Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson had a Top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Wilson is the first Linebacker the Steelers have brought in.

Updated Steelers visit tracker:

Interesting to note that Pittsburgh only met with one LB for a pre-draft visit: Payton Wilson. Huge injury history, but a great player (and athlete) when healthy.

Steelers have now met with all three top centers 👀https://t.co/zlINnBwd9p

— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) April 16, 2024

The Pittsburgh #Steelers held a top 30 visit with #NCState LB Payton Wilson.

Wilson, at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, is the first linebacker to be brought in for a pre-draft visit by the team. He’s expected to be drafted in the second round. pic.twitter.com/fVxjVhQArA

— Steelers Update (@_SteelersUpdate) April 16, 2024

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense. (PFF)

Will someone take Wilson in the 1st round? Will he be a 2nd round pick? If he slips past that, that’s just stupid.

NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

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A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

Horne is trying to become the first Wolfpack player to be drafted since Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 6th pick in the 1st Round.

While Horne might not currently be projected to be drafted, he is trying to change that tune at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which begins tomorrow.

Horne is a special player, and genuinely possesses the skill set to compete at the next level. Whether he is drafted, or signs a 2-way contract, what he put on tape this year warrants a chance.

Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

Rams showing interest in NC State edge rusher Savion Jackson https://t.co/3s1KpmZKc5 pic.twitter.com/KvGo6EotnL

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) April 11, 2024

NC State DL Savion Jackson visited last week with the LA Chargers.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2024

From yesterday:#49ers expressing pre-draft interest in North Carolina State D-lineman Savion Jackson#FTTBhttps://t.co/6PIIAeu6nk .

— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) April 11, 2024

Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.

According to current projections, Jackson projects to be taken on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, or picked up as an Undrafted Free Agent.

Former All-ACC NC State Forward Richard Howell has been named the new Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope High School right down the road in Cary, North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to join the Green Hope family and lead the varsity men’s basketball team,” Coach Howell expressed. “My journey in basketball has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the game with the talented athletes at Green Hope.”

Principal Alison Cleveland commented on the hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Coach Howell to Green Hope High School. His impressive background and dedication to the game will undoubtedly inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights both on and off the court.” (Green Hope)

Howell earned 1st Team All-ACC honors as a member of the Wolfpack back in 2013, when he averaged 12.7 points and 10.9 boards per game. His 1,055 career rebounds rank 5th in NC State history, and his 392 offensive boards rank 1st.

On December 15th, 2012, Howell snagged 19 rebounds, which is tied for the 2nd most in a single game in program history. Howell played 132 career games for the Wolfpack, which ranks 5th in NC State history.

After graduating from NC State, Howell had a couple of stints in the D-League (now called the G-League), but ultimately had a long career overseas, playing in Italy, France, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Israel from 2013-2023.

Congratulations Richard! Raise up some talent and send them down the road to NC State!