Wednesday Football Tidbits (2pm update)

'11 Football Football Recruiting General NCS Football28

We’re all excited — some of us more anxious — about the upcoming football season, so we’ll try to keep some fresh football topics on the blog.

*Not that preseason polls mean anything at all, but tight end George Bryan was selected to the preseason All ACC team. You can see the others selected at TheACC.com.

*Our favorite Pine Tree Enthusiast Heather Dinich profiles offensive coordinator Dana Bible (ESPN.com)

His challenge: Life after Russell Wilson…

*Brett Friedlander talks about a role reversal between State and Carolina (StarNewsOnline.com):

The difference was unmistakable at the ACC’s Football Kickoff media event in Pinehurst on Monday, where the line of questioning to State’s Tom O’Brien was much more positive and relaxed than it was at the table hosted by UNC’s Butch Davis a little later in the day.

To listen to both coaches, the contrast has been even more noticeable on the recruiting trail, where each school’s fortunes have been directly affected by their stunning recent role reversal.

“Just in our confines of the Triangle, being the first team to win five games in the conference, being the first group to get to nine wins for the season and getting into the (final) top 25 helps us a lot going forward,” said O’Brien, who was hired by the Wolfpack at the same time Davis came on board with the Tar Heels.

“There’s a whole different way that recruits are looking at us this year than they were a year ago.”

*Also, more from ABC 11 on the new uniforms (LRM-approved):

“The uniforms have a very clean, traditional look,” said head coach Tom O’Brien. “Our older fans will like them because they are reminiscent of the uniforms of great teams of the past and our current players will like them because they are stylish, comfortable and actually have elements that will benefit them on the field of play.”

Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow decided early in her tenure that she wanted the Wolfpack program to be identified as “STATE” on all uniforms. “It’s a basic, bold statement: State. That’s who we are,” she said.

The new TechFit uniforms are 30 percent lighter than standard pieces and offer increased mobility, agility, comfort and durability.

As always, you can discuss football and a variety of other topics on the SFN Forums.

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'11 Football Football Recruiting General NCS Football

28 Responses to Wednesday Football Tidbits (2pm update)

  1. IamGumbyDammit 07/27/2011 at 9:09 AM #

    You go, Debbie. I remember growing up thinking that “State” meant NC STATE. Period.

  2. TruthBKnown Returns 07/27/2011 at 9:14 AM #

    I’m not convinced recruiting has swung in our favor just yet. But I do believe it is picking up for us. Still not enough to call it a “role reversal”, though (IMO).

  3. packgrad2000 07/27/2011 at 9:28 AM #

    Well, unless they’re living under a rock, I can’t imagine what high school player would want to even consider the dark cloud of Chapel Hill. Unless they’re being offered money or benefits, which seems crazy at this point but who knows.

  4. Hungwolf 07/27/2011 at 9:31 AM #

    High School coaches are cautious for the most part. What they have learned is you can trust the current NCSU staff. Parents are learning that also. I think Brett knows what he is talking about.

    Couple years ago a high school coach that is always at the beach same week I go every year. Told me the NCSU people didn’t know how to recruit. He has since changed his tune, saying they were honest all along, which he says now is paying off for them in the long run.

    What some don’t realize is UNC is not the only school we losing instate recruits too. TN and VA Tech are actually closer to kids in Western NC, Spurrier works the Charlotte area hard, and Skip was making doing well in eastern NC.

  5. coach13 07/27/2011 at 9:39 AM #

    I’ll wait and see how the 2012 class stacks up before I say things are looking up for us in that regard.

    I’ve often wondered, do the players themselves serve as good recruits? Do they talk to recruits, and what are the restrictions on what they can and can’t do to help in that regard?

  6. TruthBKnown Returns 07/27/2011 at 9:39 AM #

    Carolina’s recruiting (I believe) has slowed down. Seems like last I heard, their only commitments are all 3-stars or less. So it sounds more like recruiting is “evening out” than a reversal of fortunes.

  7. patientwuf 07/27/2011 at 9:46 AM #

    Be careful about judging our recruiting class by the number of stars by each name.

