Defensive changes highlight depth chart
The same two-deep on offense that started NC State's preseason camp ended that way according to the depth chart released by the Wolfpack on Monday, but there were noticeable differences on defense.
Redshirt sophomore Darryl Cato-Bishop has earned the starting nod over redshirt junior McKay Frandsen at defensive end. Cato-Bishop made 10 tackles, including one for a loss, six quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery in limited playing time in 13 games last year. He started preseason camp behind Frandsen, a junior college All-American at Snow College in 2010.
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A pair of true freshmen have also landed on the two-deep on defense. Cornerback Tyrrell Burriss will back up redshirt junior C.J. Wilson at the boundary corner, a position that opened up when redshirt sophomore Jarvis Byrd tore his ACL late in the summer.
Freshman Michael Peek is backing up sophomore D.J. Green at the strongside linebacker spot. Redshirt sophomore Rickey Dowdy had been listed as Green's backup at the start of camp.
A season-ending knee injury to senior Sterling Lucas was also announced Monday. He was serving as fifth-year senior Audie Cole's backup. Lucas has been replaced by redshirt sophomore Ryan Cheek. Lucas has a redshirt year available.
The other change on defense is redshirt junior Gary Grant backing up sophomore David Amerson at field corner. Wilson had been Amerson's backup until Byrd's injury.
Click on the link below for the Pack's full depth chart.
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Six NC State players will miss Saturday's Liberty game due to injury:
Out for the Liberty game:
Mustafa Greene, RB, foot
J.R. Sweezy, DT, foot
Andrew Wallace, OG, knee
Logan Winkles, FB, knee
Out for the season:
Jarvis Byrd, CB, knee
Sterling Lucas, LB, knee