NC State slot WR Jonathan Paylor continues to develop, could have larger role in Military Bowl
When NC State signed wide receiver Jonathan Paylor, a speedy four-star recruit out of Burlington (N.C.) Cummings High, the expectation was he could be the next elite playmaker in line behind reigning ACC Rookie of the Year Kevin Concepcion.
Paylor, who arrived on campus over the summer, appeared in just two games — the first two of the year — during his true freshman season. Attrition in the slot, however, has the track star in line to have an impact in the Wolfpack’s Military Bowl appearance against East Carolina at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md. on Dec. 28.
Concepcion and his primary reserve, Jalen Coit, both entered the transfer portal since it opened this past Monday, leaving NC State with redshirt junior Ashton Locklear and Paylor as its top two options at inside receiver.
With the top two players from the position group gone, Paylor has an opportunity to shine against the Pirates. And he has already impressed in the early stages of NC State’s bowl practices.
Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said Paylor made a couple “nice contact, turn-your-body-type catches” with his hands, a clear sign of growth from Paylor, who was used as a running back/wide receiver hybrid in high school.
Paylor logged 2,378 rushing yards with 30 scores on 169 attempts, while he also recorded 25 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns during his senior season. It appears he has continued to develop as a slot receiver for the Wolfpack since he arrived in Raleigh.
“You can see that he got better catching the ball, being on the scout team and playing against our DBs every day,” Doeren said of Paylor. “We all know how fast he is, learning how to play that position, it’s not always fast. Sometimes it’s about the nuances of route running, how to get open and reading coverage.”
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“We’ve seen improvement in him.”
While the coaching staff seems pleased with how Paylor has come along as a first-year player, freshman quarterback CJ Bailey appeared to be excited to let the dynamic playmaker loose in the bowl going into the 2025 season.
“JP is an explosive guy, I feel like everybody knows that,” Bailey said. “He’s really fast. He’s got great hands, good body control. We expect a lot [from him]. JP, he’s a good player. I can’t wait for everybody to see him.”
In addition to Paylor, Locklear has a chance to see his snaps increase from the 33 offensive plays, including 25 at inside receiver, he was in for this fall. NC State could also slide freshman wideout Keenan Jackson in the slot more often after he played 41 (of his 242) offensive snaps at inside receiver this season.
No matter who ends up playing in the slot during NC State’s bowl battle with ECU, the three weeks of extra practice will be beneficial for the Wolfpack’s young playmakers on offense. Bailey has a chance to continue to build off his eight starts moving forward, while he continues to craft chemistry with his receiving corps, including Paylor — a group that he said “could really help us out in the future.”
“It’s important that everybody gets reps during these weeks,” Bailey said. “Those guys get a chance to see how it feels. It takes time, I know that myself. It takes time to get adjusted to everything. It’s good that they’re getting these practice reps and these reps in this game because it fuels next year.”
