Terrell Dawkins First NC State Football Player to Wear No. 0
Two things immediately jump out at you on the 2020 NC State football roster, which was released on Tuesday to coincide with the opening of the Wolfpack's preseason camp.
The first thing is the first number on the list ... No. 0.
The NCAA has ruled that the number is legal for football and redshirt freshman Terrell Dawkins jumped at the opportunity to be the first player in State history to wear it.
"That's what he wanted," coach Dave Doeren said of Dawkins, who wore no. 43 in 2019. "He did a great job in the classroom, he's gained weight and in a really good place mentally, so he earned the right to wear No. 0 for the first time."
Dawkins is a 6-foot-4, 237-pound defensive end from Cox Mill High School in Concord who was redshirted after seeing action on special teams in four games last season and undergoing offseason surgery.
An all-conference selection as a high school senior, Dawkins has a solid football bloodline with his father Tommy having played at Appalachian State and in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his older brother Tommy Jr., currently on the team at App State.
Although its always dangerous to read between the lines, the selection of Dawkins to wear the No. 0 might be a sign that Doeren, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and defensive line coach Charley Wiles could have high hopes for the young pass rusher at a position that is lacking in depth and experience.
The other noticeable thing on the roster is the line right below the one on which Dawkins is listed.
It's No. 2, linebacker Louis Acceus.
That's not unexpected since Acceus wore the same number a year ago. What is a surprise is that there's no No. 1.
That's the number Doeren traditionally gives to a player each year for his work ethic, character, leadership and accomplishments. James Smith-Williams, Stephen Louis, Jaylen Saumels and Jarvis Byrd are among those that have worn the honored jersey.
Doeren said waiting until closer to the start of the season before he awards the No. 1 to a worthy candidate.
"We're going to get into camp and let guys prove themselves a little bit," he said. "Obviously we didn't have a spring. Normally I'd see how guys came out of the spring. We have a feeling who those guys are, but you want to see them play the game, too."
As for the list of possible candidates to wear the No. 1, wide receiver C.J. Riley -- who missed all but the first quarter of last year's opener because of a second major injury in his State career -- would figure to be at or near the top.
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top righthand corner of the page. Also be sure to like us on Facebook & Twitter:
Facebook -- ACC Insider
Twitter -- @WolfpackMaven and Brett Friedlander at @BFriedACC
