PFF Includes 2 NC State Players on Their Midseason All-American Teams

ProFootballFocus revealed their Midseason All-American teams this week, and 2 NC State player were represented: Redshirt Senior Linebacker Payton Wilson and Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Julian Gray. Gray made the team as a Kickoff returner.

Wilson earned 1st Team honors. Here’s what PFF had to say about Wilson.

LINEBACKER: PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE WOLFPACK

• Second Team: Power Echols, North Carolina Tar Heels
• Third Team: Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M Aggies 
• Honorable Mention: Jay Higgins, Iowa Hawkeyes

Wilson is the only Power Five linebacker who has earned 75.0-plus grades as a run defender, pass-rusher and coverage player. He ranks second among that same group with 46 plays of making first contact with the ball carrier and nine tackles for loss or no gain. (Link)

Gray earned 2nd team honors as a Return Specialist.

RETURN SPECIALIST: ZACHARIAH BRANCH, USC TROJANS

• Second Team: Julian Gray, NC State Wolfpack
• Third Team: Brashard Smith, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
• Honorable Mention: Drae McCray, Texas Tech Red Raiders (Link)