The NC State Wolfpack defensive line got thinner today when it was announced that defensive tackle Kennie Covington and defensive end Chip Cross are academically ineligible for the 2004 season.
Covington red-shirted last year after playing two seasons at Jones Junior College in Mississippi. The red-shirt junior originally signed with the Wolfpack out of high school, but failed to qualify academically. It was believed that he would be battling Martel Brown and "Tank" Tyler for two-deep slots behind starters John McCargo and Dwayne Herndon.
Cross played in all thirteen games last season and registered 12 tackles and 1 sack. The red-shirt junior was expected to be a key reserve at the defensive end position behind starters Manny Lawson and Mario Williams.
Also, as of right now running back Josh Brown will not play for the Wolfpack this season. He will remain on the roster and still be a part of the team, but it will likely be as a student assistan. Josh is on track to graduate next spring.