The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/535299
74 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 BY JACEY ZEMBAL N C State has a good group of offensive lineman returning, but definitely will be aiming to develop depth. The Wolfpack bring back three starters and a fourth who started eight games. Fifth-year senior left guard Joe Thuney, senior center Quinton Schooley and sophomore right guard Tony Adams anchor the unit. NCSU has switched fifth-year senior Alex Barr to right tackle, which is likely his natural position, and redshirt fresh- man left tackle Tyler Jones earned first-string status after his play this past spring. In 2014, NC State turned up the run game down the stretch to help spur on four wins over the last five games. The Pack rushed 216 times for 1,213 yards (5.6 yards per carry) during those final five contests. The last three games in particular — wins over Wake Forest, North Carolina and Central Florida — featured more rushing at- tempts than every contest but at South Florida in the third game. NC State rushed for 937 yards on 153 carries, and averaged 6.1 yards per rush during that 3-0 stretch. NC State offensive line coach Mike Uremovich said the ability to run the football helps the whole squad. "They like to run block," Uremovich said. "Our run game isn't just our O-line. It is also our tight ends and running backs, and our receivers blockings. I like running the ball because it involves the whole team. It is how you physically impose your will on a team. We did make improvements in the run game last year, but we still need to improve and continue to improve this year. OFFENSIVE LINE BUILDING INSIDE OUT NC State Returns An Experienced Interior Group Fifth-year senior left guard Joe Thuney anchors a line that paved the way for 937 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per carry during NC State's season- ending three-game win streak last year. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN