Former NC State running back Matt Dayes was picked with the second-to-last pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and according to Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson, the former Wolfpacker is playing with a chip on his shoulder in camp thus far. Here is an excerpt on Dayes from the rundown on the fourth day of camp from Browns.com:
Rookie running back and seventh-round pick Matthew Dayes, who put together a couple of nice runs, has caught Jackson’s attention. Jackson said Dayes — the second-to-last pick in the draft — has motivated the former N.C. State standout. “I think he’s disappointed in that way that he didn’t get picked earlier,” he said, “but he is demonstrating out here on the field the talent that he has. He has had a great camp so far.” (Browns)
If you watch the video (start at the 2:25 mark) at the link above, you can hear Jackson talk about Dayes. When asked by the media on his thoughts on Dayes, a smile broke across his face, and he responded with a resounding “TALENTED.”
Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.
NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.
NC State’s Shyheim Battle has been invited to rookie mini camp with the Jets with the opportunity to earn a priority free agent contract. #ncstate#NFLDraft#wpn
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.
In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.
Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).
Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.