Brock Miller thrives against UNC, ready for more

RALEIGH, N.C.-- Call them what you want—the reserves, the understudies, the second stringers, the Wally Pipp to Lou Gehrig players. They sit on the sidelines patiently wait for their time to shine. While these guys don’t see a ton of playing time, they often have the strongest work ethic because sometimes they only get one chance -- if any -- to prove themselves. When they get the opportunity, they are always going to be ready.

Redshirt sophomore Brock Miller received that opportunity on Saturday against UNC. Miller got the nod to start at linebacker for the first time in his career, filling in for Germaine Pratt who was out due to injury.

“I can’t say I did,” Miller stated when asked if he saw himself sitting there at the end of the game. “But everyone always preaches to be ready and we prepare every week. And I kept the same attitude every week. You never know when it’s going to be your time and it just so happens it was this week. Every week, I was ready to go in, ready to play. I’m just grateful for what happened and blessed to be here.”

Germaine Pratt is a senior, captain and leader of the Wolfpack defense. It’s an intimidating position to fill, because well, it is. But Brock Miller stepped on the field in Kenan Memorial Stadium and performed his duties successfully and effortlessly.

“He called me this morning and told me he was excited to see me play,” Miller shared that he spoke with Pratt. “He told me he knew I was ready and believed in me and gave me some encouragement. He told me go lead the defense.”

And leading the defense is just what Brock did. Following a close game and an overtime win for the Wolfpack in which Miller was a crucial part of, head coach Dave Doeren praised the linebacker on his first start.

“Brock Miller played in his first game and made a bunch of plays for us," Doeren said. You talk about your first start is at Carolina, a rival game. I’m really proud of him.”

Now this is not to say Miller went from never playing to playing a full four quarters. He has seen time in five other games this season against Georgia State, Virginia, Clemson, Florida State and Louisville. Before the UNC game, his career high snap count was against Louisville where he took 19 snaps. On Saturday, he took 76.

Against the Tar Heels, Miller finished third on the defense for the Wolfpack posting 6 total tackles, 5 of those solo and added a QB hurry. It was more than what was just on paper though. He looked natural and comfortable on the field and made major contributions to a defense that had to come together and made late adjustments in order to get stops.

“I was really proud of Brock, excited for him. To see him cut it loose and make all those plays in space, he really showed some athletic ability that we knew we had.” Coach Doeren expressed.

“For him to get that stage and take advantage of it, I thought it was awesome for him. I think that boosts his confidence for when he is out there. Whether he’s out there in this game or the next game, I know that he’s going to seize the moment and that’s all that you can ask for from a young man. Just really proud of him,”

Pratt is listed on the depth chart as the starter for this coming Saturday against ECU, but that’s not to say there could be last minute changes. Regardless of how many snaps Miller takes on Saturday, the young athlete has proven he can fill big shoes. He has a bright future ahead of him and has the potential to be a major contribution to the success of the defense moving forward.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/NC-State-determined-to-feed-off-the-doubt-during-10-1-start-126679340

NC State guard C.J. Bryce eager to prove himself in ACC

RALEIGH, N.C.—ACC Basketball Media Day is usually populated with familiar faces from each team -- the leaders and veterans of each program that we have seen perform on the court in recent seasons. NC State brought with them just that in senior leader Torin Dorn, however the player sitting to the left of him throughout the day was less of a familiar face. 

Redshirt junior C.J. Bryce has not seen playing time in an NC State uniform due to NCAA transfer rules, yet he was the player who was invited to accompany Dorn on the trip to Charlotte. Bryce spent the day answering the basics, questions about himself, the team and why he followed Kevin Keatts. While Bryce has little experience as a member of the Wolfpack, he is among the most familiar with Keatts and his system. 

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound guard enters his third season under Keatts, while several others are only entering their second and first seasons with him. Because of his experience and familiarity with the Wolfpack head coach, Bryce sits in a unique leadership role -- among a few of the reasons he was one picked to represent the team in Charlotte. 

