Smith-Williams 'over the moon' to be back in action

The senior defensive end has missed most of the past three games with a foot injury

Rob Kinnan/USAToday sports

NC State's pass rush, which has dropped off considerably over the past two weeks, will get a major boost for Saturday's ACC opener at Florida State with the return of defensive end James Smith-Williams.

The senior captain, who tied for the team lead with six sacks last season, has missed the the better part of the past three games because of a foot injury suffered during the first quarter of the Wolfpack's win against Western Carolina on Sept. 7.

And he's "over the moon" about getting back on the field.

The timing of Smith-Williams' comeback couldn't be better. After amassing seven sacks in its first two games, State's defense has managed just three over the past two weeks -- a loss at West Virginia and a closer-than-expected win against Ball State.

His 6-foot-3, 265-pound presence on the line promises to make life a little more difficult for whichever of the Seminoles' two quarterbacks plays against the Wolfpack.

It is still not known whether FSU starter James Blackman will be ready by Saturday after suffering a knee injury during the third quarter of last week's win against Louisville. Wisconsin graduate transfer Alex Hornibrook filled in well in Blackman's absence, completing 15 of 20 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in leading his team to victory.

According to Smith-Williams, State's preparation for the game won't be affected on which quarterback it faces.

"It's super exciting. I want to play football. That's why I'm here. I'm over the moon and I'm really excited to get going again."

On whether he could have played last week had it been a conference game ...

"I felt good, but you've got to be prepared to play so you don't hurt yourself more."

How difficult was it to watch from the sideline while your teammates struggled to put pressure on the quarterback without you?

"It's hard for me to not be able to go out there and play for the guys. It's not so much the results, what's happening, because I want to be out there for my brothers. They're really talented guys. I'm excited to get out there. Hopefully I can make a difference."

Is there a difference in how you prepare for Hornibrook, rather than Blackman?

"The other quarterback, the one that came in, is a little more of a passer. Blackman moves around with it more. But they both can throw. ...I think their system fits both pretty well, so we're treating them both pretty much the same.