NC State Wolfpack Football Key Players Heading into the Season

RALEIGH NC – The NC State Wolfpack is preparing for the upcoming 2021 season. Many key veterans will have to be consistent to succeed in a difficult conference, but there are four specific Wolfpack players who will have to play massive roles and continue to perform at a high level. 

Offense:
QB Devin Leary: The third-year quarterback out of Sicklerville, NJ, is returning from a leg injury he suffered in 2020 that limited him to just four games. The Wolfpack in games he started were 3-1 as he piled up 890 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and an impressive rating of 148.3. He posted a .600 completion percentage for the season, which marked the 14th best in school history. His leadership on and off the field will make a significant difference, and with most of his offensive line returning, he should stay healthy. His weapons will also be returning as well at the running back and wide receiver positions. Leary is a true breakout candidate this season, mainly for his accuracy and mobility in the pocket. He has a great opportunity to put the ACC on notice and lead this offense to top 5 potential.

C Grant Gibson: Gibson could arguably be the best center in the entire country entering 2021. The junior who has started the Pack’s last 24 games sits at a solid frame of 6 foot 1, 305 pounds and is extremely athletic for his size. He does a terrific job opening up holes in the running game and containing defensive fronts in pass blocking situations. Gibson ranked as the ninth-best center nationally by Pro Football Focus in 2020 and that number should only be better the more he develops. Gibson may be one of the best players on the roster but also is a terrific leader. He takes charge of the offensive line, which has benefited this group to be on the same page and be successful.

Defense:
LB Payton Wilson: The FBS fourth-ranked player in tackles in 2020 struggled with multiple injuries but made it known to the media that he is 100% healthy and has not felt this good since high school. During last year’s campaign, Wilson racked up 108 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He also averaged the most tackles a game in the ACC at 10.8 and was a first-team All-ACC player. The 6 foot 4 NC native is a ball hawk and is freakishly athletic for his size and is phenomenal in pass coverage. On top of that, he can get to the quarterback with the best. Now that he is healthy, Wilson is expected to wreak havoc and remain one of or if not the best backer in the conference. Opposing offensives will have to execute their game plans accordingly, or else he can take over the game at any point.

DB Tyler Baker-Williams: The Raleigh native is destined for another productive year. He recorded 52 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception in 2020. His versatility makes him extremely valuable. He started at nickel in eight games and two at free safety. Even with a deep secondary, Williams will be one of the top dogs for the Wolfpack as he has been extremely consistent throughout his collegiate career thus far. Williams could be in for one of the best seasons he has had as he has an advantage with his long frame and athleticism.