This morning’s News & Observer chose to focus on NC State’s defensive end position.
“It appears athletically we are as deep as we’ve been in a long time,” Stroud said. “Guys are so close ability-wise, we will be playing a lot of those guys. We’ll have nickel and dime guys who play in passing situations and we’ll have run stoppers. We’ll throw a lot of different combinations on the field.
The N&O’s article focused mostly on the re-instatement of Raymond Brooks.
Last season was agonizing for Brooks, who watched games on television and absorbed a lesson about the importance of academics. He regained his eligibility by passing 18 hours in the spring and two more classes in summer school.
“I learned that you are a student-athlete; without being a student first, there’s no athlete,” said Brooks, who has embraced a different regimen. “It’s from my house to school to the stadium and back home. I don’t go out and party like I used to. I’m trying to get to the next level [the NFL], working hard to get there. I’m trying to keep everything in line.”
Additionally, the N&O highlighted the position at this link. You will see seven names – only one senior and two juniors. Nice.
RAYMOND BROOKS (6-3, 285, SO.): “Very powerful. We’ve just got to keep him focused and keep him on track.”
WILLIE YOUNG (6-5, 230, FR.): “Finished up [spring drills] as clear-cut at No. 1 as we have. Probably a lot like Manny [Lawson], but more instinctive than both Mario [Williams] and Manny — in terms of instinctive as a playmaker. He will have to split time because his body weight is an issue. But he plays with leverage, is tough and has a nose for the ball.”
JOHN AMANCHUKWU (6-4, 283, SR.): “A converted offensive lineman and transfer student [from St. Augustine’s], he gives us the ability to stop the run.”
MARTREL BROWN (6-2, 290, JR.): “Has four years in the program, has taken extensive reps at defensive tackle. We demanded he lose 20 pounds. He’s physical and fundamentally sound.”
QUENTIN BROWN (6-5, 250, FR.): “An offensive lineman in high school … Has shown promise.”
LITTLETON WRIGHT (6-6, 244, JR.): “He will see extensive time in our system as a pass rusher.”
AUDI AUGUSTIN (6-2, 235, FR.): “Audi’s just starting, but has shown some things that might get him in the fray.”
