Key Players Mentioned by Dave Doeren Before NC State Opener

The Wolfpack's coach brought up several players who have impressed him and the staff throughout fall camp.

Sep 10, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren prior to a game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

With fall camp finished, the NC State Wolfpack shifted its focus to securing a victory over in-state rival East Carolina in the season opener. Head coach Dave Doeren and the Pack fell to ECU in the 2024 Military Bowl and are looking to exact some vengeance on the Pirates and start the 2025 season on a high note.

Throughout fall camp, Doeren raved about the team's competitive depth and development over the months of training between March and August.

Several players stood out to Doeren and the staff enough that he shared his excitement about their performances with the media. Who were they?

Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Sean Brown (0) reacts after recovering a fumble in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Sean Brown, Linebacker

Brown was voted as one of the team's defensive captains alongside fellow linebacker Caden Fordham. Doeren said Brown had a 'tremendous camp,' showcasing great development in his second year as a full-time linebacker.

The depth of the defense looked to be a strength in Doeren's eyes throughout fall camp, with Brown being a quality leader on that side of the ball.

AJ Richardson, Linebacker

Doeren was also impressed with one of the players likely backing up Brown, or at least rotating on and off the field more than Brown will be. Richardson missed spring camp after transferring from Norfolk State, but quickly made his mark,

"He's a leader. He is a true alpha. A very fun, spirited kid," Doeren said. "He loves everything about being on a team. He's a guy that will say what he needs to say and says it the right way. He has command."

The coach was particularly impressed with Richardson's physicality despite spending the start of his career with an FCS program. The linebacker led the MEAC conference with 100 tackles last season and felt it was time to take his talents to the next level.

North Carolina receiver Jonathan Paylor of Hugh M. Cummings High, committed to NC State runs during the fourth quarter of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas football game at Viking Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C. Saturday, December 16, 2023. | Ken Ruinard - staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jonathan Paylor, WR/RB

One of the best athletes on the NC State roster, Paylor impressed Doeren and the coaching staff with dynamic speed and flexibility at multiple positions. The head coach even went as far as comparing him to former Wolfpack standout Nyheim Hines.

"Yeah, it's a really similar thing," Doeren said. "It's been a smoother transition, not than Nyheim, but just than I expected. (Paylor's) done a really good job picking things up."

Teague Andersen, Offensive Tackle

While Jacarrius Peak is likely to be the most important member of the offensive line, his replacement at right tackle will have big shoes to fill. Andersen arrived after a solid career in the Mountain West at Utah State. His experience was seen as a major bonus by Doeren and the coaching staff.

"He was consistent, physical, smart, and wants to get better. Learns from reps, very mature," Doeren said about his new lineman.

While Doeren mentioned a number of other players throughout fall camp, spending particularly large amounts of time crediting quarterback CJ Bailey, these four stuck out as potential under-the-radar contributors in 2025.

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