4-Star Linebacker Payton Wilson Commits to NC State

NC State’s 2018 football recruiting class just got a whole lot better. 4-star linebacker Payton Wilson (6’4”/225/Orange High/Hillsborough, North Carolina) just committed to run with the Wolfpack.

#1pack1goal ???? pic.twitter.com/9CpQRbb2hP

— Payton Wilson (@payton_wilson21) December 1, 2017

Wilson is a U.S. Army All-American, and a nominee for the U.S. Army National Player of the Year award.

How big of a deal is the addition of Wilson?

He instantly became the highest rated player in the Wolfpack’s 2018 recruiting class according to 247Sports. They rank him as the #67 overall player in the 2018 class.

On May 1st Wilson initially committed to UNC, but that didn’t stop NC State from recruiting him. Some were shocked to see Wilson take an unofficial to NC State early in the season to take in a game. Then NC State head coach Dave Doeren and defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable were on the sidelines watching his game on October 6th. On November 3rd, Wilson took an official visit to NC State when they played Clemson. Two weeks ago, on November 22nd, Wilson officially decommitted from UNC, and then watched the Pack beat the Tar Heels on home sideline last weekend.

Before tearing his ACL, in 8 games Wilson completed 13-of-27 passes for 125 yards, rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries, caught 15 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns, posted 103 tackles and 10 sacks, intercepted one pass and recovered one fumble.