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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett takes a quick off-season look at the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page
2009 Recap - A 3-1 start which included a win over Pittsburgh was squandered by a winless-October, a stretch where the Wolfpack lost to Wake Forest, Duke, Boston College and Florida State in consecutive weeks. NC State rebounded to top Maryland and archrival North Carolina to finish the year, but losing six of their last eight games kept the Wolfpack out of the postseason for the second time in three years. On the season, State scored over 30 points per game. Problem was, they allowed over 31.
Biggest Strength - If junior baseball prospect and All-ACC candidate Russell Wilson plays this fall, it's the quarterback position. Otherwise, NC State has a very impressive collection of wide receivers. Senior Owen Spencer led the nation in yards per reception as he caught 30 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns, an astounding 25.5 yards per catch. Fellow senior Jarvis Williams led the league in touchdown grabs with eleven. He is one of just five ACC wideouts since 2003 to reach double digits in touchdown receptions. Yet another senior, Darrell Davis, had 25 catches a year ago. Tight end Georgie Bryan had 40 receptions as a sophomore. Whether it's Wilson or Mike Glennon under center, there will be multiple talented options on the perimeter.
Biggest Question - Outside of Wilson, who again remains an unknown x-factor, NC State must replace four senior starters along the offensive line and two senior tailbacks. Will the Wolfpack be able to run the football? Senior Jake Vermiglio, 6'5'', 315, is the lone returning starter up front. The most difficult player to replace may be center Ted Larsen, a multi-year starter. Blue-chip recruits Robert Crisp and Tyson Chandler will likely figure into the mix right away. With Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene gone, sophomore Brandon Barnes is the team's leading returning rusher. He ran for 79 yards a year ago. If Wilson enters the MLB Draft, concerns regarding the running game will obviously become more pressing.
Top Returnee, Offense - Russell Wilson, QB
Top Returnee, Defense - Nate Irving, LB
Rising Star - J.R. Sweezy, DT
Newcomer to Watch - Robert Crisp, OL
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