The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1544864
38 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN hen NC State was attempting to install its defense under new coordinator DJ Eliot last spring, it ran into a few hurdles. The biggest problem was a series of offseason sur- geries that forced several key defenders out of action and left walk-ons in major roles during the early stages of the process. But after a season under the simulated- pressure-based scheme, the Wolfpack's spring practices this time around were very different. Instead of having to teach every single player on the field, there is hands- on experience that the unit can lean on heading into the 2026 season. "We're able to build off some of the things we did last year," Eliot said. "Not only that, we have video of us doing it, so we're able to give them a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words in teaching, and it's been a great offseason. I like where we're at. We still have a long way to go, but we've made some big progress this spring." The offense also made strides heading into its second year with Kurt Roper calling the plays. Like the defense last spring, NC State's offensive players had to learn some- thing new every day. This time around, though, players were able to pick up right where they left off after the 2025 season. For Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren, who's set to enter his 14th season at the helm, the continuity of both coordinators and their systems was visible through all 15 spring practices. W Heading into his 14th season at NC State, head coach Dave Doeren said he was pleased with the team's performance during its offseason drills. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS COMFORT COMFORT ZONE ZONE Familiarity With Coordinators And Schemes Helps NC State Make Progress In Spring Practice