NC State junior running back Nyheim Hines had one of the most anticipated college decisions when he picked the Wolfpack.
Hines was such a mega-star at nearby Garner (N.C.) High at both running back and in the return game, he was a must-have four-star Rivals.com prospect for NC State. He did everything in high school, and yet still left people wanting to see more.
The same will hold true in college after Hines decided to give up his final year of eligibility, leaving Wolfpack fans to ponder what could have been next year.
“I would like to thank the coaches for believing in me and giving the opportunity to play at my dream school,” Hines said in a statement on Twitter. “I appreciate everybody at NC State who has helped me along the way. Last, but not least, I want to thank Wolfpack Nation for always supporting me — even in high school — to help make my dream come true. NC State will always be a part of me wherever I am in life, and I will always be drawn back here.”
Hines battled to find his niche his first two years at NC State, when he was a jack-of-all-trades but listed as a wide receiver on the official roster.
He made the full-time move to running back in 2017 and flourished, with only injuries slowing him down. He rushed 197 times for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns, and caught 26 passes for 152 yards. His numbers would have been even better if not for nagging injures, including a concussion, which limited him against Notre Dame, Clemson and Wake Forest, which were all defeats for the Wolfpack
He topped 100 yards in five different games, including a memorable 22-carry, 196-yard performance with two touchdowns in the 33-21 win over North Carolina. He also helped lead NC State to a 35-17 win at Pittsburgh, when he had an 83-yard touchdown run and a 92-yard punt return for a score in the first half. He finished the contest with 135 yards on the ground, 109 yards on kickoff and punt returns, and five yards receiving.
“We appreciate Nyheim’s contributions to the entire athletic program as a multisport athlete,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said in a statement, referring to Hines' role as a sprinter on the track team. “He could’ve played college football anywhere in the country but he chose to stay home and come to NC State. He has made an impact on and off the football field.”
Hines earned first-team All-ACC honors at running back and was third-team all-league as a specialist this past year. He averaged 143.7 all-purpose yards per game, which led the ACC and was fifth-best among players from Power Five Conferences. He was also a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the nation’s most versatile player.
The former No. 94-ranked player in the class of 2015 by Rivals.com finished his Wolfpack career with one punt return for a touchdown and two kick returns for scores.
Hines was primarily a slot receiver and kick returner his first two years, though he dabbled some at running back. He caught 43 passes for 525 yards and rushed 13 times for 44 yards his sophomore year. He also returned 32 kickoffs for 782 yards and a touchdown.
NC State will turn to rising-senior running back Reggie Gallaspy to help replace Hines, but will likely have a committee of backs. The 5-11, 225-pound Gallaspy has battled an assortment of injuries in his career, but he ran 116 times for 506 yards and seven touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 52 yards this past season. He rushed 11 times for 70 yards and two scores in the 52-31 win over Arizona State in the Sun Bowl.
NC State also returns redshirt freshmen Nakia Robinson and Erin Collins. True freshmen Ricky Person Jr. of Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage and Trent Pennix of Raleigh Sanderson High will also get their chances. Person, who has enrolled early, is ranked No. 91 overall in the class of 2018 by Rivals.com, and could provide some of the big-play skills that Hines had.
Hines was also an accomplished track standout. Participating in track and field with his twin sister, Nyah, was a key reason he picked the Wolfpack out of high school. Nyheim Hines was an ACC Champion and All-American as the leadoff leg for the 400-meter outdoor relay team. He also earned All-ACC honors in the 60 indoor and 100 outdoor.
Hines plans to return to NC State to finish his degree.
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