standout baseball player for Lithonia (Ga.) Arabia Mountain High and played hoops there … Sophomore Emeka Emezie's full name is Chukwuemeka Chitabera Emezie … Redshirt freshman Max Fisher's father, Paul, played football at Bloomsburg and his mother, Jody, was a soccer player at Maryland … Freshman Devin Carter was named his conference's Offensive Player of the Year and caught a touchdown pass in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game. ■ By The Numbers 97.5 Percentage of catches made by NC State receivers in 2017 returning this season. 521 Receiving yards needed this season by junior Kelvin Harmon to become the sixth receiver in school history to reach 2,000 for his career. 667 Receiving yards needed by fifth-year senior Stephen Louis to reach 2,000. Emezie flashed his considerable potential in 2017, making 13 receptions for 163 yards and a score. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN Year Name Catches Yards 2017 Jaylen Samuels 76 597 2016 Jaylen Samuels 55 565 2015 Jaylen Samuels 65 597 2014 Bo Hines 45 616 2013 Rashard Smith 49 530 Year Name Catches Yards 2012 Tobais Palmer 54 781 2011 T.J. Graham 46 757 2010 Owen Spencer 60 912 2009 Jarvis Williams 45 547 2008 Owen Spencer 31 691 NC STATE'S RECEPTIONS LEADER THE PAST 10 SEASONS