North Carolina State University Athletics
Gary Hahn's Scouting Report
8/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 28, 2003
No. 13 NC STATE (0-0) vs. WESTERN CAROLINA (0-0)
DATE: Saturday, August 30, 2003
TIME: Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. (EDT) Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC (53,800)
RADIO: Wolfpack Capitol Sports Network. AIRTIME: 5:00 p.m. (EDT)
TELEVISION: None
OPPONENT--In its first season under Kent Briggs, a former NC State assistant coach, Western Carolina won two of its last three games to finish at 5-6. Using a "Clemson-type offense", the Catamounts led the Southern Conference in passing with 243.5 yards per game, a total which ranked 26th nationally. However, WCU rushed for only 127 yards a contest.
Two quarterbacks shared playing time a year ago and one of them is back. Senior Brian Gaither (6-3, 220) started five games and threw for 1,031 yards and five touchdowns. He also came off the bench to lead WCU to a come-from-behind win at The Citadel. However, with Gaither as the lone starter this season, the Cats offense looks to be more balanced. An improved running game was needed and that has been an emphasis since spring practice. It is expected that the WCU offensive will have more of a NC State look.
Tailback, Manny DeShauteurs (5-7, 205, Sr.) who ran for 606 yards last season, is back, but there is not much depth at fullback. Junior, Scooter Dalton and sophomore John Bush probably won't play against NC State according to Briggs. Both have knee injuries. Senior linebacker, Johnta Philyaw, will start Saturday's game at fullback after playing that position last season.
Although WCU lost three of its top four pass catchers from a year ago, the cupboard is not completely empty. The Cats return Lamont Seward (5-11, 200, Sr.) their No. 2 receiver in each of the last three years as well as junior Michael Reeder and sophomore Xavier Goddard. That trio combined for 63 catches last season. Also back is All-SoCon tight end, Todd Bargella (6-5, 260, Sr.).
The offensive line returns three starters, led by preseason All-America selection, Jason Whaley (6-3, 275, Sr.). Whaley, who can play tackle and guard, was All-SoCon last season and also earned three academic awards. There is also depth on the offensive front as WCU rotated two offensive line units last season.
Defensively, the Catamounts, have two dominant players on the line, athletic linebackers and depth at cornerback. The gang up-front features two of the top ends in the Southern Conference. Last season, Michale Spicer (6-3, 260, Sr.) ranked among the nation's Top-10 in tackles for loss and sacks. His 26 TFLs shattered the WCU single-season record and was impressive enough for Southern Conference coaches to name him as the 2003 preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Nick McNeil (6-3, 245, Sr.) is a two-time All-SoCon pick and had 77 tackles last season. However, the defensive tackle spots are one of WCU's biggest question marks. The most experienced of that group is Luis Herron (6-3, 290, So.) who has the physical tools to be an impact player. Spicer, McNeil and Herron have been battling preseason injuries, but all three should play against the Wolfpack.
Leading a very athletic linebacker unit is one of the top defender in the Southern Conference. Rod Dunlap (6-2, 235, Sr.) led the Cats with 101 tackles. The All-SoCon pick also recorded 18 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries.
Last year's secondary was decimated by injuries. That situation gave several players an opportunity for valuable on-the-job training and also resulted in a deeper defensive backfield for this season. Currently, cornerback is the deepest position on the WCU defense. B. J Jessup (5-9, 165, Sr.), who missed eight games due to injury last season, is the leader of that unit. Highly touted redshirt freshman, Bruce Lee (5-9, 155) will start at the other corner. Sophomore safety, Lamont Reid, pressed into service due to injuries, finished with 44 tackles and started four games.
Special teams should be solid. The Catamounts return their placekicker, punter, deep snapper and top two kickoff returners. Stanton Horne (5-10, 185, Sr.) was 26th nationally in punting last season (40.0 ypp.). Chris Vought (5-11, 165, Sr.) made 10 of 17 field goal attempts in 2002. He was 4 of 9 from beyond 40 yards. Goddard returned 21 kicks for a 23.7-yard average including a 90-yarder for a touchdown against Appalachian State.
In addition to Briggs, two other Western Carolina coaches will make their return to Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday. Offensive coordinator, Todd Varn, was a runningback for the Wolfpack from 1986-89 while Rodney Redd, who coaches the Catamounts runningbacks, was a NC State defensive back from 1995-98.
INJURIES--NC State: WR Jerricho Cotchery-Questionable, shoulder; WR Andy Bertrand-Questionable, groin; OL Brian Archis-Out, shoulder; OT Chris Colmer-Probable, brachial plexus; OT Derrick Morris-Doubtful, broken toe; C Kalani Heppe-Questionable; ankle; C Brandon Sanders-Questionable, ankle. Western Carolina:OT Wendell Singletary-Out, knee; FB Scooter Dalton-Out, knee; FB John Bush-Doubtful, knee; DE Michale Spicer-Probable, ankle.
