NC State releases depth chart for Wake Forest game

NC State released the initial depth chart for the opener at Wake Forest.

Offense

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Similar to what State used to do with Eli Drinkwitz calling the plays, State has 12 positions listed on the offensive depth chart. All told, there are 33 players listed on the depth chart for offense, compared to 30 listed for the 2019 season opener (where there were “only” 11 positions listed).

Given that, you can expect to see a lot of players on Saturday. The Running Back position has four co-starters listed, while each of the three receiver positions have “OR” starters listed.

The most interesting note is Ikem Ekwonu moving from Left Tackle, where he started almost every game last year and received numerous accolades for his performance, to Left Guard. The LT spot will be manned by Tyrone Riley, who was slated to be the LT last year before suffering a season-ending injury early in camp.

Three true freshman are listed here, although WR Porter Rooks is the only one who is listed higher than 3rd string; Rooks is listed as a co-starter with Thayer Thomas in the Slot Receiver position.

Defense

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Don’t ask me why C.J. Hart is the only player on the entire depth chart with his name not in italics.

As on offense, the defensive depth chart also lists 33 players, up from 26 players listed on last year’s season opener depth chart. Again, expect to see a lot of different players rotating into the game, as five of 11 positions have “OR” starters listed.

Transfers Daniel Joseph (LDE) and Vi Jones (SLB) are both listed as potential starters at their respective positions. Joseph and Val Martin are the only seniors on the defensive depth chart.

Seven true freshmen have found their way onto the defensive depth chart for this one, with Nickle Back Joshua Pierre-Louis the only one listed higher than 3rd string.

The size at corner is impressive.

Special Teams

The special teams portion of the depth chart is an exact copy from last year.