Dave Doeren greets the media ahead of Meet The Pack Day

Nine practices and one scrimmage into fall camp, Dave Doeren sounds pretty happy about the talent he has on this year’s roster, though he’s quick to mention that a lot of that talent is young.

He’s said already this month that he thinks the running back spot is the deepest its been since he took over in Raleigh, and on Sunday afternoon he was heaping praise on the linebackers.

Drake Thomas, Louis Acceus, Brock Miller, Payton Wilson, CJ Hart. Those guys are playing good. Our speed at that position is the best we’ve had across the board. It’s fun seeing the growth. CJ has improved a ton and is playing WILL and MIKE. Payton, it’s good seeing him on the field. He’s a very, very good football player... he’s making a lot of plays.

Wilson, of course, has been on the shelf for a long time thanks to a couple of major knee injuries, but the former four-star prospect should be a significant part of the linebacker rotation once he’s back to full speed both mentally and physically.

Doeren also spoke highly of Tabari Hines, who he says can be plugged in at multiple wide receiver spots. Hines may also end up a factor in the return game, perhaps especially on kickoffs. Thayer Thomas figures to return punts again, though Doeren doesn’t sound dead set on that.

And, not surprisingly, there remains no decision at quarterback, and it sounds like that competition is still a tight one.