RED: 2023 NC State football — Technician 8/31/2023

TECHNICIAN

2023 NC STATE FOOTBALL

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Josie Houck, a student of Cirque de Vol, dances gracefully in her aerial silk at Packapalooza on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Packapalooza is an eight hour event celebrating the start of a new school year. The event ended with a performance from singer David Cook and the tradition of lighting the Belltower red.

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Days before the fall semester began, NC

State Dining announced a sweet new addition to Talley Market — Duck Donuts would be coming to NC State by the first day of class. University Program Manager Jennifer Gilmore said the dining team felt the donuts would add more variety to the bakery case.

“Our manager over at the markets saw an opportunity to switch things up,” Gilmore said. “The bakery case had become a little bit boring. She started looking into the donuts and thought they would be a good new addition. We will have cinnamon sugar, glazed chocolate and vanilla with sprinkles, those sprinkles will be black and red.”

NC State Dining updates ensure a sweet semester

Kate Denning

Editor

Along with this standard menu, there will also be rotating specialty flavors.

Cameron Crews, a thirdyear studying communication, says she is excited the University is introducing more ways for students to socialize over a sweet treat.

“Obviously we have Howling Cow, but that’s kind of the only sweet treat,” Crews said. “It’s super convenient and exciting because it’s a new reason to come to Talley.”

While Gilmore is glad students are excited for donuts, she also wants to bring attention to the other ways dining is moving forward this year.

“[The donuts are], in my opinion, kind of the smaller story,” Gilmore said.

The biggest change students can expect to dining this year is found in Talley’s One Earth. The dining hub previously used the GrubHub app as a way for students to use meal swipes or, more recently, dining dollars. Now, the restaurants have converted to a dining hall-style takeout system.

Brickyard construction of Integrative Sciences Building will continue through 2026

This summer, the Brickyard became host to excavators, fences and a couple hundred fewer bricks as construction of the Integrative Sciences Building — Main Campus’ first new building since 2009 — began.

Set to be completed in late 2026, the building will serve as a hub for the Integrative Sciences Initiative, consolidating scientists from across disciplines to answer big questions. It will include innovative equipment and infrastructure geared toward better preparing STEM students to make an impact in the workforce.

Joshua Pierce, executive director of the Integrative Sciences Initiative and a professor in the chemistry department, said one goal of the initiative is to bring together students and researchers based on the questions they’re interested in answering rather than their field of study.

“The key objective here is to think about education, training and research by bringing together these sort of synergistic teams and not so much worry about what department or college or degree program the students, faculty and staff are involved in,” Pierce said.

Once the building is completed, Pierce said he hopes it will ultimately bring new life to the Brickyard.

“[The building] will re-enliven the Brickyard more broadly … through the bustling hub of activity that will be contained within it,” Pierce said. “I think over the years it’s become a less-traveled part of campus and to really bring that back and maybe to recenter the activity around the Brickyard as this project unfolds in time. In the meantime, it’s gonna be quite a mess.”

The building will be on the former site of Harrelson Hall, the flying saucer-esque building that stood in the Brickyard for 54 years gathering a reputation for being dark, awkward and difficult to navigate before its demolition in 2016.

Plans for the new building have not come without pushback. In February, The Cultural Landscape Foundation flagged the Brickyard as a landslide at-risk site, saying the proposed alterations threaten the University’s post-war architectural legacy. Others have lamented the aesthetic shift of the building away from the brick facades dominating main campus in favor of more modern design components common on Centennial Campus.

Some students have mentioned loss of greenspace, difficulty with navigation and construction noise as disruptions since the beginning of the semester.

Riley Moran, a fourth-year studying psychology, took classes on campus over the summer as construction began and said she wished there had been more direct communication from the University to help students plan for and navigate the construction.

“I remember the first time that I saw it, I was like, ‘Oh, man, it’s the first day, and I’m already going to be late,’” Moran said. “Personally, maybe [the University] should have made that a little bit more clear, or I think professors should also try and make it a little bit more clear that there’s construction going on, so like, what entrances will be open and stuff like that.”

BRICKYARD continued page 4

Jameson Wolf Editor-in-Chief

COURTESY OF CAMERON SMITH

DUCK DONUTS

continued from page 3

“There will be a new menu, and you’ll be able to fill [a container] with as much as you want,” Gilmore said.

“You’re probably wondering where the sushi is going. It will not be in One Earth anymore, but it will be in Talley Market.” Crews said this system will be more beneficial to students who are on a budget.

“I have never eaten there, but I honestly like that better,” Crews said. “We are all trying to figure out how to feed ourselves without going broke, so I think another all-you-can-eat option is great.”

Gilmore hopes this will be helpful to students who primarily rely on the meal plan, especially with students new to campus.

“I think it’s gonna be especially helpful to our first year students who are on a block plan,” Gilmore said. “Now they’ll be able to just get a takeout meal in the center of campus as opposed to having to go back to a dining hall for lunch.”

However, there is a new option for students who prefer dining halls. Since the expansion of first-year housing into University Towers, the dining service located in the building, previously reserved for University Towers

residents, is now officially open to NC State students.

“Any student who is on a meal plan will actually be able to eat there, and I think that the students who live and study over on that part of campus will really like this,” Gilmore said. “If you’re a student living in Stanhope or studying in the Poole College of Management or buildings nearby, you’ll actually be able to use that dining hall too.”

Additionally, Ruckus Pizza will not be returning to Talley this semester, though there are plans for a replacement.

“We have some plans in store for January,” Gilmore said. “I’m not at liberty to discuss it yet, but we’ll be doing some renovations on that space, and we’ll be bringing in a new and exciting vendor.”

Duck Donuts’ products are available in Talley Market now.

BRICKYARD

continued from page 3

Cody McKeel, a fourth-year studying agricultural science, said he found the signage surrounding the site helpful but the construction itself inconvenient.

