Redshirt sophomore Matt McKay will be the quarterback for North Carolina State when it opens the season Saturday at home against East Carolina.
Florida State transfer Bailey Hockman is listed as McKay’s backup on a depth chart released Monday. Redshirt freshman Devin Leary is the third-string QB.
McKay saw limited time last season, completing 7 of 8 passes in five games as a backup to departed starter Ryan Finley, a fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals. McKay ran 13 times for 36 yards and a touchdown.
“Matt’s accuracy, his leadership and ability to really protect the team with his decision-making and his consistent play is really what prevailed,” coach Dave Doeren said at a press conference. “We look at a million things — on the field, off the field … all the different statistics. But the thing that was fun was watching all the guys improve.”