I just put NC State’s Jaylen Samuels in a box. I gave him a specific position title.
But what’s a guy supposed to do?
And I’m not pulling this out of nowhere.
Samuels was a Semifinalist (1 of 7) for the Mackey Award this year, which is given out annually to the nations best tight end.
I am building my argument for Samuels being the best tight end in ACC history off the fact that he has the most receptions by a player in that position in the history of the league.
1) Jaylen Samuels, NC State – 195
2) Cam Serigne, Wake Forest – 165
3) Heath Miller, Virginia – 144
4) John Henry Mills, Wake Forest – 142
5) Frank Wycheck, Maryland – 134
Samuels actually leads all tight ends in the nation in receptions this season.
He also leads all tight ends in the nation this season in yards after the catch.
Back to my point…JaySam being the best tight end in ACC history. Not only does he have the most recetpions by a tight end in conference history, but he also ranks 2nd in receiving yards and 4th in touchdown receptions (and could finish 1st after the bowl game).
ACC Receiving Yards By a Tight End
1) Cam Serigne, Wake Forest – 1,963 2) Jaylen Samuels, NC State – 1,805
2) Eric Ebron, UNC – 1,805
4) Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech – 1,747
5) John Henry Mills, Wake Forest – 1,735
ACC Touchdown Receptions by a Tight End
1) Heath Miller, Virginia – 20
1) Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech – 20
1) Cam Serigne, Wake Forest – 20 4) Jaylen Samuels, NC State – 19
5) Nick O’Leary, FSU – 17
First off, let’s give credit where credit is due. Wake Forest’s Cam Serigne is a freaking boss, and makes a valid argument for being the best tight end in ACC history as well.
Having Samuels and Serigne in the league at the same time, historically speaking, is rather astounding.
With that being said, Serigne is great, but there has never been tight end in the ACC like Jaylen Samuels. Period.
Samuels also has 1,087 career rushing yards (6.2 yards per carry), and 27 career rushing touchdowns. His 46 career touchdowns ranks 11th in ACC history.
If you want to call Jaylen Samuels a tight end, he just might be the best the ACC has ever seen.
— 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.
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
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.