“I like the signs that they laid out down there where it’s telling you how to get to the classes for Cox and Dabney,” McKeel said. “Other than that, I miss being able to cut across the whole Brickyard over there. Noise is a bit annoying. I don’t really know what they’re building, but hopefully it’ll be put to good use.”

Danelle Gambrell, construction project manager for the site, acknowledged the disruptive nature of construction on campus and said while it will require adjustment, she hopes this will be an opportunity for people to learn about how campus grows.

“It will be challenging, but we’ll try to make it as easy as possible,” Gambrell said. “As a university, [change] can sometimes cause a little friction just because people maybe are used to something or not expecting, and it’s just different, but it’s for the better of the overall community. … We’ll do our best to work with students, to ensure students are very aware of what’s going on.

And I think everybody will be excited about the end result.”

In an effort towards transparency about the construction process, the University has added signs wrapping around the fencing to provide background on the current construction and future layout of the Brickyard.

“I think we’re going to eventually add some information regarding the history of the Brickyard and what the Brickyard is all about … because we’re obviously taking it up for a few years, and students are gonna miss out on having that full opportunity to have the Brickyard,” said Cameron Smith, assistant vice chancellor for design and construction.

Anyone can keep up with project updates through the construction company Skanska’s project website which offers pedestrian walkway diagrams that will be updated as construction progresses, a livestream of the site, a mock-up gallery of the building and a virtual tour.

The University will continue to hold town hall meetings for community members throughout the construction process. The first town hall meeting of the academic year will be scheduled shortly and information will be added to the project website.

RACHEL LAMINACK/TECHNICIAN

Duck Donuts pictured at Talley Student Union on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Maple Bacon is one of the many flavors sold.

HALLIE WALKER/TECHNICIAN

Construction workers prepare the grounds for the new Integrative Sciences Building at the Brickyard on July 31, 2023. The building will replace the temporary greenspace that became a part of the Brickyard after Harrelson Hall was demolished in 2016.

A third-year studying art and design

Pretend That Didn’t Happen

Lucy Osborn, Staff Cartoonist

A third-year studying art and design

Go Play in the Dirt!

Avery Szakacs, Staff Cartoonist

A third-year studying art and design

Good Morning

Sophie Gabriel, Staff Cartoonist

A third-year studying art and design

Humpty Dumpty Harrison Burstion, Staff Cartoonist

How to beat the fall semester blues

As the days get shorter, the overwhelming realization that summer’s free, sun-filled days have come to a close sets in. Despite the thousands of different summer experiences NC State students have had these past three months, one thing is for sure: nearly everyone enjoyed more relaxed schedules, some vitamin D and less homework.

A little spontaneity is always fun, but laying a good foundation during these first few weeks can work wonders to help settle in.

Katie Howell Correspondent

The start of fall semester is often filled with the excitement of reuniting with friends, but it can also carry the uneasiness of knowing more responsibility is underway. The dread of classes ramping back up can put a serious damper on this time of the year.

Some key things to try when easing back into the flow of a new semester are planning something to look forward to each week, developing a consistent schedule and spending time outdoors.

Despite many students working summer jobs, most enjoy more free time over the summer than when they are managing a full class load. This free time is spent making new memories, spending time with friends and investing in hobbies — all of which can be hard to give up at the drop of a hat.

A helpful tip for this time of the year is to intentionally set aside time to still enjoy those things. Of course you won’t always have the option of a spontaneous trip or weekend getaway. This is where exploring Raleigh and enjoying all that

it has to offer comes into play.

As classes start to live up to their reputation, consider a trip to Cup A Joe on Hillsborough Street or meet a friend for burgers at Morgan Street Food Hall. When you need to get away for a morning, take to the woods of William B. Umstead State Park.

Spending an afternoon at a coffee shop, meeting a friend at a new restaurant or going on a hike are all simple things that can make a difference when getting back into the swing of things.

When tackling new courses, it can take a few weeks to find a routine that works for you. Students haven’t learned their class routes or when and where to grab lunch

BY ELLIE BRUNO

between classes yet. However, building some form of a routine can provide structure at an inevitably chaotic point in the year.

Commit to a planner or invest in some sticky notes so you can ensure no assignments slip through the cracks while you are still readjusting. Forming these habits now helps to build momentum which can make all of the difference in a couple of months.

Mapping out when to get some work done will naturally boost confidence early on in the semester and — more importantly — can ensure no Saturdays at Carter-Finley Stadium are sacrificed.

Another important reminder: summer is still here. We may not be oceanside and carefree, but it’s still warm and sunny. It’s easy to feel weighed down by classwork and responsibilities, but make sure not to spend all your time inside D.H. Hill Jr. Library.

In fact, more than 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Fatigue and trouble sleeping are symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and can negatively impact your school performance.

An easy remedy? Grab your lunch togo and spend some time on the Court of North Carolina. Sunlight increases serotonin in the brain and acts as a natural mood-booster. Even when it comes time to do some work, opt for a picnic table or a nearby park. These small changes won’t take any extra time and are sure to have a positive impact.

Unfortunately, there is always a twinge of disappointment at the start of the year. Anticipation mixes with the nostalgia of past summers, and it’s 2012 in the backto-school section of Target all over again.

The major difference is now we have control over how we adjust and can ensure this is an enjoyable start to the semester. New experiences, new friends and football games abound. Make sure to set aside some time for yourself these first few weeks, and a top-notch fall semester is sure to follow.

Why quitting can be a healthy option

A few nights ago I sent off two emails. The first explaining to my physical education professor that I would be dropping the class after a medical issue arose, the second explaining to the coordinator of my internship group that I couldn’t commit to the position.

I felt guilty — like I had failed my professor, my coordinator and above all myself. I hadn’t though. Quitting is not conceding; it’s admitting that your efforts need to be placed somewhere else, and that’s okay.

There is a lot of guilt attached to telling someone you will no longer be continuing with an endeavor. It’s an ugly feeling that leaves one thinking they’ve failed.

Part of this is because we live in a success-driven culture. Everything from our grading system to building a

resume tells us we need to keep trying at something until we succeed. But as we become adults, it’s important to realize that sometimes we ought to walk away.

In that same vein, we only have so much time to do everything we need and want to do. When I joined my internship I knew it would be six to ten hours a week. However, after the first week of classes compounded with clubs, I realized that I would be stretched too thin in a couple of months.

My priorities as a student are to graduate on time and build writing and editing skills. My internship — as amazing as it would have looked on my resume — would take me away from that.

And I want to emphasize, it was not that simple of a dialogue for me.

I wanted to believe that I could persevere and finish the semester feeling accomplished, especially in regards to my internship.

My outlook changed after I ran into

a medical issue. While it was nothing serious, it could have been exacerbated by taking a physical education class. It then made more sense to me why I needed to drop the class and internship. Like muscles, when we’re exhausted and overworked, we never properly rest. We just scrape by.

As college students, it is especially important that we take care of ourselves in regards to our commitments. It can often feel like we’re being pulled in so many different directions, so making time for yourself to relax and destress is essential.

It is important to mention that quitting is a privilege. Not all of us have the option to let go of commitments without risking graduation plans or financial stability. Still, simply thinking about the idea of quitting can help you explore alternatives and see if other options are plausible for you.

Sometimes we aren’t the best equipped for certain opportunities. For my intern-

ship, there were far too many people on my team for me to get the one-on-one experience I was told I would have. By no means was it a bad internship, it just wasn’t for me. If an opportunity can’t provide much to you, then it may not be much of an opportunity to begin with.

That’s not to say that you can’t find other value in it, but if you’re still searching for it at the expense of other priorities, it may be time to move on.

Ironically enough, quitting is a skill. It can feel wrong to shut yourself off from something, but sometimes it’s about prioritizing yourself and what you really need. There will be gym classes and internships in semesters to come, but there’s only one you.

It can feel bad to quit — it feels like giving up, but it’s not. It’s saying “maybe doing this thing isn’t the most beneficial for me right now,” and that’s self-care.

GRAPHIC

Will LaMarche Staff Writer

North Carolina, sound the alarm

Editor’s Note: This article contains references to gun violence.

A lot of us were doing the exact same thing Monday afternoon. Watching the news, refreshing social media for updates, frantically messaging people on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus — most of whom were barricading a classroom — just to make sure our friends weren’t dead.

We know it happens every day. We know it’s routine. We know what the next week of empty statements and gestures from politicians will look like. It’s become as commonplace as a collection of age-old adages; “thoughts and prayers” combated with “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough” and other dull calls to action fighting the “don’t politicize a tragedy” crowd.

Yet it’s still so incredibly upsetting. You just want to throw up, cry and scream all at the same time. How can anyone look around and want to prioritize anything else in the world? How can we think about anything else? Operate on a day-to-day basis?

I am not a particularly emotional person. I am generally level headed; I especially don’t tend to get upset or angry often. Nothing tears as deep a hole in my heart and makes me want to go to war quite like school shootings.

These instances are such an absurd reality that our minds seem to just dull them out until we’re forced to face it head on again (every other day). If you’ve never been confronted by the existential American reality that these things very well could be coming to your neighborhood, school, workplace, favorite restaurant, mall, sports game, grocery store or place of worship, I truly envy you. Though I am sure more of us than not have paused and pondered that sentiment before.

No one can walk onto a college campus in the United States with any kind of total assurance they won’t become a victim today. It seems it is just a chance we take on a daily basis and an established part of our lives.

It feels inevitable. It doesn’t just seem like it’s around the corner; it literally is. And it’s exhausting. I mean, literally switching through channels trying to find coverage of Chapel Hill, I flipped through coverage of the shooting in Jacksonville. No, I’m looking for the more-local mass shooting, please.

I don’t want to be an alarmist. I don’t want to scare people, but we need to be scared. We should be terrified. There is no other way to frame it. I don’t want this article to be about NC State because our neighbors are mourning, and it’s obviously so much larger than that. But I doubt any one on campus didn’t think “that could’ve been us” at least once Monday.

We are the largest campus in North Car olina, right ahead of Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, who I will remind you experi enced a mass shooting just four years ago. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are a walking target of almost 40,000 strong. Nothing in the world seems to hurt as much as these headlines. Until they get closer.

I’m not going to list out a set of solutions. Technician, and every other publication in the world, did that for the last major school shooting. There are no numbers or statistics that seem to incite change.

The nature of these things plainly appear inevitable in this day and age. They really don’t need to be. There are real initiatives to pursue, it just needs an impassioned col lective push. We all need to be on the same page; and by this point, we should be.

We sit no more than 10 minutes from the North Carolina General Assembly, where a supermajority gives a party nearly un precedented power in efficiently passing legislation. The list of solutions are easy to find. There is no reason this issue should be viewed as one with partisan allegiances — it is literally killing us.

To the Chapel Hill community, we mourn with you. We love you, and we are connected in a community in more ways than we often acknowledge. Our school reps Carolina blue tonight. The onus is on all of North Carolina to fix this and ensure we don’t see this kind of tragedy ever again. If we don’t, these kinds of things are simply knocking on the door.

To view an exhaustive list of the Counseling Center’s mental health resources, visit https://wellness. ncsu.edu/resources/.

Justin Welch

Opinion Editor

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELLIE BRUNO

The One Eighties experiment with new sounds in their debut album ‘Minefields’

Raleigh-based music pair The One Eighties creates a unique listening experience in their first indie-alternative record, “Minefields.”

The group, consisting of Autumn Brand and Daniel Cook, emerged from the Americana-alternative band New Reveille during the pandemic.

