The defensive secondary was just one of the major issues the Wolfpack defense had in 2009. Without major improvement before the season opener September 4, it could be the issue in 2010. Aside from the issues facing Jarvis Byrd, the secondary is simply unproven. Even with less experience on the defensive line, the front seven of the defense could very well be better in 2010. If NC State wants to have the success its capable of, the secondary better come along.
The ACC Sports Journal has been reviewing the spring workout for every team in the conference and putting together thoughts for fans letting everyone know what to expect come August. Andrew Jones’ article on NC State is one of those very well-written pieces.
Spring Football Review: NC State
The annual theme for N.C. State’s spring football practice is “Back to Basics,†which made a heck of a lot of sense this time around.
Nowhere was that the case more than in the defensive secondary, where the Wolfpack returns a pair of starters from a unit that was discombobulated and ineffective last fall, and where all eight players on the depth chart were either freshmen or sophomores.
Spring games offer only so much definitive evidence, but at times they can be quite revealing. The Red and White units in State’s spring game surrendered 644 yards to quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Daniel Imhoff. Most came in the first half, when there was no running clock. It would have been worse, otherwise.
Returning secondary starter C.J. Wilson said the group’s performance “wasn’t indicative of how we progressed this spring.â€
Wolfpack coach Tom O’Brien, though, somewhat disagreed.
