North Carolina State University Athletics
2000 Fall Outlook
3/8/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
OVERVIEW
Lettermen Returning: 36
Lettermen Lost: 20
There are many new sights and sounds around NC State football these days, as the first season of the new millennium draws near. A new head coach will command the sidelines to start the 21st century, as Chuck Amato returns to his Wolfpack roots. The coaching staff is almost entirely new, with three coaches coming from programs ranked in the top 10 of last year's final poll, two coming from the NFL ranks and one coming from a head coaching position. After four years with the same quarterback calling the signals, a new field general will stand behind center in 2000. Even the uniforms will be new, as the Wolfpack football squad will go back to displaying the traditional block "S" logo after 14 years.
But the "new" element that will be most obvious when the Wolfpack takes the field this season will be a new attitude. After just a few short weeks of practice in the spring, Amato and his new staff instituted a more aggressive, faster-paced style of play. Collectively, the team lost well over 500 pounds in the offseason conditioning program, while almost every player gained strength.
The new attitude will be an aggressive one, as Amato sums up his style of football in one word. "Attack. That's what we want to do in all phases of the game - offensively, defensively and kicking. If we can take the initiative and be aggressive first, we are already one step ahead. We might not have the personnel to be aggressive at every position yet, but we can sure have an aggressive attitude."
OFFENSE (Multiple)
Starters Returning: 5
If the Wolfpack's coaching staff is any indication of what the offense will look like in the year 2000, NC State fans better buckle their seat belts. Amato brought in coaches from high-octane offenses such as Brigham Young, West Virginia and Marshall and also hired a coach who has directed some of the most successful running backs in school history.
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Norm Chow comes to NC State after 22 years at BYU, where he coached six of top the 12 career passing efficiency leaders in NCAA history, including Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon and Steve Young. Chow's Cougar squads hold 11 of the top 30 single-season passing-yardage totals in NCAA history.
Chow was forced to start from scratch at the quarterback position, as several young players vie for the job vacated by four-year starter Jamie Barnette. Barnette finished his illustrious career as the record-holder in almost every single-game, single-season and career passing category and ranks second in ACC history in passing and total offense.
Freshman Philip Rivers (6-5, 221, Fr.) is listed as the top QB heading into fall camp. The son of a high school coach, Rivers graduated from high school in December and joined the Pack for spring drills, completing 50 percent of his pass attempts and throwing six touchdowns to just one interception in spring scrimmages. Rivers fractured a finger on his throwing hand and underwent surgery the day before the spring game, but should be back at full strength in August.
Jatavis Sanders (6-0, 178, So.) served as Barnette's backup in 1999 and is the only one of the trio with any game experience. Sanders saw action in five contests, completing nine of his 17 pass attempts for 165 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Olin Hannum (6-1, 190, Jr.) threw for 3,378 yards in his two years at Snow Junior College, and will also join the quarterback race this fall.
"You hate to have a freshman at quarterback, but Philip is a very mature young man," said Amato. "He picked up the system very quickly mentally and he made good decisions. I think he has the potential to do some good things at NC State.
"Philip is our starter right now, but we're going to have competition this fall. Jatavis Sanders has begun to grasp our offense well, and Olin Hannum may be able to come in and pick up on everything quickly and jump in the mix as well."
Dick Portee, who coached running backs at NC State from 1990-98, has returned to the Wolfpack after a year with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Portee's backfield unit will be headlined by tailback Ray Robinson (5-10, 198, Jr.), who won ACC Rookie of the Year honors for Portee in 1998 and ranked fourth in the league in rushing as a freshman. Robinson was slowed by knee and ankle injuries in 1999, missing two complete games and starting only four, yet he has still compiled 1,260 yards in his two-year career and is close to moving onto the Wolfpack career rushing leaders list. He showed that he was back to form in the spring, as the coaching staff named him the offense's most valuable performer.
Also listed in the backfield will be sophomores K.J. Stone (5-11, 190, *So.) and Carlos Doggett (5-10, 207, *So.). Stone was the starting tailback in the season opener last season and played in five games before suffering a knee injury versus Clemson. He gained 81 yards on 21 carries before the season-ending injury and surgery to reconstruct his ACL. He missed spring practice, but hopes to be ready for fall workouts. Doggett worked at fullback and tailback last season, seeing game action at both positions.
