This Freshman May Have Solidified NC State’s Offensive Line

How the true freshman felt about his first career collegiate start

Sep 27, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive lineman Jalen Grant (74) with the ball during the first half of the game against Virginia Tech Hokies at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State’s offensive line has gone through trials and tribulations throughout the first five weeks of the college football season. Multiple players have rotated in both guard spots, while center and tackles seem to be locked up. 

Offensive linemen Kamen Smith, Val Erickson, Yousef Mugharbil, Anthony Carter Jr. and Spike Sowells have all played guard on either side for the Wolfpack this season. It felt like a revolving door, especially for the right guard spot. No player has consistently stayed there throughout the beginning of the season. 

Against Virginia Tech, that may have changed with Sowells, who’s a true freshman, started at right guard and stayed there throughout the entire game. He logged 68 snaps and allowed two pressures according to Pro Football Focus. He got a 79.2 pass blocking grade, 58.6 run blocking grade and a 63.4 offensive grade.  

Sowell Reflection

It was Sowell's first game starting on the Wolfpack, and he took the time to reflect on the moment. 

“It felt great,” Sowells said. “We talked with Mr. Al a lot about trusting God’s plan. A big thing for me is giving God the glory first. God put me in that position. [Offensive line coach Garett] Tujague trusted me, and I felt that was big. Putting a true freshman in to start on the offensive line is not something you see a lot, especially when I’m not like a 6’8” guy like Juan Gaston at Georgia. I do what I got, and I try my best to execute.”

Sowells, who was recruited as a center out of Kentucky, hasn't fully gotten the opportunity to play center just yet, as senior center Jalen Grant possesses that role. Grant has been a key piece to the NC State offensive line, having four years of experience under his belt. 

It’s a little unusual for Sowells to play guard, but he’s making do. 

Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive lineman Jalen Grant (74) snaps the ball against against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images | Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images

“I’ve never played guard,” Sowells said. “I’ve only played center, left tackle, and right tackle. So when they said guard, I’d never played it before.” 

Learning a new role isn’t easy. That’s why the film from Virginia Tech has been a great teaching tape for Sowells to go back and look at. 

“The biggest thing I learned was hand placement,” Sowells said. “And just how different the speed of the game is. You know, when you’re playing 68 snaps, you’re a lot [more] tired than when you’re playing six. On those 13-play drives, I was out there like, “Oh my gosh, how many plays are we in right now?” Just getting accustomed to the longer drives, and then the different defensive linemen you face.” 

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @WolfpackOnSI and @SennettTucker and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.