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Yesterday news broke that NC State was the leader for 3-star (247) 2016 Safety Joe Jay Smith (6’2″/206).  I caught up with Smith last night to get his take on why the Wolfpack holds the #1 spot.

“When I first got to NC state I already knew it was a great place for me to be.  The people are so nice down there,” said Smith. “There facilities are amazing.  The fans and the players are all great people to be around.  There coaches are so up front and honest, which I love.”

NC State offered Smith back in February, and he visited shortly afterwards.  Smith’s Bethlehem Catholic (Bethlehem, PA) teammate Freddie Simmons committed to NC State a month prior to his visit, and has been turning some heads as a true freshman at NC State’s Fall Camp.

He listed Boston College, Buffalo, and Wake Forest as the schools trailing behind the Wolfpack in no particular order.  I asked him how far ahead NC State was from that pack, and this was his response:

“Far”

Smith doesn’t have any official visits scheduled yet, and he hopes to make his decision this Fall.

Junior Highlights

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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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Basketball Recruiting

North Carolina High School Athletes Will Now be Able to Profit off NIL

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4 weeks ago

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May 4, 2023

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NIL has shaken up the college sports world, and now it will be shaking up the high school sports world in North Carolina (NCHSAA), becoming one of 27 states to approve the ability for high school athletes to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness.

This will officially take place beginning July 1.

In order for a student athlete to begin this process, they will have to take a course on NIL, and their parents, coaches and athletic director will as well. Schools and coaches will not be able to represent the student in NIL Deals, and they will also not be allowed to use NIL as a way to draw athletes to their school.

There are restrictions on what student athletes can profit off of though.

The NCHSAA will prohibit student-athletes from entering into NIL deals with products around adult entertainment, alcohol, cannabis, controlled substances, firearms and ammunition, gambling, prescription drugs, as well as tobacco, vaping, and other Nicotine-related products. Athletes cannot affiliate themselves with a specific school, conference, school district, the NCHSAA, or the NFHS through a NIL deal.

(Link)

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Football Recruiting

NC State’s 2024 Recruiting Class Ranks 29th After Scott Committment

Published

1 month ago

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April 21, 2023

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When Running Back Jayden Scott committed this week, NC State picked up their 5th verbal commitment of the 2024 recruiting class. After his addition, the Wolfpack’s 2024 class currently ranks 29th nationally according to Rivals.

(Rivals)

247Sports ranks the class 30th, and ON3 ranks it 34th.

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Football Recruiting

3-Star RB Jayden Scott Commits to NC State

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1 month ago

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April 20, 2023

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Yesterday 3-Star 2024 Running Back Jayden Scott (5’10″/190) verbally committed to NC State.

Scott chose to run with the Wolfpack over Wake Forest and Rutgers. “Duke” battled injury during his Junior season at Stockbridge (Stockbridge, GA), but did play in the final 5 games, averaging 108.4 yards rushing per game. He averaged 8.5 yards per carry, and rushed for 10 touchdowns.

The Wolfpack now has 5 verbal commitments in their 2024 recruiting class. Even though QB Cedrick Bailey and CB Asaad Brown are 4-star recruits according to Rivals, Scott is the highest rated out of the 5 according to ON3.

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Football Recruiting

PI EXCLUSIVE: 4-Star DB Asaad Brown Breaks Down Commitment to NC State

Published

2 months ago

on

March 27, 2023

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4-Star 2024 Cornerback Asaad Brown verbally committed to NC State back on March 22nd. I caught up with Brown, and got his take on why he decided to run with the Wolfpack.

They’ve been extremely consistent in letting me know I’m a priority. We’ve built a relationship for a few years. I feel extremely comfortable with their plans for me.

The position I’m coming in for allows me to be versatile and allows me to make plays in a variety ways.

I just need to continuously work on my craft and stay ready so I don’t have to get ready. My main goal is to come in and be able to contribute as a true freshman.

My connection is great [with the NC State coaches]. I feel like we are family. Everyone brings good energy and vibes when I’m around. North Carolina is my home state, so it just all makes sense. It just feels right.

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