Every team has issues to address this offseason, and this week, we're taking a look at the most glaring holes for each ACC team and figuring out where they might find answers between now and the season opener.
Position to improve: Wide receiver
Why it was a problem: Take a look at the final ACC stats, under receptions/game and receiving yards/game. You will find players from 3-9 Syracuse and 3-9 Wake Forest. But you will not find anybody listed from 8-5 N.C. State. The Wolfpack simply did not have a go-to guy in their group in 2014. Their leading receiver was a true freshman -- Bo Hines, with 616 yards and just one touchdown catch. Only three other schools had their top leading receiver finish with fewer yards: Boston College (a running team), Wake Forest (a team that was offensively challenged) and Virginia (not known for its passing offense). While it is true N.C. State likes to use its tight ends and backs in the pass game, there is no doubt the Wolfpack need a wide receiver to emerge in 2015.
How it can be fixed: Another year with quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center will help. One big area N.C. State hopes to improve is its deep passing game, which was virtually nonexistent a year ago. Brissett struggled to throw the long ball with accuracy; and the Wolfpack are in need of a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field. Coach Dave Doeren is also hopeful the addition of receivers coach George McDonald will help a young group returning as well. "He has a really good way about him of teaching the game," Doeren said recently. "With a young receiver corps, we need somebody who can take every detail of the position and get them to do it where they’re excited about playing the position and doing it the way we want to get it done."
Early 2015 outlook: Bo Hines decided to transfer to Yale after the season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, third among the wide receivers, also is gone. So among the top three returners in receiving yards, only one is a wide receiver: Bra'Lon Cherry, with 27 catches for 354 yards. More will be expected of tight end David J. Grinnage. But among receivers, Cherry, Johnathan Alston, Maurice Trowell and Stephen Louis will be expected to increase their production. Also watch for true freshman Nyheim Hines, on the ESPN 300. Though he is listed as a running back, he could be a good choice to fill Bo Hines' spot at receiver. There are no seniors in the group of players mentioned above.