North Carolina State University Athletics
Combs Could Make Life 'Harry' for the Pack
10/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
In its 27-24 victory over Duke last year, NC State's backfield was more crowded than usual. Quarterback Jamie Barnette was back there, as were tailback Ray Robinson and fullback Jeff Butler. Joining the party most of the day was Chris Combs. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that Duke's All-ACC defensive tackle 'crashed the party.'
"I think three people tried to block him last year and we haven't found anybody yet," said NC State head coach Mike O'Cain. "Chris just wore us out last year. I'm not sure how many tackles he ended up with, but he had a career day. He had sacks, hurried passes and did a little bit of everything. He's a young man that everybody has to be cognizant of."
Combs, a 6-6, 270 pound senior, is a two-time all-conference performer at a school which isn't exactly known for producing big-time defensive linemen. Most teams try to double-team the Outland Trophy candidate, but sometimes that's not possible. Blue Devils defensive coordinator Bob Trott calls for a lot of eight-man fronts, which often leave guards or centers with the thankless task of going solo on Combs.
"He has faced a lot of double-teams all year long," said Duke head coach Carl Franks. "People know he's Duke's all-time leader in tackles for losses, so he certainly gets a lot of attention. He has to expect to get double-teamed and fight through those things. With him getting double-teamed, we're tied for last in the league for sacks. Our other guys have to step-up and make some plays."
In his career, Combs has 48.5 tackles for losses, including four earlier this season against Northwestern. The Roanoke, Virginia native also has 18 career sacks.
"His quickness makes him a good player, but it's his work ethic that makes him a great player," Franks said. "He comes to practice to work hard every single day. He was a great example for our young guys over the summer showing them how they've got to prepare for a football season. As a team captain, he has a lot of influence out there on the field. He is very, very valuable to us."
NC State just hopes he has a little less influence on its backfield when the Pack faces the Blue Devils this Saturday in Durham.
"Chris Combs has given us problems every year," Wolfpack center Ryan Knudtson said. "He's an individual who never stops moving. A lot of times in pass protection, you'll hit a guy and he'll stop his feet. But with Chris Combs, he just moves and moves and moves until the play is dead."
That constant movement allowed Combs to accumulate a whopping total of eight quarterback pressures in last year's game against NC State. Perhaps the Pack should think about putting up a 'keep out' sign in its backfield this weekend.
