NC State Newsstand: Payton Wilson ranked top 100 player in college football
Fall camp is officially underway for NC State football, and there will be no shortage of news between now and the Wolfpack’s season opener. Our daily ‘Newsstands’ will be a way for our readers to catch up on what they missed from the day before.
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TheWolfpacker.com’s Wednesday Morning Newsstand
ESPN.com recently released its annual list of the top 100 players in college football this week. NC State linebacker Payton Wilson made the cut.
After recording 83 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks during the 2022 season, the 6-4 senior checked into the list at No. 81. Coming off of a season-ending injury two years ago, Wilson was not ranked going into last season.
“When Wilson decided to return to the Wolfpack for one more season, he gave NC State a huge boost to a linebacker group that is replacing two long-time starters,” ESPN wrote. “His veteran presence alone will be a big advantage. Last season, Wilson had 83 tackles to rank third on the team and was pivotal in helping the Wolfpack rank among the best run defenses in the ACC.”
The NC State linebacker was the only member of the program to make the list. He led the ACC in tackles during the 2020 season and has the potential to return to that level of production in the fall. Earlier this week, he made the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list— an honor given to the top defensive player in college football every year.
Tweets of the day
Wolfpack nickels coach Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay was mic’d up at practice.
PNC Arena is getting some massive renovations, which will add a concert venue, a hotel and more to the area around the men’s basketball arena and Carter-Finley Stadium.
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A total of three Wolfpack athletes, Davin Vann, Jordan Houston and Wilson, all made The Athletic’s 2023 college football freaks list.
NC State quote of the day
This quote is from Grimsley High head coach Darryl Brown, discussing Wolfpack wide receiver commit Terrell Anderson.
“Terrell has done everything we’ve asked,” Brown said. “He’s a quiet kid, he has worked hard, and he’s a great team guy, really loves his teammates, plays hard for them and plays tough.
“I’m just happy that things have gotten to this point for him, and he has gotten better in school every year. I think NC State is getting a great young man.”
Today’s top NC State headlines
Grimsley head coach praises Terrell Anderson’s work ethic, skill
3 scrimmage takeaways on Terrell Anderson, Isaiah Campbell and Faizon Brandon
