Emptying The Notebook: OL Kamen Smith projects to start, why NC State hired former WR Alvis Whitted and more

Kamen Smith has spent the past two seasons focused on himself. He was eager to find his way onto the field, but with NC State’s veteran offensive line, the former three-star recruit had to wait his turn for an opportunity.  The 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive guard had the makings of a Division I starter, but it game down to developing within the Wolfpack’s scheme. But when he earned a chance to see the field at guard against East Carolina in December’s Military Bowl in place of Timothy McKay, Smith had plenty to learn from.  Smith’s first-career start, which featured 62 total snaps played on offense, allowed three quarterback pressures (two hurries and a hit) with one penalty. It wasn’t the smoothest debut, but as a then-redshirt freshman, growing pains were expected.  Although his first full-time appearance wasn’t perfect, it seemed to motivate Smith going into the offseason. He knew there would be a starting opening with the entire right side of the line available for competition in camp, which Smith appeared to set his sights on.