The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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huddle during a preseason workout. He returned in fall camp last year and appeared in four games, but most importantly regained his health, as well as his confidence. The new coaches bumped the Pahokee, Fla., native back to free safety this spring in order to get their best four defensive backs on the field, and the move has paid dividends already. The fifth-year senior is a major plus on a back line that is welcoming a trio of new starters around cornerback Dontae Johnson, and the vocal Byrd will take over some new leadership responsibilities in the defensive scheme. The safety, who teammates say carries a big chip on his shoulder, also has a reputation for being a surprisingly physical player despite his 5-10, 190-pound frame, and that should be on full display this fall. If Byrd can stay healthy, he could surprise the entire conference with his abilities from the backline. ■ C Joe Thuney It's a given that the redshirt sophomore is one of the team's best five offensive linemen. However, it's still unknown where he will line up Aug. 31 against Louisiana Tech. Doeren has mentioned that Thuney, who opened camp atop the depth chart at the pivot, has played some at right guard recently with sophomore Quinton Schooley sliding in at center. Regardless of where he lines up, Thuney is a major part of the team's plans going forward. The 6-5, 286-pounder always drew rave reviews from the old coaching staff, and the praise has continued under the new regime. The most important thing for a center is getting the ball to the quarterback quickly and efficiently, so that will be something to watch with Thuney as the team adjusts to the pistol offense. The native of Centreville, Ohio, saw action in eight games last season, including a season-high 49 snaps in the upset of nationally ranked Florida State, and was one of just three sophomores elected to the Pack's Leadership Council in the fall. He is already beginning to emerge as one of the team's leaders, now he has to emerge as one of the top protectors up front. ■ LB M.J. Salahuddin Despite playing just three snaps from scrimmage as a true freshman, the true sophomore opened fall camp atop the depth chart in the middle of the defense after a strong spring. The early reviews from Doeren and Salahuddin's fellow linebackers were great early in camp, but the coach has praised the duo of Zach Gentry and Sophomore M.J. Salahuddin, who made four tackles in 12 games last year while seeing action primarily on special teams, has been praised as a heady and athletic linebacker. photo by ken martin Robert Caldwell for their work at middle linebacker more recently. That has allowed Salahuddin to play on the weakside, in addition to some time in the middle, as the season approaches. Where the 6-2, 227-pounder ends up playing in the season opener is anybody's guess, but there's a good chance he'll be on the field somewhere among the top three linebackers. Salahuddin was one of just five first-year players to see the game field last year, and he cut his teeth with special teams experience. He notched four tackles in 12 games, but those numbers could be equaled in just one half of play this year for the promising youngster. Salahuddin has been praised as a heady and athletic linebacker, and he could emerge as one of the ACC's best rising stars at the position once given the chance. ■ QB Brandon Mitchell The graduate transfer more than looks the part at 6-4 and 239 pounds, and sources have indicated that he has impressed during his short time with the Pack. Teammates and coaches have praised Mitchell for his leadership since he arrived on campus in July, and that's always good to see from a potential starting quarterback. He may have even quietly inched ahead of redshirt junior quarterback Pete Thomas at the end of fall camp, but the coaching staff contends they will wait until game day to name a starting quarterback. Even if Thomas is the starter at the beginning of the season, the athletic Mitchell gives the Pack something that nobody else can — a legitimate running threat under center, which Doeren has called ideal, although he has stopped short of calling it a necessity. The passer is a veteran of 21 games with three starts, all of which have come at wide receiver. However, he has logged time under center in only 12 contests while he has attempted 43 passes during his collegiate career. He is athletic enough that he played wide receiver last season and also suited up for the Arkansas basketball team previously, but now he is focused on proving that he can be a college quarterback. He seems to have all of the physical tools needed, so it may simply be a question of how quickly can Mitchell learn and gain command of the offensive unit? ■ 48 ■ the wolfpacker 46,48.FB Five Breakout Players.indd 48 8/23/13 3:07 PM