No. 10: Wolfpack sophomore a touchdown maker
By WENDELL BARNHOUSE
Fort Worth Star-Telegram


At his high school in Albermarle, N.C., T.A. McLendon's initials stood for Touchdown Always. After setting national prep records for touchdowns in a season (71) and in a career (178), the abbreviation seemed appropriate.

The skeptics, though, figured the TDs would be abbreviated in college. So all McLendon did as a first-year running back at North Carolina State was set a school single-season touchdown record with 18.

"We thought (McLendon) was pretty good, but he played better than we probably thought he might," Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said after McLendon tied a North Carolina State record with five rushing touchdowns in the Wolfpack's 51-48 overtime victory in Lubbock last season.

McLendon, a 5-foot-11, 215-pounder, finished with 1,101 yards on 245 carries last season. He played seven games with a broken right wrist and was also bothered by separated shoulders.

"That just shows you how tough that kid really is," N.C. State coach Chuck Amato said.

While Ohio State's Maurice Clarett received most of the attention as the nation's top freshman running back last season, McLendon was quietly putting together a season that was just as good. And if he stays healthy this season, his numbers figure to get better.

N.C. State has a veteran quarterback in Philip Rivers and a top-flight wide receiver in Jerricho Cotchery. Mix in McLendon's running ability and the Wolfpack has a dangerous three-pronged attack.

"A running game is the best thing you can have for a passing game," said Rivers, a Heisman Trophy candidate. "T.A. is also a good receiver out of the backfield. He's a big part of the offense. When you've got a running game like he gives, that's just something else for the defense to prepare for."

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N.C. State Wolfpack

Conference: Atlantic Coast

Coach: Chuck Amato (26-12 in three seasons)

2002: 11-3, 5-3 in the ACC, 4th.

Bowl: Defeated Notre Dame 28-6 in the Gator Bowl.

Starters returning: 7 on offense, 5 on defense.

Key players: Senior QB Philip Rivers, senior WR Jerricho Cotchery, sophomore RB T.A. McLendon, junior LB Pat Thomas, junior DB Lamont Reid, junior DB Andre Maddox, senior K/P Austin Herbert.

Cheers: Rivers is a three-year starter whose unorthodox throwing motion gets results. With McLendon and Cotchery, he gives the Wolfpack unlimited offensive potential. The offensive line has experience and depth. The secondary continues to add speed.

Jeers: The entire defensive line must be replaced. There's not much depth at running back. The team must also replace safety Terrence Holt, who was a major factor on special teams. North Carolina State also must learn to seal the deal - a three-game losing streak with the losses by a total of 15 points - cost the Wolfpack the ACC title last season.

It all means: N.C. State has enough talent to win the ACC and maybe get into the hunt for the national title.

Datebook: The schedule sets up nicely. N.C. State plays ACC challengers Virginia and Maryland at home, and faces Florida State (a team it has defeated the past two seasons) on the road. A Sept. 13 visit to defending national champion Ohio State could define the Wolfpack's season. A victory could boost their national stature; a loss, especially a blowout, could wreck their confidence.

Figuring: N.C. State led the ACC in sacks (48) and sacks allowed (11).

Extra points: Amato tried something different last season. Instead of having a defensive coordinator, he had the position coaches report to him and he oversaw their work. The Wolfpack finished 14th nationally in total defense. ... N.C. State moved junior Chris Murray from wide receiver to free safety. He joins cornerback Dovonte Edwards and safety Troy Graham as former receivers now in the secondary. ... Mario Williams, a 6-foot-7, 254-pound freshman who enrolled in January, could wind up starting at defensive end. ... Senior Austin Herbert figures to handle punting and place kicking. Last season, the Wolfpack made only 10 of 16 field-goal attempts and was 4-of-9 on attempts 30 yards or longer.