NC State Newsstand: Pack CB Aydan White named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
NC State senior cornerback Aydan White has become a lockdown defender for the Wolfpack over the years. Now, he has been recognized for his elite play heading into his final year of college football.
White earned his way onto the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, which honors the top defensive back in college football, on Wednesday.
The Asheville, N.C., native, has not conceded a touchdown pass to a wide receiver over the last two seasons as an outside cornerback for the Wolfpack. He has eight career interceptions, the most of any NC State defender going into the 2024 season.
White was fifth in the ACC in pass breakups a year ago with 10, even though he only caught two interceptions. The corner finished his junior season as a third team All-ACC selection.
This fall, however, he is aiming for higher postseason honors, and the Jim Thorpe Award could be in reach. The trophy is awarded in Oklahoma City following The Home Depot College Football Awards in December.
Tweets of the day
NC State’s fall camp slate is underway, and yes, Grayson McCall’s mullet was flowing on the practice field.
The Wolfpack had an impressive athletic year during the 2023-24 school year.
Here’s a behind the scenes look of NC State’s first fall camp practice.
Quote of the day
College football seems likely to increase its scholarship total to 105 in the coming years, but that could mean the end of walk-ons. NC State coach Dave Doeren is not a fan of possibly losing that integral group of his program.
“To me, it’s a travesty that walk-ons may not be a part of college football,” Doeren said. “I don’t know if that’s finalized or where that’s all going. We’re still just getting used to the same thing you guys saw— that it’s 105. And what does that mean? And how is that funded? Everything. There’s a million questions.”
Today’s top headlines
NC State opens fall camp with competition abound
Dave Doeren considers potential elimination of walk-on spots ‘a travesty’
