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NC State Newsstand: ESPN names RB Hollywood Smothers a ‘sleeper’ to break out in 2025

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman08/21/25fleischman_noah
Hollywood Smothers (3)
Oct 19, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (20) carries the ball against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

As NC State’s season opener against East Carolina is just one week away (Aug. 28, 7 p.m., ACC Network), the Wolfpack has had several players popping up on the national radar. One that hasn’t as often as others? Redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers. 

Well, that’s until now. Smothers was one of 43 players to make ESPN’s list of “sleeper” players that could have a breakout campaign this week. 

And after he logged 89 carries for 571 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, with another 19 receptions for 263 yards and two scores last fall, Smothers seemed to be a perfect fit for the list. 

“He’s going to get the ball a lot more so he’s a playmaker, he’ll make a lot of things happen,” NC State coach Dave Doeren told ESPN. “He’ll make a lot of things happen. Yeah, he can turn a little play into a big play pretty fast. He’s explosive. He is really fast, he’s tough, he’s a smart football player. He sees things really well.”

Smothers didn’t emerge as a starting running back until the back half of last season’s schedule. Now he’ll be the Wolfpack’s top option in the backfield this fall — starting with the rematch against the Pirates next Thursday night. 

A strong 2025 season could be on the horizon for the former Oklahoma transfer. Time will tell, but ESPN seems to be on board going into the critical campaign.

Tweets of the day

Men’s soccer, which is ranked No. 14 nationally, has plenty of talent on the pitch this fall.

The Pack has a pair of seniors firmly on NFL scouts’ radar this season. 

Alabama and NC State club ice hockey are set to clash in an outdoor game in Charlotte this fall. 

Quote of the day

Ruffin McNeill has been an impactful presence around the Murphy Center over the past four seasons. He’s helped plenty of the Wolfpack’s players, including senior tight end Justin Joly.

“He’s like an elder owl that we all look up to,” Joly said. “We all love Coach Ruff. He’s probably one of the best people to ever walk through the facility. I’m actually so happy that I have Coach Ruff in my life. He’s taught me so many things. He’s talked to me so many times. He’s made me, not only a better player, but a better person.”

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