There is no secret to the primary key for NC State’s football success in 2005 – quarterback play.
You name the publication, internet site, or general analyst and you will hear the same general comments almost verbatim:
“Despite losing a lot in the secondary, the Wolfpack’s defense should be more than adequate based on the depth of the athletic ability of the roster and the strength of the and depth of the defensive line. The key will be the play of the quarterback, which will depend heavily on the health of an improving offensive line and the emergence of a premiere wide receiver to complement Tramain Hall and fill the void left by Richard Washington.”
For example, just look at this most recent NC State preview from the Clemson Tigers site on the Scout network. (What an interesting concept for a member of the Scout Network! Actually writing an article on the games to be played as opposed to the high school freshman in Pennsylvania who one day might play in a game).
What to Watch: “If (Jay) Davis can handle the duties in the new offense and whether he finds a �go-to� receiver, which appears to be lacking.”
Well, if this morning’s News & Observer is accurate, maybe Wolfpackers have some reason for elevated optimism heading into the coming season. In the blurb, Tramain Hall says “he has seen a new side of quarterback Jay Davis during summer workouts and seven-on-seven passing drills, and the senior likes what he sees.” After reading this piece on Tramain Hall, I have so much respect for the young man that I will listen and accept anything that he says:
“Jay Davis is holding meetings with the offense,” Hall said. “It’s something Philip Rivers did and something Jay did not have an opportunity to do last year. He’s standing up in the meeting and saying, ‘This is what we need to do, this is what we need to fix.’ ”
Hall said while Davis continues to be pushed by sophomore Marcus Stone, the senior is “clearly” the starting quarterback and has improved under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.
“Jay Davis is our guy,” Hall said. “He has become a better player.”
Of course, only time will tell if Davis has elevated his game to a level that will make a significant impact on the Wolfpack’s 2005 football season. Actually, I think that I should be more accurate in my statement and refer to Davis’ “decision making” as opposed to his “game”. If you simply look at his ‘game’ last year as defined by his statistics, I’d take EVERY statistic that he generated and make one adjustment associated with his decision making (and the play calling of Noel Mazzonne) — subtract 10 interceptions from his year and the Wolfpack would have easily been battling for a conference championship and 9 to 10 win season.
