Dave Doeren provides updates on Chris Toudle, Trent Pennix

NC State‘s depth chart for Week 1 did not name a starter at tight end as both Chris Toudle and Trent Pennix were both named as possible starters. The graduate students both missed time in 2022 with injuries but Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren believes both players will be ready to go for the team’s Week 1 contest versus UConn.

“Chris Toudle had a really good camp. He has been very consistent. You can see he trusts his body now. He’s using his arms, using his shoulders. He’s done some good things in the run game. That is progress for him. He’s always been a ball catcher for us in that position, but he’s really improved himself as a blocker,” Doeren said at his press conference Tuesday.

“Trent has been in and out of camp with some minor things. He’s been great this week, so it’s good to have him back in there, but he hasn’t been able to go through the entire thing like Chris Toudle has. Should have both of them going into the first game, and we will kind of build on it as we go.”

Pennix played in only five games last fall, snagging eight catches for 111 yards and two scores. Toudle had 11 catches for 130 yards and one score in 10 games.

Neither player has been a high-volume playmaker during their time with the Wolfpack but have been good contributors. One, or both, could end up being a breakout player for Doeren and his squad.

NC State opens the season with its game against the Huskies on Thursday at Rentschler Field in Connecticut. The two teams played last year at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh with the Wolpack winning in a 31-point blowout.

But as Doeren prepares for the game, his mindset is focused on his team.

“There are a lot of unknowns,” Doeren said. “You think you know what you have going into the first game, but, under the lights, there are gamers, sometimes guys emerge, and sometimes guys shrink. So I’m anxious to see the guys on game day, I’m excited to see them play. They worked hard. It’s a really close-knit team. For me, it’s more anxious. I just kind of want to see it, putting it out there with them on the grass, and once we know how they are and kind of get the jitters out of some of the younger guys that are playing, we know it’s going to get better as it goes.”