There is no doubt that the 2017-18 season was one of growth for NC State football. Capping off a 9-4 season that included a 6-2 ACC mark, the best conference record for the Wolfpack since 1994, the team had by far its best season under head coach Dave Doeren.
The Pack beat two, at the time, top-25 opponents in Florida State and Louisville after not getting a ranked win in Doeren’s first four years, and spent most of the season in the top 25 itself. Here’s the thing, though: NC State was expected to take a big step forward this year. With a senior-laden roster that had shown signs of growth the year before, it was thought this could be the best season for Pack football in a while.
It was also thought that, with all those seniors, it would be the Pack’s best chance at a huge season, and the team would take a big step back after this year. However, it’s looking doubtful that will be the case.
Yes, the team loses stud defensive end Bradley Chubb and the rest of the starters on the defensive line, two starting linebackers, multiple pieces in the secondary and on the offensive line and all-purpose back Jaylen Samuels.
It also brings back a whole lot, especially on the offensive side of the ball. One of the biggest questions for the Pack going into the offseason and next season would be whether quarterback Ryan Finley, who had a big breakout in his redshirt junior season, would return for his final year of eligibility or opt to try his luck in the NFL Draft. Finley announced Saturday he would return to NC State in 2018.
This is a massive development for the Pack. Finley had a great 2017 season, completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,518 yards, 17 touchdowns and just six interceptions. His 6,577 passing yards in two seasons puts him fifth in school history.
In college football, quarterback continuity is one of the most important things a team can have from season to season, and the Pack will have that next year. The quarterback who already showed huge progress on his deep ball, decision making and two-minute drill in 2017 will get the chance to make even more improvements in his third year under Doeren and offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz.
Finley gets his primary complement of weapons back as well. While the Pack will miss Samuels, the offense should be just fine in 2018. Back is receiver Kelvin Harmon for his junior season, with his size, hands, route-running ability and the strength to go up over defenders for incredible Randy Moss-esque “how did he just do that” type of catches. Harmon hauled in 69 catches for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in 2017.
Jakobi Meyers broke out in a big way with 63 catches, 727 yards and five touchdowns from the slot position, and will be back for his redshirt junior season. Back too are speedy senior Stephen Louis and Emeka Emezie, who showed promise late in his freshman season.
The Pack’s ground game will be strong again as well. While speedy back Nyheim Hines has yet to make a decision, it’s expected that the Garner native who rushed 197 times for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns, including three in the Sun Bowl, will be back for his senior season. While the Pack will lose a few pieces on the offensive line, most notably guard Tony Adams, offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford has shown his ability to put together strong groups there.
The Pack will have to rebuild its defense with so many seniors leaving, but is not left totally depleted there. Defensive end Darian Roseboro, while not on Chubb’s level, is a strong pass rusher and returns to lead the defensive line in his senior year. Playmaking linebacker Germaine Pratt will be back for his senior year, and the Pack has two four-star recruits coming in on defense in outside linebacker Payton Wilson and tackle Alim McNeill.
While it won’t be easy for NC State football to replace the contributions of the players it’s losing this offseason, the team will also be left with an awful lot to work with next season. Doeren’s program should be able to continue the building process it has undergone the past five years with the pieces in place for another strong run in 2018.
