The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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34 ■ THE WOLFPACKER When Shelton Felton arrived as the head coach at Valdosta (Ga.) High, he immediately took notice to one of his offensive linemen. Jacarrius Peak was checking in at 6-6, 325 pounds at that time. Felton, a for- mer linebackers coach at Tennessee, saw the potential in his frame. "Once I got the job, I challenged him to change his body and his mindset," Felton remembered. "He went down from 325 to 280 or 290. He hit the weight room hard, and it's made him quicker and faster. "It helped him play with a different mentality than just being a road grader." The results of Peak's efforts spoke on the field. During a 16-3 win over Tif- ton (Ga.) Tift County High, Peak went against Tennessee signee Tyre West, a 6-3, 280-pound defensive lineman and top-200 recruit nationally per the On3 Consensus. "It was one of our biggest games against our rivals," Felton noted. "Peak took him to the goal post three or four times and just wiped him out." Peak's progress was rewarded on the recruiting trail. He went from being a likely Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) pros- pect probably more well-known for being a fan favorite on the Netflix docu- mentary series "Titletown High" to an On3 Consensus four-star desired by Power Five programs like NC State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Mis- souri, Virginia and Virginia Tech, plus future Big 12 members Central Florida and Houston. Ultimately, Peak narrowed his choices to the Wolfpack and Louisville before announcing for NC State on signing day, much to the delight of Pack offensive line coach John Garrison. "I had great visits to both schools and I could really see myself at either school, but the coaches at NC State made a difference," Peak told On3. "From Coach Garrison to Coach Dave Doeren to Coach [Merci] Falaise [of the Wolfpack's recruiting staff], they all made me feel important. "I really connected with Coach Garrison, and the feeling I had around those coaches was very important." Felton compares Peak favorably to one of his former players at Tennessee, offensive guard Trey Smith. Smith was a three-year starter for the Vols and started all 17 games as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs. "He's just a good kid, really likeable and funny," Felton added on Peak. "But once he puts on those pads and gets across the line from you he's going to try to take your soul from you on every play. He's not nasty about it, but he's go- ing to let you know that's what he's going to do. "The main thing about Peak is for a man of his size he has quick feet, and he plays with passion and physicality. He's just so physical at the point of attack." On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power believes that Peak is a dark horse contender to be a future top NFL Draft pick. "Some feel Peak is the best offensive tackle prospect Dave Doeren has signed in Raleigh," Power noted. "That's saying something when you consider Wolfpack offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu could be the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft. Peak burst on the scene as a senior and has a strong combination of size and length at 6-6, 300 pounds to pair with outstanding movement skills, functional athleticism and play strength." Peak has already learned how hard work can pay off, and is ready to con- tinue that dedication in Raleigh. "This is what I worked for," Peak said. "I am going to keep working hard. NC State is where I feel at home at, and that is where I want to go to work. "I fit in so well there, it is a different feeling for me there, and I am excited about working hard, playing hard and winning games at NC State." — Matt Carter Mammoth Jacarrius Peak Has As Much Potential As Size Peak's high school coach, Shelton Felton, a former assistant at Tennessee, said of the future Wolfpacker: "Once he puts on those pads and gets across the line from you he's going to try to take your soul from you on every play." PHOTO BY CHAD SIMMONS/ON3.COM S I G N E E S P O T L I G H T