“One of [the leaders on this season's team] to my left, is C.J. Bryce, who played for me at Wilmington, and had two really good years for us," Keatts said. "Almost averaged 18 points a game as a sophomore. The thing that makes him special is he's a guy on our roster that's played for me the longest, which is two years.”

After Keatts left UNCW to take the head coaching job at NC State in 2017, Bryce, a former Seahawk under Keatts, announced his plans to transfer. He was coming off of a season where he was the leading scorer for a 29-6 Seahawk team that won a conference title and qualified for the postseason. Overlooked by ACC schools coming out of high school, Keatts believed Bryce was ready to play at the next level and offered him a spot on the Wolfpack roster.

“When I transferred, I took an official visit to obviously NC State but also to South Carolina and I really liked South Carolina but I chose NC State with what I know and who I know. I am glad I made that decision,” said Bryce when asked about the impact Keatts had on his transfer decision. “The intensity that he [Keatts] demands every day, he demands his team to be great and that is something you look for in a coach.”

During his freshman campaign at Wilmington, Bryce finished with 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 23.2 minutes played. He saw a huge uptick in his second season with 34.3 minutes per game and it paid off with 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing, leading to a second straight NCAA Tournament berth for the Seahawks.

NCAA transfer rules forced C.J. Bryce to sit out last season, but according to him, it was still an opportunity to gain experience and learn from a different perspective.

“We are very hungry to get back out there -- me and Devon Daniels," Bryce said. "It was a long sit out year. But the leadership role that we took on definitely helped us out and will definitely help this year. We are ready to get on the court."

To restate the obvious, there is a big difference in the game for a player who transfers into a league as prestigious as the ACC is in college basketball. 

Not only is the experience different playing at a level as high as the ACC for a player, but for a coach there are changes too. For Keatts and his unique up-tempo offensive system he plans to implement, Bryce seems to think there is more potential for success in with his system with the roster the Pack has this season.

“Having more length at the guard position being able to pick guys up more full court," Bryce said. "That’s something that [Keatts] has always wanted to do and he is able to do it now. I think it will be very successful this year.”

As for Bryce, he can't wait to hit the court, but is already teeming with excitement about getting to ACC play to prove some of his previous doubters wrong.

“It’s something that I have dreamed about since I started playing basketball,” said Bryce. “Not being recruited by those teams coming out of high school definitely left a chip on my shoulder. Being at this stage now in my career, I'm definitely looking forward to proving myself every night."

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/NC-State-determined-to-feed-off-the-doubt-during-10-1-start-126679340

Jarius Morehead proving to be X factor on NC State's defense

RALEIGH, NC-- In the beginning of the season, the NC State defense faced its fair share of run heavy offenses. Last week, against Clemson, the workload shifted, and the Wolfpack secondary attempted to stop an offense that eventually caught for 380 yards.

A key player that has had to be fully prepared to face any style of offense, is Jarius Morehead. Whether they are racking up yards in the backfield or throwing the ball downfield, the strong safety has to stay alert and be ready to attack during every snap.

Morehead and his teammates are working to bury the Clemson game in the past. When asked several times about last week’s loss, his attitude on the topic stayed consistent -- which aligns well with his style of play.

“We are 5-1 we are in a good spot,” said Morehead. “We can’t let that loss turn the rest of our season. We’ve got six games left, we have to take it one game at a time which means we have to prepare each week.”

A five-win Wolfpack team heads to the Carrier Dome to face another five-win team. A new week means a new challenge and the defense sets to see two different quarterbacks in addition to an offense that leads the ACC with an average of 42.6 points per game.

“Offensively, they are maximum-speed tempo and they are running the ball well," Dave Doeren said. "They always have good receivers with big guys on the perimeter and quick guys in the slot.” 

