The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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40 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 this past fall, but was completely entrusted at left tackle during spring practice. "I like playing in space more than play- ing inside," Jones said. "There is better competition out there, too, because it's man-on-man almost every play. It brings out the best in both players. This is a hu- mongous opportunity for me to play." NCSU offensive line coach Mike Ure- movich credits the Wolfpack defensive ends for giving Jones a variety of styles to learn from. "He gets a great look every day in prac- tice because he goes against some great players," Uremovich said. "We have some great defensive ends that he gets to block. He can go against Darian Roseboro and Mike Rose, who are big guys. He can go against Pharoah McKever, who is a long guy. Deonte Holden is a fast guy. He can see all of that in practice." Protecting the blind side of fifth-year senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be of utmost importance this fall. "As long as he stays protected, we can win as many games as we want," Jones said. "The main thing is to keep him pro- tected, keep him safe and keep him healthy for the season." Fifth-year senior left guard Joe Thuney played some left tackle during the 2013 season, and provides a good sounding board for Jones. "He just said to go out there and play hard and play smart," Jones said. "I have to make sure to do my job and stay attentive. A lot happens on the field that doesn't hap- pen at practice." Head coach Dave Doeren mentioned Jones' wingspan as a major tool in fending off defensive ends in pass protection. "I think it is 7-2 or 7-3, and it helps me pretty good," Jones said. "I'm not the tallest guy. As long as my arms are long, I can keep them away and at bay. I can keep some space between me and not be up close." Former NC State defensive end Art Nor- man proved to be a good test during scout team action. Jones vividly remembers his first taste of big-time college football last fall. "When [starting right tackle] Tyson Chandler got hurt one week and didn't practice all week, I was running with the ones," Jones said. "I went against Art Nor- man on the pass rush and that was my welcome to college football [moment]. It didn't go as bad as I thought it would, but he is a lot bigger, faster and stronger than the seniors I went against in high school." The last year has been "interesting" for Jones, who admitted the jump from high school wasn't easy. "I had to learn a lot of stuff that I already thought I knew," Jones said. "It will do nothing but help me in the long run, so I have nothing to complain about. "[Uremovich] always tells me to stay low and be in the right stance. My stance in high school, I was just going out there and standing up basically. I had to learn how to keep my feet set and have balance." Barr has started 18 games the last two years, mostly at right guard. He competed with current sophomore Tony Adams for the position last year, and now the two will be working in concert together on the right side. Uremovich has imparted senior-year urgency to Barr, who has come full circle back to his high school position. "He isn't the strongest guy on the team, but he is long," Uremovich said. "At that position, if you can cover your guy and get your hands on him, our quarterback is really good at getting rid of the ball and moving in the pocket. "He'll be fine." One noticeable difference compared to when Barr was a prep signee out of high school is his weight. He's reshaped his body and lost at least 28 pounds over the years. Barr hopes to engulf smaller defen- sive ends with his 6-8 frame. "That feels good to get your hands inside and just drive them," Barr said. "It's a good feeling. "I'm about 315 pounds right now, and I'd like to get a little bit lower. I definitely feel a lot better than I was. I'd like to get to 310 or 305, and feel quicker." Barr said his return to right tackle sort of feels like "riding a bike," and he feels com- fortable. The Fayetteville, Ga., native was a Rivals.com three-star prospect coming out of high school. "I'm happy with it," Barr said of his position. "I kind of had an idea [my junior year] that I'd go there, but wherever they put me, I'm fine with. I'll do whatever they want, but I did have that move in the back of my head." Redshirt freshman Will Richardson will push Barr during fall camp, but motivation is high to finish his Wolfpack career in win- ning fashion. "To me, starting is important because I want to play," Barr said. "I want to be out there and help my team win." Barr has also tried to be a leader along with fellow senior offensive linemen Thuney and Quinton Schooley, who play left guard and center respectively. "We kind of hold everything down and set good examples for everyone," Barr said. ■ The 6‑8, 318‑pound Barr has played both guard spots and right tackle during his first four years at NC State, but has found a permanent home at the latter position. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN