The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN antonio Burnette is known for developing talent in the weight room. The former NC State linebacker has served as the program's di- rector of strength and con- ditioning since 2016 and has created a lifting pipe- line that rivals nearly every other top program in the country. That's no dif- ferent this year. The Wolfpack had several players im- press in the weight room this offseason, earning their way onto NC State's "Freaks List," for which Burnette helped identify the Pack's top athletes. "We're always excited about develop- ment," Burnette said. "That's what we do well here at NC State." Here's a look at the top half-dozen athletes on the Wolfpack roster going into the 2024 season. 6. OT Anthony Belton It did not take long for Belton to be- gin earning significant NFL Draft buzz going into his graduate year. ESPN's Matt Miller slotted him in as the No. 31 overall pick in his first 2025 mock draft, citing his elite play on the line, but also his movement skills as a 6-foot-6, 356-pound left tackle. Belton, who allowed just 1 sack last season, is a unique talent given his size. During the running portion of NC State's summer program, he donned a black Wolfpack T-shirt. Those are re- served for the Pack's Alpha Elite run- ners, and Belton earned it with his abil- ity to outrun his peers. "You're like, 'Holy crap, that big guy can move,'" Burnette said. "With all the speed work that we're doing, he's run- ning past guys. It's pretty impressive to see." In addition to Belton's running, his strength has piqued the interest of NFL teams. He posted a 575-pound squat and a 365-pound bench press, surpassing his body weight on both lifts during NC State's weight room testing period. "He's athletic with really good feet," Burnette said. "The guy is an excellent bender with strong, physical hands. … It's been good to see he's generating some buzz. "The goal is for him to work his way into being a first-round draft pick." 5. WR Kevin "KC" Concepcion Concepcion was named ACC Rookie of the Year after catching 71 passes for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. There's been no hint of complacency in the months since his remarkable debut. If anything, last season's success only seemed to motivate him even more go- ing into his sophomore campaign. Concepcion attacked the weight room this summer, adding more explo- siveness to his "engine." The coaches wanted him to gain strength, but they didn't want the added muscle to come at the expense of his speed. Those efforts appear to have worked well. Concepcion is listed at 189 pounds, about the same as last year, but he's stronger and more defined. What's more, he's faster than ever, having run a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Testing Metrics Reveal The 'Freakiest' NC State Football Players D Senior defensive end Davin Vann weighs 276 pounds yet has been clocked at 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS