Nine games into the Marcus Stone era and three games into the season, N.C. State is making a change. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Evans will start at quarterback Saturday when the team takes on Boston College at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Coach Chuck Amato said the decision to start Evans was not made in haste, but was necessary.
“After long discussions last night and today, we feel that we’re going to make a decision and felt we had to make one on the quarterback situation,” Amato said. “We just felt we needed more production out of our offense.”
Stone, who has a 6-3 record as a starter since taking over for Jay Davis in the middle of last season, gave way to Evans in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game at Southern Mississippi.
Stone struggled, completing just 10-of-24 passes for 100 yards with two interceptions, before leaving the game in favor of Evans.
Evans, however, completed 8-of-11 attempts for 97 yards with one touchdown and an interception in the final 10 minutes of the game.
“The young man earned [the starting position] the other day,” Amato said.
Amato added he wanted to see what Evans could do starting a game as opposed to bringing him off the bench again.
“We saw what Daniel did when the game was out of reach,” Amato said. “And we feel we want to see what Daniel will do under the conditions of being in there at the beginning of the game without putting any due stress on him.”
Saturday’s game against the No. 20 ranked Eagles will be Evans’ first start since he started at quarterback as a senior for Broughton High School in 2003. As for Evans being overwhelmed in an ACC game against a ranked opponent, Amato said his decision had nothing to do with the opponent.
“We’ve made a decision,” Amato said. “What’s the difference between an ACC team — it is our league — and Southern Mississippi? Southern Mississippi played Florida for three quarters and 12 minutes and the score was 14-7 and did you see where Florida’s ranked right now?”
Despite limited playing time during his career for the Wolfpack, Amato said Evans performed well in the face of pressure, which was a major factor in the decision.
“He showed some poise,” Amato said. “He threw some passes right about when somebody hit him right in the kisser.”
Amato went on to cite Evans’ play in a scrimmage two years ago against the then No. 1 ranked State defense as evidence of his ability.
“He was the quarterback against some awfully, awfully good defensive players,” Amato said. “And he made some unbelievable plays.”
Asked whether the change was permanent or if Stone would see action as well, Amato said he would wait and see but Evans would not be on a short leash.
“I don’t want Daniel — and I told him this — to be looking over his shoulder,” Amato said. “I don’t want [him] to go in there and on the first series throw an interception — I’m not going to put [him] on the bench. The job’s his.”
As for Stone’s reaction to being benched, Amato said he handled it well and will continue to be a big part of the team.
“Marcus has been the epitome of a leader,” he said. “And he will continue. He will continue. It’s my job to put the best team on the field and when you have tough decisions like this you hope everybody reacts properly to disappointment. But he will because he’s got a lot of character to him and he understands.”
Stone will be the Evans’ backup Saturday and according to Amato will work with Evans this week in practice.
“I want Daniel and Marcus to be able to put all their energies and all their mind into learning the game plan to go out and be successful against an outstanding Boston College football team.”
