The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/125393
■ pack pros The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took quarterback Mike Glennon in the third round with the 73rd overall pick. photo by ken martin site. "I think that applies to every position. I'm looking forward to it; I think that's going to make us a better football team." Ready To Take Flight In Philly Wolff, who was the team's lone first-team All-ACC selection this past fall, came off the board at the top of the fifth round, when the Philadelphia Eagles called his name. The safety was selected with the third pick of the fifth round, No. 136 overall. "It's something I've dreamed of since I was a kid," he said. "Just hearing your name called and seeing it crawl across the screen feels great; there aren't really words to describe it." However, he does admit he was a little disappointed with how late he was drafted, when compared to the second- and thirdround projections he heard beforehand. Wolff patiently waited until day three and admitted he was thankful for the Eagles ending his slide, but the late pick will motivate the former unknown recruit, who earned an offer at the Wolfpack's summer camp and quickly committed. "After four rounds went by, I had to keep telling myself, 'You'll get picked up soon,' but that's also when a fire started to burn inside of me," Wolff explained. "I've always played with a chip on my shoulder, but especially after that fifth round hit, I had a little bit of a fiery feeling. "I'm ready to go right now. I want to prove to everybody why I should have been picked earlier. I'm going to work to be one of the best safeties in the NFL." In addition to the All-ACC laurels as a senior, Wolff became just the fifth player in school history, and the first defensive back, to reach 400 career tackles, and the back-line stalwart started 43 games while playing in 51 career contests. "The heart and soul," of the Wolfpack defense, as head coach Tom O'Brien used to call him, will be making a homecoming of sorts when he heads to Philadelphia. Wolff's mother, Sharon Davis, is from the northern part of the city, and he still has several family members that live in the area, including his grandmother. About 20 of the Philly residents from his extended family were with Wolff when he received the draft day call, and he said pandemonium ensued after they heard he would be playing for their hometown team. "They're all Eagles fans," he said. "My uncle was sitting there with an Eagles hat on, and I was like, 'Wow, what a coincidence.' [After the call] everyone just went crazy. It was a great feeling. It worked out well." The Eagles see the 5-11, 209-pounder as a versatile cog in the secondary, where they have revamped the roster. Only three safeties — Nate Allen (13 starts), Kurt Coleman (14 starts) and Colt Anderson (four starts) — return to the team after last season, but each struggled as the starter. The team added Patrick Chung (eight starts in New England) and Kenny Phillips (six starts with the New York Giants) in free agency this offseason. "The Eagles had some problems on the back end last year, and I feel like I can come in and contribute instantly," Wolff said. "I'm officially a Philadelphia Eagle and I can't wait to get to rookie minicamp." "He's a great kid," Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly told CSNPhilly.com. "Everything the coaches said about him rings true with what we want. He's an explosive, tough, hard-nosed, physical player. When you can add some depth to your secondary, it's always a bonus." "Earl is somebody that, in a talented safety class, we had targeted higher. We were happy to get him." ■ WOLFPACK CLUB You will love your rates! Call 1-800-856-1012 www.anchor-insurance.com Safety Earl Wolff was selected with the third pick of the fifth round (No. 136 overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles. photo by ken martin 76 ■ the wolfpacker 74,76.Pack Pros.indd 76 4/30/13 2:05 PM