NC State’s CBs have ‘played exceptional,’ looking to help rest of secondary with 5 games left

He calls it “Marshall Island.” Each time he’s on the field, there’s a certain sense of confidence in not letting an opposing wide receiver make a play. Some view it as a stressful position within NC State’s defense, but it’s not for this veteran cornerback.  In a way, senior defensive back Devon Marshall thrives when battling against a pass catcher looking to take the top off the Wolfpack’s defense. And so far this season, Marshall has stood tall in his 1-on-1 battles defending the outside of the unit with a team-leading five pass breakups.   “I think it’s fun,” Marshall said this week. “I like the challenge, and if you make the play, you celebrate.” While Marshall, who has allowed a team-low 50-percent completion rate on 30 targets, has been a steady force for the Wolfpack’s secondary, he isn’t alone. The other two cornerbacks, graduate Jamel Johnson and redshirt sophomore Brian Nelson II, have also risen to the occasion with their standout play.  Johnson has allowed 53.6 percent of the 28 passes thrown his way to be caught with four passes defended, while Nelson isn’t far behind with 58.3 percent of the 24 throws in his direction have been caught as he has posted three breakups in the process.  And with a defense that has been banged up in the secondary at nickel and safety as the Wolfpack has lost four players to injury between those two positions this fall, NC State coach Dave Doeren has been delighted to have consistent play from his corners.