"Ray really had a good spring," continued Amato. "We were very impressed with his ability and his drive. He stayed healthy, which helped him get his confidence back. Carlos Doggett has some running ability and we look forward to seeing him improve as he gets more carries. K.J. Stone has made great strides in his rehab, so we'll have to see how he progresses."
Two players who saw frequent action last season return for the Wolfpack at the fullback spot. Derek Roberts (6-1, 234, *Sr.), who converted from linebacker in the spring of 1999, was the starter in 10 games, gaining 43 yards on 11 carries. Cotra Jackson (5-11, 213, So.) also played in every game, seeing increased action as the season progressed. The tandem carried the ball just 15 times in 1999, and tallyied 30 knockdown blocks between them.
"We've got to develop some consistency at the fullback position," said Amato. "Both Derek Roberts and Cotra Jackson got some experience last season, and should continue to improve."
The Wolfpack football squad has been known for its fleet-footed wide receivers over the past decade, and the 2000 squad should carry on that tradition for new coach Doc Holliday. The group looks promising thus far, but with three freshmen, two sophomores and a senior making up the corps, the position could experience some growing pains.
Koren Robinson (6-2, 203, *So.), the 1999 ACC Rookie of the Year, leads a young wideout corps that gained valuable experience last season. He started the last six games of his rookie season, gaining over 100 yards in five of those six contests. His 853 yards on 48 receptions ranked sixth and seventh respectively on the Wolfpack single-season charts and he joined former consensus All-American Torry Holt as one of just two players in school history to post four consecutive 100-yard receiving games.
Bryan Peterson (5-10, 189, So.) also saw a great deal of action at wide receiver during his freshman campaign, starting four contests. Peterson pulled down 21 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns, with 19 of those grabs coming in the last seven games of the season.
Freshman James Walker (6-0, 186, Fr.) was named one of the Pack's most improved wide receivers during spring drills, and was singled out by Amato for his toughness after he broke his jaw in the spring scrimmage and continued to play.
Eric Leak (5-8, 185, *Sr.), who saw action at tailback and wide receiver last season, is listed at wideout heading into fall camp. Leak rushed for 67 yards and caught seven passes for a gain of 71 yards in 1999.
Two players who redshirted the 1999 season, Elliott London (5-7, 162, *Fr.) and Craig Moody (6-0, 180, *Fr.), will also battle for playing time.
"We've got some good players, but we don't have a lot of experience at the wide receiver position," Amato said. "Koren Robinson made some big plays last year and has a lot of ability, and Eric Leak is a veteran in that group.
"James Walker has us excited. He's a tough kid and he's so willing to do what we ask him to do. Bryan Peterson was hurt during spring, but we've seen that he's a tough, hard-working kid in our offseason program."
Tight end coach Curt Cignetti will have a full slate of returning tight ends, as three players who saw frequent action last season will be back for 2000. In addition, Willie Wright (6-4, 220, *So.), who did not play last season, showed great potential in the spring.
Andy Vanderveer (6-4, 232, *So.), who was the starter in every contest of 1999, scored touchdowns on 25 percent of his catches (four of 12) and tallied 42 knockdown blocks. Tramayne Simmons (6-2, 242, *Sr.) saw increased action towards the end of the season, catching six passes, while Joe Gray (6-4, 234, *So.) saw action in eight contests. Paul Whittaker (6-7, 258, *Jr.) is also listed at the tight end spot.
"We've got a lot of tight ends, but none of them has more than a year's experience at the position," Amto said. "Joe Gray has some ability, but he's young and inexperienced. We're really excited about Willie Wright. He catches the ball well and then has the quickness and speed to do something with it."
The offensive line was the area most depleted following the 1999 season, as four of five starters completed their eligibility. Offensive line coach Marty Galbraith will be forced to utilize the talents of several young, inexperienced players.
Tackle Jarvis Borum (6-7, 323, *Sr.) is the only starter returning on the Pack O-line for 2000 and after dropping almost 30 pounds should be much more mobile. "Big Earth" started all 12 games at left tackle last season and was in on 765 snaps, more than any other offensive player. He posted the top coaches' grade for an offensive lineman in three contests.
"Jarvis Borum is a hard worker and he's pretty athletic for such a big guy," said Amato. "He's lost about 30 pounds and completely redone his body. He has done everything we've asked him to do and that paid off for him this spring."
