NC State football mid-season superlatives

The last time The Wolfpacker shared its 2022 superlatives, NC State was 4-0 heading into a potentially program-defining matchup against Clemson. Following a sub-.500 stretch to begin conference play, the Wolfpack stands 5-2 coming out of its bye week.

NC State is still the No. 23 team in the country thanks to its elite defense, and there are plenty of impressive performances on both sides of the ball to highlight through the first half of the season.

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NC State offensive MVP: Chandler Zavala 

Chandler Zavala returned to NC State for a sixth season of college football following rehab from a season-ending injury and a lengthy eligibility battle with the NCAA. He has emerged as one of college football’s best offensive linemen this year, anchoring the interior of NC State’s front. The lineman is a dominant force that provides a stability to an offense that has been inconsistent throughout the year.

Following his great first half of the season, The Athletic recognized him as a mid-season first-team All-American. Zavala has only allowed 1 pressure in 200 pass-blocking snaps according to the TruMedia and The Athletic, and he is a force as a run blocker as well.

NC State defensive MVP: Drake Thomas

After emerging as one of the nation’s top linebackers last season, Drake Thomas carried that momentum into this year and leads the Wolfpack in tackles this year with 50 . The junior is a consistent, run-stopping presence in the middle of NC State’s defense with 4 tackles for loss— the third-highest total on the team.

He has also been solid in coverage as well, deflecting three passes, while also showing an elite ability to pressure the quarterback. Thomas leads the Pack with 7 quarterback pressures. NC State has one of the top linebacker trios in the country, and Thomas has stood out as NC State’s top defensive player this season.

Biggest surprise: Demie Sumo-Karngbaye

NC State’s coaching staff touted the abilities of Demie Sumo-Karngbaye all offseason, and he continues to live up to that hype when healthy. The sophomore running back has 299 rushing yards through 6 games while working through an injury.

He is an extremely physical runner, and defenders rarely bring him down on the first attempt, which helps the Wolfpack maintain advantageous down and distances and convert in short yardage situations. The running back is also sixth on the team in receptions with 6 for 102 yards— the fifth best total on the team. 

Looking for more from: The receivers

Quarterback Devin Leary’s season-ending injury obviously hurt the potential of the Wolfpack’s passing offense, but NC State struggled to get things moving through the air all year. The loss of Emeka Emezie on the outside clearly hurt the Wolfpack more than expected, as starting receivers Devin Carter and Keyon Lesane have not been able to replicate their production this season, combining to catch 33 passes and 2 touchdowns.

Thayer Thomas is the only receiver with more than 200 receiving yards this year. Though 7 games, he has caught 27 passes for 319 yards, and he is the only receiver to record more than 1 touchdown reception. If NC State’s receiver corps can improve down the stretch this season, it could make a huge difference as Jack Chambers steps into the starting quarterback role.

Best quote: Jack Chambers

Speaking of Chambers, the best quote from the first half of the season came after the Florida State game when the Charleston Southern graduate transfer talked about shaking off the initial nerves when coming into the game.

“I was really fine just because, the first thing I did, I think I actually had a run and, once you get hit after that first time, you’re good to go,” Chambers said. “All the nerves are gone. They got beaten out of you.”