Kramer Takes High Road, Pulls ‘Pack Back

A year ago, Erik Kramer and his North Carolina State football team were traveling different paths. This year, the quarterback and his team are traveling a different path--together.

Last season, Kramer was a junior quarterback from Burbank who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in passing with 2,510 yards and 16 touchdowns--both school records.

The Wolfpack, however, wound up near the ACC basement with a 3-8 record.

Kramer’s numbers are up this season--and the ‘Pack is back.

Kramer, who has thrown for 1,291 yards and 8 touchdowns in six games, is nearing career passing records for yardage and touchdowns. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, has moved into the Associated Press Top 20. On Saturday, North Carolina State plays Clemson (5-1, 3-0 in conference) for a share of first place in the ACC.

Kramer’s role in the Wolfpack’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed.

Said North Carolina Coach Dick Crum after Kramer led a 98-yard scoring drive to beat the Tar Heels, 35-34, a week ago: “Kramer was the difference. He made some incredible checkoffs against our defense. It was amazing the way he could read coverages. And I thought he handled himself in a big-time manner after the game, too. He’s a classy young man who is going to play in the National Football League.”

Kramer, an All-American at Pierce College in 1984, has passed for 3,801 yards and 24 touchdowns in 17 games at North Carolina State. He is averaging 235.8 yards a game in total offense and could break the school record held by Ted Brown, now a running back with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.