Under head coach Dave Doeren and defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, NC State has built a reputation for its strong defense. Once again, the red-and-white is expected to excel on defense with multiple stars returning.
Defensive line
Any conversation about the Wolfpack’s defense has to begin with graduate defensive end Davin Vann. The standout pass rusher has earned at least four sacks in each of its last three seasons and is set to be an impact player once again. As one of the most athletic defensive linemen in the country, Vann’s ability to wreak havoc on offensive lines will be a key to the Pack’s defense.
Opposite from Vann, NC State has a pair of defensive ends to watch for. Redshirt junior Travali Price saw limited action last season but flashed potential. With 13 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, watch for Price to be a key factor in run defense. On passing downs, senior defensive end Red Hibbler will likely rotate in as a pass rushing specialist. Hibbler led the team with 6.5 sacks last season, despite seeing very limited playing time. Hibbler also has a knack for creating turnovers, forcing a pair of fumbles last year.
Manning the middle of the Wolfpack defensive line is junior defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Cleveland is a monster in run defense and is nearly impossible for offensive lines to move out of the way. Now a full time starter, watch for Cleveland to improve off of his 28 tackles this season.
Linebackers
Moving down from safety, redshirt junior linebacker Sean Brown is set to play a prominent role in the Pack’s defense. As the Pack’s leading returning tackler with 66 stops last year, Brown plays with a physicality that only the best linebackers have. Additionally, with his coverage skills developed as a safety, Brown will be a well-rounded piece in the Pack’s linebacking core.
Joining Brown in the starting lineup is graduate linebacker Devon Betty and redshirt junior linebacker Caden Fordham. Betty started 12 games last season at middle linebacker, tag-teaming with star linebacker Payton Wilson. Arguably his most impactful play came against Clemson, when he tipped a pass that Wilson returned for a pick-six. Meanwhile, Fordham played a reserve role last season but racked up 53 tackles, including four for loss.
Secondary
Arguably the best cornerback in the ACC this year plays in Raleigh. Graduate cornerback Aydan White has been lights out as a starter, not allowing a single touchdown over the past two seasons. With eight career interceptions and his crafty ability to bait quarterbacks, White is a turnover threat every time the ball is thrown his way.
Opposite of White, sophomore cornerback Brandon Cisse and senior cornerback Corey Coley have battled for a starting role. Cisse worked himself into the rotation as a dime cornerback last season, intercepting one pass in limited action. Coley, a transfer from Maryland, has seven career starts, including one against NC State in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Regardless of who wins the starting job, they’ll be challenged early with opposing quarterbacks throwing away from White.
Senior safety Ja’Had Carter is expected to start at the nickel. Carter broke into the spotlight in 2022 at Syracuse, where he earned All-ACC honorable mention honors. With 35 tackles and three interceptions in 2022, Carter proved his ability to disrupt offenses. Last season, Carter missed most of the season due to injuries after transferring to Ohio State, so returning to form will be key for Carter.
At safety, watch for senior safeties Bishop Fitzgerald and DK Kaufman. Fitzgerald started three games last season in his first year with the Pack and consistently improved during the season and finished with two picks and three pass breakups. To take the next step, Fitzgerald will need to become a stronger run stopper.
On the other hand, Kaufman excels against the run but has room to improve in coverage. The Auburn transfer saw significant playing time each of the last three seasons, bringing valuable experience to the secondary. In each of those seasons, Kaufman has recorded at least 30 tackles and a forced fumble.
