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Pack in the Pros

Wolfpack Fans Raise Over $25,000 for Brian Keeter at “Hope To Walk”

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11 years ago

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As an athlete, when you choose to play for the NC State Wolfpack, you’re not only joining a team, you’re joining a family.

Don’t believe me? Just ask Brian Keeter.

Keeter was a member of the Wolfpack from 1998 to 2002 and although he was a walk-on, he gained a cult-like following thanks to his long range shooting and his ties to the nearby Cary High School. The fans rose to their feet when Keeter entered the game, usually in the final minutes of an already decided ball game, however you would never know by the decibel level in the RBC center. When Brian touched the basketball, the sound meter,

Brian Keeter emotionally addresses the crowd at the “Hope to Walk” Golf Classic

re-named the ‘Keeter Meter’, would reach full tilt as the fans screamed for him to launch one of the deep three pointers he had become known for.

Eight years later Brian is confined to a wheelchair after a serious car accident left him paralyzed from the naval down. With rising medical bills and a dream to one day walk again, NC State staff member David McGee decided to organize an event that would bring together the Wolfpack family to help Brian continue to receive the top treatment in his attempt to someday get back to his feet.

On Wednesday, May 19th over 200 Pack fans came together for the “Hope to Walk” Golf Classic and raised over $25,000 in support of Brian. With former players such as Julius Hodge, Ilian Evtimov, Will Roach and Chris Corchiani, as well as current coaches Pete Strickland and Larry Harris on hand, a good portion of the Wolfpack family was there, showing their support for one of their own.

“It just blows me away to see the good in people. It’s amazing because all these people came out here to support me and there’s a lot who I’ve never met. It’s just touching because these people have nothing to gain by coming out here. It’s just from the goodness of their hearts.” said Keeter

The event turned out to be a huge success for not only Brian and his family but for everyone in attendence.  A round of golf, a catered lunch and a NC State themed sports auction were all on agenda as NC State alumni, fans, and athletes gathered at Lonnie Poole Golf Course to join in the “Hope to Walk” event. Wolfpack fans showed up and made a big difference on Wednesday as they answered a call to action for a member of their family. It’s times like these that show the compassion, loyalty and the true bond that the Wolfpack fans share.

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Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

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Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

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.

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NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

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2 weeks ago

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April 27, 2024

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NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.

Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).

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