WolfpackerTV: Dave Doeren updates NC State football spring

NC State football will hold its annual spring game a week from Saturday.

The format for the scrimmage is still undecided, NC State football coach Dave Doeren noted Wednesday during a media availability. That will be determined by the health and roster availability on the team.

One player whose status remains unknown is offensive guard Chandler Zavala, who is still appealing with the NCAA for an extra season of eligibility. Doeren confirmed that the NC State athletics department has hired legal assistance to help with the appeals process, but they are still in facts-finding stages. There has been no resolution yet on the case.

One of the biggest questions on the offensive, besides the outcome of Zavala’s case, is who will replace All-American left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, projected to be a top-five overall NFL Draft pick. According to Doeren, the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and New York Giants have been the three teams reaching out to NC State football coaches the most regarding Ekwonu. Each have a selection in the top five.

Doeren noted that if NC State was playing today, the candidates would be super senior Bryson Speas, redshirt sophomore Anthony Belton and redshirt sophomore Timothy McKay. The Wolfpack is also continuing to explore transfer portal options, Doeren confirmed.

Watch Dave Doeren’s full spring media availability below. Other topics Doeren touched on:

• Updates the progress of the running back group.

• Praises the improvement from redshirt freshman reserve quarterback Ben Finley.

• A deep dive into the NC State football philosophy on recruiting in the transfer portal.

• Identifies two players, one on each side of the football, that have had breakout spring performances thus far.

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