Major Keys A question for each position as the Wolfpack starts spring practice
Spring Practice begins tomorrow.
Here are are couple of things to watch out for as the Wolfpack begins preparation for the 2016 season.
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 45/14
Starters Returning/Lost: 16/8
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OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/3
Major 🔑: Will Tony Adams continue the tradition of versatile Wolfpack offensive linemen and make the adjustment to playing center?
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TIGHT END/FULLBACK
Starters Returning/Lost: 1/1
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 2/2
Major 🔑: Depth is coming in the fall, but what kind of impact can Pharoah McKever, a former WR and DE who made his TE debut in the Belk Bowl, make at that spot this spring?
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RUNNING BACK
Starters Returning/Lost: 1/0
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 4/0
Major 🔑: Reggie Gallaspy II and Dakwa Nichols got solid experience following Matt Dayes' injury in 2015, while Johnny Frasier spent his time working with the scout team. With Dayes and Gallaspy limited in spring workouts, will Frasier make the most of his opportunity to shine?
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WIDE RECEIVER
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/0
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 4/1
Bra'Lon Cherry
Jumichael Ramos
Maurice Trowell
Major 🔑: Bra'Lon Cherry, Jumichael Ramos and Maurice Trowell each had solid performances last season, but will one of them emerge as a game changer?
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QUARTERBACK
Starters Returning/Lost: 0/1
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 0/1
Major 🔑: New coordinator, new offense, new quarterback. Jalan McClendon has a leg up in terms of experience, while Jakobi Meyers is ready to show what he can do after redshirting in 2015. Will we exit spring practice with a clear leader or will the battle go down to the wire?
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DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/1
Major 🔑: This spot is stacked with experienced players and should be the strength of the team. Bradley Chubb is now wearing No. 9 - the jersey number No. 1 NFL Draft pick Mario Williams wore during his time at State. Will Chubb live up to the number?
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LINEBACKER
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/0
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 4/2
Major 🔑: Although there are two proven returning starters in Airius Moore and Jerod Fernandez, there isn't much experienced depth. Besides Riley Nicholson, who will shore up the linebacker spot?
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SAFETY/NICKEL
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/1
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/1
Shawn Boone
Josh Jones
Germaine Pratt
Major 🔑: With Shawn Boone back from injury, Josh Jones will get work at the free safety spot, where he and veteran Germaine Pratt could have a fierce battle. Who will come out on top?
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CORNERBACK
Starters Returning/Lost: 1/1
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 4/2
Major 🔑: Jack Tocho and Mike Stevens are both experienced starters at cornerback, but what kind of impact can Johnathan Alston, who is moving over from WR, make at the CB spot?
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SPECIAL TEAMS
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/0
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 3/0
Major 🔑: The freshman trio of Kyle Bambard (PK), A.J. Cole (P) and Tyler Griffiths (LS) is now a sophomore trio and should be better with a year's experience. Will graduate transfer placekicker Connor Haskins work himself into the equation with a solid spring?