It is never easy for a team to replace their top two producing receivers, but the Wolfpack will have to do just that if they have hopes of competing for an ACC title. Thayer Thomas led the team with 57 catches for 642 yards last season and is now with the Minnesota Vikings. Devin Carter transferred in the spring after amassing 406 yards on 25 receptions. The two pass catchers combined for over 1000 yards and six touchdowns. The Wolfpack are changing their offensive style after bringing in Brennan Armstrong from Virginia and a new offensive coordinator in Robert Anae. Both Anae and Armstrong will look to develop a new look for the Wolfpack offense with a receiving corps that looks much different than it did in 2022.
Preview: NC State Receivers for 2023
Returning Receivers
The Returners are headlined by Keyon Lesane. Lesane tallied 342 yards on 31 catches. He also added two touchdowns through the air. Lesane received the team’s “Alpha Rising” award, which indicates massive improvement from one season to the next. Lesane is joined by Porter Rooks, who added 151 yards on 19 catches in 2022. Chris Toudle is a wideout that transitioned from more of a tight-end position. Last season, Toudle caught 11 passes for 130 yards and a score. Lesane, Rooks, and Toudle are the most experienced members of the Wolfpack offense and should expect larger roles this fall.
Aside from the wide receivers, there are multiple Wolfpack pass catchers at the running back and tight end positions. Jordan Houston led the team in rushing last year while adding 213 receiving yards. Houston’s experience and ability to catch out of the backfield will provide Armstrong with a reliable veteran check down option. Michael Allen also flashed pass-catching ability as the number three back last year. He averaged 8.8 yards per catch and added a receiving score in his freshman campaign. At Tight end, Trent Pennix leads the position with 111 yards on only eight catches. Pennix has the ability to break off big plays down the seams.
Transfer Receivers
Dacari Collins comes across the Carolina line from Clemson. Collins showed promise as a freshman, with 221 yards on 16 catches, but had injury issues and only appeared in three games in 2022. He was a four-star recruit out of high school and has the physical tools to make a notable impact on what is sure to be a much more aggressive passing scheme in Raleigh. In addition, Bradley Rozner transferred from Rice. Rozner stands at six foot five, 204 pounds, and had a great season in 2022. He brought in 44 receptions for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him second-team C-USA honors. Rozner went the junior college route and then struggled with a few injuries before breaking out last fall. His move to NC State provides the Wolfpack with a veteran deep threat who will help Anae and Armstrong stretch the field and provide constant home run potential. Rozner’s last season included five games over the 100-yard mark and two touchdowns longer than 75 yards. He is also on the Biletnikoff award watch list entering the 2023 season.
Freshman Receivers
Kevin Concepcion is an incoming freshman who can make an immediate impact. Concepcion amassed 1,032 all-purpose yards and a whopping 35 yards per kick return. “KC” primarily plays out wide and may line up in the slot early in his career. He could also be seen on designed runs in addition to being a potential kick returner. Concepcion was the number eight ranked recruit in the state of North Carolina. He is joined by tight end “Juice” Vereen as the highlights of the 2023 recruiting class on offense. Vereen dominated at the high school level, catching 132 passes for 2,495 yards in his career. He was used out of the backfield and on defense while starring in both basketball and baseball. While there is little correlation, his .421 batting average provides an insight into his athleticism and hand-eye coordination that is sure to make Armstrong comfortable throwing to him early in his collegiate career. Vereen can line up as a traditional tight end or as a receiver, and showcases a big frame with contested catch ability, while also being very difficult to bring down in the open field.
Conclusion
All in all, the Wolfpack receivers have a lot of potential to produce a lot of points in the 2023 season. Lesane, Toudle, and Rooks will provide veteran options, and Houston will be a great outlet from the backfield. Collins has the athleticism to be a reliable contributor. If Rozner builds off of his breakout 2022 season, the Biletnikoff award could be in his sights. The young players Concepcion and Vereen complement each other well and can provide an immediate impact while also being cornerstones of the passing attack for years to come. All of these weapons will provide Armstrong with a plethora of options, and Anae with many ways to attack the defenses that the Wolfpack will face.
