Loaded In-State Class Gives Pack Plenty of RB Options

Running back will be a key position for NC State in the class of 2015 after taking one player exclusively recruited for the position in 2014. Luckily for the Pack, the state of North Carolina is loaded at the position in this cycle. Dave Doeren would like to take two backs, with at least one preferably being an in-state pick up.

With as deep of a class as the state of North Carolina has had in years, the Wolfpack will have plenty of options to fill this major need. Consensus four stars Bryce Love and Johnny Frasier are long shots, but other big names such as Nyheim Hines and Reggie Gallaspy are realistic targets. Love, from adjoining town Wake Forest, has been to State as much as any other school, but seems destined to go out-of-state or to UNC. Princeton product Frasier is a relative late-riser with offers from all over the country. He has given the local schools a look, but at the moment Florida State and Georgia are the clear leaders (damn you, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall).

Meanwhile, Hines grew up just down the street in Garner in a family full of Wolfpack fans. He has visited campus at least five times, but the other Triangle schools, Georgia, Clemson, Florida, and Ohio State are all major contenders. The biggest factor in Hines’ recruitment will likely be where his twin sister decides to go for track. She has been told by almost every school involved with Nyheim that she will be offered once June comes around and track athletes can officially be offered. Gallaspy, who comes from Southern Guilford, has favored Duke for quite a while, with NC State in second. Hines is more of a burner who could play some receiver, whereas Gallaspy is more of a power back. Trai Sharp of Carrboro claims an offer from State dating back to last year, but may be an option if Hines and Gallaspy go elsewhere.

As it is with most prospects, luring an out-of-state talent at running back could prove tricky. Many offers have gone out, but only a few seem like real options. Perhaps the best option is recent offer Markeis Hallback (who should fit Akula’s requirements of great names) out of Florida. Currently the Wolfpack represent his only offer, but based on his film and location, he should pick up some other interest. The Pack getting in on the ground floor will give them a big advantage as Hallback’s recruitment.  The other back that State seems to have a shot with is Mikell Lands-Davis from the talent-rich area of Douglasville, GA. Lands-Davis is a power back who may be favoring schools like Clemson, Georgia Tech, Michigan, and Wisconsin, but the Pack will get their shot this summer.

Getting at least one of the realistic group of Hines, Gallaspy, and Lands-Davis would be a big win for Dave Doeren and Co. Pairing one with Sharp, Hallback, or someone else off the radar would give the Pack is the likely scenario. Love and Frasier would be minor miracles, but the staff will fight to stay in consideration. The run-oriented offense and playing time available should be strong enough selling points to bolster the backfield in 2015.