We done crying about how the 2021 season ended differently than we imagined?
Cool, cool.
It has become abundantly clear, that this State football program is in a better place than it’s been in decades. There were moments of special teams and players, but the resounding affirmation that this team is “one” has never been louder. Is the pressure about to go 50 notches high? Absolutely. But we are reaping benefits of days, upon weeks, upon years of work that this staff has put into this program.
State has a culture. It’s about winning and it’s about family.
Returning Greatness
We saw it in the weeks that followed the regular season. Players from offense and defense, not only saying that they’re returning, but doing so with words of passion and love for this team and WPN.
Durden was a transfer from Florida State. His reason for coming back? “His teammates and the Raleigh community.”
Moore felt like the job just wasn’t done and that he wanted to leave on his terms.
State’s brings back just about everyone from a top-20 ranked scoring defense and a top-30 ranked scoring offense. The talent is returning in droves.
State ranks in the bottom 8% of the country for transfer rates. That says something folks. It tells you that not only are people hungry to win, but they aren’t leaving until they do.
2022 Class
I’ve actually seen a few folks from rival ACC schools questioning the rankings of State’s class. How could we be celebrating a 52nd-ranked group of guys?
Because each one of these dudes are; 1) Built for State and 2) Ready for State.
This is the highest ranking per player class State has ever had. Whether it’s Allen joining the backfield on day one or the LB duo getting one-on-one time with a stud LB crew State already has. Every guy has speed, size and a willingness to get the job done. And frankly, they didn’t even have too much space to spare. They got their dozen guys and each fits PERFECTLY.
You listen to their parents and the players themselves, it’s different. Their answers went beyond the cliches of nearly every other school. In particular, I loved Torren Wright’s dad talk of this State staff. People don’t just throw around “genuine” and “never changed”. We have something special here, folks.
The Future
The future…is…well…the future. It’s still an unknown, but it’s bright and ready for the taking. ACC has had a whole lot of turnover and yet here State is, determined, focused and knowing EXACTLY who they are.
To Doeren, Gibson, Beck and this staff, thanks you and let’s do this thing.
#GoPack