North Carolina State University Athletics
Spring Football Game: What to Watch
4/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 2, 2004
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C.-For four years now, NC State football coach Chuck Amato has frequently used the words "depth" and "speed" to characterize the two key attributes he would most like his NC State football teams to possess. More than at any other time during Amato's tenure, the Wolfpack is closer to that ideal scenario. When fans gather for Saturday's annual game at Carter-Finley Stadium, they'll see a Pack squad that truly is faster and deeper than it has been in the past. Admission to the scrimmage, which begins at 1:00 p.m., is free.
What to Watch on Saturday:
The Defensive Ends: Anyone for a game of "meet me to the quarterback?" In Mario Williams and Manny Lawson, NC State undoubtedly features two of the fastest ends in the country. When Lawson came in as a freshman linebacker two years ago, Amato said he might be the fastest player on the team. Now that he'll be playing opposite Williams on the defensive line, the Wolfpack will have two athletes who have the potential to terrorize opposing offensive tackles.
Pass Protection: It has sometimes been a problem during the spring primarily because the Pack doesn't have its full offensive line in tact. The loss of steady senior Sean Locklear, combined with the physical setbacks sustained by tackle Chris Colmer and veteran guard Ricky Fowler, has created a dearth of experience. Derek Morris, slated to start at right tackle, is also out with a lower abdominal strain. The future status of Colmer (Parsonage Turner Syndrome) and Fowler (ACL) remains uncertain, meaning offensive line coach Mike Barry may need to fill some major holes when fall camp begins. On the positive side, guard Leroy Harris and tackle James Newby have continued to impress during the spring.
Quarterback: After splitting reps equally with Marcus Stone throughout the spring, Jay Davis will likely be the No. 1 quarterback by default in Saturday's scrimmage. Stone, the highly-touted redshirt freshman from Pennsylvania, won't be available after injuring the middle finger on his throwing hand during Thursday's practice. Davis and Stone, of course, have been competing for the right to succeed Philip Rivers who, ironically enough, missed his first spring game due to a broken throwing hand.
Deep Snapper: Perhaps NC State's most underappreciated player the last four years has been long snapper Danny Young, who was a virtual machine on punts and kickoffs. Centers on punts and field goals are only noticed when they either snap the ball over a punter's head or roll one back to the holder on a field goal attempt. It may be a compliment to say that Young went unnoticed (except by the coaching staff) during his amazingly consistent career with the Wolfpack. The favorite to fill his shoes is junior William Lee.
Depth at Linebacker: There's that word "depth" that Amato likes to use. Lawson's move to defensive end is perhaps the best testament to NC State's overall depth at the linebacker spots. Veterans Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay (out this spring with an arm injury), Pat Thomas and Oliver Hoyte have played a lot of football the last few years. Throw in youngsters like Stephen Tulloch, Patrick Lowery and Ernest Jones, and you have the makings of a very competitive situation. Of all the players mentioned above, the energetic and explosive Tulloch may have the best chance of really raising some eyebrows around the ACC next season.
Speed to Burn in Secondary: Run, Forrest, Run. Actually, Forrest Gump can't possible hold a candle to NC State's speedy corners and safeties. Marcus Hudson, an outstanding cover corner two years ago, is now roaming around at free safety. Tall, rangy and fast, Hudson could be a perfect compliment to All-ACC rover Andre Maddox. Amato has been particularly pleased with corners Lamont Reid, A.J. Davis and Dovonte Edwards. Edwards, a converted wide receiver, has had a tremendous spring. Miguel Scott, Jimmie Sutton and Garland Heath also have a chance to become major impact players in the secondary.
The following players will not play on Saturday due to injuries: TE T.J. Williams, DE James Martin, LB Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, OT Derek Morris, WR Sterling Hicks, OT Chris Colmer, G Ricky Fowler and QB Marcus Stone.
