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North Carolina State Football could be ACC sleeper in 2021

By Chris Peterson

Sep 7, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (center) leads his team onto the field prior to a game against thw Western Carolina Catamounts at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (center) leads his team onto the field prior to a game against thw Western Carolina Catamounts at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Wolfpack offense should shine

As long as Leary can find his form North Carolina State should have a pretty solid offense and it really shouldn’t skip a beat.

Emeka Emezie, Thayer Thomas, and Devin Carter, who were the three leading receivers for the Wolfpack last season are all back. Emezie led the team with 749 receiving yards and NC State should have a potent passing attack.

The running game is also in good shape. Both of last season’s leading rushers are back in Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person.

Knight scored 10 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt, combining to get over the 1,300-yard mark. Knight and Person also combined for 38 receptions in 2021, giving them even more value to the offense.

The offensive line returns four starters, giving North Carolina State nine returners total. The line will need to play better and Ikem Ekwonu, a 325-pound left tackle will need to show improvement.

Yet, there is a lot of continuity and that usually leads to good things on the offensive side of the ball especially when you have an experienced quarterback like NC State does in Leary.

There aren’t a lot of holes on offense and the defense, is much the same.

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