Senior Spotlight: Maurice Trowell

RALEIGH, N.C. - Things are a little bit different for redshirt-senior Maurice Trowell this season, his final with the Wolfpack.

After spending his entire NC State career as a wide receiver, Trowell moved to playing on the other side of the ball during spring practice. He joins the squad of defensive backs for his senior campaign.

Along with action at WR, Trowell has seen lots of action on special teams for the Wolfpack throughout his career. He has played in 34 career games during his first three seasons with the Pack, scoring three touchdowns as well.

But the 2018 season marks the first time since his pee wee football days that he has experienced game action on the defensive side of the ball.

During his career, Trowell's biggest plays as a wide out were explosive. The first touchdown of his collegiate career was a 59-yard reception against Wake Forest in 2015, and he caught an 83-yard bomb later that season against Boston College that still stands as the ninth-longest touchdown pass in program history.

What Trowell lacks in defensive experience he makes up for with natural ability that can't be taught. He has tremendous speed as one of the fastest players on the squad, and his pure athleticism and toughness will continue to suit him in his new role with the Pack.

"That's definitely helped this transition," said Trowell. "The hardest thing has been learning the technique, but I'm just continuing to use what I have and grow and learn how to be the best defensive back that I can be."

His pathway to the cornerback position may be unique, but Trowell was willing to do whatever it took to impact his team as much as he could. To him, the growing pains he has experienced in the midst of learning this new position have been worth it for the opportunity to continue making plays for a team that he loves.

"I'm just trying to do everything I can to help this team," Trowell said. "The goal is to end this final year with a bang and to make an effort to do everything right. I'm going to cherish this last year, cherish my time with the guys."

It's those guys who Trowell says have made his time at NC State so worthwhile. A native of Durham, he didn't have to go far from home to find his second family.

"My favorite part about NC State is the brotherhood, the comradery," said Trowell. "Coming out of that tunnel before a game with your family, there's nothing like it. I'd do anything to have this brotherhood and these teammates."

For Trowell, becoming a member of the Wolfpack meant more than the chance for academic opportunity or athletic success. While those aspects of NC State will always mean something to him, what means more are the people along the way who have trusted him and put their faith in him and embraced him as a part of the Wolfpack, no matter his position on the field.

"I definitely want to thank Coach Doeren for giving me the opportunity to play here," Trowell said. "A lot of people forget it, but there are so many who have put in a lot of time and work for us to be here, and I'm so thankful for that. I've been blessed to meet great people here, and my time here has been more than I could have imagined."

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