NC State Sophomore Wide Receiver KC Concepcion Plans to Enter the Transfer Portal

Sophomore Wide Receiver KC Concepcion is planning on entering the Transfer Portal, according to his Instagram page.

 

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I can’t say that this news shocks me. Concepcion’s production this season paled in comparison to what he did as a Freshman at NC State last season.

As a Freshman, KC earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors (All-Purpose), and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also earned First Team Freshman All-American honors from The Athletic. In his first season, Concepcion set the NC State freshman record for receiving TDs (10) and receptions (71). His 71 catches are the sixth-best single season mark in NC State history. KC’s 839 receiving yards last season were the 2nd most in school history by a Freshman. His 10 touchdown receptions in 2023 were the fifth most by a Wolfpack player in a single season.

Year 2 wasn’t so good for Concepcion. He finished the regular season this year with 53 receptions for 460 yards and 6 touchdowns. It’s not as if NC State didn’t try to feature him this season. He had 35 more receiving targets than any other player on the team.

Concepcion was the focus of opposing defenses all year long, but that was the case at the end of the year last year as well. His PFF grade fell tremendously in Year 2. As a Freshman, KC’s PFF grade was 78.5. This season his grade was 59.9, the lowest grade of any player on the Wolfpack offense.

The likelihood of KC returning lowered in my estimation when his younger brother Arrion Concepcion decommitted from NC State 2 weeks ago. Arrion committed to Kansas State last week.

There’s no denying that KC is talented, and I understand that he didn’t have the year he expected this season. The reality is, he regressed in Year 2, and his production is not that difficult to replace with players currently on the roster. In fact, I would have love to have seen more of his targets given to the likes of Justin Joly and Noah Rogers this season.

Nonetheless, he leaves NC State as one of the most productive Wide Receivers through 2 years in school history.

Also, in the world of NIL, I believe that NC State needs to do whatever it takes to keep Quarterback CJ Bailey. Concepcion surely would have been expecting a big payday.

Concepcion is the 2nd NC State player to enter the Transfer Portal, joining Defensive End Red Hibbler, who redshirted earlier in the season to enter the Portal.

KC has 2 years of eligibility remaining.