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VIDEO: Payton Wilson’s Trust in God Propelled Him Through Recovery

Published

5 years ago

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Redshirt Freshman Linebacker Payton Wilson came to NC State as the highest ranked member of the 2018 recruiting class. Wilson is one of the highest ranked commits in Wolfpack history, ranked 39th nationally according to 247Sports.

Unfortunately, Wilson re-injured his knee last summer, and had to have a second surgery, missing all of last season. Wilson had every reason to complain over the past two years, but his trust in God throughout the process was unwavering.

Wilson’s video interview from Media Day this past Sunday is ABOVE, and a bulleted breakdown of what he had to say is BELOW.

  • I’ve always played on both sides of the ball, but am looking forward to perfecting my craft at one position. Linebacker is where my heart is.
  • When Coach Huxtable came to my wrestling matches in high school, it showed he cared about more than the number on the back of my jersey.
  • Really excited and humbled to be back.
  • I guess you could say my luck was pretty bad, but God has a plan for all of us. When I got hurt the second time, I was like, there’s only one thing to do: get back and trust God. Live my life the way He wanted me to. At first I was mad, like ‘Why Me?’, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was taking everything for granted. Football could be gone like that, you know.

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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

PI EXCLUSIVE: Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. Breaks Down His Commitment to NC State

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59 mins ago

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May 8, 2024

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. committed to NC State earlier today after wrapping up an Official Visit. I caught up with Martin Jr. to get his reasons for deciding to run with the Wolfpack.

Why did you decide to spend your final year of eligibility at NC State?

It was a no brainer. Along with the relationships that are already instilled, I see that I have an opportunity to come in and uphold the standard that has been set. I also have the shot to be able to continue to pursue the next level and where is a better place to be than with those who know your capabilities as an athlete, and will continue to mold me as a man using their experiences in life.

How much did your prior connection to Coach Gibson play into your decision?

The connection between us was the factor. Unfortunately, I was not able to learn from his by initially signing to WVU out of high school. You can say that life has its way of making things come full circle. Much gratitude for the situation I’m coming into, especially with open arms amongst the staff and players.

Did you talk to your cousin Derrek about his time in Raleigh?

I have not discussed it in depth with him yet, but I will soon. I’d imagine it would only exceed my expectations because of his relationships I hear about with his former teammates here.

With one year left, what’s your goals for next season?

My goal is to solely do what it takes to win, add more value to the team and compete to get to the next venture we all dream about.

What type of player is NC State getting in Kerry Martin Jr.?

The type of player NC State is getting out of me is a blue collar worker. Appreciative for everything that has come to me, and that will come. A humble person that you can talk to, so if you see me and recognize me, don’t hesitate to stop for a conversation as I enjoy learning about others.

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. Commits to NC State!

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9 hours ago

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May 8, 2024

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NC State just landed a commitment from Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1”/195).

Martin Jr. began an Official Visit at NC State yesterday.

Prior to the visit, Martin Jr. was familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.

Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.

This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.

In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.

In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

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

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1 day 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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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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