NC State football summer projected depth chart: Defense
With the NC State football fall camp likely about a month away, TheWolfpacker.com reexamines the post-spring depth chart that was released in April. Here is the summer look at the depth chart on defense for NC State football in 2023.
Summer NC State Football Depth Chart: Defense
Left End
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown45Davin VannJr.6-2, 272Cary, N.C.47Jykeveous “Red” Hibbler R-Jr.6-2, 260Louisville, Miss.OR 97Noah PotterR-Jr.6-6, 274Mentor, Ohio
NC State has developed some depth on the ends of the defensive line after adding Potter and Hibbler.
That coincides with the return of Vann, who had 8 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, leading Pack defensive linemen in both categories. Vann is almost certain to start. He had an impressive fumble strip and recovery in the spring game.
How the depth chart lines up behind him remains to be seen, but the Pack has enviable options. NC State football defensive coordinator Tony Gibson noted in an exclusive interview with TheWolfpacker.com that Hibbler reminded him of former successful Wolfpack pass rusher Daniel Joseph.
Nose Tackle
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown5C.J. ClarkR-Jr.6-3, 305New London, N.C.44Brandon ClevelandSo.6-4 290Tampa, Fla.
While the depth chart on the end looks promising, the interior for NC State was more questionable. Clark started at nose tackle in games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons to good reviews. Sliding him back inside makes the most sense.
Gibson confirmed that Cleveland, who had impressive flashes as a true freshman, has also moved inside, and thus he was moved from reserve left end to nose tackle on this depth chart.
Right End
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown9Savion JacksonSr.6-2, 280Clayton, N.C.13Travali PriceR-So.6-4, 272Lincolnton, N.C.
Before injuring his knee during the loss at Syracuse, Jackson was one of the most consistent defensive line performers for NC State. If he makes a full recovery, odds are he starts.
Price played every game and had a pair of tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks while also registering 7 quarterback hurries.
NC State realistically could have five options for the two end spots.
SAM linebacker
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown2Jaylon ScottSr.6-1, 225Shelby, N.C.10Caden FordhamR-So.6-1, 228Ponte Vedra, Fla.
Scott has patiently waited his turn to be a full-time starter at NC State and will enter fall camp the favorite to do so. He had 20 tackles this past season.
However, Fordham’s impressive performance in the spring game showed that the athletic performer that has had NC State defensive coaches excited since he arrived will provide competition. Fordham had 5 tackles in limited action in relief and mainly on special teams in 2022.
However, Gibson noted that keeping Fordham off the field will be difficult.
MIKE Linebacker
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown26Devon BettyJr.6-1, 225Carver Ranches, Fla.27Jayland ParkerR-So.6-1, 215Macon, Ga.
Replacing Isaiah Moore in the middle will not be easy, but Betty has been well-groomed for this role. He had 12 tackles, including 1 for loss, this season. Betty actually earned a strong Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 73.0 in his limited action.
The big question is who fills in behind Betty. Parker appeared to be running the position with the NC State White Team in the spring game.
WILL Linebacker
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown11Payton WilsonR-Sr.6-4, 242Hillsborough, N.C.33Jordan PooleR-So.6-0, 225Oakboro, N.C.
Wilson’s return is a huge boost to the NC State defense. Now the key will be keeping Wilson healthy next year. His size, athleticism and physicality makes Wilson an All-ACC caliber performer.
Poole may have some of the best speed among the linebackers and now gets his chance to get onto the two-deep, but he may be pushed by early enrollee Kamal Bonner, who left a positive impression in the spring game.
Left Cornerback
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown3Aydan WhiteJr.6-0, 185Asheville, N.C.14Rente HintonR-So.6-3, 212Saraland, Ala.
White’s breakout season in 2022 earned him all-conference honors, and a similar effort next season could very well put him on the NFL radar.
Hinton was an addition that made sense given the questionable depth for NC State at depth chart. The junior college addition may be the most physically impressive corner on the roster and left a good first impression in the spring.
Right Cornerback
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown7Shyheim BattleR-Jr.6-2, 195Rocky Mount, N.C.22Teshaun SmithR-Sr.6-3, 185Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Battle’s decision to return for another season gives NC State potentially one of the better cornerback duos in the ACC, provided each are healthy. He had a pick six in the spring game and looks poised for a big season.
Smith could be a very valuable depth piece should he stay healthy. He’s had bad luck in his career, particularly to his shoulders. Early enrollee Brandon Cisse is also a player to watch.
Strong Safety
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown12Devan BoykinJr.5-10, 192Greensboro, N.C.Bishop FitzgeraldSo.6-0, 190Woodbridge, Va.
NC State coaches have long shown confidence in Boykin, and Gibson confirmed that Boykin will start at safety this fall rather than play nickel.
Fitzgerald is a wildcard in the mix and a change from the prior depth chart that had super senior Rakeim Ashford in this spot. The On3 Industry Ranking had Fitzgerald rated the best safety at the junior college level in the 2023 class.
Ashford did not play much, but PFF gave him a sterling grade when logged 35 snaps against Maryland in the bowl, registering a 91.3 score. With some safeties sitting out the spring game, Ashford was lining up with the ones.
Free Safety
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown6Jakeen HarrisSr.5-10, 195Savannah, Ga.20Sean BrownR-So.6-0, 205Charlotte, N.C.
Harris has a ton of experience over the years and intercepted a pair of passes in 2022. However, Harris has also struggled to nail down a full-time starting role over the past two years, and NC State football coaches have raved about the hard-hitting Brown since he arrived in Raleigh. Coaches have said Brown may have been the Pack’s best special teams player last year.
Harris is favored to start, but Brown is pushing for reps.
Nickel
No.NameYearHt., Wt.Hometown8Robert Kennedy IIIR-Sr.5-10, 193Jeannette, Pa.4Cecil PowellR-Jr.6-0, 210Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Kennedy chose to transfer from Old Dominion to NC State over Boston College and was recruited to play nickel. Kennedy played well in the spring game and appears to have been a good take by the Wolfpack from the portal.
The reality is that outside Kennedy, Boykin may be the Pack’s best option at nickel, but Gibson stated that Boykin is playing safety for now. However, the healthy return of Powell after missing two seasons with an injury may bolster the depth at the position.
Powell replaced redshirt freshman Isaiah Crowell from the post-spring depth chart.
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