The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/672211
34 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY MATT CARTER N C State head coach Dave Doeren has already been through a quar- terback battle as the Wolfpack head coach. In his inaugural year, he had to choose between Brandon Mitchell and Pete Thomas for the starting job. Ultimately, he decided on Mitchell — but the announcement did not come until game day against Louisiana Tech in the 2012 season opener. Whether or not Doeren takes a similar amount of time to name a starter for the 2016 campaign is unknown, but what is clear is that after the end of spring practices they were not ready to pick either strong-armed redshirt sophomore Jalan McClendon or fleet-footed redshirt freshman Jakobi Mey- ers yet. "We are not going to announce anything until we feel like it's a done deal," Doeren said. "We aren't there yet." Both field generals gave Doeren and newly hired offensive coordinator/quar- terbacks coach Eli Drinkwitz something to think about after a pair of good perfor- mances during the Kay Yow Spring Game at Carter-Finley Stadium April 9. Despite a consistently breezy Saturday afternoon during which wind gusts exceeded 40 miles per hour at nearby Raleigh-Durham International Airport, both McClendon and Meyers were able to move the football while splitting quarterback duties for the Red team. McClendon played the first and third quarters, and Meyers the second and fourth. They helped lead the starters and key re- serves to an easy 47-0 win over the White team. McClendon displayed poise in the pocket and accuracy, completing 13 of 18 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown. Meyers showcased his athleticism with 40 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown. He also was 12-of-20 passing for 117 yards with a score. "Both quarterbacks played well at times, and both have some good film to watch in a game environment," Doeren said. "It was a tough day to throw the ball." The 6-5, 212-pound McClendon wears jersey No. 2. Probably not coincidentally his idol, Carolina Panthers quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton, wore No. 2 while playing one season of college football at Auburn. Like Newton, McClendon provides a strong presence in the pocket, and his arm To Be DECIDED The Quarterback Battle Will Continue To Play Out After The Spring Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalan McClendon completed 13 of 18 throws for 120 yards with one touchdown during the spring game. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN