5 players NC State could use big performances from at UConn
When NC State kicks off its season Thursday night on the road against UConn, it will do so with 40 new players on the roster. Despite the significant turnover, there are still quite a few familiar faces alongside the newcomers who could play big roles in determining the outcome of this matchup.
Disregarding quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who will obviously have the ball in his hands the most this week, here are a few high-impact players for the UConn game.
This is not a projection of the five best players in the season-opening showdown, and it more so serves as an indicator of who could swing the game in favor of the Pack.
5 players who could decide NC State’s matchup vs. UConn
Redshirt-sophomore offensive lineman Anthony Carter Jr.
Due Lyndon Cooper’s expected absence from the starting lineup with an injury, Anthony Carter Jr. slots into the starting lineup. This will be his second consecutive game in the first unit after last year’s Dukes Mayo Bowl. He recorded a PFF Grade of 51.4 in that matchup, with 64.0 considered average.
UConn has a stout defensive line, and I expect the Huskies to draw up some creative ways to challenge the most inexperienced member of the Wolfpack front.
TheWolfpacker.com heard recently that Carter has been one of the hardest working members of the team this offseason. If that improvement shows Thursday, then NC State should be in good shape.
Graduate student kicker Brayden Narveson
Christopher Dunn left a very high bar for Brayden Narveson, but the graduate transfer kicker is ready to meet those expectations. He finished his career at Western Kentucky after hitting 51 of 64, and the specialist made an all-conference team twice.
NC State relied a lot on Dunn’s leg last year and, ideally for the offense, more of those drives will end in touchdowns this fall. With that said, a reliable kicker raises the floor of the offense, and continued success in that department would be a helpful boost to the team.
Freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion
Depending on what formation Robert Anae rolls out first Thursday, Kevin Concepcion could be on the field for the Wolfpack’s first offensive snap of the year. The standout freshman made a great impression from the second he arrived on campus, and that has continued through fall camp.
He is explosive after the catch and tough to tackle. It will be very interesting to see how much he can produce as a first-year athlete. If he can be one of the program’s top receivers right out of the gate, that would provide a key boost this year’s offense.
Redshirt-sophomore wide receiver/punt returner Jalen Coit
NC State relied on Thayer Thomas at punt returner for 5 years. Following a strong fall camp, Jalen Coit is taking on that role. The receiver caught 1 pass for 10 yards and a touchdown against Charleston Southern last year, so this will be a significant opportunity for him.
Graduate student nickel Robert Kennedy III
Tyler Baker-Williams would have been multi-time All-ACC selection if the conference had a voting spot specifically for a nickel. Now that he is off to pursue professional football, graduate transfer Robert Kennedy III fills that role.
Teams are going to have a tough time throwing at Aydan White and Shyheim Battle this year, so Kennedy could be tested early this year. Baker-Williams also added a ton of skill as a sound tackler and a blitzed, and he leaves a significant void in the defense that needs to be filled.
The staff appears optimistic about the experienced defensive back. Kennedy excelled last year at Old Dominion, recording 53 total tackles and an interception.
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