NC State Wolfpack

By Tony Haynes

With week one of NC State's football season upon us, it's only fitting that we open up the phone lines and take your calls on the Haynes' World Sportsline. We are in dire need of a decent sports talk show in the Triangle area and the only way I can pull it off is to do a show in print. Actually, I'll be doing a regular radio show with Don Shea called the Sports Corner on WDNC-AM 620 in Durham on Sunday nights at 7 p.m., but I refuse to use this column as a vehicle for shameless plugs.

Now let's get to your calls. Jeremy, you're first up.

Hi Tony, this is Jeremy.

I know what your name is Jeff, I just said it. What's your question?

What will it take for NC State to have a successful first season under Chuck Amato this year?

John, I could spend all day answering a question like that, but I'll do my best to narrow it down. The first thing that comes to mind is health. NC State does not have enough depth at any position to overcome a major rash of injuries. If it is lucky enough to keep its frontline talent on the field in most games, the Pack could have a good year. But if coach Amato is forced to call on a lot of backups, the season could go south in a hurry. Secondly Jack, I think it will be incumbent upon the offensive line to come together quickly. Keep in mind that they'll be trying to protect a freshman quarterback in Philip Rivers. Jarvis Borum at left tackle is a nice insurance policy because he protects the quarterback's blind side. Borum is solid, as is center Keegan Weir. The rest of the o-line, however, is very inexperienced. Cornerback will also be a position to keep an eye on. Brian Williams, NC State's free safety for all 12-games last season, is ready to try his hand at corner. On the other side is true freshman James Walker. Here's what the NC State media guide says about Walker: "Named the Pack's most improved WIDE RECEIVER by the coaching staff following spring workouts." You can be sure that opposing offensive coordinators have read that line. Joe, Thanks so much for your question.

Our next call is from Betty. Betty, what's on your mind?

Tony, I'm really looking forward to another season. Gary Hahn always seems to be so prepared when he's doing a broadcast. How many hours does he spend getting ready for a game?

Betty, I'm really glad you asked that question. Other than Woody Durham, Gary is the most prepared broadcaster I've ever seen.....naw, I'm just kidding; Gary's really #1. I affectionately refer to Gary as the cave man because he is so focused on his work that he often doesn't know what's going on around him. For the last ten days, "The Voice of the Wolfpack" has been hunkered down in his own little world getting ready for the season. By game day, he'll be able to tell you what the players eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where they buy their clothes, and what their girlfriends look like. As for your question about the hours he puts in, how many hours are there in a day? That probably gives you an idea.

Next up is Ahmad, and I'm assuming this isn't Ahmad Rashad.

No Tony, I'm not Ahmad Rashad.

Good. Then maybe you'll ask an intelligent question.

Tony I was wondering why coach Amato decided to close all of his practices and scrimmages?

Well first off, he's the head coach. And as the head coach, it's his prerogative to close practices whenever he chooses. Coach Amato is also trying to protect one of the biggest advantages he has going into the season: a new coaching staff. You can bet that Arkansas State's coaches have been banging their heads against the wall all summer trying to figure out what types of strategies the Pack's new staff will try to employ. The Internet is a wonderful tool unless, of course, you're trying to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Had Amato chosen to open practices, it would have taken about two days for someone to start posting information about NC State's offensive formations and defensive alignments.

Well folks, that's about all the time we have for this edition of Sportsline. I trust all of you will refrain from questioning the referees this season and I know you'll never second-guess the coaches. Am I right? I thought so.