Dave Doeren explains the importance of getting Payton Wilson back for another season

NC State coach Dave Doeren is excited for what’s in store for Payton Wilson in 2023. The Wolfpack linebacker is back for a fifth season in Raleigh and will hope to make it his best yet.

With spring practice set to begin, Doeren was asked the importance of bringing back a player with so much experience. The coach responded with nothing but praise for the senior, saying he has taken a big step forward in being a vocal leader for his teammates.

“Any time you get a guy back that has that kind of experience on your team — and we had a bunch of those last year — it means a lot,” Doeren said. “Payton’s grown up so much as a person and a leader. I’m so proud of him and excited for him. He’s in a great headspace. He’s doing a really good job just being himself but also stepping out of his comfort zone a little bit and using his voice more. I would’ve told you four years ago, it’s probably his biggest fear is public speaking. Just seeing him now get in front of the team and talk when he needs to, he’s done a great job with that.

“Very proud of him and excited for the program to have someone of his caliber back. I’m praying that he’s going to have the type of year he wanted to have as his final season.”

Wilson had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2020, being named a first team all-ACC performer after finishing with 108 tackles (11.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. That created a lot of hype around him entering 2021, but he unfortunately played only two games after suffering a shoulder injury.

Wilson came back strong this past season from the injury to record 82 tackles (12.5 for loss), a career-high 4.5 sacks and one interception. He is the leading returning tackler in 2023 and should play a big role once again for a defense that tied for first in the ACC in points allowed per game (19.2).

The Wolfpack finished this past season 8-5, but lost in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to Maryland. With Payton Wilson back, Dave Doeren will hope the team can improve in 2023 to win its first bowl game since 2017.

NC State kicks off the season on Sept. 2 against Connecticut. Before that, the Wolfpack host their annual spring game on April 8.