New NC State football offensive coordinator makes impression as spring practices begin
Kurt Roper is not new to the N.C. State football program, nor is he new to coaching an offense. He is, however, new to the Wolfpack’s offensive coordinator job. So far, he said, the transition is going well.
N.C. State held its first spring practices this week and it was the first time head coach Dave Doeren and several players discussed Roper and his new role. The early consensus: A smooth transition and the right guy for the job.
“I just felt like as a group, we needed to be able to score more points,” Doeren said this week, discussing the change from Robert Anae to Roper as offensive coordinator. “We need to play more unified football. I loved coach Anae. I loved working with him. He’s a great man and did a lot for our program. It just felt like Kurt is a unifying force over there.”
Quarterback CJ Bailey repeatedly credited Roper for his guidance as the rising sophomore was thrust into the starting role last fall after Grayson McCall’s injuries. Bailey said Roper helped him improve in all aspects of being a football player. Bailey said he spent January watching College Football Playoff games and taking notes based on things Roper taught him.
It’s one of the reasons he came back to N.C. State. Bailey agreed to return as the expected starting QB prior to the coaching change. He wanted to play under Doeren and Roper, specifically.
“I already had my mind made up. I wanted to come back to State, be with coach Doeren and coach Roper and this amazing coaching staff and team,” Bailey said. “I wasn’t worried about the outside people; whoever was talking, whoever wanted me. I wanted to be at State.”
As he prepares for Year 2 with the Wolfpack, Bailey said Tuesday that Roper’s promotion is “amazing,” and loves that his position coach will be calling plays. He believes it will help ensure everyone understands what the game plan is and elevate the offense.
“When coach Roper got the job, I was so happy,” Bailey said. “I was so happy for him, happy for this offense, for our future.”
“I’m fortunate to coach him,” Roper added. ’ve always said, as you watch back through the years, good coaches are products of really good players. He’s gives us a chance to be a good football team.”
Hollywood Smothers is also excited to see Roper step into the role. Roper and wide receivers coach Joker Phillips attended one of his prep games.
He originally committed to Oklahoma before transferring to N.C. State last season.
“It’s dope for me, honestly, especially (because) he was somebody that recruited me coming out of high school,” Smothers said. “He’s somebody that brings the right energy to this team, and that’s fiery on the offensive side of the ball. It’s a great thing. I’m excited.”
Roper said Thursday the spring schedule will be focused on schematic installations, increasing its pace of play, and finding the best players for the two-deep.
“It’s obviously a learning process for these guys, but they’re trying to play fast,” Roper said. “They’re trying to play with a sense of urgency, and trying to get fundamentally better every day. It’s a good start. It’s two days, but it’s a good start.”
Roper, who joined the Wolfpack staff in 2019, is the second new coordinator this season. DJ Eliot was hired as the defensive coordinator.
“I like the fact that both of my coordinators have chips on their shoulders,” Doeren said. “At one time, they were both guys that were really hot in the business, and sometimes things happen and you’ve got to work your way back up. They want to prove themselves, just like I do our players do, and I like that about them.
“I just felt like it was the right move at the right time for the team for what we’re trying to get done.”
