NC State Newsstand: Payton Wilson generates more NFL Draft buzz
Former NC State superstar linebacker Payton Wilson, the 2023 ACC defensive player of the year, just wrapped up his week of practice at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The Butkus Award-winning defender continued to impress the NFL Draft media that attended the event.
ESPN reporters Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates both shared rave reviews of the Wolfpack linebacker after seeing him perform throughout the week. He did not play in the game but clearly made enough of an impression to turn some heads.
“You look at Peyton Wilson,” Kiper said on the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel.
“Haha, what a week,” Yates interjected.
“Payton Wilson at NC State had some injuries,” Kiper said. “The durability is the concern. He’s not the attack outside linebacker that is going to get you 10-12 sacks a year. He’s an all-around complete player. He shows up instinctively. When you need a play, there he was. Whether it was intercepting a pass, breaking up a pass, getting after the quarterback, tracking a running back or receiver from sideline to sideline in space, breaking down, making tackles, he’s the complete linebacker. He could play anywhere, he can do anything you need him to do.
“Payton Wilson, you talk about a baller, he’s a baller. He’s the guy you want on your football team. I said from the get go I like this kid, I want him on my team, there’s a guy right there Field you’ve got to love.”
During the 2023 season, Wilson received unanimous All-American honors after leading the ACC with 138 total tackles, 6 sacks and 3 interceptions. He also defended 6 passes and recovered 2 fumbles.
Tweet of the day
Wolfpack women’s basketball will vault into first place in the ACC standings if it defeats Virginia Tech at home Thursday.
Former Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman committed to the Wolfpack after officially visiting the program in January.
Here’s the Pack football program’s spring practice schedule.
The Wolfpack climbed back into the Associated Press Poll top three this week.
NC State quote of the day
This quote is from senior Wolfpack guard Madison Hayes, talking about how important the annual Play4Kay game is to this program.
“It means more than just the game today, especially with the survivors that came to the game today, it’s really important for us, obviously, to win the game, but [also] to talk to them and just let them know we’re very grateful that they’re here, and they’re just powerful women and strong women,” Hayes said.
Today’s top NC State headlines
Kay Yow continues to motivate NC State women’s basketball
How NC State’s Casey Morsell increased his free throw output to a career best mark
NC State women’s basketball returns to AP Poll top 3
NC State center Dylan McMahon stands out at East-West Shrine Bowl
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