The Wolfpacker

January 2012

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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NC State Will Welcome Back 14 Starters Next Year LOOKING AHEAD N BY JACEY ZEMBAL C State fought and clawed its way to go 7-5 in the regular sea- son and 4-4 in the ACC to get the opportunity to play Louis- ville in the Belk Bowl Dec. 27 in Char- lotte, N.C. The Wolfpack will hope to have smoother sailing next year with 14 start- ers back, plus both kicking specialists, and several other players with previous starting experience. NC State redshirt junior quarterback Mike Glennon won't have to deal with some of the outside pressure and com- parisons next year. He enters the bowl game 262-of-420 passing for 2,790 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Glennon loses four players from the pass- ing game — starting tight end George Bryan, starting wide receivers Jay Smith and T.J. Graham, and reserve wide re- ceiver Steven Howard. Redshirt junior Tobais Palmer will be the top returning wide receiver after catching 35 passes for 448 yards and four touchdowns through 12 games. Redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood and redshirt sophomore Quintin Payton also return, but the Wolfpack will need help from its 2011 and 2012 recruiting classes. Redshirt junior Mario Carter, junior Asa Watson, redshirt sophomore Anthony Tal- bert and freshman Benson Browne will battle it out for the tight end spot. Watson and Browne both redshirted this season. The running back position will be deep next year with two former starters compet- ing for the spot. Leading rusher James Washington has one more year of eligibility, and he enters the bowl game with 842 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 212 carries, and has added 39 receptions for 300 yards. Redshirt freshman backup Tony Creecy has chipped in with 366 yards and a score on 99 carries, and is also threat in the passing game with 25 receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns. NC State will also be thrilled to have sophomore Mustafa Greene back after Redshirt junior Tobais Palmer will be the Pack's top returning wide receiver next sea- son after catching 35 passes for 448 yards and four touchdowns through 12 games in 2011. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 38 ■ THE WOLFPACKER

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