2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Jay Davis has spent two quiet years at NC State, but now, that changes. He faces the unenviable task of replacing Phillip Rivers who was not only one of the most prolific passers in the history of college football, but he was the heart and soul of Wolfpack football. Davis does not possess anywhere near the physical tools that Rivers had and used so well. He is not as big or strong, nor does he have the arm strength. State's chances for success largely rest on how quickly Davis can acclimate himself to the job, and how quickly the offense adjusts to a new leader. Backup Marcus Stone is built more in the Rivers mold but with quicker feet. The starting job belongs to Davis, however, unless he completely crashes and burns.

Running Back
NC State will feature the running game more than in recent years, and they have the talented runners to make it work. T. A. McLendon could emerge as a Heisman candidate and will be the focus of the offense. McLendon can do it all - run between the tackles, break outside for long gains, catch passes, and block. The only obstacle he has problems with is his own health. His absences were a problem in prior years; subsequently, any lengthy inactivity for McLendon in 2004 would be disastrous for the Pack. Tramain Hall will see more carries in addition to his receiving duties. He is a breakaway threat every time he touches the ball. Josh Brown is the backup, but has neither the strength nor speed to make a big impact. The runners do not usually feature a fullback, so play-calling and blocking schemes will primarily have to open up the holes. Two-back Wolfpack sets often morph into three-WR alignments…

Wide Receiver
…therefore Tramain Hall will spend at least half of his time split out from the backfield and will be the go-to guy in the passing game. If Sterling Hicks can shake the injury bug, he, too, will be a dangerous deep threat. He is currently rehabbing a blown-out ACL. Brian Clark has the speed to stretch defenses and the height to be an effective possession receiver. Richard Washington will also be an important part of the short passing game if he, for other reasons, can stay on the field (suspended twice and injured in '03). The Wolfpack has a talented group of receivers, but they don't stack up to corps in recent years. They are inexperienced and have durability issues. Someone will have to step up to force defenses away from Hall.

Tight End
T. J. Williams is a strong blocker who made some big catches in 2003. Out of necessity, he will be even more involved in the passing game this year. Backup John Richter is primarily a blocker in two tight end formations.

Offensive Line
Here lies the hope for continued productivity from the offense. The Wolfpack has a talented, veteran group that has been successful in both protecting the passer and opening holes for their runners. They have been well tested since Rivers was virtually immobile and their running backs are not big enough to force their way through a stacked line. Senior center Jed Paulsen anchors the line, and the newest starter, huge tackle Derek Morris, has an upside almost as big as his body. There will be more emphasis on run-blocking this year, and they will have to worry about protecting an inexperienced quarterback, but this group will be up to the task.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The Wolfpack's offense will need to find a new identity in 2004. After four years of Phillip Rivers, it is time to get back to basics and focus more on the running game. Fortunately, in McLendon they have one of the best backs in the nation. NC State also has a strong, experienced line that will punch holes for their backs to scoot through and keep their new quarterback upright. There is still a huge void of leadership to fill, and only time will tell if Jay Davis is up to the task. He won't be able to carry the team on his back, but the Wolfpack at least need him to steer the offense in the right direction and make some plays.

Defensive Line
End Mario Williams became an impact player immediately as a freshman in 2003. His unusual combination of height (6'7") and speed make him dangerous even when he does not get penetration. Williams does get into opponents backfields fairly often, as does fellow-sophomore tackle John McCargo. Both players pressure quarterbacks and in '03 both reached double-figure-totals in tackles behind the line. The other starters, Dwayne Herndon and Maurice Charles, possess good physical tools but have yet to show they are playmakers. State needs to generate a more consistent pass rush from the line this season and force opposing quarterbacks into some mistakes. Similarly, allowing opponents an average of 3.8 yards per run becomes a stat not to be repeated.

Linebacker
Senior Pat Thomas leads the Wolfpack's linebacker corps. Thomas is State's best pass rusher, plays well in coverage, and is a sure tackler. Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay has excellent speed and excels in pass coverage. He scored two touchdowns vs. Connecticut in '03. Oliver Hoyte becomes a full time starter. He has a good nose for the ball but needs to get stronger to handle the middle. This unit's achievements will mirror the entire defenses quality-level.

Defensive Back
NC State features four senior starters in their defensive backfield. On a team that surrendered nearly 300 yards per game passing last season, having everyone back could be a mixed blessing. Rover back Andre Maddox has led the Pack in tackles the past two seasons, and is outstanding in bringing a ball carrier down one-on-one. He is the most aggressive player in the secondary. Corner Lamont Reid is a decent cover man. That's all the positives among State's defensive backs. They intercept very few passes and don't even break up that many. The secondary often plays passively and needs to radically change that mindset to have any hope of being effective.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
How many times in '03 did a stellar performance by Phillip Rivers and the offense get wasted because the Wolfpack defense couldn't stop the other team? I'm sure coach Chuck Amato would tell everyone it happened far too often. For a coach with a defensive background, he has not recently fielded a very good unit. Perhaps, finally realizing it was too difficult being head coach and defensive coordinator, Amato has brought in veteran coach Reggie Herring to take over the defense. He has some talent to work with, but needs to establish a toughness and aggressiveness in his players that has been sorely missing.