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NC State Newsstand: QB Grayson McCall begins full-time coaching career at Coastal Carolina

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•01/07/25•

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NC State QB Grayson McCall
© Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Shortly after NC State graduate quarterback Grayson McCall retired from football in late October, citing head injuries, he already had an idea of what he wanted to do next in the sport: become a coach. 

McCall, one of the top signal-callers to ever play in the Sun Belt Conference as the league’s only three-time winner of its Player of the Year Award, was determined to stick around football. NC State allowed McCall to sit in on coaches meetings, and he was a key figure in freshman CJ Bailey’s development throughout the season. 

Now, McCall is set to embark on his full-time coaching journey. The former quarterback will serve as an offensive analyst at Coastal Carolina, the program where he began his collegiate career, under former Wolfpack offensive coordinator and current Chanticleers head coach Tim Beck. 

When the Indian Trail, N.C., native decided to become a coach, NC State’s Dave Doeren was among the first to note how successful he could be in the industry. 

“There’s just a level of standard of play that coaches look for and that’s where you could see where this guy’s going to be a good coach,” Doeren continued. “He’s one of those guys that you just really pull for. I’m super excited about what’s next for him. He’s going to be elite.”

While Doeren saw it from afar, Bailey was one of McCall’s disciples. The Miami, Fla., native didn’t expect to start nine games this past fall, but he did, and McCall’s ability to lead and serve as a teacher was impactful for Bailey, who threw for 2,413 yards with 17 touchdowns on a 64.9% completion rate. 

“I’m a true freshman, but I don’t even want to call myself that anymore because of Grayson,” Bailey said. “I feel like I’ve just been better because of him. I feel like I’ve grown out of my title as a freshman because of him.”

Tweets of the day

Port Huron (Mich.) Northern tight end Lincoln Watkins has set a visit to NC State.

https://x.com/SWiltfong_/status/1876613213057622033

Take a behind the scenes look at Wolfpack gymnastics.

https://x.com/Pack_Gymnastics/status/1876411136490492174

A big accomplishment for former Pack standout Debbie Antonelli is coming up.

https://x.com/PackWomensBball/status/1876411663118930065 

Quote of the day

NC State landed a commitment from Temple cornerback Jamel Johnson, who was able to meet new Wolfpack defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot on his official visit. He shared his initial impression of the new play-caller.

“I’ve been hearing wonderful things about him,” Johnson said. “It just feels good that everybody knows him, and they’re telling me, ‘Hey, he’s good, he’s a dude, he’s a good coach.’ I know that I’m in good hands.”

Today’s top headlines

Jamel Johnson talks NC State commitment, early impressions of DC D.J. Eliot

NC State impact analysis: Jaren Sensabaugh and Jamel Johnson bolster cornerback room

Temple transfer EDGE Tra Thomas commits to NC State

NC State still figuring itself out, seeks consistency ahead of Notre Dame

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