The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1536961
JULY/AUGUST 2025 ■ 35 ❱ ❱ ❱ DEFENSIVE BACKS NEW TALENT INFUSION BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN I t looked like NC State's defensive backfield was going to make it through the winter transfer period unscathed — until the final hours. In quick succession, the Wolfpack lost its top four expected returners in the secondary, including star cornerback Brandon Cisse. The sudden departures forced the staff to undertake an immediate rebuilding project. NC State added four transfer portal defensive backs to complement a group of returning players who are ea- ger to prove themselves. That dynamic made for a competitive spring practice slate, and the battles will continue into preseason camp. "It's an open competition," said NC State co-defensive coordinator Charlton War- ren, who coaches the n i c k e l s a n d safeties. "The jobs are open. Their enthusi- asm and hunger are what's going to push them to earn reps or lose reps." Senior cornerback Jamel John- son (formerly of Temple), redshirt freshman cornerback Jaren Sen- sabaugh (Missouri) and graduate safety JJ Johnson (Georgia State) headlined NC State's portal haul, and the staff also landed redshirt sophomore cornerback Brian Nel- son II (North Texas) after spring practice con- cluded. The new additions have experience — a com- bined 82 games played between that quartet — and NC State is excited about the returnees who have been waiting in the wings. Redshirt senior safety Renté Hinton has flashed at times, while senior cornerback Devon Marshall was effective when his number was called a year ago. Others are in the mix, too. "We had some good coverage, really toward the end of spring practice," defensive coordi- nator D.J. Eliot said. "I thought that was our most improved area. I'm excited about the guys that were here and maybe didn't get as many reps. I saw them step up this spring. But I'm also excited about the new guys that came in in the spring. I think we've got a good blend of players." PROJECTED DEPTH CHART STARTERS No. Pos. Name Year Ht. Wt. Hometown 6 CB Devon Marshall Sr. 5-11 200 Boston, Mass. 21 CB Jamel Johnson Sr. 5-11 191 Covington, Ga. 14 Nickel Jaren Sensabaugh R-Fr. 6-1 179 Nashville, Tenn. 16 S JJ Johnson Gr. 5-10 190 Anguilla, Miss. 3 S Renté Hinton R-Sr. 6-3 211 Mobile, Ala. BACKUPS 7 CB Brian Nelson II R-So. 6-0 191 Pearland, Texas 22 CB Jackson Vick R-Jr. 6-0 182 Bailey, N.C. 8 Nickel Isaiah Crowell R-Jr. 5-11 184 Kernersville, N.C. 2 S Ronnie Royal III R-Fr. 5-9 185 Gulf Shores, Ala. 24 S Zack Myers R-So. 6-1 202 Arden, N.C. WAITING IN THE WINGS 15 CB Jivan Baly R-Fr. 5-11 165 Norcross, Ga. 27 CB Cam Strong Fr. 6-0 170 Anderson, S.C. 26 Nickel Asaad Brown Jr. R-Fr. 6-0 188 Chesapeake, Va. 20 S Daemon Fagan R-So. 6-3 190 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 29 S Brody Barnhardt R-Fr. 6-0 192 Cornelius, N.C. SPOTLIGHT PLAYER REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE CORNERBACK BRIAN NELSON II NC State dipped into the transfer portal after the spring practice win- dow to add Nelson, who was the top-ranked available player at his posi- tion. The redshirt sophomore posted 53 total tackles, including 2 for loss, with 4 interceptions and 7 passes defended at North Texas last fall. Describing himself as a well-rounded cornerback, Nelson felt like he was a perfect fit for NC State's defense. "They understood on film that my instincts and awareness on the field are really good," he said. "They were looking for an all-around corner, not just a cover guy or someone just making tackles. They thought I was going to be a great fit, not just on the field, but off the field as a person, too." PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE FOOTBALL DEVON MARSHALL ■ POSITIONAL GRADES ★★★★ Among country's best; ★★★ Among ACC's best; ★★ Solid or has potential; ★ Too unproven STARTERS ★★ NC State had to replace all of its starting defensive backs from a year ago, leav- ing the team with an unproven secondary going into the 2025 season. Yes, the Wolfpack was able to reload through the transfer portal and has young players ready to step up. For now, though, it's all potential. EXPERIENCE ★★½ NC State was able to land several experienced players in the transfer portal, headlined by senior cornerback Jamel Johnson and graduate safety JJ Johnson. The two Group of Five players are expected to play pivotal roles. If the experi- enced talent can help the younger players, NC State should be in good shape as the season progresses. DEPTH ★★ Most of NC State's backups haven't played a lot on the defensive side of the ball. North Texas transfer Brian Nelson II was the top available cornerback in the portal when he committed, but the rest of the Pack's primary reserves have mini- mal experience. OVERALL GRADE ★★ NC State had to revamp its defensive backfield in the offseason. The Wolfpack wants to get after the quarterback, which means the secondary will be tested early and often. If the newcomers can solidify themselves early in the season, NC State could be in good shape. BY THE NUMBERS 0 Returning starters in NC State's defensive backfield this season. 7 Pass breakups Devon Marshall logged during the 2024 campaign. 50.9 The comple- tion percent- age that Brian Nelson II allowed during his first two seasons of college football at North Texas.