The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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38 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY MATT CARTER H ead coach Dave Doeren said on National Signing Day that they would like to redshirt "75 to 80 percent" of the signees, but the Pack's depth situation suggests that its incoming recruits will get long looks during preseason camp. NC State has op- portunities for freshmen at practically ev- ery position on the field with the possible exceptions of running back and kicking specialists. Hare the five freshmen with the best chance to contribute this fall. Tight End Cole Cook One of the three tight ends signed by NC State is almost certain to play. Promising redshirt sophomore David J. Grinnage re- turns, but the only other scholarship player at the position is redshirt junior Benson Browne, who is still looking for his first career catch. Cook (6-5, 235 pounds) is the most highly touted of the trio inked on National Signing Day. He is rated as the No. 26 tight end in the 2014 class by Rivals.com and turned down an offer from national champion Florida State. Cook played in a Wing-T offense at Carrollton (Ga.) High and is advanced as a blocker for an incoming freshman. Wide Receiver Bo Hines Hines has the advantage of enrolling in the spring and fitting the profile of what NC State is looking for in a receiver in its offense. The 6-1, 190-pounder is fast, clocking at 4.41 seconds at a combine last April in the 40-yard dash and winning the 3-A independent schools state title in the 200-meter dash as a junior for Charlotte Christian. He's productive on the field, making 51 receptions for 832 yards and 12 touch- downs last year. Hines also proved that he is not afraid to be physical and block, a necessity for Wolfpack receivers coach Frisman Jack- son. State has an opening for a receiver or two to potentially play this fall, and Hines, who selected NCSU over Nebraska, is well suited to step up. Athlete Jaylen Samuels NC State must find a way to utilize Sam- uels on the field, whether it is at fullback, tailback, wide receiver, H-back or even tight end. He is a potential matchup night- mare for defenses. Samuels (6-0, 225) is a threat carrying the football, as he showed by rushing 108 times for 1,406 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior for 4-AA state champ Mallard Creek High from Charlotte. He also makes plays receiving. In the last two years, Sam- uels caught 94 passes for 1,953 yards and 28 touchdowns. Defensive End Kentavius Street The defensive end position is probably the most open opportunity for a true fresh- man to play next fall. Fifth-year senior Art Norman and his 17 career sacks are back, as is redshirt junior Mike Rose, who started four games last season and had four tackles for loss and two sacks. After those two, though, the options are far less proven. Redshirt sophomores Drew Davis and Joe Wright return. Davis is a converted linebacker, while Wright did not record a tackle last season. Redshirt fresh- man Pharoah McKever, a former receiver, is moving to defensive end this spring. Defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen pre- fers to rotate at least four defensive ends. That will enable those who signed to com- pete for playing time. Street (6-2, 264) is the most obvious candidate given his prep credentials. The standout from Rose High in Green- ville, N.C was considered the top defensive prospect in the state of North Carolina and turned down national powers like Florida State, LSU and Miami to sign with the Wolfpack. Cornerback Troy Vincent Jr. Penn State's loss could prove to be NC State's gain. Vincent, form Gilman School in Baltimore, was set to sign with the Nit- tany Lions until a coaching change in the offseason. New Penn State head coach James Franklin suggested that Vincent take some visits, which did not sit well with the his family. Troy Vincent Sr. was a former All-Amer- ican at Wisconsin and Pro Bowl corner for the Miami Dolphins. His prior relationship with Doeren, a former Wisconsin defensive coordinator, opened the door for NCSU to convince Vincent to switch his pledge to the Pack. The younger Vincent (5-10, 185) has been well schooled and should be more ready than the average freshman to play. Redshirt junior Juston Burris and sopho- more Jack Tocho are back as starters, but only two other scholarship corners return — sophomore Sean Paul and redshirt soph- omore Niles Clark. In the era of spread of- fenses, college defenses have to field more than four corners on game day. ■ Five To Watch Opportunities Abound For True Freshmen To Play In 2014 Early enrollee Bo Hines hauled in 51 catches for 832 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final prep season and has been timed in 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash. PHOTO COURTESY BO HINES 38.Five Most Likely To Play.indd 38 2/25/14 2:27 PM