NC State football spring game a showcase for new quarterback, offensive coaches
A lot of eyes will be trained on the quarterbacks Saturday when N.C. State holds its spring football game at Carter-Finley Stadium, but hold off on any snap judgments
As Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said, “You really don’t choose starters coming out of the spring. You just set your depth chart for fall camp.”.
The new face will be No. 5, the lefty quarterback. That’s Brennan Armstrong, the transfer from Virginia.
Competing with him will be two QB’s that Wolfpack fans know well: MJ Morris, No. 7, and Ben Finley, No. 10.
Doeren has brought in a new offensive coordinator, Robert Anae, and line coach, Garett Tujague The Wolfpack players seem to like the new offensive system, saying it’s uptempo and gives them more freedom to make plays. although the first definitive test won’t come until Sept. 2, when the Wolfpack opens the 2023 season at Connecticut.
The spring game, which starts at 1 p.m., will match a Red team against the White. It will be played like a regular game, although with a running clock in the second half. If it does rain, they’ll still play the game.
“I know it’s not a great thing for fans, but for a football team that’s not a bad thing,” Doeren said.
One thing’s for sure: football coaches do love spring football.
“That’s what we’re in this profession to do, to help mentor these guys on the field, teach them the game,” Doeren said. “For us, this is one of our favorite times of the year.”
What to watch for Saturday:
The newbie QB
A year ago this time during spring ball, Armstrong was at Virginia, Devin Leary the returning starter for the Pack, Finley the backup QB and Morris not yet enrolled and at home in Carrollton, Georgia.
Many have assumed Armstrong’s transfer to NCSU and his reunion with Anae, once his offensive coach at Virginia, means he’s the chosen one at quarterback for 2023. Armstrong, in turn, talks about the depth at QB -- “This is a pretty dang skilled (QB) room,” he said -- and the friendly competition in the spring.
“These guys can ball, they can really ball,” Armstrong said. “They’re really skilled and can throw the ball. They’re just playmakers.”
Doeren said Thursday that Anae, who spent last year at Syracuse, has added a few new wrinkles to his offensive system, saying, “Even for Brennan, there’s been some new.”
Armstrong, who set school offensive records with Anae at Virginia in 2021, said Anae has “added some cool stuff” to the offense but smiled and added, “Obviously I’m not going to tell what.”
New energy on O-Line
Offensive tackle Anthony Belton said Tujague isn’t lacking energy or enthusiasm, which has translated to the guys on the line. Doeren has noticed it.
“Guys are playing with passion and have embraced the new system and the change,” Doeren said. “There’s a lot of new run game they’re learning, so you’re seeing that growth within the run game.”
The Pack averaged 113.8 yards rushing last season (102.8 in conference games), finishing 12th in the ACC. It’s looking for better production and more balance this season and Anae’s offensive package could provide it.
Doeren said Thursday that center Dylan McMahon has been held out the past week, which could indicate McMahon may not play the spring game.
Where’s No. 1 and No. 32?
Isaiah Moore, who wore No. 1 for the past three seasons, and Drake Thomas, No. 32, have moved on, their sights on the NFL.
“It’s weird not having them there,” senior linebacker Jaylon Scott said. “But we know how the defense is supposed to be run. It’s very linebacker friendly and gives us a lot of room to operate. It gives us room to roam and play ball the way we know how to play ball.”
Scott should open at one linebacker spot Saturday and Devon Betty should be in the middle for the first-teamers. Also getting good playing time in the game could be Caden Fordham, Jayland Parker and Kamal Bonner, young guys looking to impress.
Freshman to watch
It could be Javonte Vereen. Recruited as a tight end, the 6-4, 209-pound Havelock native could line up much like Anae used Oronte Gadsden II at Syracuse last year.
Gadsden was a handful for most teams, including N.C. State. A big target at 6-5 and 216 pounds, he had 61 grabs for 969 yards in 2022 and was named first-team All-ACC.
Doeren said Thursday that Vereen, a four-star recruit, was one of the early enrollees who played well early in spring ball, then “hit the wall” a little and needed some time off.
“The ability to maintain at this level for a period of time is challenging, but it’s normal for a young guy,” Doeren said.
This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 10:59 AM.
