Dave Doeren praises NC State playmakers after spring game

Dave Doeren knows this offense looks a lot different than it did down the stretch of the 2023 season. Freshman KC Concepcion was the focal point of NC State’s attack, and the offensive staff worked tirelessly to find new ways to get him the ball.

The Wolfpack signed four highly recruited prep wide receivers and brought in a couple of elite transfers and dynamic tight end Justin Joly.

That group of pass catchers, paired with running back Jordan Waters and quarterback Grayson McCall, has provided a significant boost to the program.

“It was a good day throwing and catching the football,” Doeren said. “It’s a lot different when you’re not just trying to figure out ways to get KC the ball. There’s a lot more things we can do with the football now on offense, so that was fun to see.”

NC State’s Red Team, made up of quite a few projected starters, threw for 429 yards. McCall accounted for 205 yards of that, completing 16 of his 20 passing attempts. Doeren said the staff kept things pretty vanilla for the offense today, but the Pack still put up impressive stats.

The former Coastal Carolina signal-caller showed off his accuracy throughout the game, connecting with receivers down the sideline and over the middle. He has only been on campus for a few months, but he’s already impressing NC State’s head coach.

“He’s a blue collar, tough guy,” Doeren said. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder, he’s a proven leader, a winner and his presence is felt. He’s got a poise about him, a confidence about him that you love. But he’s got a lot of grit. He’s a really tough kid, couldn’t be happier with what he’s doing.”

When McCall was on the sidelines, the Wolfpack passing offense continued to click. Backup quarterbacks Cedrick Bailey and Lex Thomas combined to complete 10 of 14 passes for 287 yards. Thomas completed a 90-yard touchdown to Wake Forest transfer and childhood friend Wesley Grimes.

Doeren is happy with how the entire quarterback room has progressed going into the summer.

“We feel like everyone’s really improved,” Doeren said.

The head coach said Bailey is ahead of the curve for a true freshman thanks to his prep career at Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna Prep. In addition to his explosive arm talent and ability to extend plays with his legs, Doeren said the signal-caller’s mentality on the field and around the team stands out.

“He’s got a really coachable attitude,” Doeren said. “And his charisma. When he’s on the field, you feel him in the huddle. The guys like playing for him.”

The Wolfpack’s Red Team won in blowout fashion. In addition to the standout play under center, the rest of the team stepped around its quarterbacks. Center Rylan Vann has emerged after an offseason injury to incoming graduate transfer Zeke Correll.

He took every first team rep and is working to establish more consistency. A mauling block by Vann helped spring an explosive run by sophomore running back Kendrick Raphael.

Doeren also complimented kicker Kanoah Vinesett, who knocked a 49-yard attempt through the uprights during the scrimmage. Freshman wide receiver Terrell Anderson, who bounced back from an early fumble with a touchdown grab, also drew praises from the head coach for his recent performances on the pratice field.

Ohio State transfer Noah Rogers led the team in receiving with 7 grabs for 133 yards. He hauled in receptions all over the field, creating separation on deep routes and making contact catches over the middle.

“You can’t hide his athleticism,” Doeren said. “He makes plays.”

The Wolfpack head coach said Rogers needs to continue improving his blocking and playmaking without the ball in his hands. That’s what the next few months are for.

“That’s what spring ball and bowl practices are about, getting a lot of guys work, letting them see where they’re at, showing them how they can improve and seeing the growth and then setting up your three month summer, which we have here,” Doeren said.