The Wolfpack offense lost seven seniors from last season. As well as two reliable contributors that entered the transfer portal. Now that graduation is over and Memorial weekend has kicked off the Summer season. Let us take a look at the offensive holes that need to be filled in Raleigh. How will NC State’s offensive coordinator Robert Anae replace the production lost from the 2022 season?
Quarterback
Fan-favorite Devin Leary transferred to Kentucky this off-season. The Wolfpack brought in Anae’s former quarterback at Virginia Brennan Armstrong to compete with MJ Morris for the starting role. Armstrong passed for a stellar 4449 yards and 31 touchdowns in his 2021 season but struggled in 2022. Morris showed promise with a seven-to-one passing touchdown to interception ratio. However, he struggled with injuries due to his physical running style. While Armstrong appears to be the favorite to start, both quarterbacks will have to make large strides to fill the void left by Leary.
If the Wolfpack wants to compete with the high-powered offenses of UNC and Wake Forest in the ACC, Armstrong will have to return to the form of his 2021 season. The former Virginia signal-caller excelled under Anae’s system, and the offensive coordinator has a knack for turning around quarterback play. Prior to Anae’s arrival, Syracuse quarterback Garrett Schrader passed for 1445 yards in 12 games in his 2021 campaign. In 2022, Schrader passed for 2645 yards and nearly doubled his amount of passing touchdowns. It will take a similar turnaround from either of the State’s field generals to allow this offense to compete for the ACC title in 2023.
Wolfpack Run Offense
Thankfully for the Wolfpack, the offense returns its leader in rushing yards from the 2022 season. Jordan Houston ran for 544 yards, while also adding 213 receiving yards on 25 receptions. Houston found the end zone only one-time last year and has yet to amass more than three rushing touchdowns in a collegiate season. NC State also lost running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye to Kentucky, where the promising rusher will join Leary in the Wildcat backfield.
Houston is a fifth-year player who will have to step up his game to boost this Wolfpack offense. Houston is a reliable pass catcher and a capable runner who excels outside the tackle. Sophomore Michael Allen and incoming freshman Kendrick Raphael profile as the primary rushers that will compete with Houston for touches. Allen Rushed for 268 yards and was efficient with 5.1 yards per carry. Raphael is a former four-star recruit who rushed for 1731 yards on only 140 carries during his senior year of high school. Both can compete with Houston and will have to continue to develop for NC State to succeed on the ground.
It is also worth noting that both Armstrong and Morris are capable runners from the quarterback position. While Morris has a true dual-threat physique and profile, Armstrong has proven himself to be a serviceable runner. Armstrong ran for 15 touchdowns and 622 yards over the past two seasons. Morris is more familiar with running designed QB run plays. In contrast. Armstrong tends to extend plays when it seems to have broken down. The Wolfpack run game will primarily rely on the running backs, but the ability of the signal caller to extend drives with their legs will be crucial to success as well.
Wolfpack Pass Offense
Armstrong and Morris both showed promise as passers but left, with much to be desired after their 2022 seasons. It does not help that the top two receivers from the 2022 offense are no longer at NC State. Thayer Thomas caught 57 passes for 642 yards last year and served as the team’s punt returner for the past 5 years. Transfer Devin Carter only played in nine games in 2022 but racked up 406 yards on 25 catches. The Wolfpack offense loses its primary target and slot receiver while also losing a deep threat who could take the top off of a defense. The wide receiver room is by far the biggest question mark for the 2023 season.
Keyon Lesane will enter his fifth season for NC State after tallying 342 yards, and two touchdowns on 31 catches. Interestingly, Lesane earned the NC State Athletics “Alpha-Rising” award. This award is given to a player who shows significant improvement from one season to the next. Lesane certainly will have to take another big step up in his game as he will more than likely be the number-one receiver on the 2023 squad. Porter Rooks and Chris Toudle were reliable contributors who will also have to make strides to improve the Wolfpack passing game in 2023. Rooks is a senior receiver who racked up 151 yards on 19 receptions, including his first career touchdown last fall. Toudle made the switch to Tight End in 2023 and looks to be the team’s top option at the position this season. While the pass catchers do not jump off the page, each shows promise.
The Last Word On The NC State Offense
While Anae navigates the various moving parts of NC State’s offense. Each player discussed above has the potential to develop into a significant playmaker for the 2023 offense. While this team will be more likely to rely on its strong defense to win games. Nevertheless, the expectations are high for this experienced group of players looking to take big steps in their collegiate careers.
