NC State may have found its next left tackle.

Replacing Ikem Ekwonu, who was a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been one of NC State’s biggest question marks this offseason.

But as the Wolfpack’s fall camp gets underway, one player is emerging as the favorite to replace Ekwon: sophomore Anthony Belton.

Belton redshirted last season after transferring from Georgia Military College, where he was heralded as one of the best JUCO offensive linemen in the country. He played in 2 games for the Wolfpack last season — against South Florida and Furman.

But so far this fall, he’s hit the ground running. Quarterback Devin Leary was complimentary of his development on Tuesday.

“He knows that he has big shoes to fill, but at the same time he’s embracing it,” Leary said, via247Sports. “He knows that the offensive line is counting on him, and he’s been doing a great job.”

Listed at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Belton has apparently picked up the nickname “Escalade” this offseason. If he’s able to shore up NC State’s concerns on the left side of its offensive line, it would be a big boost for the Wolfpack’s offense.

NC State opens the season with East Carolina on Sept. 3.