Observations from N.C. State's first practice

Safety Jimmaul Simmons has left N.C. State's team and is withdrawing from school, coach Tom O'Brien said Monday.

Defensive end A.J. Ferguson, who would have been a freshman, also won't be with the team in the fall, O'Brien said.

Aside from those two personnel nuggets, little news came out of N.C. State's first practice session Monday.

Here are some observations from practice, which was open to the media until its thunderstorm-soaked early conclusion:

- Quarterback Russell Wilson looks strong and healthy, none the worse for wear after spending the spring and summer playing baseball. He said he weighs 208 pounds - a little less than last year at this time - and has spent a lot of time in the weight room. Looking at him, it's easy to believe.

- With Matt Kushner back from last season's knee injury, the Wolfpack is in great shape at tight end. Sophomore George Bryan has incredible hands and is back after a promising season, and redshirt freshman Mario Carter has demonstrated a lot of ability.

- The punter position could be one of N.C. State's biggest headaches this fall. Neither senior Jeff Ruiz nor freshman Chris Ward looked especially impressive in the first practice - but it's still early.

- Freshman Morgan Alexander, who was recruited as an "athlete," has started his career with the wide receivers. That's one of N.C. State's deepest positions, so Alexander is unlikely to play immediately. But he demonstrated quickness and good hands in his opening practice, even though he is small at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds.

Ken Tysiac