Charlie Hegedus building on freshman campaign

NC State wide receiver Charlie Hegedus had an encouraging college football debut last year, when he appeared in every game, hauled in nine passes for 116 yards and a score, and was also named Academic All-ACC.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is looking to do even more this fall with the Wolfpack's new up-tempo, spread offense and a year of experience under his belt.

"Last year, I just came in and they threw a bunch at me; I couldn't get it all at one time," he remembered. "This year, it's coming faster. Route running was completely different in high school. I didn't know how to get out of my break as fast, but I'm getting there and I feel like I'll be able to compete with the best this year.

"I got a lot of experience coming into this year. I know what to expect from all of the different defensive backs and some of the teams still have the same players, so I'll watch film from last year and learn from that. I'll know what mistakes not to make and I'll be ready."

Hegedus estimated that he has already gained at least 10 pounds since he first arrived on campus, and, although he said everyone is still working to get the offense down, it's starting to come together already this spring.

"It's going good," he said. "We're just learning the new offense and trying to get it all together. It started off a little hectic, everyone was kind of confused with where to line up and stuff, but it's slowly getting there. Once it comes together, we'll score at will.

"It's just really fast-paced. I've got to get in better shape, and we all do. I've got to just catch all of the balls, so I can make plays this year."

After the graduations of quarterback Mike Glennon and wide receiver Tobais Palmer, there are a lot of jobs up for grabs in the passing attack, and the coaches have stressed that they want to see competition, according to Hegedus.

"These coaches just bring it out of us," he said. "Everyone is fighting for a job, everyone wants to get on the field and compete.

"It's awesome, it brings a lot of fire to the program and everybody is excited about it."

The rising sophomore did not have any specific goals that he wanted to make public, but he did share the team's goal and how much the squad was looking forward to performing the new-look offense in front of fans at the annual spring game on April 20.

"We want to win a championship, that's it," he said. "I'm excited and I think everyone is going to enjoy what they are going to see [at the spring game]. Hopefully, we'll have the offense down completely and it will be a good show."