Their music is an immersion of sounds from roots, steel guitars, ‘80s synth and strings — sound-making is at the heart of their music.

“You’re getting a sound that literally no one in the entire world will ever use,” Brand said. “We created it.”

Inspired by the uncertainty of the pandemic, the name of their first album reflects their mindset at the time.

“We weren’t sure what we were gonna call the album until we were at the very end of it,” Cook said. “We realized there was this common thread throughout the album: trying to deal with uncertainty, the pandemic and a lot of change in our personal lives. You never know exactly where you’re going to step. It’s like a minefield, but you have to step anyway.”

The One Eighties’ music can be refreshing and therapeutic to college students as they navigate classes and discover their higher purpose. Cook hopes the depth of their songs relates to a college-age demographic and inspires them to think

deeply.

“There’s a lot of layers to it,” Cook said. “It’s very much the anti-TikTok, not quick, bite-size, digestible, not pop numbers. It leaves more to ponder.”

The band said experimentation played a key role in creating the sound of the album.

“We spent thousands of hours making this album,” Cook said. “There was a period when we just experimented with sounds. … We decided to realize there were other ways of creating textures that could be really spontaneous and like throwing paint at the wall.”

The One Eighties had their album release party Aug. 25 at Kings in Raleigh to showcase their novel songs. The band expressed positive hopes for it.

“Hoping we can connect to the audience and that the audience can connect to us and there [can] be that symbiotic relationship, feeding off each other and having a good time,” Brand said.

The event drew a diverse crowd and featured a number with George Hage, their friend and former band member of New Reveille.

Attendee Steve Mikes, who had not heard of The One Eighties prior to the event, revered the talent of the band after it was over.

“The lead singer has phenomenal control of her voice, fantastic projection, and I think she’s extremely skilled in the violin,” Mikes said. “It was really great.”

VALERIE PYMENTO/TECHNICIAN

The One Eighties perform during their album release party at Kings on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

Valerie Pymento Correspondent

Dix Park Inter-Tribal Pow Wow empowers NC State’s Native American community

Dix Park hosted its third annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow, creating a gathering space honoring Native American culture and traditions.

The park’s location on the former tribal territories makes it an especially important space to recognize Indigenous communities. By working with the Triangle Native American Society to find ways to honor the land’s history, Dix Park decided to hold an annual Pow Wow in the space.

“The park has a complex history, and one of those histories is that it used to be a Native American hunting and gathering space,” said Trey Roberts, manager of community engagement for the Dix Park Conservancy. “Dix Park is interesting because it sits on the borderline of two tribal territories, the Tuscarora and the Suwan, so we really wanted to find a way to honor the history of the land before Dix Park.”

Pow Wows typically celebrate Native American culture with a variety of events, activities and vendors.

Ashtyn Skye Thomas, a first-year studying architecture who holds the Miss Lumbee title, said she would describe a Pow Wow as “a lot of excited people.”

“[People] are just super excited to be here and enjoy our native food, dances, traditions and songs,” Thomas said. “When you walk into a Pow Wow, you’ll not only see our people, but you’ll see our vendors who are sell -

ing crafts and Native goods.”

Dakota Lowery, co-owner of Scuffletown Suppliers, a shop with products ranging from candles to print designs celebrating Indigenous communities, has attended the Dix Park Pow Wow every year. He appreciates how it allows his story to reach a wider audience.

“Usually the Pow Wows we go to are heavily Indigenous,” Lowery said. “These Pow Wows usually have all kinds of people from different backgrounds, so it’s nice to explain our story and our products.”

Kaylee Jacobs, a second-year studying fashion and textile management and social media chair for the Native American Student Association, said it’s meaningful to have a Pow Wow sponsored by the City of Raleigh.

“It’s really impactful too, showing that we’re here, we have a voice, and to share our culture with everybody in the Raleigh area,”Jacobs said.

Many in attendance shared their culture by dressing in traditional Indigenous regalia.

Trinity Locklear, a third-year studying criminology and secretary of the Native American Student Association, said that each piece of regalia has a different story.

“Each ribbon [on my skirt] has a different meaning for me,” Locklear said. “With the sunflowers [on my skirt], I’m trying to represent growth but also stick to my roots.”

Thomas was also proud to honor Lumbee history by

wearing her regalia.

“I have on the Lumbee pinecone patchwork regalia,” Thomas said. “It represents a dress that our women would have worn working in the fields, cropping tobacco and other crops that we use as a way of life.”

In addition to being able to represent her culture as Miss Lumbee, Thomas said it was amazing to represent the NC State community as well.

“It’s awesome to be able to be on campus and educate others,” Thomas said. “It’s just crazy to think that I’m Miss Lumbee and a first-year at NC State.”

Mya Lowry, a master’s student studying public administration and president of Native American Student Association, said it’s important to have events like this accessible to college students.

“A lot of Natives, when they come to college, they don’t feel connected to their culture because you leave your tribal community,” Lowry said. “Having something here super close to campus is a way for everybody to come together and feel like you have a place to belong and that your culture matters.”

Locklear also said honoring her heritage in Raleigh is extremely special.

“For me, Pow Wow is basically a big family reunion,” Locklear said. “Knowing that I have one in Raleigh makes me feel a lot closer to home.”

COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA WILLIAMS Elizabeth Dull Culture Editor

NC State football’s fresh faces look to shine on the field in the 2023-24 season

rounds out the quartet of four-star recruits from the 2023 class. His addition strengthens an already formidable defensive line.

The landscape of college football is in constant flux with financial decisions, graduations and new horizons shaping the game. A new recruiting class at the beginning of the season prompts fans to eagerly anticipate the fresh faces.

The Wolfpack is ushering in a substantial freshman class alongside some notable transfers, adding intrigue and optimism to the program.

