The Wolfpacker

July 2016

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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56 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016 in run blocking. Being a receiver has helped him in route running." Fifth-year senior Clark Eyers started his college career at Western Carolina, before he walked on at NC State. The 6-5, 252-pounder lends a veteran hand, and he caught three passes for 36 yards and a touchdown in the 2016 Kay Yow Spring Game. A pair of talented freshmen tight ends — Thaddeus Moss of Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek and Dylan Autenrieth of Dallas (Ga.) North Paulding — will join McKever and Eyers. The 6-4, 220-pound Autenrieth will get the chance to play right away, but Faulkner is glad that he won't have to play just because of a lack of options. The 6-4, 247-pound Moss might be too good to keep off the field as a freshman. "Thad is a beast, but he is also a freshman," Faulkner said. "He is beyond his years in terms of his development, both mentally and understanding the game. "He understands the work it takes to be a good player." ■ Getting To Know: Cole Cook NC State junior tight end Cole Cook enjoyed catching the ball more this spring. Part of the increase in touches is due to new offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz, but also attrition at the position. David J. Grinnage and Benson Browne have moved on, and junior Jaylen Samuels missed some time due to injuries. The 6-6, 250-pound Cook has welcomed the extra work. He caught six passes for 61 yards last year. "I'm grateful for any catches," said Cook, who is from Carrollton, Ga. "I've gotten better in all facets of my game. As an offense, we are starting to click more. "I know the offense now. I know what I am doing, so I can play fast." Cook focused on being an increased vocal leader and improving as a route run- ner this spring. "I wanted to know the ins and outs of the offense by the end of the spring, and I think I've done that," Cook said. "I've been able to learn a lot because I've played so many different spots." What isn't statistically easy to explain is the quality blocking Cook has performed for the various NC State ball carriers. "It always has been something I've been good at," Cook said. "When I was younger, and then at college, that is how I got myself on the field. I could establish myself as a blocker and move people off the line. It has always been a strength for me. "I want to show people that I can do everything and not just block, and I want to show people I have what it takes to be a complete tight end." Cook often gets matched up in practice against the likes of NCSU junior defen - sive ends Bradley Chubb and Kentavius Street. "They are different styles," Cook said. "Chubb is a lot quicker with a quicker get off, and a good pass rusher. "Kentavius is strong and can post you up. Blocking Chubb and Kentavius is what prepares you for ACC D-ends." Cook knows change is always going to occur every year. Grinnage elected to enter the NFL Draft a year early, creating the first ripple effect. Redshirt junior Pharaoh McKever made the move from defensive end to tight end prior to the Belk Bowl, and was a welcome bit of change. "It was a little different at first [without Grinnage and Browne], but every year is different," Cook said. "Each group has their own dynamic. This year's tight end group has their own identity and our own type of swagger." — Jacey Zembal The 6-6, 250-pound Cook is an outstanding blocker and could be- come more involved as a pass catcher this fall after hauling in six receptions for 61 yards in 2015. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN ■ Preseason Analysis **** Among country's best; *** Among ACC's best; ** Solid or has potential; * Too unproven Starters **** NC State has terrific flexibility thanks to juniors Jaylen Samuels and Cole Cook. NCSU has been impressive at finding ways to use Samuels at multiple positions, and he's a true weapon for the new quarterback. Cook is a good blocker and could have a more expanded role in the passing game. Experience *** NC State has plenty of experience with Samuels and Cook combining for 19 career starts, but the Wolfpack are unproven behind those two. Both Samuels and Cook were thrown into the fire as true freshmen, and should be poised for banner junior years. Depth *** Redshirt junior Pharoah McKever, a versatile 6-6, 260-pound athlete, made the move to tight end last December and immediately flashed his potential with an 82-yard touch- down reception versus Mississippi State in the Belk Bowl. Fifth-year senior walk-on Clark Eyers plus freshmen Thaddeus Moss and Dylan Auten- rieth will also compete for snaps. Overall grade **** NC State is in the enviable position of having one of the most unique weapons in college football with Samuels. Cook is a good complement and McKever is the X-factor. Autenrieth will also likely get a chance to play this fall, but if he redshirts, that just means the position is humming along and has good health. Quick Facts Position Coach: Eddie Faulkner (fourth season) Returning Starters: TE Jaylen Samuels (12 career starts) and TE Cole Cook (7) Starter Lost: TE David J. Grinnage (24) FYI: Sporting News' College Football Preview named Samuels the preseason first- team All-ACC tight end … Samuels was tabbed as the preseason second-team all-purpose player in the ACC by Athlon Sports' 2016 Preview … NC State's wide receivers and tight ends were ranked No. 9 in the ACC by Athlon … Phil Steele's 2016 College Football Preview ranked Samuels as the No. 2 draft-eligible fullback in the country … Freshman Thaddeus Moss of Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek is the son of legendary NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, who finished his professional career with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns, and played from 1998-2012 … Moss — who picked NCSU over Texas A&M, UCLA and USC — caught 58 passes for 885 yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior year. "I'm just glad he is on our team. Because of all the multiple things that he does, he does challenge you as a coach to make sure he can touch it, and that is a good thing." ■ Tight ends/fullbacks coach Eddie Faulkner on Samuels

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