Syracuse is a team that is both successful in the run game and passing game, averaging 213 yards per game on the ground and 262 yards passing. This style of offense might explain why Morehead played one of his best games in 2017 against Syracuse.

Morehead was one of the defensive standouts against Syracuse last season with 8 tackles, 6 solo and one QB hurry. He saw the most playing time than any of the current defensive players, seeing a total of 84 snaps. Of the returning players from last year's squad, Morehead clearly has the most experience against the Orange.

How does he take his performance from last season and use it to help those with less experience prepare for Saturday?

“You can just tell them what happened last year and the year before," Morehead said. "You can't take [Syracuse] lightly because when I first got here Syracuse wasn’t really the team to worry about, but now they are legit ACC contenders and you can’t take them lightly.”

The difference between this year and last year for Morehead is that he will match up against a couple of new faces. A young receiving corps for the Orange doesn't the experience of last year's team, but still poses a threat.

Jamal Custis and Nykeim Johnson are home-run threats that Morehead will have to prioritize on the second level. Freshman Taj Harris runs hard and has the ability to throw strong screens. The key to slowing this fast tempo team for Morehead is communication. 

“You just have to be quick," Morehead said. "Even if you are wrong just make sure everybody is on the same page and give out the call, so everybody can just get ready and play their jobs.”

Which luckily for Morehead, communication is the component to his game that he takes pride in. He says “communicating better” is where he has grown the most especially this season.

“I’m learning each and everybody’s weaknesses and strengths,” elaborated Morehead on his personal growth this season. “I’m getting a better relationship with the coaches and seeing what they are thinking. Picking their heads apart and seeing what I can do to better my game and help the people around me.”

Assistant Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof -- who is also serving as the safeties coach -- spoke highly of Morehead and his contributions to the defense this season.

“I am really proud of him and I love coaching him,” said Coach Roof. “He is a real student of the game. He applies himself and puts everything he has into it. He watches more tape or as much tape as any player I have ever coached. I just have a lot of respect for him and I admire that.”

The strong safety looks to finish the season with 100-plus tackles again and Saturday is another opportunity for him to creep closer to achieving this goal at the Carrier Dome.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/Jarius-Morehead-X-factor-NC-State-defense-123724303/

Offensive line a measuring stick for NC State vs. Clemson

RALEIGH, NC—Last season, Clemson came to Carter-Finley where the two teams played a thriller, and the Wolfpack was able to hold their own against a perennial College Football Playoff program. NC State may have lost by a touchdown, but Clemson was the team trying to pull out of a deficit for most of the game before outscoring the Pack 21-10 in the second half.

We all know how last season concluded, 8-4 and 6-2 in ACC play, the best season (yet) during the Dave Doeren era. Need I say more?

My point being, over the past couple of seasons, the NC State football program has taken a turn for the better. It’s fair to say that Clemson has been a measuring stick game for how this program is exponentially growing under Dave Doeren. While there have been several close games, the program hasn't quite been able to leap over that hurdle -- yet.

In 2018, the Wolfpack if off to a 5-0 start before heading to Death Valley where the program will face its biggest test of the program of the season. One of the units that will be used as an important measuring stick in this game? The offensive line.

Why is this such a big test for the program and how does the offensive line help to prove that? Because it shows the ability of NC State’s staff to recruit and develop successful players against another program that does just that. NC State offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford’s “Band of Brothers” have been a proven piece of the Wolfpack’s ability to grow when you look at individual and team statistics over the past couple seasons in addition to success on the recruiting trail.

It is safe to say, whoever wins the battle in the trenches on Saturday could very well win this game. Ledford spoke on how big of a test Saturday will be for his players.

“Clemson, they are unique," Ledford said. "Those defensive linemen, they got all those guys that are going to be very high draft choices. They play extremely hard they have got great size, great length. So as an offensive lineman, those are the games you want to be able to show that those are the guys you can go up and play against.”

