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NC State defensive back Cecil Powell to enter transfer portal

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•12/07/23•

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Cecil Powell
Oct 7, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd tight end Chris Mottillo (86) runs after the catch as North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Cecil Powell (4) defends during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

NC State defensive back Cecil Powell announced that he was entering the transfer portal on Thursday morning, via social media. 

“Hey, thanks WPN for the opportunity and experience throughout my college career at NC State,” Powell wrote. “I wanna thank my coaching staff for my development over these last 4 years and Kevin and the training staff for helping with my recovery process.”

Powell played in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before missing the following two campaigns due to injury. He returned this fall and made five total tackles as a reserve defensive back for the Wolfpack. 

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native appeared in 11 of the Pack’s 12 games this fall, primarily on special teams. He was also used at corner, nickel and safety throughout the season as injuries required him to. Powell logged a total of 111 snaps, an average of 10 a game for NC State. He posted a season-best two tackles in NC State’s 45-41 win over Marshall in early-October.

Powell started five games at cornerback during the 2020 season, and he played in 11 contests that season to record a career-best 497 snaps. He logged 70 total tackles in three seasons on the field with the Wolfpack, while he recorded four pass breakups and a forced fumble. 

During his freshman season, Powell played at both cornerback and wide receiver due to injuries on the Pack’s roster. He had a career-best eight total tackles against North Carolina that fall. He was a former track standout in high school, while he also logged 45 total tackles with eight interceptions and four forced fumbles in his senior season at Piper High.  

Powell is the third defensive back to enter the transfer portal this fall, joining Darius Edmundson and Nate Evans. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Based on TheWolfpacker.com’s count, the defensive back’s decision to transfer brings NC State down to 73 scholarships for the 2024 season once the 20 Wolfpack prep commits officially join the program. Powell joins the following players who have also announced their intentions to transfer. 

– Running back Michael Allen
– Cornerback Darius Edmundson
– Wide receiver Anthony Smith
– Tight end Christopher Toudle
– Running back Jordan Houston
– Linebacker Daejuan Thompson
– Cornerback Nate Evans
– Wide receiver Porter Rooks
– Tight end Cedd Seabrough
– Safety Jakeen Harris
– Quarterback MJ Morris
– Defensive lineman C.J. Clark
– Linebacker Torren Wright
– Wide receiver Terrell Timmons Jr.
– Offensive lineman Lyndon Cooper
– Wide receiver Joshua Crabtree

– Offensive lineman Jaleel Davis

– Wide receiver Chris Scott 

The NCAA transfer portal officially opened Dec. 4 and will close Jan. 2, 2024.

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