Freshman QB CJ Bailey to Start for NC State at #21 Clemson

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren announced at his weekly press conference this afternoon that Freshman CJ Bailey will start for the Wolfpack this Saturday against #21 Clemson in Death Valley with Redshirt Senior Grayson McCall out due to injury.

While there weren’t specific details given in regards to the nature of McCall’s injury, Doeren said it was not season ending.

“With Grayson, he got dinged up. I’m not going to get into the injury. It’s good news on him. It’s day-to-day. We’re going to take our time, and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready. CJ’s ready to play, and he’s our Quarterback until that happens. We’re behind him.” 

“CJ is going to run the show until Grayson is healthy. I’m excited to see what CJ can do. And whoever that quarterback is wearing the red and white, the fans need to have his back. They need to be supportive. They need to pray for those kind of things when they happen, and that’s what family does.”

“I was really proud of the way the team rallied around CJ at halftime. When he knew it was his time to play, there was a big smile on his face. He was ready for the moment. Now he gets to do it on the road against a really good football team, in a tough environment.”  

Bailey came in the game on Saturday against Louisiana Tech near the end of the first half. After throwing an interception on his third career pass attempt, the True Freshman settled in and completed all 7 passes on the next drive.

Bailey looked composed beyond his years on Saturday. He saw the field well, threw the ball away when necessary, the ball flew out of his hand and he effectively used his feet when called upon.

On the day, Bailey played like a veteran, leading NC State to outscore the Bulldogs 24-3 in the 2nd half. He was 13 for 20 for 156 yards, and he ran the ball 4 times for 27 yards and a touchdown.