Clemson’s defensive line is stacked with four possible first- or second-round draft picks and is arguably the best line in the ACC -- if not the country. Luckily for NC State’s offensive line, they are not unfamiliar with how to handle these guys.

Last season, the Band of Brothers held Clemson’s defense to just one sack, 8 TFL and zero QB hurries. The one allowed sack was better than eight out of the 12 opponents the Tigers faced last season. Among those games included a total domination in the trenches by Clemson against No. 13 Auburn where Clemson tallied 11 sacks. Others included five sacks against Louisville, five against Florida State and six against Syracuse (the Tigers' lone regular season loss).

Of that 2017 group, three linemen return for the Wolfpack against the Tigers. Terronne Prescod, Tyler Jones and Garrett Bradbury are all back and playing their best football, according to Ledford. 

“They are very good pros in their approach of the game,” Ledford said. “Studying with how they just approach everything about football right now. Coming over at night watching film, being on time, doing all the little things right. Seeing them for the last three years now, I’ve loved watching their growth with it and it’s awesome seeing the way that they are playing this year, they are playing at a really high level.”

Prescod and Bradbury were both named to the Pro Football Focus Midseason All-American Team -- and Prescod was listed as the top-graded o-lineman in the country. They have lead the Band of Brothers to sit at seventh in the country with over 335 passing yards per game in addition to being ranked No. 2 in the country for allowing sacks.

In true Garrett Bradbury fashion, he humbly declined that the honor does not make him anymore confident heading into Clemson.

"That doesn't really mean anything to us. It shouldn’t at least," Bradbury said. "That’s just noise outside. Individual accolades, we don’t put a lot of buy into it because the offensive line, it’s a unique position where there are five guys doing their job. It’s hard to single out one guy as just doing a great job without the other four getting recognition."

The idea of not singling out one player and working together as one unit, has created the chemistry between these “brothers” that has clearly translated to success on the field.

“They have done a good job all season of really not paying much attention to anything on the outside,” Coach Ledford proudly stated. “They have done a good job of just worrying about the process, keeping their head down and just going to work in which I admire about the group. They have gotten a little bit better each day and each week at practice.

"It’s an honor to have the recognition that they are getting and very appreciative of all that but understand that it’s where we end up at the end of the season and the work that’s got to be put in for where we want at the end of the year.”

Despite the clear growth from the offensive line against the treacherous Clemson defensive line, it's time to prove it again on Saturday in Death Valley. Though the game has been separated by a single score over the last two seasons, Bradbury isn't worried about the history of the rivalry -- especially with what's on the line this season in Clemson.

“I mean there is a lot on the line and everyone knows that -- it’s the elephant in the room," Bradbury said. "But the more that we as a team can focus on what’s at hand just this game, this Saturday, executing our assignments from the first play to the fourth quarter the better we can lock in."

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/NC-State-Clemson-2018-offensive-defensive-line-measuring-stick-123485294/

Trent Pennix showing growth early in NC State football career

RALEIGH, NC — When the NC State football program landed the talented class of 2018, everyone, including the players themselves, knew that it would be something special. Usually though, it takes a season or two for these young players to move on up along the depth chart and see significant playing time. 

After week two of the 2018 season, not only have we seen several of these new faces in action, but we have already seen them be major player-makers and important contributors to the team. Running back Trent Pennix has stepped into an important and unexpected role this season and can be an important playmaker for the Wolfpack through the rest of the 2018 campaign if he continues to grow the way he has thus far. 

Pennix received a lot of attention during his recruitment and was expected to be a big part of recreating the depth at running back. However, due to him missing out on a lot of important camp playing time, the newcomer was not listed on the depth chart come Week 1. This did not stop Pennix from wanting to prove himself.

After true freshman Tyler-Baker Williams (number three in the rotation) had a slip up in the first drive of the James Madison game, Doeren threw Pennix into the mix. While Trent only saw three snaps and ran for one yard against JMU, he was officially added into the rotation in Week 2.

