Not much recognition comes out of Raleigh when it comes to naming names. The only popularity award contestant is quarterback Philip Rivers. His resume was built in just his true freshman season of 2000 as he remarkably showed fantastic signs of becoming a possible future Wolf Pack Heisman Candidate. The sophomore numbers of last fall may not be as eye catching as his first year, but his efficiency and accuracy have jumped. He is still on course, even without the services of prime time stars running routes at receiver. His receiving flanks were inexperienced in 2001. However, that aspect could complete a full 180-degree turn this year as the well runs deep. Somebody just needs to emerge as a deep threat in order for head coach Chuck "The Chest" Amato to have a backup weapon outside of the short passing game. The Wolf Pack nit picked opponents last fall with an entourage of passing sets, receivers in motion, picks and crossing routes - but they were all less than 10 yards from scrimmage. A long ball go-getter combination could really light up some scoreboards. Replacing leading rusher Ray Robinson is a key element for the offense. He did it all for NC State. Contra Jackson will get his first look at the starting tailback spot. Watch him, he is just as versatile with dry cleaning skills productive enough to remove any stain. The main concern has to be up front as only two starters return. Fans will not find a shooting star here. Combine the question mark on the line with a new man in the backfield and that could spell major trouble. Coaches have been experimenting with different kids. Solidifying some of the frontline grunts will be crucial.

Light up front, heavy in the rear. That about sums it up for NC State's defense in 2002. The rear includes some very descent cover men in the backfield. The MVP on this side of the ball has to fall on the shoulders of free safety Terrence Holt heading into the season. Not many may be aware of the fact they make maple syrup on Tobacco Road, but Holt has the sticky ability to start his own franchise with combinations of speed and prototypical DB size. As a deep cover man he managed to amass 104 tackles last fall. At corner, the loss of Brian Williams leaves a bunker in the fairway. Junior J.J. Washington showed some blessed skills while starting the first six games of last year but seemed to hit a roadblock after suffering various injuries. Depth is very existent so do not be surprised if this group becomes one of the ACC's best. Still adding tonnage on the backside is linebacker Dantonio Burnett, who was overshadowed in 2001 by Mr. Everything Levar Fisher, even after racking up 114 tackles. He will start in the middle. But the outside is bare with Jamison and Fisher departing. The other side of the coin is much like the offense - the front line is your area of concern. Where's the beef? Coaches better locate some pre-made patties for the bun, as size has become a question mark. It's not that the rush defense was horrible last year, but teams were able to run on this unit. If the Pack desires to give Rivers and the offense favorable time of possession, they need to stuff the line. A few defensive coaches have left town for other pastures including the coordinator. Look for ex-FSU defensive coordinator Chuck Amato to start playing more of a role here. Also of note is punter Austin Herbert, who seems to be the conferences only remote answer to Brooks Barnard at Maryland.