Overview
Larsen attempted to crack the starting lineup at defensive tackle for three seasons before seemingly finding a home on the other side of the ball. Drawing on his experience from the defensive line to the opposite side, Larsen grew into one of the elite -- and certainly one of the most physical -- centers in the collegiate ranks.
Thrust into the starting lineup at a position he had never played, Larsen had to rely heavily on his power and instincts during his junior season. Even though he allowed four quarterback sacks that campaign he took his "baptism under fire" as a learning experience. By the end of the year, he was the recipient of the team's Jim Ritcher Award, given annually to State's Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
Even though he never played a snap at center, Larsen immediately won a starting job and was on the field for 730 snaps. The Ritcher Award winner struggled with pass protection technique early in the year, but produced three 90-percent blocking consistency performances during the second half of the schedule.
Larsen graduated in May 2009 with a degree in History. The All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team selection added two more 90 percent grades during the 2009 campaign. Twice he recorded multiple touchdown-resulting performances for the Wolfpack as a senior. He led the squad with 89 knockdowns and recorded ten touchdown-resulting blocks. He also made a pair of solo tackles.
2009 Season
All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Member of the Rimington Trophy Watch List (nation's top center) … Started all 12 games at center, registering 89 knockdowns with 10 touchdown-resulting blocks and four blocks down field, as he graded 82.75% for blocking consistency … Penalized four times and allowed 1.5 sacks (minus-11 yards) and three quarterback pressures on 421 pass plays … Graded 85% or better in four contests, including a season-best 96 percent vs. Murray State … Recorded two solo tackles -- one each vs. Wake Forest and Florida State … Participated in a total of 789 snaps, second-best on the team.
