Behind the Scenes with NC State Football: A Statistician’s Role in Video and Analytics

One of our own undergraduate students, Eli Carico, plays an integral role in the operations of NC State’s Football team as a student worker in coaches’ video and analytics. His primary responsibility is filming all aspects of team practices and handling the post-practice video editing process. This involves discarding excess footage, combining multiple camera angles of drills, and preparing comprehensive video packages for the coaching staff. These videos provide critical insights, helping coaches identify areas where the team can improve.

In addition to practice footage, Carico’s work bridges the gap between video and statistical analysis. His team gathers game films from all 134 FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams and integrates data from Pro Football Focus (PFF) into each play. Each play is enriched with 100 to 120 data points, covering details such as down and distance, and the exact positions of every player on the field. This in-depth data is invaluable for scouting future opponents and aiding the recruiting department in evaluating potential transfer players.

Carico credits the NC State Department of Statistics for equipping him with the skills needed for his role. His coursework in statistical software such as SAS and R has enhanced his ability to manage, manipulate, and join data efficiently, contributing significantly to his work with the football team. Eli’s contributions exemplify how statistical knowledge and video analytics come together to support the success of NC State Football, both on and off the field.