AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” blasted across NC State’s practice fields Wednesday morning, setting an electric tone for the Wolfpack’s first day of fall camp. The heat was stifling, and players were already dripping with sweat—but the energy was unmistakable. With drills underway and the season’s opener looming, the focus was clear: football is back.
Head coach Dave Doeren was upbeat after practice, praising the team’s early efforts while acknowledging there’s still plenty to evaluate.
“We’re not in pads yet, so some of the blocking and pass rush stuff, we’ll need to wait and see,” Doeren said. “But it was a good first day. There’s not a lot of install yet, but a lot of competition is coming, and I’ll be able to give you more on guys after that.”
Doeren noted areas for improvement—dropped passes and false starts among them—but emphasized the team took a strong first step. Much of the open session was dedicated to fundamentals: hand placement, footwork, and leveraging power through lower body movement. Coaches alternated between high-speed and slowed-down drills, demanding precision and technique.
Last year’s close losses—three by five points or fewer—were often due to mental errors. This season, the team is determined not to repeat them. Running back Hollywood Smothers summed up the mindset shift:
“If you’re gonna make a mistake, don’t make the same one twice. Learn from last year—figure out where we failed to finish. But I feel like our approach is different now. We’re locked in.”
QB CJ Bailey Brings Confidence and Growth
For the first time since 2022, NC State returns a starting quarterback. CJ Bailey, now heavier, stronger, and more assured, took the field with poise. He’s added 15–20 pounds over the offseason and now sits at around 200 pounds—enough to make a difference when evading defenders or delivering passes under pressure.
Bailey looked mobile and decisive in limited-contact drills, and offensive lineman Anthony Carter noticed.
“He’s fast, decisive—he knows what he needs, and he can communicate that. He’s just more in control.”
Doeren said Bailey’s offseason growth wasn’t just physical—it was mental.
“The next-play mentality is easy to say, hard to do. But CJ’s resilient. He bounces back fast. He’s learned how to move on from mistakes and focus on the next snap. Sometimes, you have to fail to understand that. CJ has.”
Rising Star: Duke Scott Turns Heads
Redshirt freshman Duke Scott was another standout on Day 1. Listed at 5-10, 214 pounds, Scott practiced with the intensity of a veteran. He’s expected to be a strong contender for touches this season, already taking reps with the first-team offense.
Smothers didn’t hide the competition brewing in the backfield.
“I tell him every day he should try to take my spot. That’s the standard in our room. He’s got speed, power, and he’s a student of the game.”
Scott, who racked up over 2,400 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns in his final high school season, looked ready for a bigger role despite only seeing brief action last year.
Center Battle Heating Up
For the fourth year in a row, NC State will start a new center. With Grant Gibson, Dylan McMahon, and Zeke Correll each moving on—two of them to the NFL—the position remains open.
Graduate transfer Jalen Grant and true freshman Spike Sowells are the frontrunners. Grant worked mostly with the first team during open practice, but both have impressed teammates and coaches.
“There’s a tradition at that position,” Doeren said. “We expect that to continue—with a strong, consistent leader in the middle.”
Caden Fordham Returns from Injury
Graduate linebacker Caden Fordham was back in action after missing nine months with an ACL tear. Wearing a brace but moving fluidly, Fordham showed no visible setbacks.
Doeren was pleased to have him fully participating.
“I was excited, but it was also like, ‘Back to work,’” Fordham said. “I missed spring ball, so I’ve got some catching up to do. But I feel great. I’m ready.”
The Wolfpack returns to Carter-Finley Stadium on Aug. 28 to host East Carolina in its season opener.
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