Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) rushes during the second half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Two Players to Watch Out For From ECU

Originally posted on NC State Wolfpack on SI
By Tucker Sennett | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 6:00 AM ET

The week is here. NC State is set to take on East Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium this Thursday with a chance to redeem itself for the 2024 Military Bowl loss. If the Wolfpack wants to take care of business and beat ECU, it'll need to watch out for some talented players from ECU's offense.

On the latest episode of the NC State Insider Podcast, we dive into the two Pirates that NC State will need to contain in the season opener if the team wants to win the game.

Watch the episode here

The NC State Wolfpack football program reached its final stages of the preseason over the last week. Now, head coach Dave Doeren and his staff have shifted their focus to preparing for the team's opener against ECU on Thursday.

Doeren spoke to the media Friday afternoon, discussing the final days of fall camp, the debacle at the end of the 2024 Military Bowl and the rebuild of the coaching staff and roster this offseason.

Here are some of the coach's most memorable quotes from the press conference.

On CJ Bailey's Leadership after the 2024 Military Bowl

"There's a reason he was voted captain as a sophomore. How he carries himself, what he stands for, what he speaks about, actions and words. CJ is way more mature than his age. I'm proud of him for standing up and saying what needed to be said as a leader and the guys follow him. It's good to see that and that's what you need. Great teams have internal leadership in that locker room away from the coaches."

Thoughts on the team's traits during fall camp

"It's been a really fun, refreshing, enjoyable fall camp with this group of young men. It's a team and staff that has a chip on its shoulder and a lot to prove, and I like how they interact. It's a group that wants to get better, very coachable, which I've mentioned many times, meaning that they take constructive criticism well, and they want to get better. They want to be the best versions of themselves. And on top of that, you see a lot of players holding each other accountable to their goals."

On the importance of starting strong in the home opener

"It always helps ... Momentum is great but it's a four-quarter game. We'd love to start fast, jump out of the gates, get the fans going and all of those things. That's always helpful in any football game, but you also have to keep it going."

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This article first appeared on NC State Wolfpack on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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