Audio: Dave Doeren at ACC Kickoff
GREENSBORO, N.C. — NC State coach Dave Doeren knows that four scholarship quarterbacks will get their chance when fall camp arrives Aug. 2.
Veteran quarterback Pete Thomas and Brandon Mitchell previously played at Colorado State and Arkansas respectfully, and are joined by Manny Stocker, a sophomore, and freshman Bryant Shirreffs will all get their chance to showcase what they do.
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The Wolfpack — through recruiting since last December — have gone from three quarterbacks in the spring, including walk-ons, to six on the roster, and that doesn't include Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett.
Doeren also welcomes a pair of junior college offensive line with center Quinton Schooley and guard Ali Kassem, who has slimmed down from his previous weight of around 380-plus pounds. He also is excited to see West Virginia transfer Travares Copeland to bolster the depth of the wide receiving group and to electrify in the return game.
Doeren also pointed out that returning rusher Shadrach Thornton, a sophomore, has been carrying around a football all offseason to try and help solve his fumbling issues. The edict to the offensive players has been simple, ball security is the top priority.
The defense is still seeking depth in the back seven, but returns numerous players with past starting experience. Doeren expects senior cornerback Dontae Johnson to be the leader and shut down performer for the Wolfpack.
Doeren also wishes, along with the rest of the ACC coaches to have an early signing period. The Wolfpack currently have Rivals.com's No. 18-ranked recruiting class with 22 verbal commitments. He knows money will be wasted during the football season "baby sitting" players and that it would also help the coaches to know which players could possibly visit other colleges if they pass on the early signing period and elect to sign in February.
Click below to listen to Doeren's press conference and get his thoughts on a variety of subjects: