NC State RB Duke Scott looking to improve as a leader as top rushing option in 2026

NC State coach Dave Doeren sat down with redshirt sophomore running back Duke Scott earlier this offseason. The conversation was one filled with joy in elevating the former four-star recruit into a starting spot after the transfer portal closed, but it also arrived with a challenge for the third-year player.  Doeren, who is entering his 14th season leading the Wolfpack, had a task for Scott to improve himself with this spring. It wasn’t his ball-carrying skills or anything on the field, those were his strengths in a breakout 2025 season. Instead, he wanted to see more from Scott in the form of a leader.