Wolfpack names football captains

Coach Dave Doeren has announced four team leaders for the 2019 season, which opens Saturday against ECU

Jim Dedmon/USAToday sports

NC State still doesn't officially have a starting quarterback. But as of Sunday afternoon, the Wolfpack has four captains selected by a vote of their teammates to lead the team in 2019.

They are tight end Dylan Autenreith, cornerback Nick McCloud, safety Jarius Morehead and defensive end James Smith-Williams. Between them, the four players -- two of which are graduate students -- have combined to play in 132 games, with 65 starts.

Autenreith is a redshirt junior who despite having only two career catches, has played a vital role in the Wolfpack's run game over the past two seasons. Especially in short yardage and goal line situations. He was a co-recipient of the team’s Bo Rein Award, given to the player that provides vital contribution in an unsung role, in 2018.

McCloud is  senior who started 11 games right corner and ranked ninth in the ACC in passes defended last season. He had two interceptions, eight breakups and a 12-yard fumble return in a win against Marshall.

Morehead is a third-year starter who is the Wolfpack's top returning tackler with 81 a year ago. He also had three interceptions, including a 57-yard pick six against Marshall.

Smith-Williams is the latest in a long line of talented pass rushers at State. His 9.5 tackles was the second-best total on the team last year. His most memorable moment, however, came in a hurricane in 2017 when he blocked a punt that was recovered for a touchdown in State's win against Notre Dame.

"It has been a pleasure to watch these young men mature throughout their careers on and off the field," Doeren told GoPack.com. "They have earned the respect of their teammates and I'm excited to watch them lead our football team as captains."