The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/947448
MARCH 2018 ■ 9 The spring is always a busy time for our staff, and this year is no different. The team did a great job in our offseason program, and I'm proud of the development of individual players. We've already started spring practice, and from the very first day, I sense an excitement due to the momentum of our program. Our goal to win a championship has not changed, but we're proud of our accomplishments last season. I've listed a few here: • Only the sixth team in school history to post nine or more victories. • Six ACC wins in 2017 tied the school record (dating back 65 years) and was the most in 23 years. • Second-place finish in the ACC Atlantic Division is NC State's highest ever. • Final No. 23 Associated Press national ranking is the highest since 2002 and first since 2010. • Two wins over teams in the top 20 when game was played. • Advanced to a fourth straight bowl game and have now won three of the past four. • Ten all-conference performers. • Three players — defensive end Bradley Chubb (consensus), H-back Jaylen Samuels and running back Nyheim Hines — were named to various All-America squads. • Chubb was selected the 2017 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the National Defensive Player of the Year. We were able to round out #Pack18 with four new signees in February after signing the bulk of the class in December. We really filled our needs with young men, who are not only talented players, but great students and individuals. Eight members of #Pack18 joined us in January and enrolled in the spring semester. We're excited that these young men will have a head start academically and athletically. I'm looking forwarded to attending the NFL Draft in April with defensive line coach Kevin Patrick. We set a school record with seven players invited to the NFL Combine this year, and I know we're going to see even more than that on NFL teams next season. Our Pro Day is on March 19, and I expect to have a bigger group of coaches, general managers and scouts than we've ever had. To be able to see these men achieve their lifelong goals is sur- real. These guys bought into the program and took us to another level. They led the way for our younger players. Their development and achievements are nothing short of amazing. We also remain committed to developing our players as students and people. Congratulations to the five players from last year's team who were named to Academic All-ACC squad: center Garrett Bradbury, punter A.J. Cole, tight end Cole Cook, quarterback Ryan Finley and kicker Carson Wise. Garrett and A.J. were also CoSIDA Academic All-District performers this year. We have a great academic support program at NC State, which is led by Katie Graham. I want to also thank Maulies Pettaway, Angela Johnson, Bryce Nogle and all of the tutors and support workers that help our student-athletes achieve their academic goals. I promise all recruits and their families great academic support when they step foot on campus. This is a great selling point for our program. I hope to see you out at our annual Kay Yow Spring Game this April 7 at 1 p.m. Our focus this spring has been to continue to develop our culture. Apple founder Steve Jobs once said, "Culture beats Strategy." Our culture will determine if our strategies can be successful. We have to stay true to our program and develop personally to continue to raise the bar. I want to be a team that no one wants to play but everyone wants to be. That is what "Hard, Tough and Together" is all about. Thank you for all of your support and Go Pack! 1Pack1Goal, Coach Doeren ■ From Head Football Coach Dave Doeren Looking Back — And Ahead