NC State football will look to continue its tradition of defensive excellence with several new additions in 2024 from both the transfer portal and high schools across the country. While the Pack bolstered all three levels of the defense, it especially improved its secondary.
Ronnie Royal III, DB
Out of Alexandria, Alabama, Royal is one of the most exciting prospects that the red-and-white hauled in the 2024 recruiting class. Royal has the versatility to play both safety and nickel for the Pack. Similar to Pack Pro and Rams safety Tanner Ingle, Royal has a knack for delivering hard hits. With the nickel position vacant and safety depth in need, Royal has the opportunity and talent to see the field as a freshman this coming season.
Asaad Brown Jr., DB
As a physical defensive back, watch for the redshirt freshman to compete at either cornerback or nickel back. Brown’s biggest strength is his consistent tackling ability. After having success with a similar cornerback in Shyheim Battle, the Wolfpack brought in another physical, run-stopping defensive back that will have an opportunity to see the field early.
Corey Coley Jr., DB
With Battle declaring for the NFL draft, the Wolfpack needed a player to compete with freshman cornerback Brandon Cisse for the starting job. NC State landed on Coley, a senior transfer from Maryland with three years of experience and six total starts. The six-foot-two cornerback offers intriguing size that could help him cover taller receivers on the outside.
Tamarcus Cooley, DB
Once an NC State commit, the redshirt freshman flipped to Maryland where he spent the first year of his college career. However, the Knightdale native returned home and joined the Pack this offseason. With three years of eligibility remaining, there’s plenty of time for Cooley to develop. However, with the starting nickel back job open, there’s an opportunity to hit the field early. Known for his secure tackling, Cooley fits the mold for a quality nickel back.
Elijah Groves, LB
While Groves may not see the field much next season, he has arguably the highest upside of any defensive commit this cycle for the Pack. The blue-chip prospect possesses exciting versatility. At six-foot-three, he has the size to rush the pass and stuff the run effectively, showcased by his 15 tackles for loss this past season. Groves also dropped back at times to play safety, rounding out his game with pass coverage. While Groves still needs to bulk up to play linebacker in the ACC, look for him to be an impact player down the road.
Wyatt Wright, LB
The Wolfpack secured one of the best linebackers from the Juco ranks this offseason with the addition of junior linebacker Wyatt Wright. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College standout racked up 82 total tackles last season, including a stunning 18 tackle performance. While no individual player will replace Payton Wilson’s production, Wright will have a strong chance of filling into his spot. As a run defender, Wright has the speed to chase down the best running backs.
Justin Terrell, DL
In the Pack’s 3-3-5 defense, Terrell projects to play interior defensive line for the red-and-white. Already at 285 pounds out of high school, Terrell has the size to be an excellent run defender. While he doesn’t fill up the stat sheet, Terrell’s impact will be felt in that he takes up blockers and allows others to finish off plays — a key role in the 3-3-5 defense.
With former Wolfpack defensive lineman C.J. Clark transferring to Miami, Terrell has an opportunity to secure a spot in the defensive line rotation behind standout junior defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland.
