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NC State LB Payton Wilson announces decision to return to Wolfpack in 2023

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•12/31/22•

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(Photo courtesy NC State)

NC State linebacker Payton Wilson is running it back. The Wolfpack star announced he’s returning to the program next year and won’t declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Wilson was generating plenty of buzz in draft circles, coming in just outside ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s top 10 inside linebacker prospects. He finished the 2022 season with 82 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to anchor the defense. He’s also a two-time All-ACC selection during his four years on campus.

NC State coach Dave Doeren reacted to the news by replying to Wilson’s tweet, expressing his excitement about his star defender’s return.

“Blessed to Coach you another year!!!” Doeren tweeted.

Wilson arrived in Raleigh as a four-star recruit and was the No. 68 recruit in the nation from the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.