OFFENSE
(15 returning lettermen, 7 returning starters)
The contrast between the past and the future will be very apparent on the offensive side of the ball in 1999. Last season, the NC State offense set new school records for passing yards and total offense, as well as individual marks for receiving and passing. The main catalyst behind those records, quarterback Jamie Barnette (6-0, 190, *Sr.), will return for his senior campaign. His partner in gaining a fair portion of those yards, however, All-American wide receiver Torry Holt, has moved on to the NFL.
No fullback with any game experience at the position returns for 1998, but two talented tailbacks will lend their talents to a backfield that may boast a few different formations. There are virtually no veteran players returning at center or tight end, but talented veterans return at the other line positions. And even though Holt has joined the professional ranks, there is speed and ability returning, and coming in, at the wide receiver spot.
Quarterback Jamie Barnette has almost become a tradition in himself for the Wolfpack faithful. A seasoned veteran and three-year starter, Barnette has already set NC State records for career passing yards and total offense and is in a position to earn ACC marks in both categories as well.
"Jamie Barnette is as fine as any player in the history of NC State when it comes to throwing the football," said O'Cain. "I've said many times that even though Torry Holt was the big-play part of our offense, Jamie Barnette was the catalyst. He's the guy who gets it all started. He can avoid the rush, get the football to the open receiver and make people miss.
"Jamie has so much experience now that we're able to put more and more responsiblity on him. He has a tremendous command of our offense and is getting better and better physically. It's a tremendous comfort as a coach to have someone like Jamie coming back at quarterback."
Despite the familiarity of No. 4 lining up behind center, there is a gaping hole on the depth chart when it comes to the backup field general for 1999. Charles Berry has transferred and Grant Dorn has gone to try his luck in the professional baseball ranks, leaving the backup's role to be filled by one of two incoming freshmen. Toki McCray (6-2, 180, Fr.) and Jatavis Sanders (6-1, 171, Fr.) each had impressive prep credentials, but their lack of experience is a cause of concern.
"The situation is very concerning to us," said O'Cain. "It's not the best situation when you are forced to rely on a freshman at any position, but particularly at quarterback. We are just one snap away from having a true freshman be our starting quarterback, and that generates a tremendous amount of anxiety."
Literally, no one will be able to fill the jersey worn by wide receiver Torry Holt over the past four years, as No. 81 was officially retired in January. Holt's presence as the playmaker for NC State's offense and special teams will be sorely missed, but O'Cain feels good about his receiving corps for 1999.
"The area of our team that has played with the most consistency over the 13 years that I've been at NC State has been the wide receivers. We've always had players step up at that position, year after year. It seems like every time we've lost a great receiver, another great receiver has stepped up to take his place. One year it was Haywood Jeffires, the next year is was Nasrallah Worthen, then Charles Davenport, then Eddie Goines, right on down to Torry Holt. We've always had the next player step up and make tremendous strides and I think this year will be no different."
With 52 receptions during the 1998 regular season, Chris Coleman (6-0, 203, *Sr.) had more grabs than any other Wolfpack wide receiver other than Holt since 1988. That mark was also the fourth-highest single-season total in NC State history. "Chris has already proven that he is a heck of a player," said O'Cain. "Now it's his opportunity to be the go-to guy."
Coleman's high school teammate, Ryan Hamrick (6-3, 205, *Sr.), was named the Pack's most improved player in 1998 after making several crucial third-down catches.
Wolfpack fans may have gotten a glimpse at the future of the wide receiver corps this spring, when redshirt freshman Koren Robinson (6-2, 190, *Fr.) put on a show in the spring game. The Belmont, N.C., native had five receptions for 99 yards and three touchdowns, and returned a kickoff 96 yards for a fourth TD.
"We expect Ryan Hamrick to be even better this season. I also believe that Koren Robinson has as much ability as anyone on our football team, he just needs experience.
"The fourth and fifth receiver positions are other questionmarks for us," O'Cain continued. "However, we were fortunate enough to sign several quality freshmen receivers, and one or more of them could be thrust into some immediate playing time. The positive side of that situation is that there should be some great competition among that group of young players to gave that fourth and fifth spot. Overall, I feel very good about our receiving corps, we just need some guys to step up and prove themselves."
The 1998 offense could not have been more balanced in terms of passing plays and running plays. The Wolfpack ran the ball 406 times, while attempting 405 passes. O'Cain hopes to accomplish that same balance in 1999, even though it may require coming up with some innovative formations and lineups. The two tailbacks who split the starting job last season, as well as several eager reserves, return for 1998, while no experienced fullbacks are on the roster.
