The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1530878
40 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BY TIM PEELER ecause of their successes in the NFL, NC State quar- terbacks have helped the school's athletics depart- ment market the Wolfpack program as "QBU." Coley McDonough, Ro- man Gabriel, Erik Kramer, Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon, Jacoby Brissett and Ryan Finley all became NFL starting quarterbacks after playing for the Wolfpack — but none of them ever earned a doctorate. In May 2023, however, former three- year starter Tol Avery established him- self as NC State's first "Dr. Quarter- back" when he earned his advanced degree in education from Fayetteville State University, some 40 years after his final start under center for the Wolf- pack. "It was a surreal moment for me, a moment that took me through the per- severance and hard work, long nights and long days to get to that moment," Avery said. "It was a very humbling ex- perience and journey to get there. "My first thoughts are always about gratitude. To God be the glory." Making History Avery's journey to his doctoral degree took him around the world before he re- turned to his roots in Johnston County. After an all-state prep career, he enrolled at NC State at the age of 17 to play for the Wolfpack, recruited by head coach Bo Rein and assistants Chuck Amato and Darrell Moody. He was a freshman reserve on the Wolfpack's 1979 ACC championship team. He became State's first Black quar- terback when he won the starting job as a sophomore under the late Rein's re- placement, Monte Kiffin. Avery learned to attack the opposition from Kiffin's defensive coordinator, then-Pack as- sistant Pete Carroll. He held the start- ing job for three seasons, completing his career at No. 2 on the all-time passing yardage list behind Dave Buckey and at No. 4 in total offense behind Ted Brown, Buckey and Johnny Evans. Avery set passing records that didn't last long but were historic during his playing days. He gave professional football a try, following in former Pack running back Willie Burden's footsteps in the CFL. After playing for two franchises in one season, he gave up athletics and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private. After a year, he was promoted to spe- cialist and then to sergeant first class DR. QUARTERBACK Tol Avery's Perseverance Leads To An Advanced Degree B TOL AVERY FOOTBALL (1979-82) Age: 63 Living: Myrtle Beach, S.C. Occupation: Retired principal from the John- ston County school system, retired senior non- commissioned officer, U.S. Army Did you know? During his three seasons as NC State's starting quarterback, Avery completed 294 of 547 passing attempts for 3,335 yards. His yardage total ranks 16th in school history. Avery received his doctorate in education from Fayetteville State in May 2023. PHOTO COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE W H E R E A R E T H E Y N O W ?