  8. packhammer 07/27/2011 at 10:05 AM #

    Watching TOB at the Triangle event and and his various interviews at the Kickoff left me with several clear impressionals. All good for NC State. First, O’Brien seems to be noticibly more comfortable now in his role at HC at State. I suppose winning 9 games would help any coach. But he just seems to demonstrate a more relaxed and confident attitude. He is more likeable than when he often seemed prickly and somewhat defensive. Second, the press has warmed to him and is showing more respect and appreciation for who he is and his track record over many years. I think the press appreciates his sense of humor more now. He is humorous in a dry way and that may have not been well understood in prior years. David Glenn clearly demonstrated respect for the O’Brien method of building a winning program over a 3 to 4 year period. The press also loves the story line about how many head coaches worked under O’Brien. And without question that is a tremendous story and speaks very well indeed for TOB. Third, I think there is a real respect growing for his NC State program. The type of players he is recruiting and developing, and his no-nonsense approach to staying within the rules and doing what is expected. Many questions at the kickoff had an underlying premise of “you run a strong program, tell us how you do that.”

    These things are all going to create a positive picture relative to a lot of other programs, not just Chapel Hill.

  9. packof81 07/27/2011 at 10:30 AM #

    It’s about time we get the good news.

  10. Wisc-Wolf 07/27/2011 at 10:33 AM #

    Talked to a childhood friend of mine this weekend who is the head coach of a high school team which recently had a kid sign with a major division one school. State was the first school to offer and he was interested but found the coaches to be distant when he visited the school. After the visit he was no longer interested in State, despite growing up a State fan. This may just be one kid’s experience but it certainly caught my attention. This kid ended up signing with a major division one school other than NCSU.

  11. whitefang 07/27/2011 at 10:45 AM #

    I have been a big TOB fans since he came, although I admit that my confidence was somewhat shaken 2 years ago.
    In any case one thing that has chapped my butt is how the UNC family/friends of mine have gone on an on about what a great coach THEY have. I of course interject that State’s ain’t too shabby. Then they often say in effect, “he’s OK, but no Butch Davis.” Of course it is easy to follow that with, “well he hasn’t been able to beat O’Brien.”
    Hell most of them are still defending that slimball. My GOD…

  12. baxter 07/27/2011 at 11:16 AM #

    I love how when TOB says recruiting is going way better, that some of you guys are skeptical. When has he ever blown steam up anyone’s ass? I’m really impressed by the guys we have so far, considering they wanted half the class picked up by the end of camps (check) and I have a feeling as the season progresses they are going to have the star gazers pleased as well.

  13. newt 07/27/2011 at 11:53 AM #

    Somebody should send Heather this list…

    Boston College quarterbacks to suit up for NFL games, and the years they started for the Eagles:
    1. Matt Ryan (2005-07) is currently starting for the Atlanta Falcons.
    2. Quinton Porter (2003, 2005) was the Houston Texans third string quarterback for the final five games of the 2006 season.
    3. Brian St. Peirre (2001-02) was a backup for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is currently a backup for the Arizona Cardinals.
    4. Tim Hasselbeck (1999-2000) was a backup from 2002-07, starting five games for the Redskins in 2003.
    5. Matt Hasselbeck (1996-97) is starting for the Seattle Seahawks.
    6. Glen Foley (1990-93) played for several seasons with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks.
    7. Shawn Halloran (1985-86) was a replacement player for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987. After the holdouts ended, Halloran stayed on the roster for the remainder of the season.

    hat tip to http://tinyurl.com/pk47nk

  14. kjedward 07/27/2011 at 12:30 PM #

    Story sounds familiar with a recruit I know who plays HS in Raleigh. It doesn’t seem like he’s getting much love from the staff and he’s a great RB who is also just an overall great kid. I don’t understand how you can’t try harder to get someone in your backyard. Also, he’s got Virginia schools high on his list.