Last Saturday against Georgia State, Pennix saw the second most snaps of the running backs [24 total] with Ricky Person being out due to injury. He finished the game as a key contributor for the Wolfpack, scoring his first career touchdown and making an impact in both the running and the passing game. He recorded 28 yards on 9 carries in addition to 3 receptions over 66 yards. 

Coach Doeren spoke highly of Trent’s significant growth between Weeks 1 and 2. 

“I just thought there was a lot of improvement from his first game to his second game and I think in the run game, as a running back, reps are a big deal. And all the things that happen in front of your face, the faster you do it, the more you do it, the slower that picture gets. He missed a lot of camp and so getting him in the first game you could tell it was fast for him. And in practice when he first started fall camp he wasn’t nervous, he looked really comfortable and you could see that again on Saturday where he just looked comfortable.”

(Photo: Nick Faulkner/Technician)

When asked about his performance against Georgia State, Pennix was quick to admit that he was nervous before taking the field but knew he had a job to complete. 

“It got the jitters in me," said Pennix. “I was a little bit nervous because Coach said you’re going to be getting a lot of burn this game so be prepared. Do what your coaches tell you to do pretty much. I don’t let anything else distract me from what I am trying to do so I just go out and do my job and have fun.”

Prior to the West Virginia game being cancelled, Pennix moved up yet again on the depth chart. He was listed as number two on Monday. While Ricky Person being out plays a role in Trent's playing time, there is no denying it is also still a product of his performance. This is just the beginning for Trent Pennix and Doeren continues to have high expectations for the young back.

"It's just that in Week 1, he was nervous, Week 2 he wasn’t and Week 3 he will be continuing to build on the assignment aspect of things," Doeren said. "His tracks in the run game, being a little more detailed."

Wolfpack fans can expect to see continued development in the running and passing game from Pennix. He will be a key asset in rebuilding the depth in the backfield for NC State. Trent is ready for the responsibility in front of him and keeps a confident, winning mindset as he continues to work his way up the ladder as a team contributor.

"The difference from high school talent to college talent," stated Pennix. "No matter what team it is they always have great players. You always have to be prepared, you can’t underestimate each team for their size or what you see on stats. You have to go in the game with a physical mindset that you are going to win the game every week.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/NC-State-determined-to-feed-off-the-doubt-during-10-1-start-126679340

Bryant's patience pays off with starting role for the Pack

RALEIGH, N.C.—As NC State nears closer to kickoff, we have a more accurate idea of what guys are filling in the several positions left open after 2017. This season will be one with new faces and new roles and one player in particular finally gets to step into an opportunity to prove himself as a starter. 

Senior Eurndraus Bryant has waited patiently to step into a starting role after spending the past two years backing up talented tackles, B.J. Hill and Justin Jones. The 6-foot-1, 350-pound powerhouse was considered the top sub on the Wolfpack’s talented defensive line in both 2016 and 2017.

A patient player, he took advantage of the opportunity to learn from his future NFL prospect teammates which leaves him confident as he shifts from that number two spot, to number one. 

“Sitting back and learning from those other guys, those older guys, you know it just really helped me for now, just watching them practice and watching them play.” Bryant expressed, beaming with excitement when asked about it being his time to shine. 

Bryant has taken his fair share of snaps and has been heavily involved in the rotation over the past 2 years [321 snaps in 2016 and 303 snaps in 2017] despite never starting a game in his college career. How much athleticism does Bryant have when the ball's snapped? Of his four sacks in his career, three of them came against Lamar Jackson -- one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the entire country over the past few years.

“At the same time last year, I felt like I could have been in that [starting] role too," Bryant said. "It’s just about the experience of being with them so I felt like it’s not really that much of a difference for me because I’ve been here a long time and I’ve got plenty of experience.”

