After an up and down season for the Wolfpack from both the offense and the defense, I sat down and looked at the season as a whole and which players had the most impact for the team.
While some players may be debatable and some great players may have missed out on being in the top five, I took an even blend of offense and defensive players to come to this list. I hope you enjoy.
1. Mike Glennon ( Redshirt junior quarterback)
After spending two years in the shadow of Russell Wilson, Glennon finally got his chance, albeit amidst great controversy. With almost everybody ready to jump at his every mistake, one would wonder how much the first-year starter could take. Instead of crumbling under the pressure, Glennon let his arm do the talking and lately even his feet. Starting off the season with a convincing performance against Liberty, Glennon set the standard with a 300+ yard performance against Wake Forest, in which he accounted for three touchdowns but was unlucky to be on the losing side. While a weak offensive line has seen him perform far below his best, Glennon has shown glimpses of his talent whenever he has the chance. After single-handedly leading the offense to a victory against Clemson when everybody least expected it, he ensured his place in N.C . State folklore by guiding the team to a 27-point comeback against Maryland after throwing for five and rushing for one touchdown to become the only quarterback since former N.C . State and current San Diego Chargers star, Philip Rivers, to account for six touchdowns in a game for the Pack. As for Wilson, Glennon has already thrown as many touchdown passes as Wilson did last year despite playing a game less and boasts a much better quarterback rating than Wilson did last year.
Games Played: 12
Passing Yards: 2,790
Passing TD: 28
Interceptions: 11
Quarterback rating: 134.9
2. Audie Cole (Senior middle linebacker)
The redshirt senior has been an assuring presence in the defense, which has been plagued with injuries all season. Carrying off from where he left last year, Cole has been the leader in the absence of captain J.R . Sweezy , who had to miss half the season through injuries. Cole’s experience was important to the Pack, as it finished second in the ACC in total defense in conference games and ranked second in the nation in turnovers. However, what Cole will be remembered for is his role in the defense that shut out UNC as State won for the fifth year in a row.
Games Played: 12
Tackles: 98
Tackles for Loss/yards: 9.5/48
Sacks/yards: 3.5/38
Forced fumbles: 4
3. Terrell Manning (Junior outside linebacker)
Despite missing two games due to injury, both of which N.C . State lost, Manning has been one of the success stories for the Pack this year. Someone who specializes in making big plays, Manning has been the real leader of the Pack. Leading the team in tackles-for-loss and sacks apart from being one of the most pivotal figures in the wins against UNC , Clemson and Maryland, Manning, who has another year of eligibility, could be the man that will make oppositions tremble with fear. Also named to All-ACC second team.
Games Played: 10
Tackles: 70
Tackles for Loss/yards: 13/63
Sacks/yards: 5.5/44
Forced fumbles: 4
Interceptions: 2
4. David Amerson (Sophomore cornerback)
Anything said about what Amerson has achieved this year would be insufficient. First breaking a 74-year old school record and then equaling the ACC record for most interceptions in a season, Amerson has put the program into the national spotlight by being named as one of the finalists to the Jim Thorpe award, awarded to the best defensive back in the country. He has accounted for almost one third of the turnovers N.C . State has forced this season with his nation leading 11 interceptions and was named to the All-ACC first team.
Games Played: 12
Tackles: 54
Interceptions/yards/TD: 11/140/1
Pass Breakups: 5
5. T.J . Graham- (Senior wide receiver)
Easily one of the most popular players among the fans, Graham has earned that with his hard work, which has seen him stand among some of the best prospects in the nation in special teams. He recorded a career best of 176 receiving yards against Cincinnati to go along with two other 100+ yard games. Graham also ranks No. 1 in the ACC in punt returns and No. 3 in all-purpose yards. During the course of the season he broke the all time ACC kick-off return record and amassed two ACC player of the week awards in the specialist category. Graham ended the year on a high being named to the All-ACC first team.
Games Played: 12
Receiving Yards/TD: 641/5
Longest TD catch: 87 yards
Punts Returned/yards/TD: 16/193/1
Kickoff Returns/yards: 41/923
