The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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2012 FOOTBALL PREVIEW was hampered by nagging injuries. "He's got a lot of athleticism," Tenuta said of Pittman. "Again, I think there's a lot of upside to him. The concentration aspect of learning the game and playing a little bit faster has got to happen early in camp for him to get back to having a chance to play a lot more during the season." The linebacker that ranked among the most improved of the unit during spring was Ryan Cheek, a 6-1, 231-pound redshirt junior. "[Cheek] has improved 180-degree turn from when I first came here, and he's on the right path," Tenuta said. "He's starting to understand the game. He works his rear end off. There may be some limitations physically, but his attitude and effort are to becoming a total player. He studies the game all the time. He's a great kid, and right now he's in the fray." Leading Tacklers The Last Decade NC State's Dowdy, a redshirt junior, racked up 30 sacks during his final two seasons at High Point (N.C.) Central High. PHOTO BY JACEY ZEMBAL who left a year early for the NFL, and junior D.J. Green, who was banned for a year by the NCAA after testing positive for a banned substance. Green started seven games last year before getting injured. The 6-2, 240-pound Dowdy has played one snap the last two years at linebacker — he redshirted his freshman year in 2009 — but he knows the window to make a move is now. "I think I have a very good opportunity," Dowdy said. "We have nobody back at the positions, so they are all open. I feel like if I can come out here, execute the defense, play hard and play physical, I have a good opportunity of playing in the fall." Dowdy was a three-star prospect and the No. 32 overall outside linebacker in the country, according to Rivals. NC State redshirt junior Rickey Dowdy has patiently waited for his opportunity the last three years. Dowdy is in contention for a starting position at strongside linebacker in light of NC State losing Terrell Manning, GETTING TO KNOW: Rickey Dowdy Year Name 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 com. He finished his senior year at High Point (N.C.) Central High with 105 tackles, 17 sacks and two interceptions, plus added another 13 sacks his junior campaign. NC State was the first school to offer Dowdy, and he committed about a week and a half later March 15, 2008. "I feel I've gotten a lot stronger since high school," Dowdy said. "My technique has gotten a lot better. I've ma- tured a lot and I don't sit around and pout. I'm coming out here to play and my time will come." Dowdy's prowess at rushing the passer led to a switch to defensive end, but with the attrition of Manning, Green and former Syracuse transfer E.J. Carter, the Wolfpack eventually moved him back to outside linebacker. "Wherever they need me to play on defense, that is where they need me to help the team," Dowdy said. "I feel like whenever I'm in a pass-rushing set, I'm bigger and faster than some other guys. I figure it would be kind of hard for a running back to block my size and speed. I'm a good blitzer." Dowdy hopes the lessons absorbed by watching the likes of Nate Irving, Audie Cole and Manning will pay off next season. "I've learned how to become a better blitzer," Dowdy said. "All of those guys were good blitzers and knew how to take on lineman." All three players listed at strongside linebacker on the NC State organizational chart have played different posi- tions in the past. Second-string Rodman Noel played strong safety a year ago, and Mike Rose was at defensive end. NC State welcomes junior college transfer Robert Caldwell of Twentynine Palms, Calif., for fall camp in August. Caldwell recorded 41 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss last year at the College of the Desert Junior College, and will join Dowdy and sophomores Brandon Pittman and Michael Peek at outside linebacker. NC State opens the 2012 season against Tennessee at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Dowdy hopes to contribute, but also understands what linebackers coach Jon Tenuta wants him to work on during the offseason. "I just have to work on my technique more and staying physical," Dowdy said. "I need to play a little faster. I need to be able to step with the right foot and play with my hands more. I can't lead with my shoulder. "I know I just have to come out and play hard, limit my mistakes and tackle." — Jacey Zembal 74 ■ THE WOLFPACKER Audie Cole Nate Irving Audie Cole Audie Cole Ray Michel Tackles 132 97 97 85 DaJuan Morgan 117 Pat Lowery Stephen Tulloch 134 Oliver Hoyte Andre Maddox 102 109 93 Dantonio Burnette 144 145 Cheek had seven tackles last season, playing primarily on special teams. The leader on special teams was senior Zach Gentry, a former walk-on awarded a scholarship this offseason. Gentry, who measures 6-0, 204 pounds, had 15 special teams tackles, and he may be able to find the field some this fall at linebacker. "The knowledge of the game will get him on the field," Tenuta said after praising Gentry's toughness. "Great team guy, see ball, hit ball, runs down, he's a wild man. Now he has to take that mentality and be able to dissect and play against an offense." Three newcomers will join the mix over the course of the summer, but most eyes will be focused on Robert Caldwell, a ju- nior college transfer from the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif. The na- tive of Twentynine Palms, Calif., will be a junior with three years to play two at NC State. Caldwell, who stands 6-3, 235 pounds, was a unanimous first-team all-conference selection in 2011 after making a team-high