North Carolina State University Athletics
Football Series, Part Three: Running Backs/Tight Ends
7/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 16, 2003
Today, Gopack.com continues its position by position breakdown of the NC State football team with a look at the running backs and tight ends.
Running Back
The Pack's much improved running game was a key to the record number of wins last season, boasting the highest rushing average (144.1 yards per game) at NC State since 1997. Leading the charge was rookie tailback T.A. McLendon (5-11, 215, So.), who set the school record with 18 rushing touchdowns and posted the second-best rushing total by a freshman in school history with 1,101 yards. McLendon was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and led the league in touchdowns, despite being hampered by injuries to both shoulders and a fractured wrist.
McLendon sat out of spring workouts after undergoing a second surgery on the wrist in March, but should be back at full speed for prefall camp.
Josh Brown (5-10, 185, *So.), who is described by his head coach as "quick as a hiccup," averaged almost four yards per carry as McLendon's backup in 2002, gaining 543 yards on 123 rushes for the season.
However, depth at the tailback position was a concern for the coaching staff in spring drills. The staff will look to Tramain Hall to shore up the tailback spot, as he gained over 1,000 yards on the ground as a senior in high school, averaging over six yards per carry. Hall will also see time at wide receiver.
"Tramain is the type of player that can be like [tight end] Sean Berton was for us last year. He is so versatile that he could give us the ability to change alignments without changing personnel."
The fullback position is one that is not utilized often in the Pack's offensive schemes, but Chance Moyer (6-3, 238, *Jr.) did see action in all 14 contests last season.
Tight End
The tight end position was a vital one for the Pack last season, and the squad will miss the sure hands and strong blocking of Sean Berton at that spot. Another senior, Joe Gray, has also completed his eligibility. But two players who saw action behind the senior in 2002 return, plus another player who redshirted.
John Ritcher (6-3, 248, *So.) was in for 154 snaps and played in all 14 games in 2002, catching just one pass, while T.J. Williams (6-4, 236, So.) played in 11 games at tight end while battling shoulder injuries through much of the season. Roddy Long (6-6, 225, *Fr.) worked with the Wolfpack scout squad last year at the tight end spot. Avery Gibson (6-2, 242, Jr.) was a starter at linebacker before fracturing his ankle midyear, but moved to tight end this spring.
Tomorrow: Offensive Line
