North Carolina A&T climbed the mountain top last season, winning a share of the MEAC title, beating Alcorn State in the first-ever Celebration Bowl, and being named Black College Football National Champions. Here is our assessment of A&T’s spring game.
1. Denzel Keyes will be a key part of the offense this season.
The 6-4 wide receiver from Kinston has improved his receptions and touchdowns every season, catching 39 passes for 435 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior last year. But A&T coach Rod Broadway is expecting even more of him in 2016.
He should have some help, though, as…
2. Former Virginia Tech receiver Carlis Parker, Jr will be another matchup problem for MEAC defensive backs
Parker started his college career in the FBS at Virginia Tech, transitioning from a high school quarterback to a college receiver. Things didn’t work out the way he planned, so the Statesville, NC native is now lining up opposite Keyes at wide receiver. At 6-3, 185 pounds, he’s nearly as big as Keyes, and much bigger than most MEAC DBs.
But….
3. We still don’t know who will be throwing the ball.
Three quarterbacks saw time on Saturday as A&T looks to find a replacement for Kwashaun Quick, who has exhausted his eligibility. Lamar Raynard threw two touchdowns on Saturday and looks to be the most versitale quarterback on the team right now, but Kylil Carter and Oluwafemi Bamiro will have their say as well.
4. Or who will block for them (and Tarik Cohen)
Broadway said that he’s happy with his depth at every position except offensive line after the game. The defensive line seemed to get the better of the offensive line in pass protection, “sacking” the opposing quarterbacks several times. Of course, the offensive line will need to open holes for the running game, which had moderate success despite All-Everything back Tarik Cohen “coaching” from the sidelines in street clothes.
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