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247: NC State’s Payton Wilson is Expected to Opt Out of Pop-Tarts Bowl

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5 months ago

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Matt Zenitz’s of 247Sports reported last night that his sources were telling him that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson is expected to opt out of playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against #25 Kansas State on December 28th.

I’ve confirmed the report with my own sources.

This is sad, but understandable news.

It’s sad, because it means we will never get to watch #11 play in the Red & White again. It’s sad, because the Wolfpack could really use Wilson on the field against #25 Kansas State, in order to win a historic 10th win.

It’s understandable because Wilson’s stock couldn’t be much higher right now. He’s a Unanimous All-American. He won the Bednarik Award, which is awarded to the best defensive player in college football. He won the Butkus Award, which is awarded to the best linebacker in college football. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Suffering an injury in the bowl game would jeopardize his draft stock, which is as high as it’s ever been.

Bradley Chubb made the same decision in 2017, after a nearly identical lineup of accolades, and ended up being drafted by the Broncos with the 5th overall pick.

I reached out to Wilson, and he said he is “ready to get down to Florida with the boys and get this 10th win.”

I know fans don’t like it, but Wilson is making the wise decision for his future.

Wilson has given his heart and soul to the NC State football team, and to the fans that pull for the Wolfpack.

I’ll write more about the legacy of Wilson later, but I’ll say this…

Thank you Payton Wilson! Job well done! No Wolfpack defender has ever done it better!

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
4 months ago

Well, another reason not to watch the Tarts play.

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NC State Football

NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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2 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.

ACC Teams in the Top-25

11. FSU

14. Miami

16. Clemson

20. NC State

24. Virginia Tech

25. Louisville

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NC State Football

NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years

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3 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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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

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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4 days ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

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.

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NC State Football

NC State DB Robert Kennedy III Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Bolts

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4 days ago

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April 27, 2024

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NC State Nickel Robert Kennedy III has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Kennedy III won’t be without a friend. He will be joined by Defensive End Savion Jackson, who also signed an Undrafted Free Agent deal.

Kennedy started for the Wolfpack in every single game this season at Nickelback, tallying 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

His ProFootballFocus grade for the season is 79.7, which is the 2nd highest grade on the Wolfpack defense, and the highest grade of all the Safeties that came out of the Transfer Portal last year.

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