The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/141892
wolfpack Football Dave Doeren Is Getting A Feel For His First Pack Team N C State first-year head coach Dave Doeren had 15 spring practices, including the Kay Yow Spring Game, to learn his new team. The former Northern Illinois head coach feels good about the depth of the defensive tackles and how the linebackers improved. In addition, he believes that the return of redshirt junior fullback Logan Winkles, who missed the spring due to suspension, will help bolster that position. Doeren was blessed to have quarterbacks Chandler Harnish and Jordan Lynch the last two years with the Huskies. The duo combined to rush for more than 3,000 yards in 2011 and '12. Doeren is still uncertain who will direct the NC State offense. Colorado State transfer Pete Thomas, Arkansas graduate transfer Brandon Mitchell and sophomore Manny Stocker will continue to compete for the starting job in the fall. "The quarterback position is a weakness because we don't know who the guy is yet," Doeren said. "There are options there, but until one of them steps forward and commands the position, we'll continue the competition." Depth is always a concern at any position, but some positions are more prepared than others. Having West Virginia transfer Travares Copeland eligible right away will help bolster the depth of the wide receiver position. "The quality of our receivers is good, the quantity is not, and that's a problem," Doeren said. "We do have three players back with all of the catches they had last year. "Copeland is here, and he's going through summer school already. He's enrolled and working out with the team. He's doing a great job." Doeren said some of the younger players at safety will need to emerge during fall camp in August. "That's a position that played well in the spring, but you don't tackle a lot in the ■ 2013 NC State Football Schedule Doeren got a good look at his first Pack team during 15 spring practices and liked what he saw — but there are still questions to be answered in the fall, including who will start at quarterback. Photo by Ken Martin Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 19 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Opponent (TV) Louisiana Tech (ACCN) Richmond (ESPN3) Clemson (ESPN) Central Michigan at Wake Forest Syracuse at Florida State North Carolina at Duke at Boston College East Carolina Maryland Time 12:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 106 ■ the wolfpacker 106-108,110.Wolfpack Football.indd 106 7/2/13 1:30 PM