Huntington, West Virginia — After others took their turn in the first two games, it was a familiar face leading NC State football’s receiving corps against Marshall at Joan C. Edwards Stadium Saturday. Junior Kelvin Harmon had six catches for 150 yards in a 37-20 victory for the Wolfpack.
After a quiet game in the team’s season opener, Harmon quickly regained his status as one of graduate quarterback Ryan Finley’s favorite targets, as Saturday’s game marked his second straight with over 100 yards.
“It felt great,” Harmon said. “Just going out there, bringing the plays that we run in practice and executing them. Being on the same page with Ryan, the O-line just blocking everything, just clicking.”
While Harmon was held off the scoresheet in the second half, he was a big-play machine in the game’s opening frame. The six-foot-three, 214- pound wideout had a 46-yard catch at the Marshall 4-yard line in the first quarter to set up the Pack’s first touchdown and a 33-yard catch in the second quarter to set up a field goal.
Perhaps his most impressive play was a leaping, 27-yard catch along the sideline on a drive that started with 30 seconds left in the half that helped set up another field goal. Harmon used his route running to gain separation from the Thundering Herd’s defenders, and his athleticism to go up over defenders for jump balls.
“It’s great,” Harmon said. “It’s the same plays we rep in practice. So just seeing me put it on film, it’s just chips falling and a great lead in to next week and watching film tomorrow.”
It’s that combination of size, hands and route-running ability that makes Harmon a potential first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
With non-conference play now over and the Pack heading into ACC play next week, the team once again has set a lofty goal of its first conference title since 1979. While it be tough to get past perennial contender Clemson, having playmakers with Harmon’s ability to help pace the offense will only serve to make that task easier.
