The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/337646
60 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL 2014 "I think people are going to be surprised," Jackson said. "At least we are hoping so as a coaching staff. He's going to do some good things for us, and we are going to try to get the football in his hands and just let him play." Then there are the rookies, a trio that Jackson is excited about. Bo Hines and Stephen Louis both enrolled early. Hines caught 10 passes for 132 yards in the Kay Yow Spring Game. "He was better than advertised," Jackson said. "I'm expecting him to have a great year, help us out a lot, to be a big-time player for us." Louis' work ethic and athleticism stood out to Jackson, and accord- ing to the coach it's a matter of working on his ball skills at this point. Maurice Trowell, a speedster who turned heads at NCSU's camp last summer, will join Hines and Louis. "I think he has the tools to be a great player in this conference," Jackson said. "I don't want to crown him yet because I have not seen him on the practice field or seen him in adverse situations." ■ Wide Receivers Roster STARTERS No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 82 Bo Hines Fr. 6-1 190 Charlotte Breakout star of the Kay Yow Spring Game caught 10 passes for 132 yards in the scrimmage while running with first stringers. 80 Bryan Underwood 5th-Sr. 5-9 179 University Heights, Ohio Speedster has 92 career receptions for 1,228 yards and 13 touchdowns in 33 games, including eight starts. 84 M. Valdes-Scantling So. 6-3 203 St. Petersburg, Fla. As a true freshman, caught 22 passes for 281 yards in 10 games, starting three. RESERVES No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 15 Johnathan Alston So. 6-3 204 Bunn, N.C. Physically gifted receiver helped return kickoffs last season as a rookie, but may see a larger role in 2015. 13 Bra'Lon Cherry So. 5-11 187 New Bern, N.C. Made eight receptions for 68 yards as a true freshman and has versatility to play in the slot or at outside receiver. 19 Maurice Morgan R-Jr. 6-2 240 LaGrange, N.C. Seeking first career reception, but wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson predicted Morgan will "shock a lot of people" in 2014. 3 Jumichael Ramos So. 6-3 197 Lovejoy, Ga. Finished rookie season strong and totaled 24 receptions for 352 yards and three scores last year. Should challenge for a starting job. WAITING IN THE WINGS No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 31 Naquan Brown Sr. 6-3 193 Charlotte A walk-on from West Mecklenburg High. 22 Dayton Campos 5th-Sr. 5-9 215 Jacksonville, N.C. A walk-on from Jacksonville High. 30 Gavin Locklear R-Fr. 5-10 176 Apex, N.C. A walk-on from Apex High who impressed Jackson during the spring and has a chance to find playing time in the fall. 88 Stephen Louis Fr. 6-2 208 West Palm Beach, Fla. Early enrollee praised by Jackson for his athleticism and was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals. com. 87 Maurice Trowell Fr. 5-11 175 Durham, N.C. Was rated by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect and played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game last December. "It's a deep group. I tell those guys every day if you miss a practice you might be out because the guy behind you is just as good as you are. It's great because all these guys are pushing each other." ■ Wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson Getting To Know: Jumichael Ramos Sophomore wide receiver Jumichael Ramos was thrown into the fire last year, but he saved his best for last. The 6-3, 197-pounder from Lovejoy, Ga., exploded for five catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in the 38-21 loss at Boston College Nov. 16, and then followed that with five receptions for 38 yards and two scores in the 42-28 defeat against East Carolina Nov. 23. Ramos finished the campaign with 24 catches for 352 yards and three touch - downs in 11 games played (two starts). He was named the co-winner of the Philip Rivers Award, which is given to the most valuable freshman at NC State. "I'm just trying to be mentally tough," Ramos said. "I know that I can make plays, and I've seen that I can do it. I just have to put my mind to it. I just have to keep fighting and doing what I do." Ramos proved to be particularly clutch on third and fourth downs. Nine of his 24 receptions earned a first down last season. "When the ball comes out your way, you only get so many chances to make plays, so you have to make plays and do what you have to do," Ramos said. "That was my position on third down, to come in and make plays. I just wanted to be on the field and be the best at what I was doing." Ramos is looking forward to catching passes from redshirt junior quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who sat out last year after transferring from Florida. "I can get that relationship and that chemistry down for routes, and having the timing be together and knowing where the ball will be," Ramos said. "You have to have that trust knowing that he will come at you on certain plays." Ramos originally verbally committed to Georgia Tech, but the Rivals.com three- star prospect was swayed to sign with NC State. He went from playing high school football and basketball at Lovejoy High to playing a crucial role for the Wolfpack in a matter of months. "I played in the [football] state championship and then came to NC State and won the job," Ramos said. "It has been a good experience, and I know I have to do what I do — keep grinding and make plays — so we can win this year." Ramos said he can tell he has changed physically since high school, particularly his lower-body strength. However, the biggest adjustments since high school would be on the mental side. He said the young receivers have done a good job of push - ing each other. "I know that I am not seen as a freshman anymore," Ramos said. "I'm a vet now and have to teach the younger guys coming in. I'm just trying to be a leader for the receiver group and also for the team." Ramos knew NC State had great fans, but was impressed with how they stuck with the team during the Wolfpack's 3-9 season. "The fan base was still there," Ramos said. "They were still rooting for us, but are hoping for a better year this year." — Jacey Zembal Ramos was tabbed the co-winner of the Philip Rivers Award (most valuable freshman) after hauling in 24 receptions for 352 yards and three scores in 11 games (two starts) in 2013. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 58-60.WRs.indd 60 6/27/14 12:20 PM