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NC State Football: 3 Upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

Oct 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (in black) leads his team onto the field prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (in black) leads his team onto the field prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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NC State’s Thayer Thomas catches a two-yard pass for a touchdown to tie back up the game during the first overtime at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC, on September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State
NC State’s Thayer Thomas catches a two-yard pass for a touchdown to tie back up the game during the first overtime at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC, on September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State /

3. Thayer Thomas: slot receiver

This season, quarterback Devin Leary needs receivers to replace the production of veteran Emeka Emezie. The outgoing senior was not only an explosive playmaker but a reliable target for Leary. Wide receiver Thayer Thomas has to be that receiver for Leary.

Last season, Thomas was second to Emezie in receptions and led the Wolfpack in touchdown receptions. What makes the receiver room crucial for the Wolfpack this season is the loss of Knight and Pearson at running back.

NC State began to give Leary the ball more and run less. That trend will continue this season with little experience at running back. What the ‘Pack get in Thomas is a reliable slot who can move the chains and has a nose for the endzone.

In addition to Thomas, Leary and the Wolfpack need another wide receiver to step up. Darryl Jones comes in from Maryland as a graduate transfer to give the receiver room some punch on the outside, but he hasn’t played much.

Redshirt junior Devin Carter averaged 17.9 yards per catch, and sophomore Anthony Smith averaged 24.3 yards per reception, albeit on four catches. Leary needs some receivers to produce big plays as the offense becomes more pass-oriented.

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