After rocky opener, NC State to 'evaluate' kickers in practice ahead of Virginia matchup

NC State’s fall camp was filled with position battles. From starting nickel to the offensive line, the Wolfpack had plenty of competition on its natural-grass practice fields adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium.  One battle that seemed to be the most surprising result of the practice slate came at placekicker. The Wolfpack returned incumbent starter Kanoah Vinesett, who made 75 percent of his kicks with a long of 52 in his first season as the Pack’s go-to field goal specialist in 2024, but was pushed by redshirt freshman Nick Konieczynski throughout the month.  NC State’s coaching staff put the two kickers through a litany of tests daily, ranging from situational chances to make an attempt to game-ending scenarios. Each day, both kickers had their makes and misses charted, and when it came time to name a starter, Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren went with what the numbers told him.