The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1536961
30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER ❱ ❱ ❱ WIDE RECEIVERS COMINGS AND GOINGS BY DAVID ALLEN R edshirt sophomore Noah Rogers and senior Wesley Grimes did not begin their collegiate careers at NC State, but after one year with the Wolfpack, the pair looks to lead the team's aerial attack in 2025. With the departure of the versatile Kevin "KC" Concepcion (Texas A&M) and outside receiver Dacari Collins (Louisville), Rogers and Grimes have emerged as the team's top receiving threats alongside breakout tight end Justin Joly. Rogers, an Ohio State transfer, was third on the team in both catches (35) and yards (478) last season, including 5 receptions for 59 yards in the Military Bowl against East Carolina. Grimes, who arrived from Wake Forest, ranked fourth on the team with 319 receiving yards on 24 catches. Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper has been impressed with the commitment he's seen from his receivers this spring. "They're guys who like to go to the practice field, who like to work," he said. "They're competitive. They have ball skills. They're big. We're fortunate to have quite a few guys that can win on Saturdays for you." In addition to Rogers and Grimes, sophomores Terrell Ander- son and Keenan Jackson and freshman Teddy Hoffmann also figure to contribute. Anderson and Jackson saw limited playing time for the Pack last season, totaling 14 and 12 catches, respectively. Anderson had a pair of big games, with 3 grabs for 40 yards and a touch- down at Clemson and 4 catches for 45 yards against Wake Forest. Jackson stood out this spring. Roper noted that he's "more comfortable — it's not his first rodeo anymore. When he goes out there and has to play in the first game, the comfort level is there." Hoffmann is another player to watch. The three-star recruit out of Delray Beach, Fla., flipped to NC State after committing to Flor- ida Atlantic in 2024 and turned heads in spring practice with his instincts playing out of the slot. Four-star recruit Je'rel Bolder from Forest Hills High in Marshville, N.C., joins the Pack as the No. 8 North Carolina prospect and No. 32 wide receiver nationally, per the On3 In- dustry Ranking. Whether Bolder is ready to contribute right away remains to be seen, but his ceiling is high. Although this group of NC State wideouts might not have a wealth of experience, it boasts a variety of skill sets and has big-play potential, two factors that will help Roper's offense score points. SPOTLIGHT PLAYER SENIOR WESLEY GRIMES The former North Carolina high school phenom suited up in all 13 games last season for the Pack after transferring from Wake Forest. Although he tallied a modest 24 catches for 319 yards, the senior is set to have an expanded role in this year's passing attack. Grimes had 3 or more receptions in five games last season and grabbed a 16-yard touchdown against Duke. BY THE NUMBERS 49 Total touchdowns scored by freshman Teddy Hoffmann in three seasons at Atlantic High in Delray Beach, Fla., including 19 in his senior campaign alone. 63.5 Percent of NC State's passes that went to the wide receivers a season ago. 75 yards Distance covered by Noah Rogers against Syracuse last year when he caught the longest touchdown pass by a Wolfpack receiver since 2022. ■ POSITIONAL GRADES ★★★★ Among country's best; ★★★ Among ACC's best; ★★ Solid or has potential; ★ Too unproven STARTERS ★★ Noah Rogers and Wesley Grimes may not have produced eye-popping numbers to this point in their careers, but the pair provide a steady foundation for Kurt Roper's offense and are poised for an opportunity to become the top options in the passing game alongside senior tight end Justin Joly and redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers. EXPERIENCE ★★ NC State lost its top two wideouts, meaning that there's a need for one or more underclassmen to take a big step forward and contribute alongside Rogers and Grimes. Of the 11 wide receivers listed on NC State's roster, Grimes is the only senior. DEPTH ★★ Head coach Dave Doeren did not bring in any wide receivers through the portal this offseason, indicating that he has faith in the young talent already in the room even though none have logged significant playing time in critical situations. OVERALL GRADE ★★ There's a dearth of experience but an abundance of potential at this position group. With sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey having gained a season of experi- ence, the receivers have a chance to take a leap forward in 2025. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE FOOTBALL TERRELL ANDERSON PROJECTED DEPTH CHART STARTERS No. Name Year Ht. Wt. Hometown 5 Noah Rogers R-So. 6-2 205 Raleigh 6 Wesley Grimes Sr. 6-2 193 Raleigh 9 Terrell Anderson So. 6-2 204 Greensboro, N.C. BACKUPS 8 Keenan Jackson So. 6-3 200 Waxhaw, N.C. 12 Teddy Hoffmann Fr. 6-1 172 Delray Beach, Fla. 27 Ashton Locklear R-Fr. 6-1 186 Apex, N.C. WAITING IN THE WINGS 14 Jonathan Paylor R-Fr. 5-9 182 Burlington, N.C. 83 Christian Zachary R-Fr. 6-3 202 St. Matthews, S.C. 84 Je'rel Bolder Fr. 6-0 195 Wingate, N.C. 85 Tank Boston R-Fr. 5-11 193 Anderson, S.C.