The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1530878
20 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN t's only been a year since CJ Bailey graduated from Holly- wood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep, but he's already one of college football's rising stars. Pressed into emergency duty after starting quarterback Grayson McCall was forced to step aside for health reasons, Bailey was among the top freshman signal-callers in the country this past fall, and his strong showing at NC State garnered the attention of other Power Four programs. If he had wanted to enter the transfer portal, he would surely have had op- tions. But Bailey didn't want to enter the portal. He was determined in- stead to stay at NC State, a decision he reaffirmed when he signed a new contract with 1Pack NIL and Savage Wolves in early December to remain the Pack's quarterback moving forward. "I always had plans of coming back," Bailey said Dec. 4. "I've enjoyed my time here and I've enjoyed being with these coaches and guys. The fan base is amazing. Why would I leave? There's no reason for me to leave or go anywhere. I'm not in it for the money. I'm trying to play, win games and go to the next level. That's my goal and why I'm here." Bailey never let the transfer portal rumors stir, because he's gen- uinely happy in Raleigh. That's a positive for the Wolfpack, which will bring back its starting quarterback for the first time since 2022 when Devin Leary returned. Bailey's decision means that head coach Dave Doeren doesn't have to scour the transfer portal for a starting quarterback. Instead, he can devote his time and energy to the pursuit of players at other positions of need. I READY FOR MORE CJ Bailey Reaffirms His Loyalty To NC State, Looks To Build On A Stellar Freshman Season Bailey's 2,183 passing yards during the regular season were the second-most by a freshman quarterback in the FBS this year. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE FOOTBALL