The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337646
64 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL 2014 ■ Preseason Analysis **** Among country's best; *** Among ACC's best; ** Solid or has potential; * Too unproven Starters ** David J. Grinnage — provided he holds off Benson Browne — and Tyler Purvis are more than adequate starters at the ACC level. Both have already proven to be factors in the passing attack, but could take the jump to the next level with improvements in the ground game. Experience * The only experienced players are the two starters, and neither has more than seven career starts. There is definitely potential at the position, but it is very green. Depth * NC State had playing time to offer in the last recruiting cycle, and it resulted in a trio of tight ends the coaching staff really likes, plus Swiss Army knife Jaylen Samuels. However, the freshmen and others who have not played in college yet are the extent of depth at the position. Overall grade ** This could be a breakout year for the group — they definitely need to contribute more than last year. Improvements in the run game from the group would also greatly aid the Pack. Quick Facts Position Coach: Eddie Faulkner (2nd season) Returning Starters: TE David J. Grinnage (7 career starts) and FB Tyler Purvis (6) Starter Lost: None FYI: The tight ends and fullbacks combined for 32 receptions, which gained 305 yards and two touchdowns, last year — that receiving yardage total would have been eclipsed by the Pack's leading receiver at tight end in nine of the past 10 years … Benson Browne and Tyler Purvis both graduated in May … Purvis is listed as the only fullback on the roster, but some will cross train between the two positions … Athlon ranks the NC State wide receivers and tight ends as the ACC's ninth-best group. ■ By The Numbers 2 Years of high school football played for Benson Browne, which helps to explain his limited contributions so far at NCSU, but also the rapid improvements. 9 Catches in the last six games of the 2013 campaign for David J. Grinnage, which ranked sixth on the team during that span. 251.3 Pounds is the average weight of NC State's seven tight ends on the 2014 roster. NC State redshirt junior tight end Benson Browne became one of the top stories during spring practice. The tight ends as a group, including redshirt sophomore David J. Grin- nage, received praise. Browne being on the receiving end of such compli- ments bodes well for the Wolfpack offense. The 6-5, 267-pound Browne entered NC State known for his potential as a blocker, but he didn't get the opportunity to catch many passes at Cincinnati Walnut Hills High, grabbing five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown his senior year. Browne wasn't in the mix last year for the Wolfpack, and played just six snaps in two games. He has totaled 29 plays in 14 career appearances, mostly on special teams. All of that could change next fall. Browne recorded one reception for 10 yards in the Kay Yow Spring Game April 12. "This is a big opportunity for me," said Browne, who graduated last May. "I'm a redshirt junior, so I've been here a while. I got the experience of playing at the col - legiate level. I think it's my time to go out and put something on for Wolfpack football." Browne was a basketball standout in high school, which helps him go up for recep- tions and use his body to get position against smaller defenders. "Back in high school, my focus was on basketball, but now in college, all I focus on is football," Browne said. "The footwork comes in handy [from basketball]. We ran the ball like 200 times more than we threw it [in high school]. The tight ends weren't going to get a lot of love." Browne has gained around 30 pounds since he arrived in Raleigh. "I've put on a lot of good weight, especially this past winter," Browne said. "High school and college are two different levels, but during my time here, I've been able to work on my blocking more." Browne hinted that he thought he would win in a race between the two tight ends, but admitted it would be really close. Grinnage was proud of the way Browne performed this spring. Browne knows tight ends/fullbacks coach Eddie Faulkner wants one thing — to strive for perfection. "Whether on the field or off the field, he wants us to be leaders of the team and to take this program in the right direction," Browne said. "He doesn't want us to mess up. We have been helping the younger guys to be successful as an offense." — Jacey Zembal Getting To Know: Benson Browne BROWNE Fifth-year senior Tyler Purvis, who has made six career starts, is the lone player listed at fullback on the Wolfpack roster this summer. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 62-64.TEs and FBs.indd 64 6/27/14 12:19 PM