247Sports Ranks NC State’s CJ Bailey as the #5 Backup QB Heading into the 2024 Season

247Sports released their Top-25 Backup Quarterbacks heading into the College Football season, and NC State True Freshman CJ Bailey ranks 5th.

That is unbelievable praise for a True Freshman, and is a true testament to the buzz surrounding him ever since he arrived on campus.

There was some thought in the offseason that the Wolfpack might go out and snag a backup Quarterback from the Transfer Portal, but the fact that they didn’t, reveals the confidence the coaches have in Bailey.

All rumblings from practice are that Bailey looks like he will be a superstar Quarterback when his time comes. By not getting a Quarterback in the Portal, it’s clear that the Coaching Staff is confident putting the ball in Bailey’s hands this year, if McCall were to get injured. Also, it seems like a clear message that the ball will be placed in Bailey’s hands next season as a Redshirt Freshman after McCall leaves.

Bailey was a 4-Star prospect in the Wolfpack’s 2024 recruiting class out of Chaminade Madonna in Hollywood Florida, which was one of the best High School football teams in the nation. Last season his top two receivers were Jeremiah Smith, Zaquan Patterson and Joshisa Trader. Smith was the #1 player in the whole entire class according to 3 of the 4 national recruiting databases, and is playing at Ohio St. this year. Patterson and Trader both were ranked in the Top-60 nationally, and both committed to Miami.

Bailey led Chaminade to a state championship down in Florida last season, finishing with an undefeated record. He threw for 3,125 yards, completing 71.4% of his passes. Bailey’s touchdown/interception ratio was insane, throwing 47 touchdowns, compared to 6 interceptions. He also rushed for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns.