What will NC State football’s depth chart look like in season opener? Our final prediction
NC State football’s depth chart is taking shape as the 2023 season opener at UConn gets closer.
The Wolfpack will be among the first ACC teams playing in Week 1 when they play the Huskies on Aug. 31 (7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network).
Here are our projections for what the starting lineup could look like for head coach Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack in the first game.
Quarterback
The starter(s): Brennan Armstrong, Gr.
The reserves: MJ Morris, So.
MJ Morris did a solid job of stepping in at the end of last season, but the Wolfpack couldn’t resist nabbing a veteran from the transfer portal in Virginia transfer Brennan Armstrong. Armstrong will team up with offensive coordinator Robert Anae in a new-look offense.
BOLD PREDICTIONS: What to expect from NC State football in 2023 season
FAN SURVEY: NC State football fan survey: How do you feel about Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack in 2023?
POTENTIAL BREAKOUT STARS: NC State football’s potential breakout stars in the Wolfpack’s offense
Running back
The starter(s): Jordan Houston, Sr.; Michael Allen, So.
The reserves: Kendrick Raphael, Fr.; Demarcus Jones II, R-Jr., Delbert Mimms II, R-Jr.
As the veteran, Houston will likely get the nod in the opener, but Allen’s versatility and explosiveness could make him the guy down the road.
Wide receiver
The starter(s): Keyon Lesane, Sr.; Terrell Timmons Jr., So.; Porter Rooks, Jr.
The reserves: Kevin Concepcion, Fr.; Bradley Rozner, Gr.; Julian Gray, R-So.; Anthony Smith, R-So.
Several of these players are capable of racking up catches and yards in Anae’s system. Lesane seems like the most likely candidate to step into an increased role and Rice transfer Bradley Rozner was a late addition who can provide a boost. Kevin Concepion could be a potential breakout player as a rookie.
Tight end
The starter(s): Trent Pennix, Gr.
The reserves: Juice Vereen, Fr.; Christopher Toudle, R-Jr.; Cedd Seabrough, R-So.
Doeren referred to Pennix as the Wolfpack’s most versatile player. If he can stay on the field, Pennix can do multiple things in Anae’s offense. Juice Vereen has a chance to be an impact freshman.
Offensive line
The starter(s): Anthony Belton, R-Jr. (left tackle); Dawson Jaramillo, Gr. (left guard); Dylan McMahon, R-Jr. (center); Derrick Eason, Gr. (right guard); Timothy McKay, R-Jr. (right tackle)
The reserves: Lyndon Cooper, R-So.; Anthony Carter Jr., R-So.; Jaleel Davis, R-So.; Rylan Vann, R-Fr.
Despite the losses of Grant Gibson and Chandler Zavala, State has a solid foundation with Anthony Belton, Dylan McMahon and Tim McKay.
Defensive line
The starter(s): Davin Vann, Jr. (defensive end); CJ Clark, R-Jr. (nose tackle); Savion Jackson, Sr. (defensive end)
The reserves: Travali Price, R-So.; Nick Campbell, R-Fr.; Noah Potter. Gr.; DJ Jackson, R-Fr.; Red Hibbler, R-Jr.; Brandon Cleveland, So.
Another strong unit for the Pack, Davin Vann, CJ Clark and Savion Jackson are capable of making life miserable for offensive linemen.
Linebacker
The starter(s): Payton Wilson, Gr.; Devon Betty, Jr.; Jaylon Scott, Sr.
The reserves: Caden Fordham, R-So.; Jayland Parker, R-So.; Jordan Poole, R-So.; Kamal Bonner, R-Jr.; Torren Wright, R-Fr.
With Isaiah Moore and Drake Thomas gone, Devon Betty and Jaylon Scott have a chance to step into an increased role alongside veteran Payton Wilson, one of the top linebackers in the ACC.
Cornerback
The starter(s): Aydan White, Jr.; Shyheim Battle, R-Jr., Robert Kennedy, Gr.
The reserves: Isaiah Crowell, R-Fr; Rente Hinton, So.; Teshaun Smith, Gr.; Nate Evans, R-So.; Jackson Vick, R-Fr.
Aydan White and Shyheim Battle are two of the top cover cornerbacks in the nation. Their play on the backend should make life a lot easier for the front seven.
Safety
The starter(s): Devan Boykin, Jr.; Jakeen Harris, Sr.
The reserves: Rakeim Ashford, Gr.; Sean Brown, R-So.
The Pack has to replace Tanner Ingle and Cyrus Fagan, but Devan Boykin and Jakeen Harris have experience in the secondary. Old Dominion transfer Robert Kennedy could also see some time in the safety spots.
Specialists
The starter(s): Brayden Narveson, Gr. (kicker); Caden Noonkester, R-So. (punter); Joe Shimko, Gr. (long snapper)
The reserves: Collin Smith, R-Jr.; Vinesett Kanoah, R-Fr.
Western Kentucky transfer Brayden Narveson has the task of replacing Christopher Dunn, who won the Lou Groza Award as the top kicker in the nation last season. Joe Shimko is as reliable a player as the Pack on its roster.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: What will NC State football’s depth chart look like against UConn?
