In 2022, the NC State run game took on a much larger role after Devin Leary suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Leading rusher Jordan Houston returns after a 544-yard rushing campaign, but other players will have to step up if the Wolfpack want to control the ball through an effective run game.
Who are the Running Backs
Houston will once again lead the backfield after his solid 2022 season. In addition to his contributions on the ground, he added 213 receiving yards. The Wolfpack can expect some positive progression from Houston in 2023, as he failed to get into the endzone running the ball last season. Running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye led the group with three touchdowns, but he transferred to Kentucky with Leary. In his absence, Michael Allen will attempt to step into the second running back role. Allen showed promise with 268 rushing yards, averaging just over five yards per carry. He also showed an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with 11 receptions for 97 yards.
Outside of Houston and Allen, there are several capable options, as the Wolfpack have eight running backs rostered. Delbert Mimms and Demarcus Jones both appeared in 13 games last season but combined for only 181 rushing yards. However, there is potential for both to make impacts in the special teams department. Freshman Kendrick Raphael might be the most impactful new addition to the backfield. In high school, Raphael tallied 3,766 yards and 49 touchdowns rushing and added three more in the receiving game. The four-star recruit was considered the 18th-best running back prospect in the country. He averaged a whopping 12.4 yards per carry and was also an impactful runner on the track team.
Brennan Armstrong’s Impact on the Wolfpack Run Game
Perhaps the strongest runner in the Wolfpack backfield is quarterback Brennan Armstrong. Armstrong is poised to be the starting signal-caller for NC State after transferring from Virginia. While he struggled in 2022, his running ability has stood out each year of his college career. He has already amassed 1,267 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground, and coach Dave Doeren is excited about what his running ability brings to the offense. In an interview with ACC Network, Doeren claimed that Armstrong reached “20 mph on the GPS” and also mentioned that the Wolfpack “haven’t had a quarterback with that kind of speed” in his NC State tenure. New offensive coordinator Robert Anae is also no stranger to Armstrong’s rushing ability. In 2021, Armstrong had his strongest passing season and also added nine touchdowns on the ground in the Virginia offense led by Anae.
Armstrong is a physical runner who also has open-field speed. He is tough to bring down but is also able to take what defenses give him both through the air and on the ground. Whether it be through designed runs or taking off when a pass play breaks down, his running ability adds another element for defenses to prepare for. Armstrong can be used as a compliment to the experienced running backs or on his own, depending on how creative Anae is willing to be. Look for the Wolfpack to incorporate the read option and utilize the “Run-Pass-Option” more often. In addition, the Wolfpack will almost assuredly see more explosive plays on the ground. While Leary was a capable runner, Armstrong’s blend of size and speed will make him a true dual-threat option. The Wolfpack run game will rely on Armstrong as a focal point of the offense.
Final Thoughts
The Wolfpack run game will step up from the 2022 season. A new offensive coordinator will spark life into what was a brutally boring offense. A plethora of experienced rushers will be used out of the backfield. The wide receiver position is a big question for the Pack, so the team may rely on the run game to drive the ball downfield. Houston will provide value in the run game and catching balls out of the backfield. There will be times when Allen, Mimms, Jones, and Raphael will contribute off the bench. Armstrong has the potential to really improve the offense as a rusher and as a passer. If Armstrong can return to 2021 form and the offensive line remains a relative strength, the Wolfpack will be a very successful running offense.
Photo courtesy: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
