The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538921
28 ■ THE WOLFPACKER "I know I can push through a lot more than I thought I could," Fordham said. "As far as the knee goes, it feels great. I feel like I've taken a step as a leader and gotten to see things from a different perspective. I've built a great connection with all the guys and the new guys we've gotten in the transfer portal. I'm really excited and ready for the season." Leading From The Back While Fordham was forced to take a backseat during the Wolfpack's spring practice sessions, he was able to refine his leadership skills. The injury forced him to find other ways to use his voice with the rest of the defense. NC State head coach Dave Doeren was impressed with how Fordham was able to manage leading from the back during his recovery. It's a quality the coach said will benefit the Wolfpack this season. "He learned how to help guys without being on the field, which is a growth thing for him," Doeren said. "He's become a better teammate through the injury. I think the perspective of being injured is a big thing as a player. You really learn how much you love the game because you miss everything when you can't do it." Fordham missed it terribly, but he was able to play a role in the assembly of a new-look defense under first-year coor- dinator D.J. Eliot. "In the meetings, he's really atten- tive, and he's sharp," Eliot said. "With the players, he does a good job of leading those guys and showing them how they need to handle their business off the field as much as on the field." In August, Fordham was named a team captain and also was presented with the Wolfpack's No. 1 jersey. Worn by defen- sive lineman Davin Vann during the 2023 and '24 seasons, the jersey goes to the Fordham is eager to follow in the footsteps of two of mentors at NC State, Payton Wilson and Isaiah Moore, both of whom came back stronger than ever after suffering season-ending injuries. PHOTO BY JED GAMMON/NC STATE ATHLETICS