Doeren Hopes Angeline, Autenrieth Can Impact At Tight End
NC State's running game isn't anywhere near the level it needs to be with conference play looming. The Wolfpack is currently rated No. 120 nationally in rushing offense, averaging just 99 yards per game through two games.
Obviously the offensive linemen and the running backs must play better, but a glaring issue has e been the blocking at tight end and H-Back.
Redshirt freshman Damien Darden and redshirt sophomore Dylan Parham handled the reps to start the season, but those roles were expected to be filled by redshirt sophomores Dylan Autenrieth and Cary Angeline. Autenrieth has been out with an injury and Angeline had to sit out the first three weeks of the season due to NCAA rules, but both are on track to play this weekend against Marshall.
"We struggled at tight end last week," Dave Doeren stated on Monday when asked about the running game woes. "That's a position I know coach Faulkner wants those guys to play better. That group will play better and having some personnel changes there will help too. Getting Dylan Autenrieth back is a big deal for some of our run game and adding him and Cary at the same time presents more opportunity for us personnel-wise.
"It's definitely a position that needs to play better, and I know they are excited for that opportunity."
Autenrieth's biggest impact will certainly be in the running game. The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder was featured as a short-yardage run-game blocker in 2017 and his position coach expects to see even more development from Autenrieth.
"I wanted to see him improve his usage of his hands on blocks," Faulkner said. "He's really coordinated. One thing about that kid is he’s exhausted every resource from film to things he can do extra before and after practice. He’s always working to get better. I’m excited about him because he’s all in."
Angeline is expected to help as well, but the belief is he will be a major addition to the Wolfpack's prolific passing attack. However, Doeren was quick to try and temper expectations of Angeline.
"Cary Angeline will be able to play in this game," Doeren said on Monday. "A lot of hype has gone into him and for him it's his first college football game in over a year. I think for us it's just exciting to get him back on the field and let him play and see where he's at but not put too much on him early... let him work his way into it like you do with most young players, which he is."
The 6-foot-7, 254-pounder reportedly excelled in fall camp and spent the first two weeks of the season working with the scout team. Faulkner raved about his upside prior to the season opener.
"He’s going to be good," Faulkner said of Angeline. "He’s a big, long kid who can run and bend, and he’s sneaky strong. For somebody who’s 6-foot-7, he can bend as well as anybody I’ve been around at any position.
"I’m very encouraged... I’m excited. He can do more things off the ball than you would think a guy that tall can do. He’s a very talented kid and continues to adjust to the offense. Once he's playing fast like that, because he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s going to be as good as anybody in our league."
Ryan Finley is leading the ACC in passing yards per game (339.5) and completion percentage (74.1%) and four of his receivers rank in the Top 11 in the ACC in receptions per game. That total doesn't even include Jakobi Meyers, who tallied 14 in the season opener.
The quality NC State has at receiver will allow Angeline to be eased into the mix, but the belief is he will be a major weapon for the Wolfpack, specifically in the redzone.
"Our receivers are playing really well," Doeren siad. "We're going to get [Angeline] going in practice this week and see where he's at. He's been on the scout team getting ready. It's not going to be like all of a sudden he's out there getting 30 catches in a game.
"He's going to have to work his way into playing and blocking, but he will play. He'll be a part of what we do and he'll work his way in. We're excited to have him back."