There is no reason to take time to re-hash the quarterback problems that plagued NC State in Coach Dave Doeren’s first season. We all know what we saw, and we all recognize that there really is no way to comprehensively and accurately assess the impact of the quarterbacks’ limitations.
While the impact of the Wolfpack’s limited quarterback play may not be actually quantifiable, there is no doubt that barring injury program will try something different next season.
NC State’s 2014 starting quarterback has already established himself as a leader.
Coach Dave Doeren said on Monday that Brissett has already earned the starting job for next fall, despite the return of Pete Thomas.
“Jacoby Brissett is our starting quarterback,” Doeren said.
As you probably remember, Jacoby Brissett is a former four-star recruit who was ranked as the nation’s No. 75 overall player and one of the top five quarterbacks in the class of 2011. After getting stuck in a quarterback battle at the University of Florida, Brissett announced his transfer to NC State last year based largely on his relationship with Coach Doeren.
I want to be very careful not to overly promote any single player as potential savior or ordain someone to be something that they are not. But, ESPN is already focusing on the potential impact that Brissett may have on the Wolfpack program in 2014 and beyond.
NC State’s 2014 starting quarterback has already established himself as a leader.
[snip]
“His leadership is phenomenal,” Doeren said. “I think it was a great year for him developmentally, from a mental standpoint. Our team respects him, our staff respects him. I don’t want to put undue pressure on him because he still has to go out and play football, but we’re all excited about his leadership at that position.”
Brissett has two years of eligibility remaining, and he could be the answer to one of NC State’s biggest problems en route to a winless season in the ACC and a 3-9 finish. At Florida, Brissett had played behind Jeff Driskel the entire 2012 season, but decided to transfer in mid-January after a perceived lack of opportunities.
There won’t be any lack of playing time next fall — despite some depth at the position. Thomas, who threw four touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine games, along with Garrett Leatham, Josh Taylor and Bryant Shirreffs all return. Leatham and Shirreffs combined for just 22 pass attempts last year.
“I can’t talk about who we have committed, but we’re excited about who we’re recruiting at that position,” Doeren said. “Garrett Leatham is still coming back and so are Josh Taylor and Bryant Shirreffs. All of those guys had snaps this year other than Jacoby, and obviously he’s played in college football already, so I feel really good about the quarterback position moving forward.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.