ACC Running Back Rankings

2. NC State – A+
The Starter -Toney Baker carried the ball 157 times for 688 yards and six touchdowns last season. Baker is a strong, physical back that also has breakaway speed. He has a great work ethic and should have a great year in this new offense.
The Depth – Andre Brown might be better than Baker. Last season he had 124 carries for 658 yards and four scores. Brown is a little faster than Baker. Both are big backs with terrific speed. Again, I look for both to have big years under O’Brien. Jamelle Eugene is a good third team back but will have a hard time getting carries.
The Future - State is recruiting several backs like Brandon Barnes in an attempt to sign their future as no one on campus is close to Baker and Brown’s talents.

Full List

Wednesday Football Roundup

The Wolfpack had already received commitments from two ESPN 150 Watch List prospects, TE Mario Carter, ATH Tobias Palmer and received a new commitment from Brandon Barnes on Tuesday. Barnes is currently regarded as one of the top, versatile offensive skill players in the country by ESPN. Barnes had narrowed down his choices to Auburn, Clemson, Virginia Tech and N.C State before making his decision.

Bunn High School Head Coach David Howle was quick to note that N.C. State is creating a great recruiting buzz among North Carolina high school players and coaches about building its program with the best in-states players each year.
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O’Brien really opened eyes last week when Shelby Crest linebacker Dwayne Maddox announced he’d selected the Wolfpack over offers from Alabama, Marshall, North Carolina and South Carolina. Maddox is generally regarded as one of the state’s top 10 recruits and one of the nation’s top linebackers

Shelby coach Roy Kirby said Maddox, who is 6-foot-1, 222-pounds with 4.5-second 40-yard dash, “will be the fastest and strongest linebacker we’ve had here by the time he graduates.’’
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Here are some of the Wolfpack’s top remaining in-state prospects (from Fay Observer):

TERRELL MANNING, LB (6-3, 205) Scotland HS, Laurinburg — An explosive athlete who is capable of creating big plays rushing the passer, in pass coverage or pursuing the ball carrier. Top 5: UNC, NCSU, Clemson, Florida and Virginia Tech.

E.J. ABRAMS-WARD, LB, DE, QB (6-5, 210) Thomasville HS, Thomasville — Like Barnes, Abrams is a guy who could fit in at any number of positions in college, including linebacker, defensive end or quarterback. But what gives N.C. State an advantage over many of the schools recruiting him is that the Wolfpack will allow him to pursue his other love, basketball, as well. ECU and Wake Forest have also made that offer, but will have to fight off football-only schools such as UNC, Boston College, Georgia, Florida, Illinois and many others.

QUINTON COPLES, DE (6-7, 235) Kinston HS, Kinston — The big guy can rush the passer and that’s why more than 30 offers have been made by major college programs. N.C. State is among the schools at the top of Coples’ list along with UNC, Florida, Ohio State and Southern Cal.

Who’s #1? Dunks

I’m watching “Who’s Number 1?” on ESPN right now. Today is top dunkers of all time, in the NBA it seems.

Oh, and Slam Dunk Competitions do not count. So, no Spud Webb. So far in the Top 20 have been the likes of Harold Minor (aka Baby Jordan), KG, and Stevie Franchise. Still expecting David Thompson in the Top 10 somewhere. I’m thinking he’ll be about 6 or 7, even though he should be top 5 without question.

Ok, final list per ESPN monkeys:

20.steve francis
19.harold minor
18.amare stoudemire
17.darrell griffith
16.isaiah rider
15.kevin garnett
14.dwyane wade
13.larry nance
12.tracy mcgrady
11.connie hawkins
10.darryl dawkins
9.kobe bryant
8.david thompson
7.lebron james
6.shawn kemp
5.clyde drexler
4.vince carter
3.dominique wilkins
2.julius erving
1.michael jordan

My only complaint, where is Jason Richardson??

Strange Mascots

I’ve heard some funny team nickanames, but this one takes the cake!

Scottsdale Community College – The Fighting Artichokes

What are some other good ones? The only one that I can think of right off hand is the classic:

UC Santa Cruz – The Fighting Banana Slugs

Old picture, timeless humor

I hate Maryland fans, perhaps more then UNC fans. I do not hate Maryland the school more than UNC, but Maryland’s fans are classless jerks. At least most Carowhina fans are apathetic and more concerned with where the closest J Crew is than any sport other than basketball. So here it is, I know it’s an old photo, but perhaps the most clever fan I’ve ever seen. Let me know of there are any more photos like this you want me to put on this site!

Clark hanging around at US Open

Tim Clark shot a one over 71 today, and should be in the Top 20 by day’s end (Currently he is tied for 21). I never really thought he had much of a chance at winning, but a Top 15 finish would be great. If he can shoot a 70 or 71 tomorrow, he might even find the top 10. Clark is currently #97 on the all-time PGA money list.

Tim Clark was a three-time All-American and all-ACC player at NC State University. He was the CGAA 1996 National Freshman of the Year. He won two NCAA Regional Individual titles, in 1996 and 1997. He won the 1997 Cardinal Amateur Championship (Greensboro, NC) when he played 54 holes without a bogey and finished 15-under-par 195 for a tournament record. Tim was named the 1997 ACC Player of the Year before moving on to the PGA Tour.

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Update: Clark finished tied for 17th, 8 shots off the lead. Cheers Tim!