After playing behind Ikem Ekwonu, Anthony Belton embracing new role with NC State football
A lot of eyes will be on Anthony Belton when No. 13 N.C. State takes the field on Sept. 3 at ECU.
The redshirt sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida, is stepping into the most important spot on the Wolfpack’s offensive line — left tackle, where he’ll replace Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, who was selected No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
“He knows that he has big shoes to fill, but he’s embracing it,” N.C. State quarterback Devin Leary said. “He knows that the offensive line is counting on him.”
Leary will be counting on him as well. Ekwonu protected Leary’s blindside all of 2021, giving up just three sacks. Belton only appeared in two games last season and will more than likely be tested throughout this season.
“I just need to focus on being the best version of myself,” Belton said. “I’m not trying to be the next Ickey.”
Belton played one season at Georgia Military College, in 2019, before enrolling at N.C. State prior to the Pack’s 2021 season. He was ranked as the No. 5 junior college offensive tackle nationally by 247Sports.com, but came to Raleigh and had to sit, as he learned from Ekwonu.
After picking the consensus All-American’s brain for a year, Belton is ready to prove himself.
“He’s a guy who all offseason he’s heard about what’s gone (Ickey) instead of what’s coming back,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said. “He’s got to prove himself. Naturally you’re going to wonder who our next left tackle is and it’s an opportunity for him to be in that spotlight and show that he’s good enough.”
What’s working in Belton’s favor?
Belton has changed his body. After arriving at N.C. State in January 2021, “a tad bit heavy,” at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, as he said, he is now down 10 pounds.
Belton is two inches taller and 10 pounds heavier than Ekwonu.
“He’s a real big guy, real athletic,” defensive tackle Cory Durden said of Belton. “Moves really well for his size.”
His size and athletic ability should help the Pack’s run game, where N.C. State likes to run toss sweeps and stretch zones to the boundaries.
Belton will also have the benefit of lining up beside four starters with a combined 95 starts.
“Those guys, knowing that I have them next to me,” Belton said. “It helps me a lot because sometimes you forget and they are just there to remind you, stuff like that.”
Learning from Ickey
Knowing last season was likely Ekwonu’s last in Raleigh, Belton became a sponge.
“Everyday me and Ickey were talking, just about the little things,” said Belton, who only played 11 snaps last season. “I did my best just to ask as many questions as I could, just to be the most detailed player I could. He was a very detailed, physical player and he was very smart. He knew what he was doing.”
By asking Ekwonu questions and staying in the film room, Belton was able to think less and play faster in the spring. He started the spring game at left tackle and remained in the position throughout fall camp. But he still doesn’t feel like it’s his position just yet.
“Nothing is guaranteed right now,” Belton said. “We still have a good group of guys who are playing tackle, and I just can’t get complacent.”
This story was originally published August 25, 2022 at 6:10 AM with the headline "After playing behind Ikem Ekwonu, Anthony Belton embracing new role with NC State football."
