Dave Doeren discusses NC State's quarterback competition entering spring practice

NC State has moved on from Devin Leary, seeing the former starting quarterback transfer into Kentucky. Head coach Dave Doeren will now host a competition throughout spring and fall practice, hoping to find a new signal caller to lead the program.

Ben Finley and MJ Morris spent time starting last season with the Wolfpack but someone extra has been thrown into the fold. Brennan Armstrong heads to Raleigh via the NCAA transfer portal after a successful career with Virginia. Doeren is excited for the trio to compete against one another over the next few months.

“I can’t tell you how it’s going to unfold,” Doeren said on the QB competition. “I mean, that’s why we’re practicing. But the quarterback position is the same as every position on the team. There’s competition there. Excited that we’ve been able to add an experienced player that has the background in our offense that Brennan has.”

Finley finished the 2021 season as NC State’s second-leading passer, throwing for 741 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Morris was not too far behind, having 678 yards on 37 fewer attempts, but had seven interceptions and just one interception.

As for Armstrong, his number regressed compared to the 2021 season with Virginia. There is a sense of fresh air by transferring out, wanting a new start.

Doeren will eventually have to name one of Armstrong, Finley, or Morris as the starter for the opener against UConn on Sept. 2. However, as he learned a year ago with an injury to Leary, all three will need to be prepared to step onto the field.

“Every position deserves competition,” Doeren said. “I think that’s what brings out the best in these guys and as we saw last year, it’s not just about who wins the starting job. It’s about the development of everybody because any of them could end up being our starter at any time.”

Dave Doeren gives QB competition timeline, spring practice mentality

While some head coaches would like to have their starting quarterback decided by the beginning of fall camp, Doeren does not view this competition that way. Instead, he will use spring practice as the opportunity for the trio to put themselves in position. Fall practice will be where the full decision is made.

“This could go on for a while, referring to the quarterback job,” Doeren said. “I told the team this — the spring is a chance for us to grow, learn, and get better. It positions you to be a starter going into fall camp. Not going into the first game. There’s a long time ahead of this thing and I look forward to all the guys on the team competing this spring.”