NC State football photo gallery: First day of practice

Wednesday morning marked the first practice for NC State football for the upcoming 2022 season. The Wolfpacker photographer Ken Martin was on hand for the open portion of the workout for the media and collected the following photos.

NC State Football Practice Photos By Ken Martin

Entering his 10th season as the head coach of NC State football, Dave Doeren may have his most talented roster yet in his time in Raleigh.

Doeren was able to share a few lighthearted moments during Wednesday’s workouts.

Star fifth-year redshirt junior quarterback Devin Leary was the center of attention at Wednesday morning’s practice.

Leary returns to NC State after setting a school record with 35 touchdown passes last season, and he was selected as the 2022 preseason ACC Player of the Year by the league’s media.

During this drill, Leary worked on ball security with NC State third-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Tim Beck (left in white t-shirt and black visor).

While Leary may have been the center of attention on offense, a lot of eyes on defense were focused on the healthy return of fifth-year redshirt junior linebacker Payton Wilson (No. 11). In 2020, Wilson led the ACC in tackles, but he played in just the first two games last fall due to a shoulder injury.

Also making his return to the practice fields was super senior linebacker Isaiah Moore, who had 43 tackles (including five for loss and a sack) in seven games last season before missing the final five contests with a knee injury.

Completing the NC State football linebacker corps that is touted among the best in the country is fourth-year junior Drake Thomas (No. 32). Thomas was first-team All-ACC in 2021 after he tallied 100 tackles in 12 games, including 13.5 for loss and six sacks. He also led NC State with three interceptions, one of which was a pick six.

One of Leary’s top targets over the past two seasons has been his classmate, receiver Devin Carter. Last year, Carter caught 31 passes for 556 yards and six touchdowns.

NC State football tight end duo of redshirt junior Christopher Toudle (left) and Trent Pennix combined to catch 36 passes for 436 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021.

Pennix (white jersey) is able to grab a pass in front of NC State fourth-year junior linebacker Jaylon Scott during one-on-one drills.

NC State offensive line coach John Garrison is in his fourth season coaching the Wolfpack unit.

NC State fourth-year redshirt sophomore nose tackle Joshua Harris is showcasing a new jersey, wearing No. 0, and a new look, having trimmed down to 325 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame.

NC State is hoping that redshirt freshman Travali Price may be able to help fill a spot in the defensive line rotation this fall for the Wolfpack.

NC State redshirt freshman defensive lineman Zyun Reeves is partaking in his first fall camp after spending last year rehabbing from an injury sustained in his senior year at East Forsyth High in Kernersville, N.C.

Last season, defensive lineman Davin Vann had 26 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and four sacks, and added nine quarterback pressures. Now the third-year sophomore is in line for a potential starting role this fall.

NC State football fourth-year redshirt sophomore C.J. Clark missed all but three games last season due to an injury, but he is full-go for the start of fall camp.

Wearing the coveted No. 9 jersey this fall for NC State football will be fourth-year junior Savion Jackson, who had 23 tackles in nine starts last season.

NC State third-year sophomore corner Aydan White (No. 3 in red) will battle for a starting role in camp. White started twice last year and finished with 11 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception on the year.

NC State’s most versatile lineman may be super senior Bryson Speas, who is capable of starting at any position along the offensive line aside from center.

Last season, NC State fourth-year redshirt sophomore Timothy McKay received valuable snaps as a reserve right tackle. He will compete for a starting job this fall.

Former On3 Consensus four-star receiver Micah Crowell has moved to running back after multiple knee injuries dating back to his days at East Forsyth High.

On a hot and muggy morning, NC State made sure players like super senior safety Cyrus Fagan stayed cool and hydrated.

Among those competing for the backup quarterback position will be third-year redshirt freshman Ben Finley, who last season completed 5 of 9 passes for 28 yards over four games. He is the younger brother of former NC State starter Ryan Finley.