With the 2024 football season around the corner, NC State football is ready to showcase its offseason work. After last season’s campaign featured breakouts from sophomore receiver KC Concepcion and redshirt senior defensive end Red Hibbler, who are the top candidates to break out this year?
Sean Brown, Linebacker
Under head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack has earned a reputation for developing excellent linebackers. With Butkus and Bednarik award winner Payton Wilson moving on to the NFL, redshirt junior Sean Brown has moved from safety to linebacker with an opportunity to be the next great Wolfpack linebacker.
As the leading returning tackler with 66 total tackles in 2023, Brown will be crucial to the Pack’s success. After moving from safety to linebacker, Brown should be a key factor in the Wolfpack’s run defense. Known for his hard-hitting tackles, he will also be a threat to force fumbles.
Even more intriguing is Brown’s coverage ability. As a former safety, Brown brings a unique blend of technique and knowledge of coverages that will be valuable at linebacker. Watch for him to remove opposing tight ends and running backs from the passing game and emerge as the next great NC State linebacker.
Noah Rogers, Wide Receiver
After a year at Ohio State, redshirt freshman receiver Noah Rogers returned to his home state where he’ll have an opportunity to become a star for the Wolfpack. Rated as the top receiver prospect in North Carolina in 2023, Rogers has the traits and skills to be an elite running mate for Concepcion — a welcome sight for NC State fans after Concepcion carried the Pack’s passing game last season.
Set to be one of NC State’s starting outside receivers, Rogers is a 6’2” target with reliable hands for new graduate quarterback Grayson McCall to lean on. As a former track athlete, Rogers also has the speed to burn past corners. With these traits, Rogers unlocks a new dimension to the passing game as a deep threat, while offering the ability to turn shorter passes into big gains.
Brandon Cleveland, Defensive Tackle
Junior defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland is set to man the middle of the Wolfpack’s defensive line at nose tackle this season. With the departure of defensive tackle CJ Clark, Cleveland will have an elevated role and a chance to fully break out. In a limited role last season, Cleveland proved his ability to cause chaos in the backfield with three sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles.
In last season’s Pop-Tarts Bowl, Cleveland was given the starting nod and offered a glimpse of his potential. Cleveland led all defensive linemen in total tackles, including one tackle for loss. With an offseason of work, including being recognized as a part of the Alpha Elite Position Group at the end of the Pack’s summer offseason program, Cleveland is ready to anchor the red-and-white’s defensive line in 2024.
Jacarrius Peak, Offensive Tackle
Last season, redshirt sophomore tackle Jacarrius Peak started the final six games of the season — five of which were wins. Solidified as the starting right tackle entering the season, Peak will now have the opportunity to run with the starters for a full offseason. Additionally, offensive line coach Garrett Tujague is entering his second season in Raleigh, giving Peak more familiarity with his coaching.
Peak was especially effective in run blocking last season. With graduate running back Jordan Waters transferring into the program as the Pack’s lead back, Peak will have the opportunity to set the tone up front for an elevated rushing attack.
Meanwhile, in pass protection, Peak will get to protect an established quarterback in McCall, rather than rotating between former quarterbacks Brennan Armstrong and MJ Morris. With a stronger supporting cast and more experience, watch for Peak to establish himself as a premier right tackle.
Davin Vann, Defensive End
Senior defensive end Davin Vann is already a proven commodity for the red-and-white, so how can he be a breakout candidate? Even with his success over the last three seasons, Vann has the potential to become one of the nation’s most productive defensive linemen. Totaling six sacks last season, Vann showcased his ability to torment offensive lines, especially when utilizing his club rip pass rush move.
One of Vann’s best traits is his athleticism. Clocking in at No. 6 on Bruce Feldman’s 2024 college football freaks list, Vann has the strength and speed to be unblockable. As a former track athlete, Vann runs a 4.69 40-yard dash, while bench-pressing 440 pounds. With his elite athletic profile and proven production, Vann is showing all the signs of becoming an elite defensive lineman for the Wolfpack.
