Written by Brian Murphy for WRAL.

Brennan Armstrong began his first season as the starting quarterback at NC State with confidence. He transferred from the University of Virginia and was excited to work with offensive coordinator Robert Anae again, after their successful 2021 season together.

However, following five games and six interceptions, he was benched and replaced by sophomore MJ Morris as the Wolfpack looked for an offensive boost after a 3-2 beginning.

It seems that Armstrong is set to return as the starting quarterback for NC State’s upcoming game against Wake Forest on Saturday. On the team’s weekly depth chart released on Monday, Armstrong was listed as the backup to Morris. The only other scholarship quarterback on the team is first-year player Lex Thomas.

According to his father’s statement to WRAL on Tuesday, Morris will be redshirting this season, saving a year of eligibility, and remaining with the program despite his 3-1 record as a starter after replacing Armstrong.

Armstrong impressed his teammates with how he handled the demotion.

“I am proud of him,” said junior cornerback Aydan White on Wednesday. “Despite his young age, he has shown maturity and determination. He has persevered and now has another chance, and I am thrilled for him.”

Dave Doeren, the head coach of NC State, has not spoken about the status of Morris or revealed who will be the starting quarterback. He is expected to address this matter with reporters on Thursday.

Armstrong has taken on the role of a runner in numerous games since Morris took over as the starter. So far this season, he has successfully completed 94 out of 160 passes for a total of 971 yards, scoring five touchdowns and throwing six interceptions. Additionally, he holds the title of NC State’s top rusher, having accumulated 337 yards and three touchdowns.

After the change was implemented by NC State, Doeren stated that Armstrong handled it “in the best way possible.”

Doeren expressed his admiration for him during that time.

Armstrong was a player at Virginia for five seasons. In 2021, he passed for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns and also scored nine rushing touchdowns.

In 2022, under a different coaching team, he was unable to achieve the same success. Armstrong threw for 2,210 yards and had seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

The regulations of the NCAA permit players to participate in four games during the regular season and still be eligible for a redshirt. In 2022, the NCAA made an exception and allowed players to play in a bowl game as their fifth game without affecting their redshirt status.

Morris has participated in four matches. NC State qualifies for a bowl game.

Source: wralsportsfan.com