One of the biggest strengths of this year’s NC State football team is its emerging offense, implemented by first-year offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz. The new scheme features a faster pace of play and an emphasis on using key playmakers.
However, many wondered how the offense would fare with questions surrounding the quarterback position, and the loss of senior standout receiver Jumichael Ramos to injury. Without Ramos, the wide receiver corps has had to adjust quickly under quarterback Ryan Finley and play caller Drinkwitz.
Senior Bra’Lon Cherry has been with the team for four years and is a leader on and off the field for the group of receivers.
“I would say, this year, we’re a lot closer, we pretty much know each other like the back of our hands,” Cherry said. “We’re all trying to get the same goal, we’re all pushing and working and pushing each other.”
Cherry has had to arguably adjust the most to the new plethora of faces on this year’s team. His transition to catching passes from new quarterback, Finley, has gone smoothly.
“I’m pretty much used to [Finley],” Cherry said. “He was here all summer so we’ve been working together. Him and me and Jalan [McClendon], we’ve all been working together.”
Cherry, through three games, has gathered 102 yards on nine receptions and one touchdown.
Another big role that Cherry has taken on this season has been helping out the younger wideouts, such as freshman Kelvin Harmon.
“Him being a freshman, he’s gotta adjust to the game speed, the aspects of the game,” Cherry said. “I pretty much help him out every chance that he needs, every chance that I get. I just try to push him, get him up to speed.”
Harmon is new to the collegiate football scene, but has been working hard to become acclimated to the game.
“It’s been a good opportunity being here, the older guys really help me out, like Cherry and [redshirt sophomore Stephen Louis],” Harmon said.
Harmon has garnered five receptions for 94 yards so far on the season. In the first game of the year against William & Mary, Harmon had his first collegiate catch.
“It was a lot of stuff going on, I was trying to mainly focus, not to get too hype for the game.” Harmon said. “When Jalan dropped back and threw me the ball, I knew it was my opportunity. It was very exciting, everyone back home was watching me, so that was a good feeling.”
Along with help from the older guys on the team, Harmon has been working closely with wideout coach George McDonald.
“Coach McDonald has definitely been helping me,” Harmon said. “I’ve known him for a while now, because he’s been recruiting me since high school. He’s tough on me, he’s trying to get me right. I can talk to him with anything.”
McDonald, in his 16th year as a football coach and second year at NC State, has his guys off to a hot start, and hopes to keep the success going.
“It’s been pretty good,” McDonald said. “They’re competing hard, they’re working hard every day so I’m really excited about where we’re going.”
Cherry is the only senior starting wide receiver. The youth and lack of experience may be a bit concerning, but McDonald says there is an unmistakable maturity among the group.
“We still have Steph [Stephen Louis], we will have Cherry, who has played a lot of football, Nyheim has played a lot of football,” McDonald said. “We might not have seniors, in rank, but we have a lot of guys who have played a lot of football and are helping the younger guys come along.”
As the season progresses, both Harmon and Cherry are looking to make big-time plays for the team.
With the absence of Ramos, the team looks for production in its other receivers. One player in particular who has stepped up thus far is Louis. Louis missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing surgery on both shoulders, but is having quite the comeback.
“It’s been really fun, actually [coming back from injury],” Louis said. “Last year, I was basically by myself. Just lifting weights and running, working with the strength coaches and the trainers. So being out there with my teammates is really fun.”
After a quiet outing in the season opener against William & Mary, Louis had a breakout game versus East Carolina. The emerging star totaled 142 receiving yards on just three catches, including one 80-yard touchdown. His performance was no fluke, as he put on another great display in last weekend’s matchup against Old Dominion. He gave the Monarchs secondary fits, as he caught five balls for 80 yards, one of those being a 40-yard bomb from Finley.
“I feel like it was a breakout [performance against ECU], but we lost so I didn’t really celebrate it or anything,” Louis said. “I feel like I’ll have more success during the season if I continue to do what I’ve been doing.”
One of the main reasons behind Louis’ expanded role is offensive coordinator Drinkwitz’s no-huddle offense, which aims to move the ball down the field a lot quicker than former coordinator Matt Canada’s system did. Louis has been adapting to these changes and new demands of his offensive coordinator nicely.
“All the receiver’s roles changed,” Louis said. “We definitely had to grow up and learn different positions. [Drinkwitz] puts a lot of responsibility on us to learn different positions. This year, I’ve been able to move around the field a lot more, and that’s going to help us to get more catches.”
The Wolfpack was looking for the next player to step up, and just three weeks into the 2016 season, it may have found its guy in Louis.
The NC State offense, particularly the wide receivers, has looked powerful so far against weaker competition. However, the real test is yet to come, as the team has four top-25 opponents on the schedule. The Pack will open ACC play on Oct. 1 at home against Wake Forest.
