PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

28. NORTH CAROLINA STATE (40-23, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Atlantic Coast/7^th (16-13, T-6^th in 2006).

Coach: Elliott Avent (337-216, 10 years).

First Game: Feb. 9 vs. William & Mary.

OVERVIEW: With junior RHP Andrew Brackman (1-3, 6.35) the main attraction, North Carolina State will be a popular destination for scouts this year. Red-shirt junior RHPs Eryk McConnell (7-6, 4.50) and Jeff Stallings, who missed the 2006 season with Tommy John surgery, also will generate early-round interest, while junior 2B Ramon Corona (.353-6-57) and senior C Caleb Mangum (.354-4-34) should be first-day selections.

X-Factor: The transfer of 3B Matt Mangini (.343-7-60), a potential first-rounder, to Oklahoma State and the departure of six regulars has left the Wolfpack without a big, dependable bat in the middle of the lineup. Senior Ryan Howard, a transfer from Texas ’ Tarleton State , where he hit .358 with 12 homers in 2006, will be given the first shot at filling Mangini’s shoes.

TOP FRESHMAN: Nate Karns, rhp. Karns, one of the top prep pitching prospects in last year’s draft, originally had committed to Texas but elected to join ex-Texas pitching coach Tom Holliday, when he became an associate head coach with the Wolfpack. Karns, who has been clocked at 92-94 mph, is only one of three impressive freshman arms on the Wolfpack staff and may end up playing a secondary role this season to LHP Jimmy Gilheeney, the most impressive of the three in fall practice. RHP Sam Brown, a seventh-round draft pick of the Nationals, will also command innings.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Marcus Jones, of. A potential five-tool talent, Jones will take over in center field this year from Matt Camp (.387-2-46), State’s top hitter a year ago. He’s prone to striking out, but will add some much needed speed to the Wolfpack lineup.

TOP JUNIOR: Andrew Brackman, rhp. Brackman has the size, athleticism and arm strength to be a premium draft pick. The 7-foot righthander, who spent two years as a prominent member of the Wolfpack basketball team, has been clocked up to 99 mph, but he’s enjoyed only spurts of success on the baseball diamond and is far from a finished product.

TOP SENIOR: Caleb Mangum, c. Mangum is State’s top returning hitter, but he’s valued more for his defense and ability to handle a pitching staff.