North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Bright Spots
8/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2003
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C.-Looking for some unlikely success stories from the NC State football team this season? Each and every year, there seem to be two or three players who emerge from out of nowhere to make a big impact. Last season, linebackers Manny Lawson and Pat Thomas blossomed into prime time players who were at their very best in big games at the end of the season. The same could be said of Andre Maddox, a hard-hitting rover who fit right into a defense that became the ACC's best unit. So who will be the surprise Wolfpack stars of 2003? We have a list of potential candidates.
Tailback Josh Brown--Since he was NC State's second-leading rusher last season, Brown shouldn't really qualify as an unheralded, surprise performer. But because he plays behind reigning ACC Rookie of the Year T.A. McLendon and because he's only 5-10, 185 pounds, Brown is sometimes overlooked. His head coach, however, says a back that rushed for 1,932 yards and 24 touchdowns in his senior year at Shelby's Crest High School shouldn't be underestimated.
"That kid is something, he really is," said Chuck Amato. "I can see why he had the years he had in high school because he's a tough kid. He's not big, but he's tough, and he's been really doing a good job."
Brown's 483 yards on the ground last season included a huge 60-yard burst off of a direct snap that set up NC State's lone touchdown in its 17-7 victory over Florida State.
WR Brian Clark--While Jerricho Cotchery, Richard Washington and Tramain Hall are NC State's most talked about wide receivers, Clark has quietly emerged as an impressive threat. At 6-3 and 200 pounds, he presents a big target for quarterback Philip Rivers. And with his huge hands and exceptional leaping ability, he's become adept at going up and taking the ball away in a crowd. After playing very well in the spring, Clark has continued to gain the confidence of his coaches and Rivers during the preseason.
"Brian Clark has picked up where he left off last spring," Amato said. "He's having real good practices."
DE Renaldo Moses--A 6-6, 210-pound redshirt sophomore who has a knack for making plays. Although a bit undersized, Moses often makes himself very difficult to block by using his quickness and instincts. As noted in one of Annabelle Vaughan's diaries, the Rockingham, North Carolina product got into the backfield so fast during an 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday that he virtually intercepted a handoff between quarterback and tailback. Amato said that Moses has "caught my eye."
DT John McCargo--Could make a big difference for a young, inexperienced defensive line that certainly has it's share of question marks. Redshirted last season, McCargo was named NC State's most dependable defensive lineman during spring drills. The rub here is that someone who won the Most Dependable Defensive Lineman Award is also a guy that has never played a down of college football.
"He's picked it up," said Amato. "When he gets to where he can cut it loose all the time, he'll have a great future ahead of him. He's so athletic for a guy his size."
OT/G John McKeon--At 6-5, 306 pounds, he's certainly big enough. His versatility will be a big plus for the entire offensive line. Has been pushing for playing time at both tackle and guard during the preseason.
"John McKeon is so smart he can learn a couple of positions," Amato said. "He's been banged up a little bit with an ankle but he's played his way through it. I've been really pleased with the toughness he's shown."
Like others on this list, McKeon started to establish himself during the spring when he was named the Pack's Most Improved Offensive Lineman. Also won the strength and conditioning staff's Most Improved Award for players weighing over 225 pounds back in 2001.
