Duke transfer RB Jordan Waters excited to be at NC State
It was not an awkward time watching NC State men’s basketball beat Duke in the Elite Eight for Blue Devil transfer running back Jordan Waters over the weekend.
The football team was at a bonding event and watched the game as one, and they celebrated as the Wolfpack punched its ticket to the Final Four in Phoenix. And despite Waters’ past allegiance to Duke — and the logo tattoo on his right arm — there was only one team that the back was rooting for to win.
“It was crazy,” Waters said. “It was really good. I’m a State fan now.”
While his rooting interests have been cleared up, Waters has adjusted to life as a Wolfpack player. He said it did not take long to get used to living in Raleigh, but he thanked those that have helped him.
“I’m locked in,” Waters said. “The guys showed me the ways and I’m good now.”
Waters arrived at NC State in January after he spent five seasons in the backfield with the Blue Devils. During his time in Durham, Waters’ role expanded each season. He broke into the routine rotation during the 2022 season with 123 carries for 566 yards and eight touchdowns before he had a career-best campaign in 2023.
Waters was able to log career highs with 153 carries, 819 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, which led the ACC in rushing scores.
Now, the graduate running back has brought his talents to NC State, helping create a dynamic offense that the Pack built through a top-10 transfer portal class this offseason.
“It’s exciting,” Waters said. “There’s so many playmakers out there, it’s crazy to watch how many plays we make every day against the defense. … There’s a lot of opportunity. There’s a lot of good players, it’s going to be fun.”
The defense is used to seeing Waters in a Duke uniform, and with him in an NC State one, it’s a welcomed sight.
“That dude’s a dog,” linebacker Caden Fordham said. “He’s hard to tackle, he’s a big back. He’s faster than a lot of people think, too, when he gets in a straight line. It’s great to have him on my sideline and not have to worry about tackling him.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Troy Taylor
Stanford, Andrew Luck fire head coach
- 2
Paul Finebaum
Calipari success a disaster for Kentucky
- 3
Mick Cronin
Fires back at reporter
- 4New
Auburn joins trend
Tigers spring game changed
- 5
John Calipari
Not concerned about Kentucky comparison
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
While Waters is the expected starting running back during the 2023 season, he is not the only transfer tailback the Wolfpack added in the offseason. It also brought in Oklahoma transfer Hollywood Smothers, who Waters included in that “playmaker” sentiment.
Outside of Smothers, Waters added that DeMarcus Jones II and Jordan Poole are “bruisers and they’re not scared to hit people,” while he called sophomore back Kendrick Raphael a “dog.”
As the oldest running back on the team, Waters has embraced the leadership role that is expected of him.
“I’m definitely trying to grow in that area. I’m one of the old heads now, so that’s something I’m trying to get better at. Showing them what to do, how to do it. That starts in practice with the way I practice.”
Waters has enjoyed his time in NC State’s spring practice slate, but he is looking forward to the Pack’s spring game Saturday, his first time at Carter-Finley Stadium as a member of the Wolfpack.
His goal for the spring game? Play as clean as possible.
“I’m trying to play fast, play without the ball and take advantage of every opportunity I can. I don’t know how many I’ll get, but I’m going to play every play like it’s my last.”
