NC State receivers, offensive line hope to impress in 2023
N.C. State players believe fans will see an explosive offense this fall — and it’s not limited to one position group.
Everyone has high hopes for the Brennan Armstrong-led backfield, but the wide receivers and offensive line will be worth watching.
Linebacker Payton Wilson spoke highly of the offense, which he said was really tough to face in fall camp.
“It’s something that I’ve honestly never seen before, I’ve never dealt with,” Wilson said. “To see that progress since this spring, it’s been amazing. They’re flying around, they’re playing with so much tempo. It’s just really awesome to see the way that they’ve not only come together but bonded, as well, on that side of the ball.”
Senior Keyon Lesane said everyone in the receivers room can make great catches and run efficiently. They’re speedy and dynamic, making quick plays and confident catches.
Lesane feels like he and his teammates fit well in first-year offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s scheme — which he said is accelerated — for that reason.
“Whenever we finish a play, we’re getting back on the ball ready to run the next play,” Lesane said. “(We’re) playing fast, keeping the defense on their toes, so they can’t change the defense or make calls.”
Despite having a quicker pace, Lesane said the way they signal calls is different and easier. That simplicity should translate on the field, he said, throwing opponents off their defensive rhythm and maintaining the Pack’s own speed.
Redshirt junior center Dylan McMahon wants to see improvement from the offensive line, which struggled in 2022.
“We were terrible at 4th and 1, short yardage,” McMahon said. “I mean, I’m not going to lie.”
The Wolfpack ranked No. 8 in first downs, averaging 20.4 per game, and No. 10 in third- and fourth-down conversions. N.C. State finished 36.2% of its third down attempts, trailing No. 1 Florida State at 51.2%.
On fourth down, the O-line finished 40% of its attempts. In-state rivals North Carolina (71.4), Duke (56.0) and Wake Forest (50.0) finished with better conversion percentages.
McMahon said the team wants to prove a point in 2023.
“That wasn’t us last year. It was a bad year for us and turn it around this year,” he said.
Both players were named among the team’s five captains, but even without the title, they’ve stepped into bigger leadership roles.
McMahon moved to center at the end of last season after playing at right guard. That means he’s running the offensive line, leading the group by example and by answering questions when necessary.
Lesane felt like leading was his duty. He’s the oldest receiver, and was the second-leading receiver in 2022, recording 342 yards on 31 catches.
“The younger guys look up to me as a role model,” Lesane said. “It is my job to lead them and teach them what I know.”
N.C. State’s offense will get to show off its revamped playbook and leadership skills in a little more than a week. The Wolfpack faces UConn on the road to open the season on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
