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Chicago signed Willie Young to a 3-year, $9 million contract back in 2014, and the Bears sure got their money’s worth last season.  The former NC State defensive end only started in 8 of the 15 games that he played in, but that didn’t stop him from recording 10 sacks.  Young was on a trajectory to be a major part of the Bears defense in 2015-16, but then he tore his achilles in week 16 of last year.  Things seemingly continued to work against Young while he was recovering.  Eight days after his injury, the Bears fired General Manager Phil Emery, who signed Young to his contract.  Then head coach John Fox hired Vic Fangio to be the defensive coordinator, and reprogram the Bears defense with a 3-4 scheme, which bumped Young to a role at outside linebacker.

It looks like Young could be on the roster bubble when teams are cut to 53 players in 2 weeks.  He’s coming off of an injury and is entering his 6th NFL season at a new position where he currently sits 5th on the depth chart.

Willie is handling the situation in typical “Willie” form.  He has always been one of my favorite players with a camera or microphone in his face.

“Man, I don’t give a (bleep) about no depth chart,” he said Tuesday on a bench outside Halas Hall. “I’m a seventh-round draft pick. I ain’t supposed to be here right now. Let’s not forget about that. So depth charts have always been irrelevant to me.” (Chicago Tribune)

Not many people can pull off referring to themselves in third person.  Young is a pro at it.

“I see a Willie Young who’s getting back to his form,” Young said. “Absolutely. I never lost my confidence. It’s just a matter of me being able now to run off, push off (my leg), fight pressure off it, sustain blocks and move fluidly. That’s the catch. That’s all I’m waiting on.  The biggest thing I can control is me coming out, balling out and doing what Willie Young been doing. Going fishing. Sacking quarterbacks. Making plays. And whatever happens after that happens after that.” (Chicago Tribune)

Young made a name for himself sacking quarterbacks and making plays at NC State.  He ranks 7th all-time in school history in sacks (20.5) and 2nd in tackles for loss (45.5).  Young also earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors in 2009 for the Wolfpack.

 

Whether Willie Young plays for the Bears, or another NFL team in Week 1, he will continue to be “Willie,” and continue sacking quarterbacks and making plays.

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Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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Pack in the Pros

NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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24 hours ago

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April 17, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson had a Top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Wilson is the first Linebacker the Steelers have brought in.

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense. (PFF)

Will someone take Wilson in the 1st round? Will he be a 2nd round pick? If he slips past that, that’s just stupid.

 

 

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NC State’s DJ Horne Declares for the NBA Draft

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2 days ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

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A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

Horne is trying to become the first Wolfpack player to be drafted since Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 6th pick in the 1st Round.

While Horne might not currently be projected to be drafted, he is trying to change that tune at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which begins tomorrow.

Horne is a special player, and genuinely possesses the skill set to compete at the next level. Whether he is drafted, or signs a 2-way contract, what he put on tape this year warrants a chance.





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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is Receiving Interest from NFL Teams

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5 days ago

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April 13, 2024

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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.

According to current projections, Jackson projects to be taken on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, or picked up as an Undrafted Free Agent.

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Former All-NC State Forward Richard Howell Named Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope

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7 days ago

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April 11, 2024

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Former All-ACC NC State Forward Richard Howell has been named the new Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope High School right down the road in Cary, North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to join the Green Hope family and lead the varsity men’s basketball team,” Coach Howell expressed. “My journey in basketball has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the game with the talented athletes at Green Hope.”

Principal Alison Cleveland commented on the hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Coach Howell to Green Hope High School. His impressive background and dedication to the game will undoubtedly inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights both on and off the court.” (Green Hope)

Howell earned 1st Team All-ACC honors as a member of the Wolfpack back in 2013, when he averaged 12.7 points and 10.9 boards per game. His 1,055 career rebounds rank 5th in NC State history, and his 392 offensive boards rank 1st.

On December 15th, 2012, Howell snagged 19 rebounds, which is tied for the 2nd most in a single game in program history. Howell played 132 career games for the Wolfpack, which ranks 5th in NC State history.

After graduating from NC State, Howell had a couple of stints in the D-League (now called the G-League), but ultimately had a long career overseas, playing in Italy, France, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Israel from 2013-2023.

Congratulations Richard! Raise up some talent and send them down the road to NC State!

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