NC State football has a new ‘No. 1.’ What that means, and why that jersey matters

AUGUST 28, 2023 2:36 PM
RALEIGH
There’s a new No. 1 on the N.C. State football team.
Junior defensive end Davin Vann received the new jersey number on Monday, the program announced. Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren awards the No. 1 jersey each year to the player who shows exemplary work ethic, training habits and team leadership.
“It means a lot. It’s a real honor,” Vann said Monday. “I know I’m following in some big footsteps, but I plan to leave my mark, too.”
Team captain and linebacker Isaiah Moore wore the number from 2020-23. Moore was a finalist for the Wooden Citizenship Cup in 2022, which is given to a collegiate athlete in any sport for displaying character, teamwork and citizenship.
Vann not only upholds the standards of the program, Doeren said in a statement, but he pushes his teammates higher.
The Cary local started every game in 2022. His best game came against North Carolina when he recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup leading to an interception.
Last season, he earned the team’s Alpha Rising Award, which honors one player who made significant improvement. Vann also received the Carey Brewbaker Award for the most valuable defensive lineman.
“Davin has earned this honor,” Doeren continued. “He has one speed and he is a dominant player who serves others off the field.”
Vann takes the responsibility seriously, knowing the team will rely on him to be a positive example. He credited the coaching staff for his leadership growth.
“I think my coaches really had the biggest influence on that, because they kind of forced me into leadership positions that I wasn’t really comfortable with all the time,” Vann said. “It just kind of forced me to grow over my years here.”
Vann is expected to start at left end in the season opener this week. He and the Wolfpack face UConn on the road at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.