So far we’ve broken down the running game and the passing game, both of which return a lot of guys but have to replace some of the most important contributors from last year. Now we’re on the other side of the ball where the hype train really starts to kick into gear.
A lot has been made of the number of returning starters NC State will have next year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. But there is another number here that may be more important. State returns 10 of 11 starters but it returns 8 of 11 second-stringers too, all in all bringing back 18 of 22 players who saw any amount of significant playing time last year.