Rahshon Spikes (5-11, 204, Sr.) started seven games in 1998, while Ray Robinson (5-10, 199, So.) started the other five en route to being named the ACC Rookie of the Year. The tandem combined for over 1,200 yards in the regular season, while Spikes added another 176 yards in the Micron PC Bowl contest. Robinson missed spring workouts after fracturing his arm in the bowl game, but will be ready for action in August. Quick-footed Eric Leak (5-9, 184, *Jr.) showed great promise this spring after moving from wide receiver, while K.J. Stone (6-0, 190, *Fr.) and Carlos Doggett (5-11, 200, *Fr.) both showed great potential while redshirting in 1998 and could factor in as well.
The fullback spot is perhaps the most inexperienced on the team, as Derek Roberts (6-2, 225, Sr.) and Quincy King (6-1, 207, *Fr.) have never played that position collegiately.
"We have to find the right offensive set to utlitize the talent we have in the backfield," said O'Cain. "We have plenty of talent back there, we've just got some work to do in determining how to utilize those backs. One reason we've been successful offensively the past couple of years is because we've done a variety of things in terms of formations to make sure we utilize the talents of our players. We have gotten the football in the hands of the people who need to have their hands on the football."
The coaching staff has two big holes to fill on the offensive line, since second-team All-ACC tackle Ian Rafferty and center Justin Burroughs have completed their eligibility. Manning the center slot will be Keegan Weir (6-5, 280, *So.) and Derek Green (6-4, 245, *Fr.), neither of whom have ever played in a college game at the center slot.
"Both Keegan and Derek are very talented and very athletic young men and that athleticism is very important at the center position. However, since neither one has virtually any game experience, we will need to make some rapid progress when fall camp begins."
Todd Boyle (6-7, 303, *Sr.) started eight games at right tackle last season and enters August camp as the starter. A talented young player, Tim Turner (6-7, 322, *Fr.), will battle Boyle for playing time.
O'Cain is also looking for big things from a big player at left tackle. Jarvis Borum (6-8, 332, *Jr.) started games in 1998 and could be an impact player in 1999. Matt Broel (6-5, 292, So.) will enter fall camp listed as Borum's backup.
"It is time for Jarvis Borum to step up and show what he can do," said O'Cain. "He needs to become more consistent and more aggressive, but we hope that will come with more experience. Jarvis has unlimited potential."
The Wolfpack offensive line received a blow when Alex Rice (6-4, 302, *Jr.), who started all 12 games at right guard last season, was diagnosed with a cervical problem in the early summer that will prematurely end his career. However, the Pack will enjoy the rare luxury of returning three players who have served as starters at some point in their careers at the guard slots this season. Ryan Knudtson (6-5, 293, *Sr.) started seven contests in 1998, while John Fletcher (6-8, 317, *Sr.) has seen action at guard and tackle. Alex Santos (6-3, 316, *Sr.) was injured in the second game o fthe 1998 season after starting in every game of 1996 and seeing action in nine games in 1997, but should be back at full strength in August. Mel Quitman (6-3, 320, *Fr.) will add depth at guard.
"Our offensive line should be very solid, however, with the loss of Alex Rice, we lose some depth and flexibility in terms of personnel. Our offensive line can be very good, as long as the players stay health and several untested players mature rapidly."
Another big question mark for the Pack this fall will be the tight end slot. The only returnee at the position with any game experience is Andy VanDerVeer (6-5, 250, *So.), while converted defensive players Tramayne Simmons (6-3, 232, *Jr.) and Cecil McCurty (6-4, 264, *Jr) have practiced at the position but never played there.
"Our tight ends have to be strong enough to block and be physical, but athletic enough to be able to catch the football. They are critical to our passing game. Andy, Cecil and Tramayne all have the tools to be fine tight ends. As they continue to gain experience and learn the position, I think they can all three be really good in time."
DEFENSE
(20 returning lettermen, 7 returning starters)
The Wolfpack fielded a young defensive unit in 1998, with freshmen or sophomores starting at five different positions. That lack of experience was evident at times, as the Pack finished the season ranked seventh in the ACC in total defense. But the youth of last year's defensive unit portends good things for the 1999 NC State defense, as seven experienced starters will return.
"In the late 80s and early 90s, NC State was looked at as a defensive team," said O'Cain. "Because of some uncontrollable things that have happened, we've lost some key players on our defensive front and that has kept us from being as good as we could've been. I believe our defense is getting better, even though we struggled at times last year. We were very, very young inside at the defensive tackle position and at the linebacker spots."
O'Cain feels that his defensive unit's number-one priority for the spring is to improve along the defensive front. This task will begin at the defensive end position, where starters Bobbie Cotten and Greg Derrick have completed their eligibility. Clint Johnson (6-3, 256, *Jr.) and Corey Smith (6-3, 238, *So.) are listed as starters heading into fall camp, even though both players missed spring workouts with injuries.