The freshman class in particular is a diverse mix of talent, varying in size and rating. Head coach Dave Doeren orchestrated an impressive haul, securing commitments from four four-star athletes and 14 threestar athletes. These recruits address pressing needs on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Among these fresh talents, one name stands out — freshman tight end Juice Vereen. He’s the lone NC State recruit to break into the prestigious ESPN 300 recruiting rankings, securing the 280th spot.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds, Vereen will pose a formidable challenge for opposing defenses. As graduate tight end Trent Pennix approaches the end of his college career, Vereen is a welcome addition set to make a significant impact for years to come.

Joining Vereen on offense is freshman running back Kendrick Raphael. Both Raphael and Vereen earned their coveted fourstar ratings through stellar high school careers. While Raphael may need to add some weight to handle the demands of an everydown running back, his current 195-pound

frame doesn’t diminish his explosive speed and ability to rack up yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the redand-white has acquired the talents of freshman safety Daemon Fagan and redshirt junior defensive lineman Red Hibbler. Fagan could potentially fill the void left by Tanner

Ingle, bolstering a group of defensive backs already teeming with accomplished players. Fagan has showcased versatility, playing both cornerback and safety in high school while proving himself as a ball-hawk.

Hibbler, a former top defensive lineman at Northwest Mississippi Community College,

Complementing this promising recruiting class is a group of transfers that not only plugs gaps left by departing players but also promises to elevate the team’s performance.

Virginia transfer and graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong assumes the mantle of starting quarterback and the face of NC State football. Armstrong’s impressive track record at Virginia, where he threw for a record-breaking 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2021, positions him as a player to watch. His reunion with offensive coordinator Robert Anae, with whom he achieved great success, bodes well for the Wolfpack.

Armstrong will have a potential star target in redshirt sophomore receiver Dacari Collins, who previously played for the Clemson Tigers. Collins underproduced at Clemson, but has the size and athleticism to be a top receiver on any team. At 6-foot-4, he can win against any defender.

NC State addressed its special teams needs via the transfer portal by securing graduate kicker Brayden Narveson to fill the void left by Christopher Dunn. Additionally, the team bolstered its play in the trenches with the addition of defensive lineman Noah Potter. While kickers and lineman might not grab the headlines, their contributions will be vital to the Pack’s success in the 2023 season.

With a blend of young talent and experienced transfers, NC State football is poised for a memorable year. The stage is set, the expectations are high and the Wolfpack faithful eagerly await the kickoff of what promises to be a thrilling season.

TechSports’ 2023 NC State football predictions

TechSports Editors

Overall record: 9-3

9-3

Biggest Win: North Carolina North Carolina

10-2

8-4

Miami North Carolina

Most surprising loss: Miami Marshall Clemson Louisville

MVP: Brennan Armstrong, QB Brennan Armstrong, QB Aydan White, CB Aydan White, CB

Breakout player: Michael Allen, RB Kevin Concepcion, WR Keyon Lesane, WR Julian Gray, WR

Offensive player of the year: Kevin Concepcion, WR Jordan Houston, RB Brennan Armstrong, QB Brennan Armstrong, QB

Defensive player of the year: Payton Wilson, LB Aydan White, CB

C.J. Clark, DT Shyheim Battle, CB

Bowl Projection: Duke’s Mayo Bowl versus Kentucky Gator Bowl versus Ole Miss Pinstripe Bowl versus Iowa Holiday Bowl versus Oregon State

DANIELLE MEYER/TECHNICIAN

Graduate wide receiver Thayer Thomas runs the ball into the end zone during the Wolfpack’s home football game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Carter-Finley Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Thomas had 10 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolfpack beat the Hokies 22-21.

Griffin Cunningham Staff Writer

Ethan Bakogiannis Editor-in-Chief Jenna Cuniowski Sports Editor Erin Ferrare Assistant Sports Editor Noah Teague Assistant Sports Editor

Star-studded defense set to repeat dominance

Aidan Carlson Staff Writer

It was a tumultuous 2022 campaign for NC State football, especially with the Wolfpack being forced to play quarterback musical chairs due to injuries. The Wolfpack defense proved once again to be the backbone of the team, leading the ACC in fewest points per game and interceptions. In the age of the transfer portal, there are always new faces and old names — here is a breakdown of who’s who on the NC State defense.

Defensive line

The defensive line returns plenty of experienced talent from years prior and looks to continue to shut down the opponent’s run game like it did last year.

Led by junior defensive end Davin Vann, a 2023 captain, the Pack has managed to bring pressure with only three linemen up front. Vann is joined by senior defensive end Savion Jackson and redshirt junior defensive tackle C.J. Clark.

Both Jackson and Clark have had their fair share of injuries in the last couple of seasons, resulting in them missing a significant number of games. If they can stay healthy, this front three can cause problems for opposing offenses.

Linebackers

NC State’s linebacker core last year was one of the best the program has ever seen, flying around the field and making tackles from sideline to sideline.

Graduate linebacker Payton Wilson returned to NC State for a fifth season to captain the defense and prove that he is still one of the best linebackers in college football. With an injury-riddled past, it is crucial that Wilson stays healthy.

Wilson, who is starting at weakside linebacker, is joined by senior linebacker Jaylon Scott and junior linebacker Devon Betty. Starting as the strongside linebacker and middle linebacker respectively, Scott and Betty will look to carry the torch from Drake Thomas and Isaiah Moore.

Outside of Wilson’s health, the main concern is the lack of experience Scott and Betty possess in their new roles. In two of the most important roles on the defensive side, the lack of playing time can be exposed if NC State isn’t careful. However, both players know the system well, and only time will tell if they live up to their larger role in this season’s defense.

Cornerbacks

The starting cornerbacks have not changed from last season with both junior cornerback Aydan White and redshirt junior cornerback Shyheim Battle returning

this season.

White sprung onto the scene last season, earning himself an AP All-ACC first-team award. He also played the most coverage snaps in the nation without giving up a touchdown according to PFF. White was able to rake in multiple pick sixes last season and looks to be one of the most exciting players for the Wolfpack if he keeps improving.

Battle will look to play the opposite of White in what would be a good-looking cornerback tandem. He’s a physical cornerback who isn’t afraid to play hands on or make big hits.

If Battle can take fewer penalties, he will be perfect for his role. Because NC State runs three linemen up front, they often play with a nickel back.

The Pack is looking to graduate cornerback Robert Kennedy to fill the role of cornerback. Kennedy transferred from Old Dominion this past year where he started 11 games at safety, ranked fifth on the team for most tackles and tied for the secondmost pass breakups.

The Wolfpack has a strong group of defensive backs who look to put a clamp on the best receivers in the ACC.

Safeties

NC State’s safeties are similar to the linebackers this year; they have a couple of guys who have experience in the system but are now stepping into a bigger role.

Junior safety Devan Boykin played snaps at both safety and nickel in 2022. The ver-

satile player is getting the nod at strong safety and looks to make the most of his opportunity there.

Playing opposite of him at free safety is senior safety Jakeen Harris who makes his return to the starting lineup. After serving mostly in a backup role to Tanner Ingle in 2022, Harris makes the switch from strong safety to free safety for the new season.

The NC State defense has studs up and down the lineup who are looking to make big plays. The team will look to the defense early in the season to give the group some stability. If the Wolfpack can stay healthy, there is nothing stopping it from being one of the top defenses in the ACC again.

Names to know:

Davin Vann, Defensive End

Payton Wilson, Linebacker

Devon Betty, Linebacker

Jaylon Scott, Linebacker

Aydan White, Cornerback

Shyheim Battle, Cornerback

Devan Boykin, Safety

NATALIE FOLSOM/TECHNICIAN

Graduate cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. (right) celebrates sophomore nickle back Devan Boykin’s (left) interception in the game against Florida State University at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. The Wolfpack beat the Seminoles 19-17.

GRIFFIN BRYANT/TECHNICIAN

Sophomore linebacker Devon Betty celebrates a defensive stop during the Wolfpack’s last regular season football game against the UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. The Wolfpack beat the Tar Heels in double overtime 30-27.

Sports Anae and Armstrong look to make statement with revitalized offense

Gavin Gallimore Staff Writer

Throughout NC State football’s 2022 season, the offense struggled with injuries and consistency. With the departure of former offensive coordinator Tim Beck, all eyes are set on his replacement, Robert Anae, who has over 30 years of coaching experience.

Quarterbacks

Last season, no position on the entire team was affected by injury as much as quarterback. A pectoral injury sidelined quarterback Devin Leary after the first six games of the season, and three additional signal-callers saw action the remainder of the season. Several quarterbacks will not be returning this season, including Leary, who transferred to Kentucky.

Amid these departures, there is a significant newcomer to this squad — graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong. The standout passer from Virginia thrived under Anae’s tutelage in 2021; he threw for an astounding 4,449 yards, fourth best in the country. He also proved to be a threat on the ground, running for 251 yards and nine scores.

Sophomore MJ Morris is the only quarterback that saw action last season returning for the Pack. After helping orchestrate a comeback against Virginia Tech, he started the following game against Wake Forest, becoming the first true freshman to start a game for NC State since 2000. Before sustaining an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season, he threw for 648 yards and seven touchdowns to only one interception.

Running backs

After the Pack finished eleventh in the ACC in total rushing yards and was only able to score eight touchdowns on the ground in the 2022 season, the running backs will look to take a step forward this season. There’s a cast of promising names to potentially flip the script this season.

The Pack will likely turn to senior Jordan Houston to lead the group. Entering his fifth season with NC State, Houston has the experience needed to guide the unit. In his time with the team, he has amassed 1,296 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Another name to watch is sophomore Michael Allen. Last season, Allen saw more playing time in the latter half of the season due to

injuries to other backs. He finished the season with 268 yards on the ground, including a 77-yard performance against Boston College.

Wide receiver

This season, improving NC State’s passing attack will hinge on improved receiver play. The Pack lost longtime receiver Thayer Thomas, along with Devin Carter, to the transfer portal. Regardless, there’s plenty of talent to watch

The group is led by senior wideout Keyon Lesane, who is the lone starting receiver from last season’s squad. Last season, Lesane played in all 13 games, posting 342 yards and two touchdowns. In his performance against Wake Forest, he posted 71 yards and a score. NC State has added Rice transfer Bradley Rozner to the roster, who is set to begin his eighth season of college football. Rozner had a solid season with the Owls in 2022, and his experience will be vital to help guide a young

Sophomore Terrell Timmons Jr. and redshirt sophomore Julian Gray both offered a glimpse of potential last season, and may be names to watch

Tight ends

Both redshirt junior Christopher Toudle and graduate Trent Pennix missed a combined nine games due to injury last season, but both are ready to return to action this season. The pair combined for 241 yards last

season with three touchdowns, and they could excel while playing a larger role in the passing game under Anae.

Offensive line

Three starters on the offensive line from last season — longtime center Grant Gibson, guard Bryson Speas and guard Chandler Zavala — have departed, but there is much to be excited about with this unit.

The offensive line is headlined by redshirt junior Dylan McMahon who is expected to line up at center. The majority of last season, McMahon played at right guard, but he played the final three games at center. The line will also include redshirt junior Timothy McKay, who had a great 2022 season in which he boasted a team-high 58 pancake blocks. Going down the line, redshirt junior tackle Anthony Belton and graduate guard Derrick Eason are versatile options; each has experience at multiple parts of the offensive line. Finally, look for either redshirt sophomore Lyndon Cooper or redshirt sophomore Anthony Carter Jr. to fill out the last spot on the line.

Names to know:

Brennan Armstrong, Quarterback

Jordan Houston, Running Back

Micheal Allen, Running Back

Keyon Lesane, Wide Receiver

Bradley Rozner, Wide Receiver

Trent Pennix, Tight End

Anthony Belton, Tackle

EMILY PEEDIN/TECHNICIAN

Redshirt freshman tight end Kameron Walker and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Dylan McMahon congratulate sophomore running back Jordan Houston after a play in the game against UNC-Chapel Hill at Carter-Finley Stadium on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. The Wolfpack scored in the last few minutes of the game and beat the Tar Heels 34-30.

Freshman running back Michael Allen balances to stay in bounds during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl where the NC State Wolfpack took on the Maryland Terrapins in Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Dec. 31, 2022. Allen ran for five yards on the ground and had 21 yards receiving as the Wolfpack lost to the Terrapins 16-12.

Wolfpack football faces exciting slate of opponents in 2023

Noah Teague Assistant Sports Editor

NC State football is set to face an exciting slate of opponents in the 2023 season. This year, the ACC is scrapping divisions, taking old Atlantic division foes off the schedule and adding former Coastal teams that the Pack hasn’t faced in years. The red-and-white will now only have three annual opponents — North Carolina, Clemson and Duke. Additionally, this year’s schedule features several additional regional opponents.

UConn

The Wolfpack will open the season at UConn in a rematch of last season’s 41-10 lopsided victory. When it faced the Huskies last year, the red-and-white found plenty of success through the air, amassing 323 passing yards.

Notre Dame

The schedule ramps up quickly for the Pack when it hosts the Fighting Irish in its home opener. Led by former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman, expectations are high in South Bend, Indiana this year. After winning six of its last seven games in 2022, the Fighting Irish has the potential to be one of the top teams in the country this season. Pulling off the upset will require the Wolfpack to play up to its maximum potential.

The key matchup to watch will be Notre Dame’s offensive line versus NC State’s defensive line. The Fighting Irish field consistently strong lines, however, Notre Dame is replacing both of its starting guards from last season. Taking advantage of the inexperience in the interior of the line will be critical to the upset.

Virginia Military Institute

After a tough test, the red-and-white will remain at home for a much easier matchup against VMI. Coming off of a one-win season, the Keydets won’t provide much of a challenge. This game is the perfect opportunity for the Pack to allow younger players to gain valuable in-game experience, especially in the second half.

Virginia

To start ACC-play, the Pack will make the short trip to Charlottesville, Virginia to take on a rebuilding Cavaliers team. Virginia slumped to a 3-7 finish last season — its worst since 2016. The matchup includes a homecoming for NC State’s graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who started for the Cavaliers throughout the previous three seasons. Given the major talent gap between the two teams, NC State has a strong chance at running the Cavaliers out of their own stadium.

Louisville

Two of the ACC’s most intriguing squads will match up under the lights at Carter-Finley Stadium in another Friday night showdown. The Cardinals signed a new head coach and 28 transfer players this offseason, injecting plenty of

talent into the team. Most notably, with a new quarterback and receivers, the Cardinals offense will look quite different from last season. If the new additions mesh quickly, Louisville could be one of the top squads in the ACC and certainly a tough opponent for the Pack.

Marshall

In a trap game, the Wolfpack will face off against Marshall, a dangerous foe. Last season, the Thundering Herd pulled off a massive upset over Notre Dame, while also closing the season on a five-game winning streak. Marshall’s strength is its defense, featuring three players named to the preseason All-Sun Belt first team.

Duke

Before reaching its bye week, the red-and-white will renew its in-state rivalry with Duke. Despite being picked to finish last in the Coastal division, the Blue Devils stunned many by finishing 9-4 last season.

Several key players, including quarterback Riley Leonard, are returning and making Duke a dangerous team to face. The Pack matches up well with the Blue Devils and can utilize a strong secondary to slow down Leonard.

Clemson

In its biggest annual game, the Wolfpack will have a shot at the reigning ACC champions. Clemson’s revamped offense will depend on new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik, who started just one game last year. To aid Riley and Klubnik, one of the nation’s top running backs Will Shipley returns and will be the centerpiece of the offense.

The Clemson defense remains the backbone of the team. Up front, the Tigers have several potential NFL prospects that could overwhelm almost any offensive line. With questions on the interior of the Pack’s offensive line, this could be Clemson’s biggest advantage in the matchup. Winning the game will be tough, but if the red-and-white can pull it off, it would indisputably be its biggest win of the year.

Miami

The Pack will follow up one big game with another. Despite going 5-7 last season, Miami is one of the more highprofile teams in the ACC. With a fresh start this year, the Hurricanes could be due for a bounce back year.

Miami’s best player is safety Kam Kinchens, the ACC’s interception leader last season. Kinchens will certainly make it difficult for NC State to move the ball downfield, but the more veteran Wolfpack squad should still have a strong chance at victory.

Wake Forest

NC State almost always has trouble in Winston-Salem, evidenced by the fact that the Pack has dropped every road game against Wake Forest since 2015. However, the Demon Deacons are replacing quarterback Sam Hartman and lost receiver Donavon Greene for the year to injury. In a year

of uncertainty for Wake Forest, the Wolfpack has a prime opportunity to earn a rivalry win.

Virginia Tech

While Virginia Tech is often one of the tougher places to play, the Wolfpack should have no problem disposing of the Hokies this year. Coming off of a 3-8 season, Virginia Tech is in the middle of a long rebuild.

One notable newcomer is transfer receiver Ali Jennings, a standout player hailing from Old Dominion. Despite this new addition, the talent differential between the Hokies and the Pack is wide and NC State could cruise to victory.

North Carolina

To close out the year, NC State will look to extend its winning streak over its biggest rival to three games. While the Tar Heels have the ACC’s preseason player of the year in Drake Maye, the rest of the roster is riddled with uncertainty.

