The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1137844
54 ■ THE WOLFPACKER RUNNING BACKS BY JACEY ZEMBAL N C State has had three different running backs reach 1,000 rushing yards the last three years. Matthew Dayes snapped a long drought when he tallied 1,119 yards in 2016, and Nyheim Hines followed with 1,112 yards in 2017. Last fall, senior Reggie Gallaspy Jr. rushed for 220 yards in the regular-season finale against East Carolina to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. He added on another 79 yards versus Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl to finish with 1,091. The Wolfpack will try to make it four different 1,000-yard rush- ers in four years this fall, but there was no certainty as to who that would be heading into the summer. Running backs coach and newly promoted co-offensive coor- dinator Des Kitchings must sort out his options, which include sophomore Ricky Person Jr., redshirt freshman Trent Pennix, and incoming freshmen Zonovan Knight, Jordan Houston and Delbert Mimms. They all will get a chance to earn playing time. History has also shown it's hard to keep every running back healthy, and that proved true during spring practices. Person missed parts of last year and this past spring due to a hip issue. He suffered a wrist injury his junior campaign at Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage, but then roared back by rushing for 2,230 Sophomore Ricky Person Jr. is the only returning running back with more than 25 career carries at NC State. In 2018, he ran 112 times for 471 yards and two touchdowns. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN YOUTH MOVEMENT A Group Of Young, Talented Ball Carriers Is Ready To Take The Field