The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/141892
Football 2013 Year-By-Year Leading Tight End Receiver YearName 2012 Mario Carter 2011 George Bryan 2010 George Bryan 2009 George Bryan 2008 Anthony Hill 2007 Marcus Stone 2006 Anthony Hill 2005 T.J. Williams 2004 T.J. Williams 2003 T.J. Williams Catches Yards 34 367 33 331 35 369 40 422 19 234 36 452 45 478 36 407 31 382 28 444 tight ends in the game and throw the ball, and get matchups like that." Grinnage exited the spring a spot higher on the depth chart than Browne. The 6-5, 257-pound Grinnage will continue competing with Browne during fall camp to see who is paired with Watson in multiple tight end sets. "The sky is the limit," Faulkner said of Grinnage. "From an ability standpoint, he can play on Sundays. There are a lot of things he needs to develop, but he's young and wet behind the ears." Faulkner believes Grinnage could end up being a mobile 6-5, 270-pound tight end at some point. "His background of playing receiver in high school, he hasn't grasped on all the way on playing tight end," Faulkner said. "It's just a matter of getting that switch to come on. He's going to be a good one." The 6-5, 253-pound Browne played in 12 games last year, though mostly on special teams. He earned 12 snaps at tight end, but is looking for his first reception. His size could lead to an effective blocking role. "Benson knows the things he is good at and what he needs to improve at," Faulkner said. "We've had long conversations about that. He has the ability to help us. He is very coachable and smart." Redshirt freshman walk-on Devin O'Connor (6-3, 224) could help out at tight end or fullback. Incoming freshman walkon tight end Lucas Wilson could be one to watch in the future. ■ 26 38 ■ By The Numbers Yards on Asa Watson's lone touchdown reception, which came last year in NC State's 37-6 win over Wake Forest. Receptions lost between tight ends Mario Carter (34 catches), who graduated, and Anthony Talbert (four catches), who graduated and transferred to Ohio for his last year of eligibility. Yards on 43 catches, plus six touchdowns, during redshirt freshman David J. Grinnage's senior year at Newark (Del.) High. 590 Grinnage, who redshirted in 2012, was named the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week prior to the Pack's game versus South Alabama last fall. photo by ken martin Getting To Know: David J. Grinnage Last season was a learning experience for rookie tight end David J. Grinnage, who redshirted. He played on the scout team while helping the first-team defense prepare for its upcoming opponent, and he was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week prior to the South Alabama contest. "That gave me a lot of reps to get better and know what I have to do," he said. "It was kind of surprising at first [to go against the starters daily], but you get used to it and you know the things that you've got to do to beat them. "I improved tremendously. It helped me with my route running, my blocking and all of that." The 6-5, 257-pound redshirt freshman was also aided by the presence of several older teammates, including Mario Carter, who was a senior last season, and fifth-year senior Asa Watson. "It's mostly mindset that they've helped me in," he explained. "You think that you can't get through something, but you stick to it, put your mind to it and you can get through it." Grinnage's third year in Raleigh will have a little bit of a learning curve, as well, as he tries to pick up the system of new offensive coordinator Matt Canada and head coach Dave Doeren. The spread system is similar to the one that Grinnage ran at Newark (Del.) High, where he sometimes split out wide as a jumbo receiver, and he thinks that it will take advantage of his abilities. "My strength is in the passing game — catching the ball, running routes," he explained. "And my blocking has gotten a whole lot better; that's not a weak point any more. "[The offense] is a lot like my high school's was, so I transitioned to it pretty well, and they know how to teach it to us. Last year, it was more tight end-based, but this year is more of a hybrid tight end, you can spread out and also be down in a three-point stance." The big man noted that he is looking forward to his first chance to step onto the game field and make an impact. He's also excited to team up with what he called a talented group of signal-callers, including redshirt junior quarterback Pete Thomas, with whom he teamed up last season. "We had great chemistry last year on the scout team, and it has transferred to this year; we plan on making it even better," he said. "I think all of the quarterbacks are really good. They have all improved since last year. This is my first time seeing Jacoby [Brissett], but I like the way he works. He's a good quarterback." — Ryan Tice 70 ■ the wolfpacker 68-70.TEs.indd 70 7/1/13 9:32 AM