Scott Kooistra (6-6, 304, So.) saw limited action at tackle in 1999, but could fight for a starting job this spring.
Both starting guards and their top backup were all seniors in 1999, leaving several reserves who combined for just 44 snaps in 1999. However, 1998 starter Alex Rice (6-4, 300, *Sr.), who missed last season after undergoing cervical surgery, has been cleared to return for the upcoming season. Rice was in for 781 snaps in 1998. Tim Turner (6-6, 306, *So.), who saw limited action at tackle last year, moved to guard in the spring.
Chris Colmer (6-5, 293, *Fr.) redshirted last season with a shoulder injury, but performed well enough in spring drills to be listed as a starter at guard heading into fall camp.
Keegan Weir (6-5, 282, *Jr.) was the starting center in the 1999 season opener, but fractured his leg early in the game and did not return until the Georgia Tech contest. He was back at full strength for spring workouts. Derek Green (6-3, 259, *So.) started four contests at the center slot and could battle for playing time this fall.
"After Borum, we don't have much experience on the offensive line," Amato continued. "Keegan Weir got hurt early last season, and even though Alex Rice played a good bit two years ago, we haven't seen him play. But he's been in the war, so that means something. We've got to make progress very quickly on the offensive line if we're going to have any success in 1999."
DEFENSE (4-3)
Starters Returning: 10 (includes one starter from 1998)
Defensive coordinator Buddy Green was known for fielding hard-hitting, swarming defenses during his first stint at NC State, and looks for the same caliber of performance that had his squads rank among the national leaders in several defensive categories in the early 1990s.
The Pack lost just three starters off the squad that ranked fourth in the ACC in total defense last season. A starter from 1998 is back, however, giving the Pack 10 returning starters on defense.
Defensive line coach Cary Godette will have several experienced players returning at the end and tackle positions. Jeff Fisher (6-1, 280, *Sr.), the strongest player on the 2000 squad, started 11 games at nose tackle last fall. He was named the Pack's most improved lineman following spring workouts, and also won one of the leadership awards. Darius Bryant (6-1, 282, *Jr.), who has played in 21 games over the past two seasons, is pencilled in at the nose tackle position.
Coaches will look for more consistency from Nate Goodson (6-2, 262, *Jr.), who started all 12 games last season and tallied 62 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, while playing 505 snaps. Jerrick Hall (6-1, 280, So.), who was slowed with an ankle injury at midseason, played in nine contests as a rookie.
"Jeff Fisher was a pleasant surprise for us this spring. He showed some leadership and set a good example. He worked hard and extended himself. He made Coach Godette very happy. Darius Bryant also had a good spring and showed some consistency.
"Nate Goodson has the ability and could be the best of the group, but he's got to show us that he's willing to do what it takes. Jerrick Hall is another player who has reshaped his body and should be able to take his game up a notch as a result. He improved as the spring went along, but still has a long way to go."
At defensive end, Drew Wimsatt (6-4, 244, *So.), who sat out last season after transferring, is listed as a starter after a solid spring outing. Brian Jamison (6-2, 230, Jr.), a disruptive force on the defense last season, started seven games at end in 1999. Jamison set what is an NC State and possibly an ACC record with four caused fumbles in the win over South Carolina and forced five miscues for the season, the seventh-best mark in school history.
Corey Smith (6-2, 245, *Jr.) is pencilled in at the other end position. Smith has been hampered by injuries throughout his career, but has played in every game of the last two seasons. He posted a solid performance this spring after time in 1999 with a broken ankle. George Anderson (6-0, 231, *So.), who was in for over 300 snaps in 1999, will work at the position as well.
"Corey Smith and Drew Wimsatt both has solid springs," said Amato. "Brian Jamison has the ability, but needs to show some consistency as well. George Anderson made progress during the spring, and at times really played well."
Linebacker coach Joe Pate actually has four starters returning to fill three linebacker positions in 2000, including two who were ranked on the preliminary Butkus list for 1999. Clayton White (6-0, 225, *Sr.), a '99 preseason Butkus nominee, is the most experienced member of the linebacking corp. White, who has started 25 of his 34 career games, currently ranks third on the Wolfpack career tackles for loss list with 28, including a team-high 16 in 1999. He moved from the weakside to the strong side during spring workouts. William Pannell (6-3, 228, *Jr.) started nine contests last season when the Pack started out in a 3-4 alignment and will back up White.
