The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1137844
JULY 2019 ■ 87 NICKELS outside linebacker the majority of his senior year at Southeast Raleigh High. He surprisingly opened his rookie season at running back when a rash of injuries hit the position, but fumbled his lone touch and lost the ball and six yards on a reception. Baker-Williams eventually made the move to safety and had five tackles. He also had two tackles on special teams, playing on three of the four units, and totaled 19 snaps from scrimmage and eight overall appearances. "His overall athleticism is extremely special," Henry said. "Tyler has feet like a deer and he's probably the fastest DB on the team. He tests well and he's a smart kid. He understands cerebrally what is happening to him as a defensive back." NC State has normally played converted safeties at nickel in the past, but both Frazier and Harris come from a cornerback background. Their ability to cover quick slot receivers could be a storyline to watch in the future. The 5-9, 181-pound Frazier played his last two years at Cornelius (N.C.) Hough, while the 5-11, 185-pound Harris was a standout at Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military. "The bulk of these quarterbacks, their throws are in the middle of the field and they are going to the dude in the slot," Henry said. "Clemson and Syracuse also have guys on the outside they are throwing it to, but that slot position is so difficult to cover. "You have to have a guy who can cover in the box. You need a guy for the middle of the field." ■ Getting To Know: Jalen Frazier Freshman nickel Jalen Frazier saw his world open up when he made the move from Denver (N.C.) East Lincoln High to Cornelius (N.C.) Hough for his junior year. Maybe Frazier would have organi - cally ended up at NC State regardless of the transfer, but making the move to one of the top prep programs in the state made it more likely. The 5-9, 181-pounder was re - cruited by the Wolfpack to man one of the most important positions on the field. "Nickel is the biggest role on the field, so for [the coaches] to want me to take on that position means a lot to me," Frazier said. "They believe in my abilities." Frazier had 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions and one sack in 12 games his senior year. He racked up 98 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception during his breakout junior campaign. "I feel like everything really changed after my junior season," Frazier said. "Everyone was telling me how good I played." The three-star prospect made an early commitment to the Wolfpack on April 11, 2018. His flexibility of being able to play cornerback or nickel helped make him appeal - ing. He also learned that playing for the in-state Wolfpack was a big deal. "Everywhere I went around town, they were hyping me up about committing," Frazier said. "It was a blessing to be able to settle on a school I really want to go to." NC State, Duke, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina and West Virginia were among the 15 Division I programs that offered Frazier. He ultimately picked the Wolfpack over Duke, which he visited unofficially, and Michigan, a program he never got to see. Hough High head coach Matthew Jenkins expects his star defensive back to make an immediate impact at NC State. Jenkins became Hough's head coach in April 2017, a few months after Frazier transferred in from East Lincoln High. Hough used Frazier at safety in a 4-2-5 defensive alignment and played mixed cover- ages. It didn't take Jenkins very long to understand that he had a good one, and Frazier became a foundation piece the following two years, after both of which he was named all-conference. "When I first saw Jalen, the thing that stood out most for me — and it was just in shorts — I could see how quick and explosive he was," Jenkins said. "Even without pads, he was really aggressive. With pads on, it was just how physical he played. "Ten years from now, NC State fans will look back and say, 'We got a really good football player.' I think he can play anywhere in the country. He is a really good football player, great kid and from a fantastic family. He'll play from year one. I don't see him redshirting." — Jacey Zembal Rivals.com ranked Frazier as the No. 33 prospect in North Carolina and the No. 82 cornerback nationally in the class of 2019. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN Nickel Roster STARTER No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 21 Stephen Griffin 5th-Sr. 6-3 213 Charlotte Son of former Clemson running back/defensive back Steve Griffin (1982-86) who earned one start at strong safety while playing his first two years at Tennessee. Sat out the 2017 season, then split nickel duties last year. RESERVE No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 13 Tyler Baker-Williams So. 6-1 205 Raleigh Local standout that started at Ravenscroft High and finished at Southeast Raleigh, which also produced redshirt junior tight end Dylan Parham. Had three tackles and three passes broken up in the Kay Yow Spring Game. WAITING IN THE WINGS No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown 20 Jalen Frazier Fr. 5-9 181 Denver, N.C. Enrolled early and had three tackles with one pass broken up in the Kay Yow Spring Game. 26 Jakeen Harris Fr. 5-11 185 Savannah, Ga. He finished with 74 tackles (60 solo), four tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, seven passes broken up and four fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown, his senior year at Benedictine Military School. He had 103 tackles and five interceptions his junior year. 30 Cayman Czesak R-So. 6-2 206 Wilmington, N.C. Walk-on from Wilmington Laney High who played in two games in 2017. ■ PRESEASON ANALYSIS ★★★★ Among country's best; ★★★ Among ACC's best; ★★ Solid or has potential; ★ Too unproven Starter ★★ Fifth-year senior Stephen Griffin was expected to be a standout at nickel last year, but he suffered an ankle injury during fall camp. He won the job back for the last six games of the season, but was limited to nine snaps in two of them. However, the Wolfpack coaches have given him a full vote of confidence by moving Tanner Ingle, who he split time with last year, to safety. Griffin's backups are all relatively new to the position. Experience ★★ Griffin has played in 32 career games between NC State and Tennessee, with eight total starts under his belt. Add in a redshirt year and he's got enough experience and background to know what is needed at a complicated position. Depth ★ Sophomore Tyler Baker-Williams has all the physical attributes to be a good nickel, but he doesn't have the experience. NC State hasn't been afraid to play incoming freshmen in the secondary, with both Ingle (nickel) and Teshaun Smith (cornerback) getting on the field and even starting at times last year. Freshmen Jalen Frazier and Jakeen Harris will get an opportunity if they earn it. Overall Grade ★★ NC State needs a healthy and complete season from Griffin because nickel is not a position to scramble at, which the Wolfpack has learned the hard way a few times in the past. The coaches were very excited about Griffin going into the 2018 season, but injuries limited his impact. Now healthy and with the position to himself, he should be ready to emerge at the important spot in the Pack's 4-2-5 alignment.