‘No drop off’: NC State football eager to prove defense remains dominant amid recent player departures
Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, NC State football is confident that its defense will remain one of the best in the ACC.
The Wolfpack lost several key players from last year's defense, including All-American linebacker Payton Wilson and cornerback Taiyon Palmer. However, NC State returns eight starters on that side of the ball, including All-ACC safety Tanner Ingle and linebacker Drake Thomas.
The Wolfpack also added several talented newcomers, including JUCO transfer linebacker Devon Betty and freshman cornerback Aydan White. Betty was a standout at Iowa Western Community College, while White was a highly-touted recruit out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Here are three reasons why NC State's defense should be just as good in 2023:
- Experience: The Wolfpack return eight starters from last year's defense, including All-ACC safety Tanner Ingle and linebacker Drake Thomas.
- Talent: NC State added several talented newcomers, including JUCO transfer linebacker Devon Betty and freshman cornerback Aydan White.
- Depth: The Wolfpack have a lot of depth on defense, which should help them stay fresh throughout the season.
NC State's defense will be tested early in the season, as they face a tough schedule that includes games against Clemson, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. However, the Wolfpack are confident that they have the talent and experience to be one of the best defenses in the ACC.
“We have a lot of guys back from last year’s defense, and we’ve added some really talented newcomers,” said NC State head coach Dave Doeren. “I’m really excited about the potential of this defense.”
The Wolfpack will open the season on August 31st against East Carolina.
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