The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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64 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 ton and Dayes taking a back seat in the spring game — they played only the first half, but still averaged 7.4 yards per touch — the rookie piled up a game-best 131 rushing yards. He may have a head start, but his classmates are sure to push him for playing time. Frasier boasts an impressive size and speed combination, while Hines brings world-class speed, along with versatility and catching ability similar to Dayes. Hines, from nearby Garner High, stopped by spring practices several times and "might be the most competitive nut of them all." Kitchings noted he looks forward to "molding, coaching and pushing" the new arrivals. "It will be fun to see them integrated with the rest of the guys," he said. "The others have been here and they understand how we do things." There's no denying how productive the rushing attack was last year behind Thornton and Dayes. The Pack's 2,659 yards gained on the ground was the program's highest total since 1977, but Kitchings thinks they can achieve even more with this year's rein- forcements. "If you look back at last season, there were still some times where we missed a run," he said. "To fans, it got six or seven yards, but in actuality, it should've been a 20- to 25-yard gain. If we close those gaps and have those type of runs for the offense, it's going to help us tremendously." ■ The NC State backfield is crowded with last year's top two rushers, senior Shadrach Thorn- ton and junior Matt Dayes, back after combin- ing for 1,480 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2014. Both averaged 5.5 yards per carry and eclipsed 1,000 all-purpose yards. The running back room became even more talented with the 2015 recruiting class, which was one of just two nationally to include a trio of four-star rushers. Freshman Reggie Gallaspy II was the only one from that highly touted group of backs that was on campus this spring, and he made the most of it. The rookie was said to have owned some of the longest runs during the team's spring scrimmages and did not disappoint in his public unveiling during the annual Kay Yow Spring Game. Gallaspy played for both teams and finished with a game-best 131 rushing yards on just 21 carries; he also hauled in a nine-yard reception. However, he'll be the first to admit he got off to a slow start in college. Learning the play - book meant he could do more of what comes naturally, and he received some sound advice from running backs coach Des Kitchings, too. "At the beginning, I was thinking too much," he recalled. "Coach Kitchings told me, 'Even if you do it wrong, just run hard.' I took that concept and just did it. Even though sometimes it was wrong, I still made a play out of it. "I've seen myself improve a lot. I've stopped thinking so much and started playing." That's not the only thing that has helped the 5-11, 209-pounder. He noted that he lost a little bit of baby fat since arriving on campus, and while he still possesses his trademark power, he also has a little more speed than he showed as a high school senior. The Greensboro (N.C.) Southern Guilford product was rated higher coming out of high school than any other back on campus this spring. Rivals.com listed the four-star Gallaspy as the nation's No. 28 running back, while both Thornton and Dayes were three-star prospects coming out of the prep ranks. He understands that means nothing now and that all the backs have the same goal. "You want to work for the first position and be able to start on Saturdays so there's a lot of competition out there," Gallaspy said. "It makes everybody better." Although he is competing with the other running backs, they haven't hesitated to help Gallaspy settle in at his new home. That's a theme that runs throughout the team — he noted even defenders encourage him from the other side of the ball after he messes up. Having eight other freshmen that arrived this spring has also helped ease the transition. "Everybody has helped me," he explained. "That is the reason why I committed here — it's really a family on this team. "The team is not separated by offense and defense — we're all just one big team." Gallaspy will never forget his welcome-to- college-football moment. Although he led the state with an astronomical 3,318 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns last year, he was given a rude introduction to the new level of football in his first practice. He read his keys wrong and did not see a cornerback coming in fast on a blitz. It re - sulted in Gallaspy getting rocked, but he quickly moved on and now remembers the play with a slight smile. "I popped right back up, got in the next play and tried to do my thing," he said. "There are still a lot of things to sharpen up on." More mistakes are likely to come for the rookie, but Gallaspy is doing what he needs to in order to make sure the errors are outnumbered by the long runs and head-turning plays that he became known for in high school. "I want to go hard every play and do everything right," he said. "That's my goal as a football player and as a freshman. I want to continue doing the same things and working hard." — Ryan Tice ■ Preseason Analysis **** Among country's best; *** Among ACC's best; ** Solid or has potential; * Too unproven Starters *** The graduated Tony Creecy may have been the starter last year, but it was in name only. Both senior Shadrach Thornton and junior Matt Dayes received a heavy workload and they return. The duo combined for 1,934 yards from scrimmage and 23 scores in 2014; they can get it done on the ground and through the air. Experience **½ Thornton has been the leading rusher for the past three seasons, while Dayes broke out last year after he contributed as a freshman. Even if they have just 19 career starts between the two of them, they boast far more experience than that number indicates. Depth **** Only two teams in the country added a trio of four-star rushers this offseason — USC, which boasted the nation's top recruiting class, and NCSU. The battle for playing time should be intense with so many talented ball carriers in the stable, even though the three rookies are unproven. Overall grade *** The group may lack a true workhorse, but the players say they are fine splitting the load. The sharing philosophy also keeps backs fresh and will be big if injuries pop up. As long as that mindset stays, there won't be many squads with a more powerful rushing attack than the Pack, especially when quarterback Jacoby Brissett's running ability is taken into account. Getting To Know: Reggie Gallaspy II Gallaspy, the No. 28 running back nationally according to Rivals.com, led the state with 3,318 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns as a senior at Greensboro (N.C.) Southern Guilford. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN