The Wolfpack Central - NC State's Defensive Line Looking to Re-Fortify Itself

NC State's Defensive Line Depleted By Graduation, NFL Draft

NC State has lost a lot of talent on its defensive line due to graduation, as well as the NFL Draft.

Gone are ends Deonte Brown and Daniel Joseph, tackles C.J. Clark and Grant Gibson, and nose tackle D'Von Ellies.

Combined, that group accounted for 41 tackles for loss, including 25.5 sacks, last season.

Wolfpack Will Look To Replace Production Through Transfers, Young Players

This represents a big loss, but NC State will look to replace that through transfers and young players.

The Wolfpack have added defensive end Davin Vann off the transfer portal from Georgia Tech, who had seven tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, last season.

They also brought in JUCO prospects Joshua Harris and Terrell Dawkins, who were rated among the top junior college recruits in the country.

Additionally, several young players will be looking to step up, including sophomores Davin Vann and CJ Hicks, and redshirt freshmen Travali Price and Justin Gibbs.

Wolfpack's Defensive Line Faces Tough Task

The Wolfpack's defensive line will have a tough task this season, as they look to replace a lot of production.

They will face some of the top offenses in the ACC and the country, including Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville.

However, if they can get enough production from their young players and transfers, they have the potential to be a strength of the team.

Key Players to Watch

• Davin Vann, DE
• CJ Hicks, DE
• Joshua Harris, DT
• Terrell Dawkins, DT
• Travali Price, DT
• Justin Gibbs, DT

Conclusion

NC State's defensive line could be considered one of the thinnest position groups for the Wolfpack in 2023, with many new faces expected to play key roles.

Replacing the production of the departed starters will be no cakewalk, but the Wolfpack staff is confident that they have the players and the scheme to do it.

If they can do that, they should be able to improve on last season's record, and be a major player in the ACC.