CLEMSON – The Clemson Insider continues its deep dive into Clemson’s Atlantic Coast Conference opponents for the 2024 season.
The fifth weekend set in ACC play will be against the NC State Wolfpack. The Tigers will be back in action at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on April 12-14.
COACHING
Head Coach Elliot Avent, in his 27th season, at the helm of the Wolfpack has molded this group into one of the nation’s best and most consistent programs year in and year out. Avent is NC State’s all-time winningest coach in school history and has captured both ACC and National Coach of the Year honors in 2003 while being named USA Baseball’s College Coach of the Year in 2021.
ABOUT THE WOLFPACK
NC State finished last season 36-21 (13-16 ACC, 5th Atlantic Division) while making the ACC tournament as a #9 seed. The Wolfpack ended up getting knocked out of the ACC tournament by Miami losing 4-2. NC State ended up attending the Regional in Columbia, SC where they were eventually knocked out by the Big South Champion Campbell Fighting Camels.
PITCHING STAFF
The Wolfpack ranked 30th in the nation as a pitching staff last year and are returning most of the key pieces back for the 2024 season. Dom Fritton (3.59 ERA), Sam Highfill, Matt Willadsen (3.78 ERA in 81 IP), and Logan Whitaker (4.29 ERA in 79.2 IP) plan to be your group of weekend starters.
Hollis Fanning, Tennessee transfer, is amongst the power armed group of transfers that will provide some electricity towards the backend of the bullpen. Fanning posted a 1.26 ERA and a 24-3 K-BB mark in 14.1 innings for the Volunteers. Avent said “these young arms are going to have to learn how to pitch and control a game during the growth of the season, and that is what remains to be seen”.
POSITION PLAYERS
The key pieces NC State is building this lineup around is junior Jacob Cozart and sophomore Eli Serrano. Cozart posted a .938 OPS with 10 homeruns last season and has taken another step forward with this pitch selection this fall. Serrano slashed .292/.379/.470 with seven homers last season and has made a conscious effort to grow some range and take back over a spot in the outfield.
Noah Soles is another key piece of the puzzle that has managed to hit over .300 the past two seasons with a 44:41 BB to K ratio.
–photo by Steven Branscombe / USA TODAY Sports