The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1519757
42 ■ THE WOLFPACKER HIGH MARKS HIGH MARKS Optimism Abounds At NC State Following A Strong Showing This Spring BY ETHAN MCDOWELL C State wrapped up its 2024 spring practice schedule April 6, taking the field in Carter-Finley Stadium for its spring game and delivering the offensive fireworks fans were excited to see. Positive vibes began to surround the program when the staff secured the na- tion's No. 5 portal class, per On3's rank- ings, during the early weeks of the off- season. Most of the Pack's transfers are already on campus. The Wolfpacker combined behind- the-scenes intel and observations from the team's annual scrimmage to form this year's spring practice report card, broken down by position. Quarterback — A Graduate student Grayson McCall was one of the headlining members of the Pack's transfer class as the No. 20 por- tal quarterback, but most of the spring practice buzz surrounded freshman Ce- drick Bailey. The former three-star recruit from Florida impressed multiple sources from the day he hit the practice field, and he showed off his skill in the spring game with a rush of more than 50 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Based on his first series of practices with the team, it sounds like Bailey could be a special player. McCall is known for his accuracy, and that showed up in the spring game. He rarely throws turnover-worthy balls and can reliably find open receivers. His ex- perience and poise are going to stabilize the Pack under center. Running Back — A+ This might be the most underrated po- sition group on the roster. NC State will rotate three starting- caliber running backs in the fall. Gradu- ate Jordan Waters was a spring practice standout and will be the team's star in the backfield. Oklahoma transfer Holly- wood Smothers adds explosiveness and pass-catching ability to the rotation, while sophomore Kendrick Raphael can do a little bit of everything. All three backs generated a ton of positive buzz during practice and then starred during the spring game. This trio will play a major role in the most talented NC State rushing attack in years. N True freshman quarterback Cedrick Bailey impressed in spring practice. He threw for 2 touchdowns in the Pack's spring game and had a run of more than 50 yards. PHOTO BY LARRY BLANKENSHIP