Wolfpack Adding Another Offensive Weapon In Angeline
One of NC State's biggest additions in the 2018 class was tight end Cary Angeline, a former four-star recruit who had to miss the first three weeks of the season due to his transfer situation out of Southern Cal.
Initially it was thought that Angeline would miss the first three games, but Hurricane Florence's impact has left him with the chance to potentially play in ten games this year instead of nine. However, that doesn't change how hard it was to not be available for James Madison and Eastern Kentucky.
"It was tough to be honest," Angeline said of missing two games. "Just watching and couldn’t do anything about it. It was part of the process. I tried to mentally prepare myself, but it was tough watching. It was all part of the plan, and I’m excited to be eligible now.
"I know the guys really wanted to play West Virginia but I’m happy to be eligible now. My mom was asking about that and I asked Coach Faulk, and he said it wouldn’t make a difference because it was a year thing not a game thing."
NC State quarterback Ryan Finley raved about Angeline early this week, clearly excited to have available a 6-foot-7, 254-pound weapon.
"He's a huge target, and he has really, really good hands," Finley said of Angeline. "I think he's smart. He's reliable. He's an effort guy. He's always giving great effort. Just got really tremendous hands to be honest. I can't remember the last time I've seen him a drop the ball. He's really long. He covers a lot of ground.
"He'll be a really good option on third downs... a big-bodied guy against zone. It will be good to have him back... the guy just has huge hands. He just makes every catch look easy, so he's one you throw it hard on him and expect him to catch it."
Angeline is familiar with talented quarterbacks. At Southern Cal he worked extensively with Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. What does he think of Finley's game?
"He’s definitely an NFL quarterback," Angeline said of Finley. "He has a great arm, decisive. It’s been fun working with him, and I’m excited to finally play with him."
While Angeline is a great addition, he understands the passing game has been outstanding so far. His focus is to contribute when his number is called.
"It’s a great offense," he said. "Great offensive line, receivers and quarterbacks have great chemistry, great running game. It’s the perfect offense, no real weaknesses.
"Whatever the team needs from me is what I'll do. I’ve worked hard this summer, trying to get the playbook down and earn some trust. Just whatever the team needs from me."
The expectation is Angeline's impact will be in the air, but he believes he can help the Wolfpack's struggling running game as an additional blocker.
"I’ve worked very hard on my blocking," he stated. "I think I’ve improved. It's a lot of little things and Coach Faulkner does a great job of teaching the little things. It’s the kind of thing where you have to work on the little things and improve step-by-step."
NC State is currently 2-0 but this week's game against Marshall is huge. It is the first road game of the season and the first time this year the Wolfpack is expected to have all of its available weapons, including Angeline.
"I’m excited for the game Saturday," he said. "It’s going to be a great atmosphere, tough crowd up there. A program with a lot of tradition, they’re a very good football team. We’ve worked hard this week to prepare, and we’re excited for the opportunity."