  15. whitefang 07/27/2011 at 1:36 PM #

    As far as these individual recruiting stories I certainly don’t know the specifics, but we, as all schools, have a limited number of scholarships available in any one year. We have a limited amount of resources (both financial and NCAA restrictions) in which to recruit players to fit them. Our needs are different and ever changing at many positions. The group of players is changing all the time too. We may be looking hard at several players at a position, be high on a few , but one is close to committing, or another is close with another school, etc, etc. As dominos fall it affects others.
    So without knowing the entire puzzle you can’t judge how a few pieces fit just because they are talented good young men.

  16. lsutton5144 07/27/2011 at 1:44 PM #

    Whitefang,
    Well said. It doesn’t matter how great a kid is as a person and player. If you don’t have a need at that position, you don’t waste a scholly. It is hard for the kids to understand these situations, but along with being a great kid and player, timing matters as well.

  17. baxter 07/27/2011 at 2:02 PM #

    If it’s the kid I’m thinking you’re talking about KJ, I heard he desires to play out of state.

    Secondly, Shadrach Thornton is the #1 RB on our boards for now, and I think we have a really high chance of getting him thanks to the lack of depth that will be present after his RS year. That may be why we’re not focused as much on him as well (or he may not fit our scheme too).

  18. kjedward 07/27/2011 at 2:43 PM #

    Might be thinking of different RBs. He always wanted to come to State but changed his mind. Only now favors out of state.

    I totally understand that recruiting is much larger and more complicated than I can ever totally understand, just wanted to share a personal story. And generally would like to see us do a better job of establishing recruiting roots locally. It seems like we’re still missing out on top prospects in the state.

  19. ncsuallday 07/27/2011 at 2:45 PM #

    SERIOUSLY SFN?? 5 VIDEO ADS WITH SOUND RUNNING AT THE SAME TIME WHEN WE CLICK THE PAGE?!?! COME ON YOU’RE BETTER THAN THIS.

  20. JSRy2k 07/27/2011 at 3:12 PM #

    My NCSU All-ACC sleepers (not that I think they will, but others who could possibly make it):
    – OL: maybe Wentz or Mattes
    – LB: Cole or Manning
    – DB: Bishop or Wolff
    – SP: Graham

    And, honestly, if relatively untested EJ Manuel is preseason 1st team QB, then Glennon has an outside shot as well…but he’ll probably need a pleasant playmaking surprise at WR. Palmer, perhaps? I don’t have faith that Graham would suddenly improve that much just for his Sr year.

  21. JSRy2k 07/27/2011 at 3:59 PM #

    “…stunning recent role reversal” Really? You’re stunned that Butch is in hot water?!

    TOB’s jabs at UNC never cease to amuse and delight me. Keep poking, coach!

  22. WolfpackerClass83 07/27/2011 at 4:01 PM #

    SERIOUSLY SFN?? 5 VIDEO ADS WITH SOUND RUNNING AT THE SAME TIME WHEN WE CLICK THE PAGE?!?! COME ON YOU’RE BETTER THAN THIS.

    What is that all about – I spend 2 minutes every time I visit the site just trying to shut down the extra windows/sound so I can read the posts. Not time well spent.

    One ad/sports talk window that can be easily silenced is reasonable. But 4 or 5?
    Needs a fix asap!

  23. wolfpacker 07/27/2011 at 4:09 PM #

    ^

    Apparently for some reason, they put 6 ads on the page from the same ad source. I guess they get credits for more of them being shown. They have no idea which ad is going to show, and they don’t realize that sometimes it’s the videos. In which case they all start playing. If they get credit for more displays, it makes sense (if it’s allowed), but it’s very disturbing when the videos come up.

  24. BladenWolf 07/27/2011 at 4:18 PM #

    The recruiting comparison with the smurfs is overrated and means next to nothing. It has more to do with what you do with said recruits once they are in your system.
    UNX had nine athletes in the NFL draft (more than any other school).
    What did that get them?
    0-4 versus NC State and there lower quality recruits.

  25. gcpack 07/27/2011 at 4:24 PM #

    ALERT…Inside Carolina reports UNC Administration met today to discuss football program future. No one there will confirm whether BMFD will be retained.

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