NC State Football Position Preview: Quarterbacks
We have certainly come a long way from questioning whether or not Devin Leary is the guy in regards to leading this Wolfpack football team. Not even a year ago, some were still questioning whether they should continue with Leary under center after not being convinced of his ability. Did Bailey Hockman deserve to get to ride out the remainder of his college career as the starter? Should they go ahead and hand the reins over to incoming high school tank Aaron McLaughlin? Or do they look for a refreshing restart with Ben Finley, whom supporters advocate by his last name? As I said, it seems that the 2019 football season is long gone; which it is.
Leary, a RS Junior out of Sicklerville, New Jersey has left room for no doubts as who will become the next NC State quarterback to be playing for money on Sundays. Leary is coming off quite a stellar year in 2021, breaking multiple records including the single-season mark for most passing touchdowns with 35, surpassing future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers (34 in 2003). The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist threw for 3,433 yards last season complementing his 157.1 passing effeciency rating. The Timber Creek High alumni probably would have received even more national attention had it not been for standout seasons from multiple ACC quarterbacks; not including Clemson, who would have imagined that? His rushing numbers were what probably limited his potential for more postseason awards however his arm talent is more than capable of compensating.
1- Devin Leary (6'1", 212 lbs) is set to head into the season making his 21st career start for NC State as one of the best in the nation at his position.
Behind him, is RS Freshman Ben Finley. The Paradise Valley High product out of Phoenix, Arizona has rightfully earned the number two job by impressing OC Tim Beck and company in practice over the past two seasons. He also outlasted the talented Aaron McLaughlin who transferred out of the program this offseason to play for Rich Rodriguez and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Finley and McLaughlin had alternated this past season as the backup signal-caller, only entering the ballgame during garbage time with the majority of playcalls being conservative runs to running backs. Nevertheless, Finley has shown small spurts of being a field general as well as presenting the ability to move outside of the pocket that you don’t necessarily get with Leary. The younger brother of former Pack star Ryan Finley was aware when he committed to the program that his name was not going to get him anywhere. In fact, thats what intrigued him about joining Dave Doeren and his brother’s alma mater. While their names are the same, their games are not. The pinpoint accuracy may still be in question but Ben Finley is not afraid to scramble when the pocket collapses and can look to gain extra yards when using his feet. He is set to take over the lead role once Leary inevitably moves on from the program to play professionally.
2- Ben Finley (6'3", 201 lbs) will fit nicely as a formidable backup with the capability to take over at a moments notice without halting the offense drastically.
There certainly won’t be an “OR” in the depth chart for the backups this year under the QB list. If there is any question mark about this particular group, it is the reserve depth. The highly touted 2022 recruit out of Carrolton High in Georgia, MJ Morris, will most likely receive a redshirt year in his first year in the red and white. The same goes for 2023 recruit from Heritage High in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Lex Thomas. Thomas, is the youngest brother of six-year reciever Thayer Thomas and Junior linebacker Drake Thomas. The only other quarterback on the roster is the big-bodied Zo Wallace from Gastonia, North Carolina. The Hunter Huss High product is a RS Freshman walk-on who has not touched the field yet as a part of the Wolfpack.
3- Zo Wallace (6'1", 250 lbs) will be ready to take over in emergency circumstances.
While a bit top-heavy, the quarterback position is one of the strongest on the team. After an eye-opening 2021 campaign, Leary is going to need to replicate that this year in order to meet the unforgiving high expectations of Wolfpack fans going into the season. It will also be imperative that the offensive line protects Leary. This offense can go as far as Leary takes them, and in order for them to excel, he needs to be on the field and healthy. Expect Coach Beck to loosen the collar even more this year as Leary looks to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after not recieving some well-deserved national attention this past year. All eyes are on him now.
