2022 NC State football roster headlined by Leary, stacked defense

The 2022 NC State football season is less than a week away. Here is a look at each position group for the Wolfpack and the starters and reserves that stand in the balance.

Devin Leary is the starting quarterback for NC State football team. He was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year last season. Last season he helped the team to nine wins, six of which were in the league. Learys passed for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions last year. In the season finale against UNC-Chapel Hill, Learyer passed 35 times, breaking the NC state single-season touchdown record set by Philip Rivers.

Ricky Person and Zonovan Knight went pro, so NC State needs to replace them at running back. Junior Jordan Houston is the most experienced back and he will try to lead by example. Demie Sumo and Delbert Mimms III are also looking to play a role in the running game.  Demie is a sophomore who played in two games last season. Delberbert played a lot of time on special teams.

Emeka Emezie is turning pro. Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter are the main receivers for NC State. They combined for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Porter Rooks is a slot receiver who should be expected to play more this season as well. Graduate transfer Darryl Jones transferred to the Pack after four seasons with Maryland. Keyon Lesane and Anthony Smith have also been contributors in the past.

Trent Pennix and Christopher Toudle played tight end for NC State last season. Pennik had a surgery in the offseason and missed spring practice. Todle had to play receiver.

Grant Gibson, who was named to the All-ACC third-team last year, has started each of the last 35 games at center for NC State. He led the team in total snaps played at 828. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was drafted in the first round of 2021 NFL draft. Graduate Bryson Speas could be moved to right tackle. Timothy McKay could fill the left tackle spot. Dylan McMahon and Chandler Zavala will play as guards.

Daniel Joseph is no longer a player for the defensive line. Cory Durden was named to the All-ACC First Team in his first year at the university. Junior Savion Jackson will wear the number nine this season. Sophomore Davin Vann will start the season as he played in the final three games last year.

2022 NC State football roster is headlined by Leary, stacked defense. Linebackers are the most talented position group. Payton Wilson and Isaiah Moore were named as preseason All-ACC First-Team selections. Wilson hopes to build off of a strong 2020 campaign. Moore was named an honorary All ACC member. Drake Thomas played a key role in the defense last year. He collected 763 snaps.

Tanner Ingle, Cyrus Fagan, Tyler Baker-Williams, Derrek Pitts Jr. and Shyheim Battle are the starting secondary for NC State. The team has a lot of depth with several players who saw a decent amount of playing time last season. 2022 NC state football roster. It's headlined by Leary, a defensive coordinator.

NC State's special teams should be a strength for the team this season. Christopher Dunn is the leading scorer in the history of the school. Punter Trenton Gill left for NFL. Graduate transfer Shane McDonough will replace him.