Defensively last season, the Tar Heels were the worst unit in the conference, giving up over 30 points per game. Expect fireworks early and often from both sides; both teams should be able to score easily in a game that could go down to the wire like it did in the previous two matchups.

At UConn, Thursday, Aug. 31

Versus Notre Dame, Saturday, Sept. 9

Versus VMI, Saturday, Sept. 16

At Virginia, Friday, Sept. 22

Versus Louisville, Friday, Sept. 29

Versus Marshall, Saturday, Oct. 7

At Duke, Saturday, Oct. 14

Versus Clemson, Saturday, Oct. 28

Versus Miami, Saturday, Nov. 4

At Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 11

At Virginia Tech, Saturday, Nov 18

Versus UNC-Chapel Hill, Saturday, Nov. 25

From the 252 to the 919: Shyheim Battle looks to storybook ending on senior day

Ethan Bakogiannis Editor-in-Chief

In a few short months on a chilly Saturday evening in Raleigh, tens of thousands of NC State football’s most rabid and rambunctious fans will flock to Carter-Finley Stadium to watch the Wolfpack’s annual clash with UNC-Chapel Hill.

It’ll undoubtedly be an electric atmosphere that night, but that fateful matchup will also play host to NC State’s senior night, making it the final game in Carter-Finley for many players on the team — including redshirt junior cornerback Shyheim Battle.

That night, Battle’s collegiate chapter of his football career will near a bittersweet end. The senior night flowers and fireworks that fill those final few pages wouldn’t mean a thing without his journey to senior night.

It all started in his hometown of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, designated by the area code 252. Battle grew up surrounded by football and dedicated his success to his family back home by wearing number 25 last season.

“It’s just a way for me to remember where I’m from, remember why I got here,” Battle said. “Wearing number 25 gave me something to play for. And playing for my hometown, they’re behind me; they always supported me.”

I put in that time because I knew what my dreams and goals were, and I knew what I needed to do to get to them.”

Those extra hours lifting weights, running drills and watching tape made Battle primed for success after high school, all by outworking the others in the room. However, once he got to Raleigh, the Rocky Mountnative was redshirted and didn’t see action for an entire season.

Instead of resting on his laurels, Battle put in even more time in the gym, on the practice field and in the film room. His efforts were soon noticed by head coach Dave Doeren, and just a couple of reps into his second spring camp, Battle was starting at cornerback for NC State football.

ceiver’s on your island. He’s disrupting your territory. I don’t want him out there — that’s the mindset. I don’t want him out here. He can’t take what’s on my plate. This is my territory. If anybody steps out there, that’s a challenge towards me.”

Akin to the legendary cornerback Darrelle Revis’ “Revis Island,” Battle has nicknamed his style of play “Battle Island.”

While playing cornerback is cold, isolating and punishing, Battle’s anything but that in the locker room. Eager to form relationships with teammates, Battle uses his family-oriented upbringing to make connections in the locker room.

everything he’s overcome to make it to the Division I stage has led to this season and to his senior night celebration. Instead of letting others dictate his journey, Battle used his love for his family, his obsession to outwork those around him and a rigorous mindset to write his own story.

“I think each year is a unique journey,” Doeren said. “It’s a blank book, and we all have a pen that we get to write the story to. You can let other people dictate that to you or you can try to be the author of it.”

As another year passes in the 919, Battle’s sticking with the 252 trend for his jersey number, making the switch to number seven for his senior season. Those numbers don’t just signify his love for his family, though. They’re a representation of where Battle developed his most defining quality — his unwavering determination to outwork those around him.

“I’ve got to where I am today, just by putting in work, putting in hard work,” Battle said. “I was never the most talented kid in my hometown. I will always say that. But I was the one that put in the extra time to get to where I wanted to get to. … I’ve made sure

“I saw guys that were four-, five-star guys that went to Georgia or Alabama, and they were no longer relevant because they got there and they were complacent,” Battle said. “So I didn’t want to be that guy because my family, they love and support me and the reason that I am here is because of them. And I want to make them proud. I want to make them happy.”

While mastering the tough mentality you need to play the position in college, Battle molded his game around putting opposing receivers on an island, just like many great cornerbacks do. To him, every snap is a challenge — an invasion of his territory on the gridiron.

“It’s a dog-eat-dog world,” Battle said. “That corner, that is your island, this re-

“Personally, I like building the team, as far as [knowing them] personally and relationship-wise,” Battle said. “It’s not all about football. It’s about family too, and I’m big on family, so I’ll let guys know that I’m here for you. That’s really big for me.”

Battle’s effect on his teammates is palpable, especially to fellow star cornerback, junior Aydan White. When the first-team All-ACC player and arguably one of the best corners in the nation came to campus for the first time, Battle welcomed him with open arms.

“Shyheim was one of the first guys that hit me up and asked me to train and do stuff like that around campus,” White said. “So, I really appreciate him being that guy that reached out to me.”

Battle’s set to play a defining role in NC State’s story this season. More importantly,

While Battle’s got full intentions of playing in the NFL next year, his collegiate career is set to crescendo on that chilly Saturday evening in Raleigh against the Tar Heels.

Battle and the Wolfpack will have to take on 11 other opponents before their showdown with Carolina, but when it comes, it’ll be a culmination of his entire journey so far — a celebration of all the extra hours, of all the times he said, “one more rep” and of all his love for the 252 — making for a film-worthy end to this chapter of his story.

“I like playing under those lights, and making plays is like making history,” Battle said. “This year around, it’s going to be senior night, and I know I’m going to be fired up, and I just know they’re gonna get everything from me that night. It’s my last game in Carter-Finley. I just know it’s going to be a movie.”

ETHAN RIMOLT/TECHNICIAN

I like playing under those lights, and making plays is like making history.

- Shyheim Battle