NC State released the linebacker depth chart for the Troy game today.
As expected, RS Sophomore Jerod Fernandez and Sophomore Airius Moore are the starters at linebacker. Fernandez was an honorable mention for CFN’s Freshman All-American team last season. He ranked 2nd on the team in tackles (78), and led the team in tackles per game (6.5). Moore was so good in a reserve role last year, that he forced his way into he starting lineup in 4 of the last 6 games. Moore and Fernandez both played middle linebacker last year, but the coaches moved Moore to weakside linebacker this season to get them both on the field at the same time.
RS Junior M.J. Salahuddin will be the backup at MLB. Salahuddin was forced to redshirt last season after tearing his ACL in Fall camp. In his Sophomore season he started in 5 games. Doeren has said that Salahuddin is where they want him to be at this point, and has a great knowledge of the schemes, having played MLB and WLB for them.
RS Sophomore Ernie Robinson III played in 9 games last season, but a majority of his action was on special teams. He only played 18 snaps at linebacker. He is he backup weakside linebacker.
RS Sophomore Ford Howell originally was committed to be a part of NC State’s 2013 recruiting class, before decommitting, and ultimately committing to Wake Forest. After redshirting one year as a Demon Deacon, Howell transferred and played Junior College at Iowa Western last year. He had 67 tackles including 7 tackles for loss, and ultimately helped lead them to the NJCAA National Championship game. Howell righted his wrongs and finally made his way to Raleigh. He now is the 3rd string MLB.
True Freshman Riley Nicholson enrolled early and participated in Spring and Summer drills. There has been a positive buzz about Nicholson all Fall camp, and he was selected as one of the 6 Freshman to represent the rest of the Freshmen on the Leadership Council. He is the 3rd string weakside linebacker.
Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.
After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.
AGTG Blessed to receive an offer from NC State 🤘🏾❤️ #PackPride pic.twitter.com/mIws42lE7L
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) May 1, 2024
Martin Jr. is familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.
Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.
This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.
In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.
In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
In Game film… pic.twitter.com/vunpDgPsBC
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) January 16, 2024
247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.
ACC Teams in the Top-25
11. FSU
14. Miami
16. Clemson
20. NC State
24. Virginia Tech
25. Louisville
NC State Football
NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and NC State had two players drafted: Linebacker Payton Wilson in the 3rd round, and Center Dylan McMahon in the 6th round.
Over the past 10 years, NC State has produced 25 NFL Draft picks, and 3 1st round picks. The 25 Draft Picks ranks 8th in the ACC, and the 3 1st Round picks is tied for 7th.
NC State produced 18 NFL Draft Picks in the first 5 Draft’s of Dave Doeren’s tenure. Only 8 Wolfpack players have been selected in the past 5 NFL Drafts.
Players selected in the NFL Draft under Dave Doeren:
2024
Payton Wilson, LB – Pittsburgh – 3rd – 98th
Dylan McMahon, C – Philadelphia – 6th – 190th
NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.
NC State’s Shyheim Battle has been invited to rookie mini camp with the Jets with the opportunity to earn a priority free agent contract. #ncstate #NFLDraft #wpn
— Pat Welter WRAL (@PatrickWelter) April 28, 2024
Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.
He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.
In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.
