Connect with us

Pack in the Pros

Dennis Smith Jr Receives Honorary Key to the City of Fayetteville

Published

5 years ago

on

Former NC State ACC Freshman of the Year Dennis Smith Jr has never forgotten where he came from, no matter how high he’s climbed the ladder.

Earlier this week, Mitch Colvin, the mayor of Fayetteville, presented Smith Jr with a ceremonial key to the city “in recognition of his efforts to support the youth and provide exceptional leadership to the citizens of Fayetteville both on and off the court.” (FayObserver)

DSJ threw down his first dunk on Langdon Street at Seabrook Park’s Smith Recreation Center, and back in February, in partnership with Under Armour, he unveiled a pair of refurbished courts there.

“Most of the time when those guys get to stardom, particularly in a market like New York City, it’s hard to remember your hometown,” Colvin said.

“I was real impressed by the investment that he partnered with Under Armour to redo the Seabrook court. That’s one of the most underserved areas in the city. That meant a lot to the community and that’s home for me. That’s just one of the things. … I understand that he’s very active in the community in some other ways.”

“If you’re ever around him, he’s a very humble guy,” Colvin said.

“He just blends in with the crowd. To me, that says that success doesn’t define your character, necessarily. He’s shown that you can be successful and still maintain a level head, which says a lot. That’s inspiring to the youth that we have here.” (FayObserver)

Photo Credit

 

Related Topics:

Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

Published

7 days ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

Continue Reading

Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Published

1 week ago

on

April 28, 2024

By

Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

Continue Reading

NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

Published

1 week ago

on

April 28, 2024

By

NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

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.

Continue Reading

NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

Published

1 week ago

on

April 27, 2024

By

NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

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).

Continue Reading