The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1493632
MARCH/APRIL 2023 ■ 43 Mike Smith served for a decade as co- ordinator of American Heritage High's strength and conditioning program be- fore becoming head football coach at the South Florida school prior to the 2022 season. He has worked with Daemon Fagan for four years, watching him de- velop into a highly recruited four-star safety and the highest-rated NC State prep signee in the 2023 recruiting class. The On3 Consensus rankings have Fagan rated as the No. 312 prospect na- tionally, the No. 28 safety and the No. 57 recruit in talent-rich Florida this year. When Smith first met him, Fagan was a skinny freshman. During his first year on the JV squad, it was clear Fagan could make plays. That became even more apparent over the next couple of seasons, during which the safety developed into one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the nation. Fagan's emergence into the national spotlight is a product of his own work ethic. "He has really matured," Smith said. "He's gotten stronger, he's gotten faster, he's put a lot of work into the weight room." That development led to offers from Ohio State, Miami, Penn State and many other Power Five programs. Following his junior year, Fagan spent the offseason sorting through his of- fers, going on visits and eventually committing to NC State on July 4. He dedicated himself to the American Heri- tage strength and conditioning program during that time, while also becoming a leader for his high school squad. "He's a kid that doesn't miss days, he doesn't miss reps," Smith said. "Even if he's banged up a little bit, he's going to still go. There are times when I've got to stop him." At 6-foot-3, Fagan has more height than a typical safety, but that doesn't hinder his abilities at all. In fact, Smith said that Fagan has the same agility and quickness as a sub-6-foot defensive back would. "I think when people see a taller safety like that, they don't think that they can move their hips," Smith said. "He could bump out and play some corner if he had to. He's got the ability to stop and start and change direction the same way a guy would at 5-8, 5-11." Fagan visited NC State the first week- end of June and informed Smith follow- ing his trip that the Wolfpack were atop his list. In Raleigh, the safety prospect found a coaching staff that suited him well, a university in an ideal location and an opportunity to hit the field early. As Fagan worked through his deci- sion-making process, he continued to hold the Wolfpack in high regard and didn't become preoccupied with other big-name offers. "He didn't really waver much," Smith said. "A lot of people [will say], 'You've got all these offers, why NC State?' He really liked the place, he liked the coaching staff, the ability to come in and be able to contribute right away." Smith built a strong relationship with NC State safeties coach Joe De- Forest during Fagan's recruitment. DeForest would call Smith about the safety, but sometimes he would reach out just to check in and see how spring practice was going. "I get that it's all part of recruiting, building relationships," Smith said. "But the fact that he did some stuff like that, that was a little bit different from what some other places might do." In his pursuit of Fagan, DeForest made an impression at American Heri- tage that will linger beyond the 2023 recruiting cycle. "He did a really good job as far as building a personal relationship with us as a program and obviously with Daemon," Smith said. "He did a really good job. I was very impressed with him." — Ethan McDowell Daemon Fagan Sees Opportunity To Contribute Early At NC State A four-star safety prospect in the On3 Consensus, Fagan chose the Wolfpack over offers from Miami, Ohio State and Penn State, among others. PHOTO BY MATT CARTER S I G N E E S P O T L I G H T