NC State’s Devin Leary & Drake Thomas Make ESPN’s Top-100 Players for 2022

ESPN released their Top-100 College Football Players for 2022 this morning, and NC State was represented with 1 player on each side of the ball: Quarterback Devin Leary and Linebacker Drake Thomas.

19. Devin Leary

QB, NC State, Junior
Notable 2021 stats: 3,433 yards, 35 TDs
Last year’s ranking: NR

Coach Dave Doeren describes Leary as the best quarterback in the country based on everything he has seen out of his quarterbacks over his NC State career. Last season, Leary threw for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns — setting a single-season school touchdown record. His .657 completion percentage ranks No. 3 in school history. Leary was selected as the media choice for preseason ACC Player of the Year. (ESPN)

82. Drake Thomas

LB, NC State, Junior
Notable 2021 stats: 99 tackles (48 solo), 6 sacks
Last year’s ranking: NR

Thomas has been a stalwart on the Wolfpack linebacker unit — one that players believe is the best in the country. Headed into his third year as a starter, Thomas led the Wolfpack in tackles last season with 100 (ranking No. 4 in the ACC) and was an All-ACC first-team choice. He’s a big reason why NC State is expected to be one of the best defenses in the league in 2022. (ESPN)