On National Signing Day, NC State cemented a top-30 recruiting class. With 23 high schoolers enrolling early or this fall, let’s take a look at what they bring to the team:
Ty Evans, QB – Following the departure of Ryan Finley, NC State boasts a deep QB room with Evans, Bailey Hockman, Matt McKay and Devin Leary. Evans is an accurate passer with decent arm strength, but he’ll need a year in the weight room before he can compete for the starting spot.
Zonovan Knight, RB – NC State’s offense lacked a home-run hitter last year, but Zonovan Knight will remedy that. Knight is a threat to score every time he touches the ball; when he hits the edge, it’s over. An early enrollee, Knight will be a key contributor as NC State’s No. 2 back.
Jordan Houston, RB – At 5-foot-9, Houston isn’t afraid to run between the tackles, and utilizes creative cut-backs to create big plays when nothing seems to be there. Houston would benefit from a redshirt year, but given depth issues at running back, the all-purpose back will likely see the field this year.
Delbert Mimms, RB – Mimms is a bruising back. He doesn’t shy away from contact and has surprising agility. Awarded a blue shirt, meaning he won’t practice or receive a scholarship until the fall, Mimms will provide depth and a change of pace for the Pack.
Keyon Lesane, WR – Lesane will likely be the fastest receiver on the roster; his addition helps depth in the slot for NC State. With Tabari Hines’ transfer, Lesane will likely sit a year before competing for the starting job.
Chris Toudle, WR – It’s hard to see Chris Toudle remaining at wide receiver. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass catcher is already the heaviest receiver on the roster, and his frame isn’t filled out. As Toudle redshirts, watch for him to move to tight end.
Kam Walker, TE – Walker is another blueshirt for NC State. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end was used mostly at wide receiver in high school, and his main strength is catching the ball. Walker will gain strength and develop his blocking as he sits behind Cary Angeline and Dylan Autenrieth.
Ikem Ekwonu, OL – Ikem Ekwonu started his career as a defensive tackle, and it shows. Ekwonu is agile and physical, especially when pulling around the edge as a lead blocker. He will add valuable depth at guard.
Timothy McKay, OL – McKay isn’t 18 yet, but he’s already 6-foot-3 and weighs 295 pounds. McKay’s strength is impressive, and he’ll likely have a year to develop before his name is called.
Zovon Lindsay, OT – Similar to Ikem Ekwonu, Lindsay was a defensive tackle NC State recruited to play on the offensive line. Lindsay will have to learn the position, but this move reflects a preference from NC State on agility over size for the O-line.
Dylan McMahon, C – With Rimington award winner Garrett Bradbury gone, Joe Sculthorpe is the lone center on the roster save McMahon. It’s not clear if another player will learn the position, so for now McMahon will have to be prepared to see the field.
Savion Jackson, DE – Savion Jackson is the crown jewel of this class. The Clayton native is strongest against the run; once Jackson gains more strength, he’ll be a force to reckon with. Jackson will add valuable depth as he develops.
Terrell Dawkins, DE – At only 240 pounds, Terrell Dawkins compares well to teammate Xavier Lyas. Dawkins is long and fast, making him an ideal edge rusher. He may not produce immediately for the Pack, but Dawkins can grow into a valuable running mate for Jackson.
Joshua Harris, DT – Joshua Harris will probably end up the best player in this class. Harris is a game-wrecker, unblockable one-on-one and pretty close to the same when double-teamed. He has strength, and after watching him rumble for 20 yards on a handoff, he has speed as well. With an Eurndraus Bryant-sized hole in the defensive line, expect Harris to start from day one.
C.J. Clark, DT – At 280 pounds, C.J. Clark is a bit of a tweener. Heavier than expected for a defensive end, but lighter than most defensive tackles, Clark could take a year to put on weight.
Drake Thomas, LB – Drake Thomas excels at rallying up to the ball, closing the distance quickly and stopping the ball carrier. It’s not clear whether Thomas can defend in man coverage, but he’s comfortable in zone. Given NC State’s depth at linebacker, he will likely be able to redshirt this season.
Jaylon Scott, LB – Scott has the measurables one would expect for a weak-side linebacker, but the Shelby native is raw in terms of strength and diagnosing plays as they unfold. Given time to develop, Scott could become a reliable starter.
Shyheim Battle, CB – Shyheim Battle has the prototypical size NC State desires in a cornerback at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds. Battle has good instincts for the ball, and though he’s athletic enough to recover when beat by high school players, the same may not be true at this level.
Jalen Frazier, CB – NC State may have its nickel corner of the future in Jalen Frazier. Though a bit undersized, Frazier has the perfect combination of speed and explosiveness needed to cover slot receivers man-to-man and stop the run.
Jakeen Harris, S – Recruited to play nickel as well as safety, Jakeen Harris is very similar to Frazier in terms of athleticism and ball skills. Harris is stronger than Frazier in run support, while Frazier holds the edge in man coverage.
Cecil Powell, S – Cecil Powell may be the hidden gem of this class. No other secondary player committed has Powell’s combination of size and speed, and that gives him the most potential for growth. At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Powell may make an immediate impact in the return game, but it will likely take him a year or two to develop into a starting safety.
Khalid Martin, S – With Jarius Morehead heading into his final year, Khalid Martin may be the starting strong safety of the future for NC State. Though his top speed may be lacking, Martin accelerates quickly, and that burst will be put to good use in Cover 1.