Tabari Hines Expecting A "Bittersweet" Experience In Winston-Salem
NC State graduate student wide receiver Tabari Hines has been a solid weapon for the Wolfpack offense this season, but on Saturday he returns to where his collegiate career began.
Before coming to Raleigh to compete for Dave Doeren, Hines transferred from Oregon where he’d arrived after spending three seasons in Winston-Salem with Wake Forest. Since returning to the ACC Atlantic Division, this game has been circled on Hines’ calendar.
“It’s going to be real bittersweet,” Hines said. “Obviously, I’ve still got a lot of people who came in with me over there, so it’s going to be a great experience being on the field with them, and I hope we get the win.”
Hines has already caught 21 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown along with 47 rushing yards on two carries. With a new starting quarterback emerging in redshirt freshman Devin Leary, Hines’ presence will be integral for the offense to find a groove against the Demon Deacons. That being said, Hines knows what to expect from the Sicklerville, N.J. native.
“Devin is a really good quarterback,” Hines said. “He’s really fearless. He just wants to make plays like everybody else. Having that it-factor from him is going to help us get over the edge.
“Devin definitely has a bigger arm than a lot of guys,” Hines continued. “I just think it’ll be a great opportunity to see him go out there. Obviously, it’s going to be his first start, so he’s going to be fresh. We want to see what he can do, and he’s going to try to make plays.”
Hines knows the importance of this rivalry matchup. In three games against the Wolfpack, Hines collected 306 yards on 22 receptions with four touchdowns. His 2017 showing during which he scored thrice and picked up 139 yards on eight catches earned him ACC Receiver of the Week honors. Now as a member of the Deacs’ opposition, HInes has had to impart how much Wake Forest elevates its intensity for this matchup in particular.
“I believe they just get up for this game,” Hines said. “They take this game seriously. I know, being in that locker room, they consider it a rivalry. We’ve just got to bring the juice and match the energy and try to come out with the win.”
Wake Forest is no slouch on offense, as well, and with Jamie Newman behind center the Deacons have had success through the air. With Hines’ familiarity with him, it will be advantageous to have the receiver’s knowledge for the defense to prepare.
“Jamie Newman is a great quarterback,” Hines said. “He’s composed and resilient. He’s been through a lot while he’s been there. It’s great to see him doing good, but like I said, I just want to make sure we go out there and get the win.”
The Wolfpack will step into BB&T Field in a crucial game in the hopes of recovering from two losses in the last three games, and Hines will play a key role in State’s road to success. Hines’ road down the 2019 campaign has come back to where it all began, and facing his past will dictate what happens next in his future.