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A Lot of Things Are New for Grayson McCall at NC State, but Leadership isn’t One of Them

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2 months ago

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NC State’s Quarterback will be Grayson McCall in 2024, who transferred to NC State from Coastal Carolina this offseason. On Tuesday, he stepped on to the field for the first time in a red jersey, and it was the first time on the field in awhile, after suffering an injury last Fall.

“It felt great to get back out there. I got injured about halfway through the season last year. I haven’t had the helmet on in awhile, but really blessed to have the opportunity to come out here,” said McCall. “Obviously a little different wearing the red, and a new jersey number, but just an awesome feeling to be out here with the guys to get going. I’m really excited about this Spring and what we’re going to build.”

After being named the Sun Belt Player of the Year in 3 consecutive seasons, McCall only played 7 games last season before suffering a season ending injury.

When arriving in Raleigh, it wasn’t just the colors that were new to McCall, but the number on the back of his jersey was new as well. McCall had previously worn the #10 at Coastal, but that number just so happens to be worn by Wide Receiver sensation Kevin Concepcion. When McCall committed to NC State, Concepcion offered him the #10 jersey, but McCall declined.

“The #2 was one of the numbers available, so that’s what I went with. I’ve worn the #10 jersey for the past 8 or 9 years, so it will look a little weird on tape seeing myself in the #2 for the first time,” said McCall. “A number is a number. It is what it is. I’m just happy to be here. Happy coach has allowed me to wear a jersey with NC State across the chest. Truly blessed to be here.”

New colors. New number. You can also add a new offense to the list as well. Since arriving in Raleigh, McCall has been trying to learn Robert Anae’s offense bit by bit.

“It’s learning a new offense…a new system…new terminology. Taking new coaching. It’s been awesome so far. The transition has been really smooth,” said McCall. “I like the different things we’re able to do. Today was obviously Day 1, a small bit of install of the things that we do. We’re doing a lot of different things with motions and shifts, getting different guys the ball, and you put some Quarterback run into it, so really excited about what we’re going to do on offense.”

It’s not easy to join a new team, with a new culture, and with new coaches. That’s challenging as it is, but it’s even more challenging to be expected to step right in and be a leader, but according to head coach Dave Doeren, McCall is a natural leader, and it’s evident to everyone.

“The first thing you see in Grayson McCall is confidence. You can tell he’s won a lot of games. He’s comfortable as a leader. He has no problem being vocal. He learns quickly,” said Doeren. “I like how he handles adversity. If he has a bad play, it’s on to the next play. There’s no body language issues, and I like that about him. He’s a natural leader. He knows who he is. The guys around him can feel that. It oozes out of him.”

 

 

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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NC State Football

Congrats to NC State Football’s Spring Graduates!

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1 hour ago

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May 3, 2024

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Congratulations to the 7 NC State Football Players that just graduated this Spring.

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2024 Football Spring Graduates

Linebacker Devon Betty (1 year of eligibility)

Defensive End Davin Vann (1 year of eligibility)

Cornerback Aydan White (1 year of eligibility)

Offensive Guard Anthony Carter Jr. (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Lineman Matt McCabe (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Tackle Patrick Matan (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Lineman Brendan Lawson (no longer on the roster)

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NC State Football

Proposed Bill in the NC House Would Require NC State & UNC To Play One Another, as well as ECU, UNCC and App St.

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8 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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A bill has been proposed by members of the North Carolina House of Representatives that would force NC State and UNC to play one another, as well as East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

According to House Bill 965, which you can read here in full, NC State and UNC would be required to play one another annually in Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball. The Wolfpack and the Tar Heels would also be forced to play a game annually in all three sports against either ECU, UNC-Charlotte or App St. Every six years, NC State and UNC would be required to have played a home and away game against each of the three school in all three sports.

Here’s the exact wording from the proposed bill:

Competition Required. – A high-enrollment institution shall do all of the following in each eligible sport: (1) Every academic year, play at least one home or one away game against (i) another high-enrollment institution and (ii) an eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. (2) Every six academic years, play at least one home and one away game against each eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. A high-enrollment institution shall alternate home and away games that are scheduled against the same eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution.

For glossary of terms being referenced above:

For the purposes of this bill, “High-enrollment institutions” = NC State and UNC, while “Eligible constituent institutions” = East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

It’s worth noting that NC State already has games schedule against each of these teams home-and-away in Football between now and 2031.

2025 – East Carolina (H)

2025 – @ App St.

2026 – App St. (H)

2028 – @ East Carolina

2030 – Charlotte (H)

2031 – @ Charlotte

What are your thoughts?

For more details, check out this article at WRAL.

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week

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1 day ago

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May 2, 2024

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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.

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.

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NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

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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

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