Wolfpack Defense Lost Several Key Players To The Nfl Draft But New Faces Are Ready To Step Up

‘No drop off’: NC State football eager to prove defense remains dominant amid recent player departures

Wolfpack defense lost several key players to the NFL Draft, but new faces are ready to step up

RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State football’s defense is looking to prove that it can remain one of the best in the country despite losing several key players to the NFL Draft.

The Wolfpack lost three of their top four tacklers from last season, including linebackers Isaiah Moore and Payton Wilson, and defensive end Aydan White.

But NC State head coach Dave Doeren is confident that the new players in the lineup can fill the void.

“We lost some great players, but we have a lot of guys who are ready to step up,” Doeren said. “We’re excited about the potential of this defense.”

The defense loses a pair of their 2022 starting linebackers in Isaiah Moore and Payton Wilson, with Moore posting 77 tackles last year and Wilson getting 85 tackles, so adding a combined 162 tackles from last season to the list of players NC State needs to replace.

One of the players expected to take on a bigger role is linebacker Drake Thomas. Thomas had 55 tackles last season, including 11 tackles for loss.

“I’m ready to take on a bigger role and I’m confident that I can help this defense be successful,” Thomas said.

Another player who could see an increased role is defensive end CJ Hicks. Hicks had 31 tackles last season, including 5.5 tackles for loss.

“I’m excited to show what I can do,” Hicks said. “I’m going to give it my all every day and I’m confident that we can have a great season.”

NC State’s defense will be tested early in the season. The Wolfpack open the season against East Carolina on Sept. 2 and then travel to Texas A&M on Sept. 9.