N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers has made it an easy call for Dave Doeren through three weeks of the 2025 season.

Living up to his name as one of the top stars in college football, Smothers has shown in practice and games that he’s a weapon for the Wolfpack that needs to be used as much as possible.

“Obviously, when you watch Hollywood play, you can see why we want to give him the football. He’s an explosive playmaker,” Doeren said during a Zoom press conference on Sept. 15.

Smothers leads the ACC in rushing and is third among Power 4 running backs with 380 yards on 63 carries.

Averaging 6 yards per carry, the redshirt sophomore from Charlotte has forced 20 missed tackles (fifth nationally according to Pro Football Focus) with 286 yards after contact (third nationally per PFF

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