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ACC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team

By Dante Pryor

Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) rolls out during the third quarter of the ACC Championship game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) rolls out during the third quarter of the ACC Championship game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cheerleaders run across the end zone with team flags during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cheerleaders run across the end zone with team flags during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina State Wolfpack:

Brennan Armstrong, Quarterback: Virginia transfer quarterback Brennan Armstrong is reconnected with his former offensive coordinator Robert Anae, who left Syracuse for the same position at NC State. The two of them were a record-setting duo while at Virginia. This opportunity is about redemption for Armstrong.

After former head coach Bronco Mendenhall abruptly retired, Anae left for Syracuse. Armstong struggled under new head coach Tony Elliot’s offense. Armstrong comes to Raleigh hoping to reclaim his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC and lead the Wolfpack to that elusive ACC title.

Dacari Collins, Wide Receiver: The Wolfpack had issues pushing the football vertically last season. Thayer Thomas, their leading receiver, averaged 11 yards per reception. Enter Clemson wide receiver, Dacari Collins. Despite not playing much during his first two years for the Tigers, Collins is a big fast physical receiver the ‘Pack need.

Collins will have every opportunity to thrive in offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s offense with Brennan Armstrong at quarterback. Without Thomas, the Wolfpack needs a go-to receiver, and Collins can be that guy.

Bishop Fitzgerald, Safety: The tenth-ranked JUCO player and top-rated JUCO safety, Fitzgerald can be a plug-and-play defender for North Carolina State. Don’t be fooled by his size (6-foot-0, 195 pounds). Fitzgerald is a certified thumper who is nosy in the running game.

He has slot coverage skills and the ability to cover his deep half. Fitzgerald has a nose for the football in coverage and is not afraid to fight receivers for the football. That lunchpail mentality is what head coach Dave Doeren loves in his defensive players.

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