With so many NC State alumni playing in professional leagues, the Wolfpack faithful have seen their fair share of star athletes pass through the university. The Pack has sent players to the MLB, NBA, NFL, MLS and WNBA in the past two years, and the school is quickly becoming a breeding ground for professional athletes. This year could be no different, with several current State athletes in position to continue their careers at the next level. Here’s a breakdown of who fans might be watching in a pro uniform next season.
1. Cat Barber, Jr. PG
With elite speed and a developing jump shot, junior point guard Cat Barber has begun to catch the eye of many national writers for his game. Now that Trevor Lacey has departed to pursue his own professional career, Barber now becomes the most experienced offensive weapon the Wolfpack possesses. If Barber can put up similar numbers to what fans saw at the end of the season, he should be in a good position to capitalize in the 2016 NBA Draft. Questions about Barber’s size may be the only thing that holds him back.
His replacement: Torin Dorn, So.
Dorn was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year for UNC-Charlotte last season, posting 12.0 points per game and dishing out 1.3 assists. He will be forced to sit out the 2015-16 season for the Wolfpack but will slot in nicely at the starting point guard position if Barber leaves.
2. Jacoby Brissett, R-Sr. QB
Brissett led a dramatic turnaround in 2014, leading the Wolfpack from three wins in 2013 to eight and a Bitcoin Bowl victory a year later. Brissett has good size and arm strength, and his ability to escape is outstanding. He must cut down on fumbles and increase his deep ball accuracy to be considered an elite prospect for the next level.
His replacement: Jalan McClendon, R-Fr.
McClendon, a 4-star prospect in the class of 2014, redshirted last season and will take another season to learn this year but projects to be the starter in 2016. He has tremendous arm strength and great size (6-foot-5, 212 pounds).
3. Shadrach Thornton, Sr. RB
Thornton is a bruising runner and the leader of NC State’s backfield monster this season. Impossible to take down alone, he could find himself on a lot of teams’ draft boards in 2016. Another stellar season in Raleigh could elevate his status even further.
His replacement: Matt Dayes, Johnny Frasier, Reggie Gallaspy.
Dayes, an elusive runner and pass catcher, will be a senior in 2016. Team him up with Frasier and Gallaspy, two powerful 2015 recruits, and the Wolfpack has the combination for another monster backfield next year.
4. Andrew Knizner, Jr.
Moved to catcher for the 2015 season, Knizner displayed a knack for the position and has elevated his draft status to a new level. A catcher that is a plus fielder and plus hitter is coveted by all 30 MLB franchises, and he should have no problem finding a team to select him when he becomes eligible after the 2016 season.
His replacement: Jack Conley, 2016 recruit.
Conley, a 2015 recruit from nearby Leesville Road High School, was drafted by the Red Sox in the 30th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. While he might make this list for a different reason in three years, he has the best chance of the players on the roster to succeed Knizner, should he leave.
5. Holden Fender, Sr. Midfielder
The 6-foot-2 Georgia native and senior captain is a vocal leader for the Wolfpack. He has been a crucial part of the team since transferring from UCLA in 2013. Usually a defensive midfielder, Fender was named Third Team All-ACC in 2014 and will look to continue his positive uptrend in 2015. Fender has experience with both the Carolina Railhawks U-23 team and the Carolina Dynamo and could find himself headed to a professional team next year should he wish, either in MLS or the NASL.
His replacement: Cameron Steele, So.
Steele, a sophomore from Cardinal Gibbons High School, appeared in 13 games last season and has gotten a large chunk of the minutes at midfielder for the Wolfpack during the preseason. He seems like a natural fit to just slide right into Fender’s spot when he leaves.
