The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/223560
Freshman defensive tackle Monty Nelson was a pleasant surprise in 2013, recording 32 total stops and eight tackles for loss. F By Matt Carter or all the heat NC State's offense took during the season from the media and fans, by the final numbers its defense did not fare much better. The Pack was a respectable sixth in the ACC at the end of the regular season in pass defense, giving up 219.2 yards per game. In just about all other categories, NCSU ranked near the bottom of the league. NCSU was 10th in total defense (399.4 yards allowed per game), 11th in pass efficiency defense (opponent quarterback rating of 127.1), 11th in third-down defense (40.7 percent), 12th in rushing defense (180.2 yards allowed per game), 13th in sacks (20) and 13th in scoring defense (30.2 points allowed per game). Looking into the immediate future, there are both positives and questions facing coordinator Dave Huxtable's unit entering the spring. Work To Do NCSU Will Look To Improve In Several Areas On Defense Defensive Line On the interior, NCSU appears to be in good shape. The team loses A.J. Ferguson and Deylan Buntyn, but both were reserves this past year that combined for 16 tackles, including one assist on a hit for a loss. photo by ken martin Redshirt junior Thomas Teal, junior T.Y. McGill, redshirt sophomore Carlos Gray and freshman Monty Nelson were the core of the defensive tackle rotation, and all are back. Teal compiled 40 tackles, 10.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and three sacks, while leading all defensive linemen in the first two categories. He also shared team high with four quarterback hurries. McGill added 25 tackles, five stops for loss and two sacks, while Nelson was a revelation with 32 stops, eight tackles for loss and half a sack. Gray contributed 23 tackles, 3.5 stops for loss and 2.5 sacks. Head coach Dave Doeren is also eager to add redshirting freshman Kenton Gibbs into the fold after he missed this year with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Commitment B.J. Hill of Oakboro (N.C.) West Stanly High will enroll for the spring semester. Hill, a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, picked NCSU over an offer from UNC. 40 ■ the wolfpacker 40,42.2014 FB Defense.indd 40 12/5/13 3:39 PM