Levar Fisher (6-1, 223, Jr.) has been a demon on the strong side over the past two years, tallying 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and nine quarterback pressures in 1999. In the win over Clemson, he registered five quarterback knockdowns. Fisher moved to the weak side during spring drills, where he won the "Big Hitter" award from the coaches. Corey Lyons (5-11, 196, Jr.), who saw increased action from scrimmage over the course of last season, and was a permanent member of the special teams, should battle for playing time.
In 1998, Edrick Smith (6-0, 234, *So.) had more tackles than any Wolfpack freshman since 1987 with 94 stops. He was named to the preliminary Butkus Award list for 1999 after finishing second (behind teammate Ray Robinson) in the 1998 ACC Rookie of the Year balloting. But in the season opener at Texas, Smith tore his MCL, missed the rest of the season and spring workouts. With Smith down, rookie Dantonio Burnette (5-10, 220, So.), known by his teammates as "Thunder Dan," stepped into the starter's role, and finished the season ranked second on the team in tackles with 123, breaking Smith's freshman record.
"Clayton White has really show good leadership, which we need," Amato continued. "We will count on that with a young defense this fall. Levar Fisher is a really good player, who shows the aggression that we want to see. Dantonio Burnette is not real tall, but he's tough and he works hard.
"If we can get Edrick Smith back from his injury and ready to play, we've got a solid two-deep with more experience at linebacker than any other position."
The defensive secondary will see the most changes in 2000, as Green and secondary coach Chris Demarest must find replacements for All-American cornerback Lloyd Harrison and his sidekick, second-team All-ACC performer Tony Scott. Several young players will fight for the starting jobs at cornerback and for playing time.
Speedy J.J. Washington (5-7, 179, *Fr.), who redshirted last season, and Julius Patterson (5-10, 180, So.), who began his rookie season as a defensive back but moved to wide receiver for six games due to injuries at that position, will work at corner as well.
Anthony Cason (5-10, 182, *Jr.) is the most experienced cornerback on the roster with 21 games to his credit. Marcus Ellerbe (5-7, 179, So.), who saw limited action from scrimmage last season, will also fight for playing time at corner.
"As a coach, it's very scary to have those young players at cornerback," said Amato. "That position will be one of the most critical points for us this fall because we're young and untested. Julius Patterson and J.J. Washington both improved during the spring and Marcus Ellerbe really showed progress. The only bright spot is that we should have some great competition at the position this fall."
Both starting safeties, who combined for 235 tackles last season, return for the 2000 campaign. Brian Williams (6-0, 200, Jr.), the Wolfpack's leading tackler last season with 131 stops, returns at the free safety spot, where he will be backed up by special teams demon Terrence Holt (6-2, 202, *So.). Holt blocked two kicks in the season opener at Texas and was in for 53 snaps from scrimmage.
Adrian Wilson (6-3, 214, Jr.) is the returning starter at strong safety, after tying for third on the team in tackles with 104 in 1999. Wilson was named the most valuable performer on defense during spring workouts, as he led the team in tackles during scrimmages. Quenton Allen (6-2, 196, *Fr.), who redshirted in 1999, will work behind Wilson.
"Adrian Wilson had an outstanding spring," said Amato. "He's a linebacker playing safety. His attitude was great and he followed through on everything we asked him to do. He and Brian Williams are two good-looking young men who can run and hit, which is exactly what you need your safeties to do.
"Terrence Holt was hurt through most of spring, but he showed a lot of toughness. We think he can really be productive for us. Quenton Allen is still very, very young, but has potential."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starters Returning: 1
Kent Passingham (5-9, 178, Sr.) served as placekicker last season, connecting on 9-of-14 field-goal attempts and 25 of 27 PATs. Bobby Moore (5-10, 203, So.), who handled the kickoff duties last season, returns, while G.L. Woodard (5-9, 236, *Fr.), who redshirted the 1999 campaign, should be the Pack's long snapper this spring.
Austin Herbert (5-10, 200, Fr.) comes to NC State with impressive credentials as a punter and placekicker, but the Wolfpack staff hopes that he can concentrate on one or two phases of the kicking game.
"We don't want to put too much of a burden on Austin Herbert, but he has a great deal of promise, Amato concluded. "Hopefully he can handle our kickoffs and punts. Kent Passingham was our most consistent placekicker this spring, and if he can be consistent, he may be able to handle that spot."
