NC State will welcome back one of its key defensive playmakers for the 2025 season after he re-signed with One Pack NIL this offseason.
The Wolfpack successfully retained a significant player on the defensive front, as it was announced that he would continue with the team in 2025. Initially entering the 2024 season as a backup at the nickel position, he quickly ascended the depth chart and ultimately secured a starting role, establishing himself as one of the team’s top defensive contributors in their 3-3-5 system.
Head coach Dave Doeren praised his performance, stating, “He played really well in a lot of ways. In the box, setting edges, fitting in the run. Then in coverage, he had a number of pass breakups. He had the big interception at the end of the game. He did a good job fitting a lot of formations and surface areas. There’s a lot going on there communication-wise on motions. For a young guy to have to manage all that, it was impressive.”
The redshirt freshman completed his first season with impressive stats, totaling 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, a fumble recovery for 70 yards, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Although he did not lead the team in any category, he consistently made contributions whenever he was on the field.
He took on a starting role in four of the last five games after the departure of Ja’Had Carter on October 14 and began the season opener in Carter’s absence due to injury. His efforts placed him as the No. 2 defensive player in the program according to Pro Football Focus, with an overall rating of 77.1 and the best coverage grade on the team at 76.3.
Now, he has the opportunity to lead in the nickel position for an entire offseason, potentially guided by his former position coach, Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, who is currently serving as the interim defensive coordinator for the Military Bowl and is considered an “early favorite” for the permanent position, as reported by Michael Clark of Pack Pride.
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