NC State’s running back depth is taking a hit with the news that Kendrick Raphael is going to enter the portal when the spring window opens on Tuesday. This is surprising to me, but what with Dave Doeren locking down spring practice from prying eyes, I also have no idea how the running back competition has been shaking out.
Raphael figured to split carries with Hollywood Smothers in the fall, and maybe he’s just tired of that role, since he hasn’t had an opportunity to be the feature back in his two seasons at NC State. Last year he logged fewer carries than both Smothers and Jordan Waters. He almost certainly was going to get fewer touches than Smothers this year.
It hurts to lose a quality, experienced player, but State should be okay. The lack of experience in the running back room is a concern, but Duke Scott may be ready for an increased role in the fall, and State also could add a back through the portal to provide more stability.