The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/846301
110 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO WATCH Nyheim Hines, Jr., RB In his first two seasons at NC State, Hines did more catching than running — pulling down 63 passes for 781 yards and a score, while running 61 times for 287 yards and a touchdown. He also has 67 kickoff returns for an average of 25.4 yards. Twice he has gone the distance — as a freshman at home against No. 1 Clemson and last season in the Camping World Independence Bowl against Vanderbilt, both of them officially 100 yards. Hines' home this fall could be the backfield, where he will help replace departed 1,000-yard rusher Matthew Dayes. Head coach Dave Doeren noted that Hines is "most natural as a runner." "That's what he did in high school," Doeren said about the former Garner (N.C.) High four-star product. "He was a wildcat quarterback, he was a tailback, a returner. A lot of his big plays for us have been once he gets the ball into his hands. "Being at running back does get the ball to him quicker and guaran- tees touches, whereas if you are at receiver you are not always guaran- teed you are going to get the ball." Hines ran for 6,242 yards at Garner, going for a Wake County record of 3,140 yards as a junior and 2,362 yards in his senior campaign. He's been working on the nuances of the position, according to of- fensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz. "Nyheim has done a really good job of being a tailback and pick- ing up the protections," Drinkwitz explained. "Matt was so good at protections." Although Hines could see a heavier workload in the backfield, he will remain NC State's kickoff returner, and his role could expand on special teams. Hines is also, according to Doeren, likely to replace the departed Bra'Lon Cherry as punt returner. Just because Hines will be lining up with redshirt junior quarterback Ryan Finley in the backfield more often does not mean that he will play solely at running back. Hines was timed at 10.34 seconds in the 100-meter dash while placing third at the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships and can still be an asset lining up at slot receiver. Junior Nyheim Hines will return kickoffs and punts and line up more frequently in the back- field in 2017. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN