Nyheim Hines growing more confident
Nyheim Hines figured he would be playing in the NC State-Clemson game Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium while he was a ballyhooed prospect at Garner (N.C.) High.
What may surprise some is on which sidelines Hines figured he would be standing.
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"I thought I was going to Clemson most of my recruiting process," Hines acknowledged. "When most people thought I was going to State, I really thought I was going to Clemson. They were my top school for over a year."
Hines cited his relationship in particular with Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, a one-time NC State assistant, as a major selling point for the Tigers.
Ultimately though Hines, a Rivals100 member in the final class of 2015 rankings, committed and signed with the Wolfpack, and he will be at the Pack's stadium on the home sideline.
He should also have a pretty good feel for what to expect from the environment. Having grown up near campus, Hines has many experiences at big-time games over the years. One in particular stood out.
"I was at the game where Mike Glennon led them to the 17-16 win over Florida State," Hines recalled, referring to the 2012 contest. "That's probably the biggest one I went to.
"Even in the nosebleed seats, they were just as into it as the student section."
Hines, a freshman receiver, appears to be coming into Saturday's game on the upswing. After catching three passes for 20 yards in the first four games, he has five receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown in the last three, including a breakout performance at Wake Forest last Saturday.
That's when Hines scored his first collegiate touchdown, hauling in a 58-yard bomb from fifth-year senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
"It was a great feeling," Hines noted. "I forgot to throw the ball to the ref cause I didn't know what to do so I walked off for a little bit."
Hines had come close to scoring before, mainly on kickoff returns. He nearly went the distance against South Alabama, although that long runback was negated by a penalty. Against Louisville, Hines had a 90-yard kickoff return to the Louisville 10, a close call that still haunts Hines.
For the season, Hines is averaging 27.4 yards per kickoff return, second highest in the ACC.
"With any football player, all you need is a little bit of confidence," Hines said. "If you can make a play, coaches will hopefully try to get you the ball and see your role expands. Once you make one play it's just hopefully on from there."
His hope is that he has earned more opportunities to make plays against the team he nearly picked.
"I'm here now," Hines said. "I'd love to have a great game and show them what they missed out on."