Because Bryan Underwood deserves his own thread

It is no secret that senior Wolfpack wide receiver, Bryan Underwood has been an enigma this year. Theories abound regarding Underwood’s lack of effort at times when it appears to fans that he doesn’t extend/stretch himself for passes; and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to observe that Jacoby Brissett’s struggles mightily to hit receivers more than 20 yards downfield — a zip code where Underwood often resides because of his blazing speed and ability to vertically stretch defenses.

Well, I don’t think anyone will be questioning Underwood’s heart today after this story that was just too awesome to ignore emerged from this past weekend’s senior day.

On Saturday at Carter-Finley, NC State senior wide receiver Bryan Underwood helped create a story worth smiling about. And it just so happened to involve my 8-year-old brother.

Earlier in the week, Josh submitted a photo to NC State’s #kidfographic social media campaign. State asked kids to send in hand-drawn photos of their favorite players, and Josh chose Underwood, who he called “a great receiver.”

Thursday morning, Josh’s photo made an appearance on NC State’s official football account on Twitter.

Soon after (as the story was relayed to me), Underwood was in the sports information office asking more about the boy who drew the picture.

Underwood’s family wasn’t coming to Carter-Finley for Senior Day, so he decided he wanted Josh – and his high school football coach – on the field with him. Underwood’s family came down from Ohio to attend to the Georgia Tech a week ago and wasn’t able to make the trip in consecutive weeks.

A phone call to Josh set the plans in motion, and on Saturday, my brother got a memory he’ll never forget during pre-game festivities.

Underwood punctuated his Senior Day with a 75-yard touchdown run on a reverse in the third quarter. The score made it 28-3 in the third quarter and sealed up bowl eligibility for the Wolfpack.

How fitting could it be for Underwood to deliver a 75 yard reverse for a touchdown that was an absolute thing of beauty!? You can re-watch Underwood’s sprint to the end zone on senior day below:

Additionally, Underwood shares more on the story in this interview:

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Home Forums Because Bryan Underwood deserves his own thread

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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  • #62103
    StateFans
    Keymaster

    It is no secret that senior Wolfpack wide receiver, Bryan Underwood has been an enigma this year. Theories abound regarding Underwood’s lack of effort
    [See the full post at: Because Bryan Underwood deserves his own thread]

    #62104
    VAWOLFPACK
    Participant

    I’ve always liked Underwood as a player and now to see what a thoughtful young man he is just adds more than he probably realizes … not to mention how proud he makes and how well he represents NC STATE. Thank you Bryan

    #62106
    JackWolf
    Keymaster

    While I did think Underwood would have been more involved in the jet-sweep / reverse game this year, people are dogging the coaches for his lack of catches. To be honest it might be on Jacoby. Underwood’s real asset is his speed downfield and Jacoby struggles with the deep ball. Overall a bad combo for Bryan.

    #62115
    archdalepack
    Participant

    Should touch the ball 5 to 10 times a game. This has been a mistake to not ride this mans speed! Wish he had one more year.

    #62137
    1.21 Jigawatts
    Keymaster

    The deep ball isn’t the only pass that Brissett has trouble throwing accurately.

    #62175
    ryebread
    Participant

    Great story from a guy who I think has taken some unwarranted flack from the fan base. I don’t understand this staff’s utilization (or lack there of) of certain weapons. Underwood is the prime example. He’s one of the few playmakers we have and should get it on offense, special teams, etc..

    #62190
    Mike
    Participant

    I have been disappointed (very much so) with the lack of Underwood’s use this year. While we dont know the whole story, I expected more contributions from #80 this year. Thanks for a great story about a great young man – stark contrast to the stories we hear up the interstate. Thanks Bryan for being a class act.

    #62194
    pakfanistan
    Participant

    I just assume Underwood’s specialty is running really fast and catching a deep ball, but Brisset can’t hit him anyway, so he doesn’t get used.

    #62482
    StateFans
    Keymaster

    It is Thanksgiving week and Bryan deserves to be sent back to the top of our forums in case you missed this.

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