The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1472609
32 ■ THE WOLFPACKER Solid Receiving Foundation BY MATT CARTER F or Devin Leary, NC State's record-setting fifth-year redshirt junior quarterback, much of the gang is back with regard to the passing game. But not everyone. Three of the top four pass catchers at receiver return from the 2021 season. The one not back was the most productive — NC State's all-time leading receiver, Emeka Emezie. In 2021, Emezie caught 60 passes for 802 yards and 6 touchdowns on his way to setting a school record for career receptions. Returning, however, are super senior Thayer Thomas (51 catches for 596 yards and a team-best 8 scores) and fifth-year redshirt junior Devin Carter (31 receptions for 556 yards and 6 touchdowns). Both Carter and Thomas contemplated turning pro after last season but elected to come back to NC State for another year. The top reserve, third-year sophomore Porter Rooks, is likely to step into a larger role after making 23 catches for 298 yards in 2021. Rooks and Thomas played primarily in the slot a year ago, but the Wolfpack coaches may try to find ways to put them both on the field at the same time. Those two and Carter provide Leary with the foundation to continue a strong passing attack. NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck said the can- didates who could help provide depth include Maryland super senior transfer Darryl Jones, fourth-year junior Keyon Lesane, third-year sophomore Anthony Smith and redshirt freshman Julian Gray. WIDE RECEIVERS BY THE NUMBERS 2 Consecutive seasons in which Devin Carter has led NC State in yards per catch — 16.4 in 2020 and 17.9 in 2021. 20 Career touchdown receptions for super senior Thayer Thomas, a former walk-on. That is tied for the third most in school history. 111 Receiving yards for Darryl Jones on four catches in Maryland's bowl win over Virginia Tech. Jones also caught 2 touchdowns in his final game before transferring to NC State. PROJECTED DEPTH CHART STARTERS No. Name Year Ht. Wt. Hometown 88 Devin Carter R-Jr. 6-3 215 Clayton, N.C. 4 Porter Rooks So. 6-1 195 Charlotte, N.C. 5 Thayer Thomas R-Sr. 6-0 195 Wake Forest, N.C. RESERVES No. Name Year Ht. Wt. Hometown 8 Julian Gray R-Fr. 5-11 197 Charlotte, N.C. 11 Darryl Jones Sr. 6-3 195 Virginia Beach, Va. 15 Keyon Lesane Jr. 5-11 190 Lumberton, N.C. 7 Anthony Smith So. 6-2 190 Huntingtown, Md. WAITING IN THE WINGS No. Name Year Ht. Wt. Hometown 89 Jakolbe Baldwin R-Fr. 6-0 195 Hamlet, N.C. 21 Jalen Coit R-Fr. 5-11 171 Cheraw, S.C. 83 Josh Crabtree R-Fr. 6-3 200 Wake Forest, N.C. 80 Christopher Scott Jr. R-Fr. 6-0 170 Dacula, Ga. 84 Jasiah Provillon R-Jr. 6-2 205 Irvington, N.J. — Terrell Timmons Jr. Fr. 6-2 180 Greensboro, N.C. SPOTLIGHT PLAYER SUPER SENIOR DARRYL JONES When NC State head coach Dave Doeren surveyed his wide receiver group following the 2021 season, he couldn't help but notice one thing. Super senior Thayer Thomas and fifth-year redshirt junior Devin Carter were returning starters, while third-year sophomore Porter Rooks was similarly viewed by the coaches. However, the bulk of the remaining returning options in the room were noticeably less experienced and in many cases redshirt freshmen. That's how Maryland graduate transfer Darryl Jones became an intrigu - ing option. "It's just getting one more older guy," Doeren explained. Jones has the added benefit of playing two seasons at Maryland under receivers coach Joker Phillips, who left the Terrapins after the 2020 sea - son to come to NC State. For his career at Maryland, Jones, who was a prized On3 Consensus four-star signing for the Terps in the 2018 class, grabbed 49 catches for 739 yards and 2 scores. NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck called Jones "a great addition." "We saw he's a big, fast, physical guy on the edge," Beck added. ■ PRESEASON ANALYSIS ★★★★ Among country's best; ★★★ Among ACC's best; ★★ Solid or has potential; ★ Too unproven STARTER ★★★ The return of two players who had more than 500 receiving yards in 2021 gives NC State an excellent starting point, and both super senior Thayer Thomas and fifth-year redshirt junior Devin Carter have NFL aspirations after their col- lege careers are finished. Third-year sophomore Porter Rooks proved a season ago that he is ready for a more expansive role. EXPERIENCE ★★★ Carter, Rooks and Thomas have extensive snaps in the NC State offense, and Maryland super senior transfer Darryl Jones started 16 games during his time with the Terrapins. Both fourth-year junior Keyon Lesane and third-year sophomore Anthony Smith have gained valuable reps, and Smith has 2 career touchdown catches. DEPTH ★★1/2 There is good potential among some of the reserves. Smith's speed at 6-2, 190 pounds gives him high upside. Another speedster is redshirt freshman Julian Gray. Jones' arrival brought an additional veteran presence. OVERALL GRADE ★★★ Replacing Emeka Emezie will not be easy. He was Leary's security blanket in go-to situations. Emezie also delivered, making 11 catches in 21 contested targets, a 52.4 percent success rate ac- cording to Pro Football Focus (PFF). However, NC State returns a good amount of production, ex- perience and athleticism in what should be one of the better receiving corps in the conference. PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND ATHLETICS DARRYL JONES