The Pack needs the big uglies to be bigger and uglier in 2024.
NC State’s offensive line was a land of contrasts in 2023, largely inconsistent overall but more cohesive down the stretch as the offense found its footing. The Wolfpack was fortunate to stay pretty healthy, which was crucial given the lack of depth in this unit. State had to work around Dylan McMahon missing a couple games mid-season, but other than that, there were no serious setbacks.
With the bulk of that crew back, sans McMahon, most notably, there is reason to feel optimistic about what they can do this fall.
McMahon was a mainstay at center throughout his career, and Cooper was the guy who filled in there for two games last season, so this was the position of most glaring need in the offseason, and NC State chose to address it by getting Notre Dame center Zeke Correll out of the portal.
Eason began the 2023 season as the starter at right guard but lost the job by Week 6 and played little the rest of the way—he logged only 23 snaps over the final six games, mostly contributing on special teams.
Not coincidentally, NC State’s offensive line started to look better once Jacarrius Peak took over at right tackle, which allowed Timothy McKay to slide over to his more natural position at right guard. Peak had his struggles, but his talent was evident, and considering that he was a redshirt freshman playing meaningful snaps for the first time, he was solid.
It’s a good bet that Peak will take a step forward in 2024, and with McKay back next to him, the right side is in good hands. Correll started 29 games in his time at Notre Dame, including 10 games last year. He may not be Dylan McMahon, but he’ll be fine.
Anthony Belton will reprise his role starting at left tackle, and Anthony Carter figures to begin the season as the starter at left guard, though that is hardly guaranteed.
Left guard is the biggest uncertainty heading into the fall, and State has some depth options available to potentially step in—like Missouri transfer Val Erickson, or Dawson Jaramillo, who is back after missing last year with injury. Jaramillo has played all five offensive line positions and could fill a variety of roles.
There is also redshirt freshman Kamen Smith, and redshirt junior Matt McCabe. McCabe has primarily been a special teams player to this point, logging just 22 snaps on offense last year.
NC State is in better shape from a depth standpoint this year—returning a lot of production will do that—and has a good chance to be better up front, especially if Peak continues to poke at his ceiling. The continuity will help the offensive line get off to a quicker start in 2024, and hopefully, they’ll bring the entire offense with them.