Angeline finally a big man on NC State's campus
Cary Angeline was a member of the NC State football team last season. He just didn’t always feel like it.
After transferring from Southern Cal after the start the 2017 season, the redshirt junior tight end had to sit out the first three games last year before becoming eligible to play for the Wolfpack. The waiting period was shortened by a game when Hurricane Florence washed out a scheduled date against West Virginia.
But even then, he had a hard time assimilating into a veteran lineup that was already well on its way to developing an identity and chemistry.
“Last year, once they started game planning, I was ineligible so I wasn’t really in the game plan,” Angeline said earlier this season. “This year, going through a full camp, it’s definitely a lot different. I think I have a lot better chemistry this year.”
Between the fresh start and a change in quarterbacks, Angeline’s role in State’s offense has expanded exponentially.
He’s tied for third on the team with nine receptions and 128 yards through the first three weeks heading into Saturday night’s home game against Ball State. That’s the same number of catches he had in his entire 11-game season in 2018.
It’s an increase in production that can be traced to his work both on and off the field now that he’s fully settled into his new school and surroundings.
"I'm definitely a lot more comfortable,” he said. “Last year, the first two games I was ineligible so this year I've been here for a year now. I've had a full camp, a full offseason. It's been great so far. I definitely like the Raleigh area a lot and I'm feeling a part of it here.”
At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, Angeline stands out virtually everywhere he goes on campus. That visibility has been a helpful asset to sophomore quarterback Matthew McKay as he looks to establish himself and find a rhythm as a first-time starter.
“It’s pretty special just knowing you can put it up there and he’ll get it no matter how big or small the guy who’s guarding him,” McKay said. “He’ll go up there and catch the ball.”
That’s an especially valuable asset in the red zone, where coach Dave Doeren described Angeline as “uncoverable.”
He’s already got two touchdown catches in the first three games. Doeren said the trick now is to find even more ways to utilize the Wolfpack’s biggest receiving weapon.
Angeline is confident that will come in time.
“We're still getting comfortable with each other,” he said. “A lot of us haven't played with each other and we're kind of meshing as an offense. But I definitely think we're taking steps in the right direction.”
