NC State’s staff is still waiting on the Colorado court ruling before making any portal moves, and Dave Doeren made it clear Wednesday that patience is part of the plan.
“We’re trying to understand the ruling and what happens if it gets overturned. We’re doing our homework so we’re prepared either way.
If it changes, we’ll know what our options are. If it doesn’t, we’re moving forward with the guys we have.”
Doeren said the staff is not interested in adding a player just to add one, especially with chemistry still being built through camp.
“Right now, it’s a waiting game. I don’t want to add someone and then have to cut him two weeks later.
Everything I’ve read says there should be a decision pretty quickly. Once that happens, we’ll make our move.”
He stressed that any late addition would need to address a real need.
“Any time we can improve our football team, we’re going to do it. But I’m not adding someone just to add someone.
Chemistry is built during training camp. Every night we’re having player conversations, coach conversations, all those things become the glue of your season.
If someone comes in late, they’ve missed all of that. It would have to fill a significant need.”
At tight end, Doeren likes what he’s seen from a group that has had plenty of turnover. Hunter Provience has especially caught his eye.
“I’m really impressed with Hunter Provience. You can tell he’s played a lot of football.
He’s a winner, a champion. He carries himself the right way, has high expectations, holds himself accountable and is great with his teammates.”
He also pointed to Vander Ploog, Preston Douglas and a pair of younger players making noise in camp.
“Vander Ploog has put on really good weight. He’s got a big athletic frame, and I’m excited about him.”
“Preston Douglas has been very consistent in both the run game and pass game.”
“We’ve also gotten to see our younger guys. Tex Vaughn and Stephen Brown are both athletic young tight ends making plays in camp.”
Doeren added that Ian Flynt is another name to watch, and Saturday’s scrimmage will tell the staff a lot more about the whole group.
“Ian Flynt is another guy we’re watching. Saturday’s scrimmage will be important for all of them.
We need to see how they block, how they finish blocks, whether they’re getting to the right people and winning at the point of attack. Practice tells you some things, but the scrimmage tells you a lot more.”
There were also standouts elsewhere on the roster. Jimarion McCrimmon has been steady at left tackle, while Spike is back and looking more active inside.
“Jimarion McCrimmon at left tackle has been super consistent. Every day he’s the same guy.
He’s outstanding in pass protection. If you go through an entire practice and don’t notice your left tackle, that’s usually a good thing.”
“Spike is back on the field and has been really athletic inside. His command presence has grown.
Off the field he’s always had personality, but now it’s showing up on the field too. He’s becoming much more vocal.”
On defense, Doeren highlighted linebackers Popo Aguirre and AJ Richardson as first-group standouts.
“On defense, the two linebackers with the first group right now, Popo Aguirre and AJ Richardson, have really stood out. They’re vocal.
They’re alphas. They’re tough.
They see the game well, react quickly, get off blocks and play square.”
He said the pair is carrying on a strong linebacker tradition in Raleigh.
“We’ve had a really good tradition of linebacker play here, and it’s exciting to see those two guys continuing that standard.”
With Week 0 on the schedule, Doeren said NC State simply got an earlier start and kept the same approach.
“Not really. We just started everything earlier.
We’ve been talking about Week 0 since January. Other than adjusting the calendar, it’s been business as usual.”
He also said the ACC’s move to nine conference games could reduce the number of non-conference matchups against league opponents.
“I think so. With nine conference games, I don’t really see the need anymore.”
Doeren pointed to the shift away from divisions as another reason the schedule now feels different, noting that teams like Pitt used to be harder to get on the schedule in Raleigh.
“The scheduling model is different now too. Back when we had divisions, there were teams you hardly ever played. I’ve been here almost 14 years, and Pitt never came to our stadium during that divisional format.”
He said the current setup gives the league a better rotation and helps schools reach the kind of slate they want.
“Now you get a much better rotation. Sometimes Notre Dame is added as well. We’ve always tried to play at least 10 Power Four opponents, and I think this scheduling format accomplishes that.”
Doeren also explained what he values in recruiting staffers, saying those jobs have become one of the fastest-growing areas in college football.
“It starts with personality. They need to communicate well with recruits, parents and high school coaches. They represent our culture, our program and our staff.”
“They’re salespeople. They have to know how to present our program.
They also have to communicate effectively with coaches, who are busy game-planning. They can’t be timid, but they also have to be respectful.”
“They’re competitive. I always tell them that when a recruit visits NC State, it may be the only time he ever steps on our campus.
It has to be the best visit he’s ever had if you expect him to come back. That’s game day for our recruiting staff.”
“I like people who bring positive energy every day. Recruiting isn’t a place for someone who’s moody or up and down.”
“It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in college football. Between personnel departments, GMs and recruiting offices, there are a lot more opportunities now for young people.”
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