Behind the numbers: Inside NC State’s changes to the starting defense, the impact that came with them

There was a clear message on NC State’s defensive practice field this past week: Every rep was an opportunity to compete for playing time against Northern Illinois.  Coach Dave Doeren wasn’t happy with his defense’s toughness or its physicality at Clemson, so this was a chance for every defender to make an impact. Those that rose to the occasion? They were going to be rewarded on Saturday. Doeren, the Pack’s 12th-year coach, alluded to redshirt freshman Isaiah Shirley getting more playing time due to his effort alone in end-of-game action against Tennessee and Clemson.  “He’s a guy that has shown that he’ll compete no matter what,” Doeren said of Shirley earlier this week. He’s a guy that’s going to get more playing time because of that. It’s obvious when you watch those two games. I thought he was very competitive when he went in there.” Not only was Shirley awarded more playing time, but he made his first-career start against the Huskies. And he wasn’t alone.  Redshirt freshman defensive back Tamarcus Cooley and graduate safety KJ Martin also slotted into the Pack’s first 11 on defense for their first starts in Wolfpack uniforms during the Wolfpack’s 24-17 win over the Huskies on Saturday afternoon.