OF Dalen Thompson aims to ‘make some noise’ after transferring to NC State

Although NC State is in the midst of yet another deep run into the NCAA Tournament, looking for its second College World Series appearance in four years, the transfer portal never sleeps. 

The Wolfpack appeared to take the same approach as it dipped its toe into the college free agent market, despite preparing for the Athens Super Regional at No. 7 Georgia this weekend. The result? A commitment from former Campbell outfielder Dalen Thompson. 

Thompson, a Dunn, N.C., native, went into the portal on Monday and announced his intention to join NC State for the 2025 season just two days later. The process moved quickly, but Thompson’s previous relationship with the Wolfpack’s staff, dating back to his sophomore year in high school, paid off this time around. 

“They really came hard and it seemed like they really wanted me,” Thompson told TheWolfpacker.com after his commitment this week. “It was something I was looking into and I thought it was great.”

While the Wolfpack put on the full-court press for Thompson, it slightly caught him by surprise since NC State is still playing in the postseason. But once the conversations started flowing, it became apparent that he was a top priority for the squad. 

Thompson returned the favor and made the Pack his top choice as well, committing shortly afterwards. 

“It’s crazy,” Thompson said. “They took the time to reach out to me in this great season that they’ve had. I’m very thankful for it. To be able to join a program like this, I think it’s great. It’s a great conference, great competition all the time. It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound outfielder impressed this past season with the Camels. It marked his first year as an every day player, and Thompson delivered.

Thompson hit .313 with 13 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 47 RBI. His 61 hits were nearly three-times his previous high at Campbell, while he slugged a career-best .554.

“It was huge,” Thompson said of his evolution with the Camels. “The first two years of player development at Campbell, I really got to show it with a full body of work. It showed how hard I worked and just getting the opportunity to go out and play every day, I’m just very grateful for that.”

Now that Thompson is a part of the Wolfpack’s plans for next spring, he will arrive in Raleigh with an opportunity to fight for a starting spot in the outfield. NC State will have at least one open spot after graduate Noah Soles’ eligibility expires, while sophomore center fielder Eli Serrano III is draft eligible this summer. 

A chance to push for a spot in the Wolfpack’s outfield is all Thompson wanted to hear. While he oozes confidence, he is focused on making his mark in the fall and preseason workouts to earn a starting role. 

 “Nothing’s given,” Thompson said. “I’ve got a good shot to come in there and make some noise and fight for a job. … That’s for sure motivating.”

As Thompson readies to join the Wolfpack’s outfield, he will bring a dynamic skill set to the group. He’s a speedster, able to make an impact with his legs on the base paths and on defense. 

Thompson stole 20 bases and was caught just twice during the 2024 campaign. That’s a part of his game that sets Thompson apart from others. 

“Just pressure,” Thompson said of his speed. “Draw a walk, turn it into a double — maybe a triple — and steal a bag. Defensively as well. Just changing the game on both sides.”

While his ability to nab bases is a plus, Thompson isn’t a one-dimensional player. He brings a plethora of skills to the Wolfpack, in his eyes. 

“I like to bring a lot to the game, whether that’s speed, defense, showing a little bit of power too,” Thompson said. “I just like having fun. I make my team better knowing what I have to do to win, the small things. I like to play the game the right way while still having fun.”

Having fun is a key in baseball, a sport that is full of failure, and Thompson has experience doing that at Doak Field. Thompson dazzled in Campbell’s 11-7 win in 12 innings at NC State on April 16 with a 2-for-5 night at the plate — flying around the bases en route a career-best three stolen bags.

He was working to beat the Wolfpack in his most recent trip to NC State’s home diamond, but now Thompson is looking forward to donning red and white in Raleigh. 

 “Playing at State is always really, really fun,” Thompson said. “Those fans are crazy. Just a competitor, so when I’m playing against them, I want to beat them. Now when I’m with them, I want to compete and win.”