North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Football Prospectus: Offensive Line
6/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 16, 2004
Even with the departure of Sean Locklear, NC State could reap the benefits from one of its most experienced offensive lines in years. Chris Colmer (6-6, 325, *Gr.) had been the top grader and blocker on the line before being diagnosed with a rare medical problem, Parsonage Turner Syndrome, during 2003 preseason camp. If he is able to come back after missing a whole year, he will provide a huge boost at left tackle. James Newby (6-5, 281, *So.) was the starter at that spot this spring while Colmer sat out and has shown great promise after completely reshaping his body in his first two years.
Merci Falaise (6-5, 305, Jr.), a junior college All-American transfer who joined the team this spring, will also battle for time at left tackle.
The other tackle position will be manned by mammoth Derek Morris (6-6, 340, So.), who bench pressed 500 pounds during the offseason conditioning program. Morris played in the last six games of 2003, starting the last five contests. Jon Holt (6-6, 277, *So.) is slated as the backup at left tackle.
"We are really hoping that Chris Colmer is able to come back and play," said Amato, "not just because we need him, but because he wants it so badly. He was an all-conference-caliber player two years ago and hopefully will be able to return to that level.
"Derek Morris seems to get better every time he touches the field and with his experience, should be a big force ... literally! James Newby has made big, big strides. He is very athletic and is getting stronger and tougher. He could very well be in our starting five."
Leroy Harris (6-3, 295, *So.) earned freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News and the Football Writers Association last season, when he started every game and led the team in "Raleigh Rails," which involves driving the defender back at least five yards. Harris will man the left guard position, while former defensive lineman Ricky Fowler (6-2, 316, *Sr.) hopes to be completely recovered from offseason knee surgery and could get the nod on the right side. John McKeon (6-5, 300, *Jr.) started 10 games at tackle last season in Colmer's spot, but moved to guard for the bowl win and stayed at the position in the spring. He should battle Fowler for playing time.
"We have solid players at the guard spots and although some of them are still young, they now have good experience," said Amato.
Jed Paulsen (6-2, 290, Sr.), a candidate for the 2004 Rimington Trophy, has been the Wolfpack's starting center for the past two seasons and provides a solid anchor for the line. Kalani Heppe (6-4, 270, *Fr.) redshirted last season, but should provide solid depth.
"Jed Paulsen has been one of the most underrated players on our team the last couple of years," said Amato. "He is definitely one of the leaders of this offense."
Tomorrow's breakdown will preview the wide receivers.
The NC State Football Prospectus was prepared by Annabelle Vaughan, NC State's Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations.
