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4-star WR Jonathan Paylor signs with NC State

On3 imageby:Ethan McDowell•12/20/23•

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Jonathan Paylor-2
Class of 2024 wide receiver Jonathan Paylor.

Jonathan Paylor is perhaps the most familiar name to NC State fans in this class. He has been a top priority for the Pack over the past few years and visited campus on more than 10 occasions. 

The four-star athlete held offers from a lengthy list of Power Five programs thanks to his elite speed, elusiveness and versatility as a wide receiver, a running back and a returner. Paylor has piled up plenty of accolades as one of the nation’s top prospects. 

Position: Wide receiver 

School: Burlington (N.C.) Cummings High

Height/Weight: 5-9, 170 pounds

Ranking: No. 155 nationally, No. 11 running back in the country, No. 6 prospect in North Carolina

Other offers: Clemson, Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M and Florida

Senior year stats: 169 carries for 2,378 yards and 30 touchdowns, 25 receptions for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns, 1 fumble, 1-of-1 passing for 2 yards and a touchdown, 5 kickoff returns for an average of 30.0 yards and 1 touchdown, 7 punt runbacks for an average of 39.0 yards and 2 touchdowns, 3,262 all-purpose yards, 75 total tackles (59 solo) and 4 defended passes, 2 interceptions.

Accolades: Under Armour All-American, Shrine Bowl wide receiver. 

How Jonathan Paylor ended up at NC State 

Paylor took official visits to South Carolina, UNC, Maryland and NC State. At one point, he was a heavy Gamecocks lean before a consistent recruiting effort led to a Wolfpack push in July. The receiver ended up picking the Pack in August and, despite continued interest from other Power Five programs, remained completely solid with the Pack. 

Why Jonathan Paylor picked NC State 

Paylor’s parents left his NC State official with a great impression. 

“Once my family got down there and we went on official visit, they were like ‘Jon, these guys are going to treat you real, real good,” Paylor said. 

The Wolfpack offense, and the opportunity to team up with talented players like Kevin Conecpeion, also stood out. 

“They run the same things I run in my offense at high school, but it’s just more advanced,” Paylor said. “I’m like, I can work with this.”

Coach’s scouting report

“He’s a kid that can see the play develop before it actually happens,” Cummings High head coach Grimm said. 

“He’s really starting to understand how defenses work offensively. I think it’s because he does play some defense for us.”

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