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Bam Knight’s Return to NC State Hinges On One Big Question

Published

2 years ago

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In one of the last major holdouts of the 2021 football squad, Bam Knight let us in on what will ultimately determine his final decision.

From David Thompson and the Fayetteville Observer;

“It’s a difficult decision, it’s a life changing one. I have to wait for this [NFL Draft] report to make an educated decision.”

In short, Knight has been talking with scouts and NFL reps to see if he can find his way into the top-5 rounds of the NFL draft. That’s the biggest question; Can Knight go in top-5? If the report comes back favorable, he very well may be on his way out.

 

The Good

Knight has been the lead back for the Pack for the last three seasons. Floating each season around 750 yards rushing, Knight is third in the ACC in rushing since 2020. His speed matched with blocking abilities, gave him the edge each season.

The cherry on top, as of recently, is his explosive kick return ability. Back-to-back games against Wake Forest and Syracuse, saw Knight blow away defenders for kick return touchdowns.

Furthermore, Bam might be able to thank another former State back for his chances of getting into the top-5 rounds. Hines, in many ways, had similar attributes coming out of college. Strong runner and blocker, with the ability to make big plays in the return game. After being drafted in the fourth round by the Colts, Hines just signed a big ol’ extension this year. Could be a few teams that compare the two and roll the dice.

 

The Ehh

There is a very good chance no running backs are taken in the first round.

“But isn’t that a good thing?” Well…kinda…but…ehh…

This running back draft class is a whole lotta 3-5 round guys. When breakout stars like Iowa State’s Hall and Michigan State’s Walker are floating in and out of second round, that’s not good for Knight.

Teams could also be a little offput by the lack of media surrounding Knight, as silly as that sounds. Knight had top-5 RB status in June, before falling right back into the national pack. A thousand yard season with more than three touchdowns would have done wonders for his draft projections. There were moments this season, Knight wasn’t even the top guy in his own backfield. That hurts.

 

What’s Next

Knight did say that he plans on making an official announcement prior to the Holiday Bowl. He also stated, that might be skipping the Bowl to continue healing a nagging foot injury.

We love Knight, but we also have hesitation of him finding that top-five rounds that he is ultimately looking for. This may seem very selfish and biased, but one more year at State could do him wonders. Work on his receiving game further, while being the team’s true #1 back. Plus, if State (fingers crossed so tight they break) can have a magical season next year, only more spotlight to shine on the talented back.

Regardless, a big decision looms for Bam.

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NC State Football

Congrats to NC State Football’s Spring Graduates!

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1 day 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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Proposed Bill in the NC House Would Require NC State & UNC To Play One Another, as well as ECU, UNCC and App St.

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2 days ago

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May 3, 2024

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A bill has been proposed by members of the North Carolina House of Representatives that would force NC State and UNC to play one another, as well as East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

According to House Bill 965, which you can read here in full, NC State and UNC would be required to play one another annually in Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball. The Wolfpack and the Tar Heels would also be forced to play a game annually in all three sports against either ECU, UNC-Charlotte or App St. Every six years, NC State and UNC would be required to have played a home and away game against each of the three school in all three sports.

Here’s the exact wording from the proposed bill:

Competition Required. – A high-enrollment institution shall do all of the following in each eligible sport: (1) Every academic year, play at least one home or one away game against (i) another high-enrollment institution and (ii) an eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. (2) Every six academic years, play at least one home and one away game against each eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. A high-enrollment institution shall alternate home and away games that are scheduled against the same eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution.

For glossary of terms being referenced above:

For the purposes of this bill, “High-enrollment institutions” = NC State and UNC, while “Eligible constituent institutions” = East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

It’s worth noting that NC State already has games schedule against each of these teams home-and-away in Football between now and 2031.

2025 – East Carolina (H)

2025 – @ App St.

2026 – App St. (H)

2028 – @ East Carolina

2030 – Charlotte (H)

2031 – @ Charlotte

What are your thoughts?

For more details, check out this article at WRAL.

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week

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3 days ago

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May 2, 2024

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.

After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.

Martin Jr. is 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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NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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3 days ago

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May 1, 2024

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247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.

ACC Teams in the Top-25

11. FSU

14. Miami

16. Clemson

20. NC State

24. Virginia Tech

25. Louisville

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