Brian Jamison (6-2, 215, So.) moved to end from his linebcker spot last spring and made his presence known immediately. "Brian Jamison has a nose for the football," said O'Cain. "He plays hard and he loves the game. He gives us a big boost at end."
O'Cain also looks for young players such as Shane Riggs (6-4, 250, *Fr.) and Paul Whittaker (6-8, 242, *So.) to make a contribution at end in 1999.
"Defensive end is a critical area for us," said O'Cain. "Clint Johnson and Corey Smith are going to be very fine players if they can stay healthy. We are going to have to keep working to develop some depth here, which is a main reason we signed five players that fit into the defensive end/tight end category."
Five players who started at least one game at defensive tackle last season will return for 1999: Jeff Fisher (6-2, 280, *Jr.), Rashad Streets (6-2, 286, Jr.), Nate Goodson (6-4, 254, *So.), Darius Bryant (6-2, 299, *So.) and Jeff Kuh (6-4, 258, *Jr.). With an added year of experience under their belts, O'Cain is confident that the tackle spot will be much improved. "We've got talent and depth there, we just need to keep getting better. I feel good about the young men we have playing at defensive tackle."
The Wolfpack linebacking corps was a pleasant surprise last season, as several young players played like seasoned veterans. True freshmen Edrick Smith (6-1, 235, So.) and Levar Fisher (6-1, 223, So.) started the last nine games of the season at middle and strongside linebacker and Clayton White (6-0, 224, *Jr) started every outing at the weak side. White ranked as the team's second-leading tackler, while Smith and Fisher ranked third and fifth respectively.
Senior Sheldon Kee (6-0, 247, *Sr.) has experience as a starter, as does William Pannell (6-4, 219, *So.), who missed spring workouts after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Corey Lyons (5-11, 199, So.) earned experience, mainly on special teams, as a rookie last season.
"We have the potential to have a very solid group of linebackers," said O'Cain. "This year will determine what kind of players they are. Last season, the expectations weren't very high, so it is easy for them to play better than the expectations. They're still not tested veterans, but they do have talent. They just need to continue to work hard and get better."
There will be a healthy combination of the old and the new in the defensive secondary for the Wolfpack in 1999. Both starting cornerbacks and two talented backups at safety return from last season, while both starting safeties from 1998, including leading tackler and fourth-round draft pick Jason Perry, have completed their eligibility.
Experienced seniors will man the two cornerback spots in 1999. Lloyd Harrison (5-11, 193, *Sr.), a preseason All-American, led the ACC in interceptions last season with seven. Tony Scott (5-11, 187, Sr.) was also an all-conference candidate in 1998 and picked off two passes. Marcelle Hough (5-10, 175, *Sr.) and Anthony Cason (5-10, 170, *So.) saw frequent action at cornerback as well.
Strong safety Adrian Wilson (6-3, 195, So.), who saw increased action over the course of his rookie campaign, promises to be a future impact player in the secondary. Wilson sat out spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair a shoulder problem suffered last season. At free safety, Brian Williams (6-0, 184, So.) also earned valuable playing time as a freshman and should fill the role vacated by fourth-round draft pick Jason Perry. Another factor at safety will be Terrence Holt (6-3, 187, *Fr.), who had a solid performance during spring workouts and should see a great deal of action. Eric Riddick (6-1, 185, *So.) will also see action at free safety.
"It all starts with your corners," said O'Cain. "Lloyd, Tony, Marcelle and Anthony give us talent and depth at that position. At safety, Brian Williams and Adrian Wilson have tremendous talent, now we can see how they react when the pressure is on them. It is important for them to continue where they left off and get better. Erik Riddick has a lot of ability. The key in the secondary will be to develop depth."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams inconsistencies were a problem for the Pack in 1998, but O'Cain says that individual breakdowns, rather than personnel deficiencies were to blame. "Our overall schemes and coverages were good last year, especially on our punt return and punt pressure teams. We just need to eliminate those individual breakdowns in order to be strong on special teams."
Scott Earwood (6-1, 207, Sr.) will return at punter in 1999. Earwood suffered from a stress fracture in his shin last season and could not practice his punting, although he handled the primary punting duties in all but two contests. Jess Wade has decided to leave the program, which leaves Earwood as the sole returnee at punter.
"I have a great deal of confidence in Scott. I think he would have had a great year if he had not been injured. When you can't practice your skill, it's very difficult to get better, but he's ready to go now."
Kent Passingham (5-10, 165, Jr.) handled kickoffs for the Wolfpack in 1998 and handled some of the placekicking duties before Danny Deskevich took over that job in the Syracuse game. "Another year of maturity and experience will help Kent Passingham," says O'Cain. "We need him to be able to step up and perform under pressure."
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