The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/73006
2012 FOOTBALL PREVIEW offensive line is certainly veteran, and at this point, leading the way. "[Being older] doesn't guarantee any- thing. It's still about execution and produc- tion. Just because somebody has experi- ence doesn't guarantee a thing. We aren't taking anything for granted." to be the best you've had so far while at NC State? "We're going to have to prove that. Does the offensive line have the potential There's no question these guys are the most experienced we've had in the years that we've been here. Yes, that's true, but that doesn't automatically mean it's going to be the most productive. "We have to prove that, and that's im- portant. It gives us a chance to start at a higher level, but just because you're more experienced doesn't mean that you're bet- ter or more improved. The burden is on all of us to go out and be more productive and prove this group is really special." Bible said of his offense, "We feel like it's a group that has a high expectation level of itself. We feel like it's a group that wants to aim high and is aiming high." sophomore Logan Winkles and junior Tyler Purvis filled in for him after he got hurt? "We feel like with the two youngsters we have there we also have strong competition there. Their skill sets are a little bit differ- ent. They both have strength we can feature there. It's still an inexperienced position. They haven't been on the game field to speak of, and they're going to have to get themselves ready to go quickly." a game last year. Do you anticipate that being a number you should improve with the running backs and linemen you have back? "Yeah, again I can't speak for the num- NC State averaged 104.8 yards rushing ber, but we feel like we have an opportunity with the running game with the experience at running back, experience with the offen- sive line, there's a chance to really improve and grow with that part of the offense. We felt like we took those steps in the spring, and we look forward to that happening in the fall." How much would that help Glennon out? "Not only Mike, it helps out the entire team. It helps the offense. It allows us to stay on the field. It allows us to get more first downs. It allows us to be more pro- ductive as far as scoring, and it also wears on our opponents' defenses, and you get plenty of benefits from that. That is a part of the offense we're really excited about and think that we are going to take steps forward and be improved." 30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER PHOTO BY JACEY ZEMBAL ers adapt to different roles for the second straight year? "When we started [this spring], the only What is it like to have new wide receiv- one that had played of any significance was [redshirt senior] Tobais [Palmer]. I understand where we started with a very green group, but it doesn't matter. We have to be ready to go and get ourselves up and running. I don't care where we started, I just care that we are ready to go by the time we get to the season. That has been our focus. "We have put them in a lot of different situations and have really challenged them. We've thrown a lot of different scenarios at them. We are a work in progress at that position, but I'll say this, this group is fast. This group can fly." tight end, who do you think will help fill the void? "We are working to find out their strengths and areas they need to improve upon in some of the cases. We are still learning what is a strength of theirs, but again, it's a very competitive situation and nobody owns the position." With the graduation of George Bryan at other level with so many juniors and se- niors on it? "I think that is where their expectations Is the offensive line ready to reach an- are. That is where we are on all the posi- tions. It isn't just one position. We feel like we hold our guys to a high standard. The have? "I'm not sure because I don't want to put How much potential do you think they any limits on them. I think they can be as good as they want to be. That's a product of a lot of hard work and a lot of preparation and a lot of God-given talent and staying healthy. We're not going to limit where we can go. We're going to aim high in all areas on offense." "We've got a good blend of experience and talent. We feel like we've got strong leadership at all of our positions." ■ Bible you have inexperience there are still some older guys there, do you feel like you're in a pretty good spot heading into the pre- season from a knowledge of the offense standpoint? "There are areas, the wide receiver posi- In general, on offense, even in spots tion is unsettled and the tight end position is unsettled, and at the fullback position we're very inexperienced also. "But we like this group. We've got a good blend of experience and talent. We feel like we've got strong leadership at all of our positions. We feel like it's a group that has a high expectation level of itself. We feel like it's a group that wants to aim high and is aiming high. Again, it's all ahead of us, but that's a good place to start." ■