NC State football’s potential breakout stars in the Wolfpack’s offense
In two weeks, NC State football will kick off the 2023 season in primetime at UConn.
The Wolfpack defense appears primed to remain among the best units in the ACC, but State’s new-look offense is in reset mode with the additions of quarterback Brennan Armstrong and offensive coordinator Robert Anae.
That duo showed what it was capable of accomplishing with a stellar season at Virginia in 2021. That year, Armstrong and Anae teamed up to help the Cavaliers lead the ACC with 514.4 yards per game and finish fourth in the league with an average of 34.6 points per game.
Here’s a look at three players who have the potential for breakout seasons in Anae’s offense.
Keyon Lesane in line to be NC State Wolfpack’s top wide receiver
The departure of wide receivers Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter opens the door for Keyon Lesane, the Wolfpack’s second-leading receiver last season. The 5-foot-11 wideout had 31 catches for 342 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11 yards per catch.
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Virginia’s Olamide Zaccheaus, a 5-foot-8 receiver, had 21 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown in 2015. When Anae arrived ahead of the 2016 season, Zaccheaus followed with 51 catches for 584 yards and seven touchdowns.
According to NC State’s roster, Lesane has added 10 pounds to his frame. His experience and build could help Lesane become Armstrong’s top target.
If healthy, Trent Pennix is a weapon for the Wolfpack
NC State head coach Dave Doeren said Trent Pennix is the “most versatile player” on the Wolfpack roster. A sixth-year tight end with the ability to line up all over the field, Pennix missed eight games in 2022 due to injury.
When he’s on the field, Pennix has been a weapon with eight touchdowns on 40 catches and an average of 13.1 yards per catch. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound tight end can look at Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II for motivation.
Gadsden was an All-ACC selection in Anae’s offense last year. The tight end had 61 catches for 969 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.
Michael Allen’s versatility could make him NC State’s top running back
Michael Allen’s combination of speed and big-play capability could make him a vital part of Anae’s offense. The sophomore running back played in the final seven games of the 2022 season, finishing with 53 carries for 268 yards.
His average of 5.1 yards per carry is the top mark among State’s returners. Allen also had a 36-yard run against Boston College for the Wolfpack’s longest run of the season. As a receiver, Allen hauled in 11 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football players capable of breakout seasons for Wolfpack