As a true freshman, Bryant saw time in 13 games, so he can he relate to the younger guys on the depth chart that may be stepping on the field quicker than expected. With a defensive line that was left empty, the battle for positions will continue throughout the season with a decent amount of talent to go around.

Bryant expressed that he also hopes to be a teacher for these younger guys and take what he learned from his older role models, transferring it down to the players under him so that they can continue to get better. Transitioning into a leadership role also means to Bryant that he needs to be more vocal. This is stepping outside the box for Bryant has usually been a "quiet guy," according to Dave Doeren.

"I try to hype the boys up whenever they make a play and stuff just to get the energy going," Bryant said. "You know I try to transition out of that [being the quiet guy] because now I am a senior, I've got to talk. My voice is more powerful than other young guys."

Having Bryant's talent and experience at defensive tackle will be a major tool to the success on this season's defensive line.  Bryant has the size and athleticism to compliment talented ends Darian Roseboro and James-Smith Williams on the inside. Physically and mentally, he will contribute to the success of the team and understands the pressure lingering over the defenses shoulders and there is no better time to prep than right now. 

"We are all bonding more, communicating more," Bryant said. "Helping [the younger guys] out and doing extra work with them. Basically just teaching them everything they need to know for the season because this is the time to grind and we’ve got to get it in now."

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/Eurndraus-Bryants-patience-pays-off-with-starting-role-for-the-Pack-120720601/

Ryan Finley, Germaine Pratt make ACC Kickoff fashion statement

It was no surprise that all the cameras were on Ryan Finley and Germaine Pratt, who were representing the Wolfpack at the annual ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte on Thursday. They answered plenty of questions and discussed a lot of football with the media but among the more important topics were one fashion statement both made -- their shoes. 

The starting quarterback showed up in none other than a fresh pair of crocodile skin cowboy boots that he snagged in El Paso, Tex. during the Sun Bowl. I bet if you ask him how many times he has worn them, he could count on one hand, so I am sure this was a good excuse for him to pull them out of the closet.

But ask Germaine Pratt who won the shoe game between him and Finley, his answer is “of course me" -- with zero hesitation. The linebacker showed up in a bright pair of red loafers. Deja Vu? The real question might have been whether or not Pratt’s red loafers were more stylish than Jaylen Samuels' red loafers last summer donned in Charlotte.

JaySam showed up last year to the 2017 ACC Football Kickoff with an almost identical pair to Pratt’s. There was even a twitter created in honor of the shoes called “@JaySamsRedShoes.” Initially, Pratt denied that he was inspired by Samuels' shoes, but quickly went on to admit “that’s my guy so I’ll give him a little credit, yeah he inspired me to do it.”

Between the crocodile skin cowboy boots and the red loafers, NC State came home with none other than the “All-Shoes Team” for the two ACC Media Days. This award was jokingly given out to the Wolfpack by the ACC moderator himself, unofficially marking the second year in a row a Pack player has taken the award home.

How in the world do shoes and football go hand in hand, you ask? If you ask Germaine Pratt, his answer is simple.

“It goes to show that we always think about stuff before we do something," Pratt quipped. "So we just think about competing. Which I compete in everything we do. So if we have to come best dressed or best shoes, we'll take it.”

Preparing to compete, a true example of what these two NC State leaders are all about.

Pratt returns to NC State as the fourth leading tackler without even starting in a game last season. He will be a role model and teacher for a defensive line populated with young talent. Rotating between two senior starters in 2017, Pratt has the confidence in what it takes to help the defense bounce back quickly after losing all of their starters. 

Finley is not only an offensive leader, but arguably the team leader. After being projected to go high in the 2017 NFL draft, Finley returned for a simple reason. "College football is just a special opportunity and I wasn't ready to let it go, I just wanted to enjoy it one last time," stated Finley. His humble personality and intelligence, on and off the field, make him a natural leader for the team's 2018 success.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/Ryan-Finley-Germaine-Pratt-make-ACC-Kickoff-fashion-statement-119944656/