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Shadrach Thornton gets a lot of the attention as the face of the NC State running game, and he deserves that attention.  He has posted the numbers and had the career to garner that attention. But Looming behind the shadow of Thornton lies NC State’s BEST offensive weapon: Matt Dayes.

Dayes had less rushing yards than Thornton last season (Thornton 907/Dayes 573), but Dayes had more all-purpose yards than anyone on the team with 1,278 (8th in the ACC). He also led the Wolfpack  with a total of 13 touchdowns (8 rushing & 5 receiving), which is the 6th highest single season total in NC State history. Hence why he was named NC State’s Offensive MVP.

Last season Dayes did something that NO OTHER player in the NCAA did. He was one of only three players nationally to post more than 300 yards rushing, receiving and in returns. But he was the ONLY player to record those numbers and also collect 5 touchdowns both rushing and receiving. This feat has only been done by 13 other players over the past 10 seasons. Let me drop a few names that he is in company with: Cordarrelle Patterson, Randall Cobb, C.J. Spiller, DeMarco Murray, Jeremy Maclin and Reggie Bush to name a few.

The rising junior has major expectations and dreams for himself and the team.  In speaking with ESPN in March, he didn’t consider last season a “breakout” and laid out these goals for next season.

“Make it to an ACC championship and individually, I would love to have 1,000 rushing yards this season and 1,000 receiving yards — if that’s even possible,” he said. “Those are my personal goals and team goals.” (Via ESPN)

With his drive and his talent, the sky is the limit. Plain and simple. Give Matt Dayes the ball!

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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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NC State Football

Ohio St. Transfer Safety Ja’Had Carter is Officially Visiting NC State Today

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17 hours ago

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May 7, 2024

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Ohio State Transfer Safety Ja’Had Carter (6’1″/205) is taking an Official Visit to NC State beginning today according to a source.

Carter played in 8 games as a reserve (6 at Safety/2 on strictly Special Teams) for the Buckeyes this past season, recording 5 tackles.

Prior to joining Ohio St., Carter played his first 3 seasons at Syracuse. In 2022, he was All-ACC Honorable Mention, tallying 36 tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 pass breakups. In 2020, as a True Freshman, Carter earned Freshman All-American status. Over three seasons with the Orange, Carter started in 28 of the 31 games he has played in.

PFF

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NC State Football

Colorado DT Transfer Chazz Wallace is Taking an Official Visit to NC State Tomorrow

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2 days ago

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May 6, 2024

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NC State has offered Colorado Defensive Tackle Transfer Chazz Wallace (6’2″/295), and he confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to Raleigh tomorrow.

Wallace played in 10 games for Coach Prime this past season, starting in 4. He finished with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His PFF Grade was 56.4.

Prior to Colorado, Wallace spent his first three years at Old Dominion.

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NC State Football

NC State Offers FCS DT Brandon Lane

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2 days ago

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May 6, 2024

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NC State offered Stephen F. Austin (FCS) Transfer Defensive Tackle Brandon Lane (6’3″/300) yesterday.

Lane started in 6 of the 11 games he played in for Stephen F. Austin this past season. He finished the year with 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His PFF Grade was 74.6, which ranked 4th on the Lumberjacks Defense. His 79.9 Run Defense Grade ranked 3rd on the team. In 2022, Lane played 7 games as a reserve for Stephen F. Austin, recording 11 tackles 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

Lane spent his first two collegiate seasons at South Dakota State (2000-21). In 2000, he played in 1 game. In 2021, he played in 3 games as a reserve for the Jackrabbits. The 2000 season was the Covid Year, and the 2021 season was his redshirt year. As a result, Lane still has two years of eligibility remaining.

Around a week-and-a-half ago, Lane committed to Michigan St., but then he decommitted from the Spartans on May 2nd.

I don’t think Michigan St. is necessarily off the table, and he has visited Washington and West Virginia.

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NC State Football

Congrats to NC State Football’s Spring Graduates!

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5 days ago

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May 3, 2024

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Congratulations to the 7 NC State Football Players that just graduated this Spring.

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2024 Football Spring Graduates

Linebacker Devon Betty (1 year of eligibility)

Defensive End Davin Vann (1 year of eligibility)

Cornerback Aydan White (1 year of eligibility)

Offensive Guard Anthony Carter Jr. (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Lineman Matt McCabe (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Tackle Patrick Matan (2 years of eligibility)

Offensive Lineman Brendan Lawson (no longer on the roster)

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