The Wolfpacker

92 ■ THE WOLFPACKER ■ PACK PROS legends patch on their jersey honoring the NFL stars. The Bills defensive end always takes advantage of his chances to come back to Raleigh, and he tries to keep as close of an eye on the program as possible. Wil- liams believes he sees it moving in the right direction under head coach Dave Doeren. "Just having guys come back — whether they live in the area or if they're making that trip — it means a lot," he said. "I don't know if the younger guys really realize it, but when they're done playing here, I think they'll get it. It's still a family and the con- nection is still there. Every year when you come back, you still say the same things and see the same people, but it's enjoyable and it's a lot of fun. "I think the biggest thing people need to understand is simply his style and what he's looking for in his players, he has to mold that. I think he's going to be able to do a heck of a job — starting with re- cruiting — but he still has to implement himself." "I probably come back more than I should, but I love it here," Irving added. "He does a good job of making us feel welcome enough to come back as former players. He always has that door open, and I appreciate that. I think he's going to do a good job here." NBA Player Updates Through April 27 • J.J. Hickson (Played at NC State in 2008), F, Denver Nuggets: Appeared in 69 games with 52 starts for the 36-46 Nuggets before his campaign ended with a torn ACL … Averaged 26.9 minutes, 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 steals per game … Was leading the Nuggets in rebounding and ranked fifth in scoring at the time of his injury … Finished the regular season ranked 19th in the NBA in rebounding, 24th in shooting percentage (.508) and 27th in double- doubles (26). • Josh Powell (2001-03), C, Houston Rockets: Signed with the 54-28 Rockets for their playoff run, after spending time with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Club in the Philippines this year … Last played in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks in 2011 … Saw action in one regular-season contest, compiling four points, five rebounds and one block in 19 minutes of action during a 105-100 loss to New Orleans April 16 … Has yet to play during the postseason … The fourth-seeded Rockets matched up with fifth-seeded Portland in round one of the Western Conference playoffs and trailed 3-1 in the series as of April 27. MLB Player Update Through April 27 • Jonathan Diaz (Played at NC State from 2004-06), SS, Toronto Blue Jays: Was called up from the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo before his sea- son had begun after starting shortstop Jose Reyes landed on the 15-day disabled list on opening day … Has ap- peared in 20 games and was hitting .182 with a double, four RBI and a stolen base for the franchise that drafted him out of NCSU in 2006 … Impressed enough that he stuck with the big league club even after Reyes was activated from the DL April 19. ■ ■ NFL Players On The Move Several former NC State players who are now in the NFL changed teams this offseason. Name (Years at NC State) Old Team New Team RB Andre Brown (2005-08) New York Giants Houston Texans The Giants went a different direction, but Brown landed in a great spot. If he can stay healthy, he should serve as the backup to star Arian Foster after leading the Giants with 492 rushing yards last season despite playing in just eight games. WR Jerricho Cotchery (2000-03) Pittsburgh Steelers Carolina Panthers During the offseason, the Panthers got rid of every one of their receivers who had a catch last year, but they helped offset the losses by bringing the veteran back to the state where he played his college ball. Cotchery enjoyed a huge campaign last year, when he hauled in 46 passes for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns. OL Leroy Harris (2003-06) Detroit Lions Free agent Harris played special teams for the Lions in just one game, but could get picked up by another squad before training camp. OL Ted Larsen (2006-09) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals The interior lineman appeared in every game last season for the Bucs and started four times. He appeared in 60 of a possible 64 games during his four years in Tampa, including 31 starts, and should compete for playing time in Arizona. LB Terrell Manning (2009-11) San Diego Chargers Minnesota Vikings The linebacker was released by San Diego in mid-April, but was immediately claimed off of waivers by the Vikings. The former fifth- round pick appeared in one game last year. S Adrian Wilson (1998-2000) New England Patriots Free agent On April 4, Wilson foreshadowed his release by tweeting: "Can't make the club in the tub." The longtime safety, who tore his Achilles tendon in the 2013 preseason finale, was a free agent later that day. Reports from earlier this offseason indicated that he expected to be ready for the start of offseason workouts April 21. DE Willie Young (2006-09) Detroit Lions Chicago Bears After the Bears cut former UNC star Julius Peppers, they replenished the edge of their defense with several additions, including Young. He is coming off of a career year, where he tied or set career highs in games (16), starts (15), tackles (29), sacks (3.0) and pass deflections (five). Offensive guard J.R. Sweezy (left) and quarterback Russell Wilson (second from right) of the Seattle Seahawks, and linebacker Nate Irving (right) of the Denver Broncos, were honored by head coach Dave Doeren for representing NC State in the Super Bowl in February. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 90,92.Pack Pros.indd 92 4/29/14 4:11 PM

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