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Roster reset: NC State RB Hollywood Smothers’ explosive finish in 2024 positions him for lead role in 2025

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•about 9 hours•

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Hollywood Smothers
Nov 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (20) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Once the last six games arrived, NC State redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers became a game-altering back for the Wolfpack. He was among the most elusive players in the country over that stretch, while he emerged as the team’s go-to ball carrier in the backfield.  Smothers returns to NC State as the team’s No. 1 running back, a first in his collegiate career. He’s no longer buried on a depth chart. As long as he continues to grow and improve through spring practice and fall camp, Smothers appears to be in line for a significant amount of carries and targets during the 2025 campaign. This is the first position-by-position breakdown of the Pack’s roster going into its spring practice slate, which is set to begin on Feb. 25. Let’s take a look at NC State’s running backs.