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Five under-the-radar players that could make all the difference for NC State football

david thompson, the fayetteville observer
·4 min read

There are plenty of notable stars for NC State football heading into the 2022 season, but for the Wolfpack to win their first ACC title since 1979, they'll need more talent to emerge on both sides of the ball.

There are several unheralded players that could emerge in key positions this year. Here's a look at five under-the-radar players who could make a big impact with the season opener against ECU on Sept. 3.

Darryl Jones, WR

NC State receiver Darryl Jones is a former four-star recruit from Virginia Beach who transferred to the Wolfpack from Maryland.
NC State receiver Darryl Jones is a former four-star recruit from Virginia Beach who transferred to the Wolfpack from Maryland.

There is no debate that NC State's top two wide receivers are Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter. In 2021, the two combined for 82 catches and 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, and, with the loss of top pass catcher Emeka Emezie, will be the top targets for quarterback Devin Leary.

Porter Rooks (23 catches, 298 yards) looks like a solid third option, but coach Dave Doeren has raved about the consistency of Maryland transfer Darryl Jones. 

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Jones missed spring practices due to a hamstring injury but is coming off his best outing after 111 receiving yards and two touchdowns during Maryland's bowl game win over Virginia Tech.

Jones has 23 career catches for 319 yards, but averages 13.9 yards a catch and could become a big-play threat for the Wolfpack.

More: How NC State wideout Darryl Jones, a Maryland transfer, learned to be strong at young age

More: How NC State wideout Darryl Jones, a Maryland transfer, learned to be strong at young age

Demie Sumo, RB

NC State had an ACC-worst 11 rushing touchdowns in 2021 and enters this season without its two most productive backs in Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person.

Jordan Houston will be the No. 1 option in the backfield, but with the way Knight and Person split carries last year, expect sophomore Demi Sumo to get his fair share of touches.

Sumo has added 20 pounds to his 6-foot frame since arriving in Raleigh and has impressed the coaching staff during the spring and fall. He has never run the ball during a college football game, but that should change in the season opener.

Davin Vann, DT

North Carolina State's Davin Vann (45) attempts to tackle Syracuse's Garrett Shrader (16) during the first half of their game in Raleigh Nov. 20, 2021.
North Carolina State's Davin Vann (45) attempts to tackle Syracuse's Garrett Shrader (16) during the first half of their game in Raleigh Nov. 20, 2021.

Vann has been the "most consistent playmaker" on defense during preseason practices, according to Doeren. The third-year sophomore defensive tackle had 26 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks in just an average of 35 snaps per game last year, and is now in the best shape of his career.

Vann could be NC State's best pass rusher on the defensive line and could give the Wolfpack some needed versatility at tackle and defensive end. He's always been a great athlete, but Doeren also said he spent the offseason in the film room, learning how to be a smarter player.

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Chris Toudle, TE

NC State tight end Chris Toudle heads to the end zone during last year's game against Louisiana Tech.
NC State tight end Chris Toudle heads to the end zone during last year's game against Louisiana Tech.

After converting from a wide receiver to a tight end before the start of the 2021 season, Toudle finished with 19 catches for 190 yards and four touchdowns, becoming one of Leary's favorite red zone targets.

He tore his labrum late in the season against Syracuse, an injury that required surgery and forced him to miss spring practice while rehabbing. Now, with his shoulder repaired and a year of playing tight end under his belt, Toulde could have a breakout season alongside fellow tight end Trent Pennix (16 catches, 236 yards, 3 TDs).

Toudle's 6-4, 240-pound frame and athletic ability make him a tough matchup and gives Leary another great target in short yard and goal line situations.

Shane McDonough, P

Part of the hype entering this season is the lack of clear question marks for this team. A new punter, however, is one of them. First-team All-ACC punter Trent Gill is off to the NFL, forcing the Wolfpack to find his replacement in the transfer portal.

Enter Shane McDonough.

The Towson transfer finished third in the CAA last year, averaging 41.3 yards a punt with eight kicks over 50 yards. Gill was a huge weapon for NC State in 2021, can McDonough continue that trend?

David Thompson is an award-winning reporter for the USA TODAY South Network covering NC State and Duke athletics. He can be reached at dthompson1@gannett.com, at 828-231-1747, or on Twitter at @daveth89.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Five under-the-radar players to watch for NC State football