The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337646
46 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL 2014 BY JACEY ZEMBAL N C State offensive coordinator Matt Canada has a talented new quarterback to work with and, with some good health, a stable offensive line. Canada and NC State didn't have either of those two position groups settled last year due to injuries or inexperience, and as a result the offense averaged 22.8 points, 162.7 rushing yards and 240.8 passing yards per game en route to a 3-9 season. The arrival of Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett at quarterback is expected to so- lidify the position, but he will need help. The healthy return of fifth-year senior left tackle Rob Crisp, who missed all but one game last year due to a concussion, will have a major impact on the offensive line. NC State is expected to welcome back junior running back Shadrach Thornton from a spring suspension, and he led the team with 768 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 165 carries in 11 games last fall. NC State is gunning to have a 1,000-yard running back for the first time since T.A. McLendon in 2002. Fifth-year senior wide receiver Bryan Underwood is also back after breaking his collarbone against Florida State Oct. 26 and missing the last five games. His big- play speed will give Brissett an enticing downfield target. Here are highlights from an interview with Canada about the NC State offense. How did Florida quarterback transfer Ja- coby Brissett do in his second spring under your tutelage? "A lot of things been said about Jacoby coming in as a transfer and what he's done at his previous institution, and the way he tried to lead the team without being able to play last year. "Jacoby had a very good spring and con- tinues to work here this summer. He is a highly motivated guy who wants to do well. We are excited to see him play for us this fall and what he can bring to our offense." Do you feel better about the depth this year? "Last year was a tough year, and you can pick your story on what you want to talk about, whether injuries, plays that didn't go our way, but that is part of football. "All 11 guys on offense have to do their job. We didn't have that enough. We weren't consistent enough. "We would get a guy [left tackle Rob ■ Offense Q&A The Value Of COMPETITION Players Are Battling To Get On The Field, And Coordinator Matt Canada Believes That Will Result In A Better Offense This Fall In Canada's first season as offensive coordinator, the Wolfpack averaged 22.8 points and 403.5 total yards per game. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 46,48.Offense Q&A.indd 46 6/27/14 10:58 AM