The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545830
TRACKING THE PACK JULY/AUGUST 2026 ■ 11 know I need to be around somebody like that." In addition to Caldwell, Rivers helped seal the commitment of three-star in- terior offensive lineman Colt Hauser of Jensen Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman. NC State also earned a pledge in early June from three-star offensive lineman Jacob Burns of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.), who spent time with Rivers. As is always the case in recruit- ing, there have been some battles that haven't gone his way. Three-star wide receiver Jonathan Dillon of Southern Durham (N.C.) High picked Duke on June 17, choosing the Blue Devils over NC State, Florida State and Rutgers. Dillon had been widely seen as leaning toward Duke in the weeks leading up to his commitment, but that didn't stop Rivers from trying his best to change the receiver's mind. Thanks in part to Rivers' efforts, the Wolfpack's class numbered 18 players as of early July. NC State went on a com- mitment binge in the late spring and early summer, landing 14 pledges be- tween May 10 and June 25. After Caldwell and Rivers, the class's highest rated players are Burns (No. 611 nationally), receiver Landon Wil- liams (No. 650), offensive tackle Conner Rutherford (No. 699) and safety Alex Scott (No. 705). The class was listed 43rd nationally and 11th in the ACC in the Rivals Industry Team Rankings. With NC State looking to finish off the class in the months ahead, Rivers will continue to do what he's been do- ing since he committed, putting himself out there with those he could be play- ing alongside at Carter-Finley Stadium in the years to come. He's active in the commits group chat, especially after having met six of his future teammates, and is looking to help persuade uncom- mitted prospects around the country to join him in Raleigh. "I've just been trying to build a re- lationship," Rivers said, "so they know who I am as a person and what I believe in. Hopefully, they can come join the Pack." ■ A PERCENTAGE OF EVERY HOME SALE GOES TO SUPPORT ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH AND CARE. McKeeHomesNC.com | 910-672-7296 PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NC STATE WOLFPACK Faye eville | Raleigh | Pinehurst | Wilmington ■ 2027 WOLFPACK FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Rating* Home School Moses Barker K 6-1 175 HHH Fuquay Varina, N.C. Willow Springs Jacob Burns IOL 6-7 290 HHH Kingston, Ontario Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.) KJ Caldwell S 5-11 170 HHHH Lilburn, Ga. Parkview Jadell Carter DE 6-5 200 HHH Fort Myers, Fla. South Fort Myers Griffin Cockerham TE 6-3 220 HHH Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons Christian Freeman RB 5-9 190 HHH Raleigh Southeast Raleigh Jake Godfree LB 5-11 220 HHH Lawrenceville, Ga. North Gwinnett Colt Hauser IOL 6-1 275 HHH Jensen Beach, Fla. Cardinal Newman Bryson Hurt IOL 6-4 300 HHH Gainesville, Ga. Gainesville CJ Jordan II TE 6-7 235 HHH Marietta, Ga. Walton Julius LaRosa DL 6-1 280 HHH Jacksonville, Fla. University Christian Amir Moore DL 6-7 265 HHH Harrells, N.C. Harrells Christian Academy Gunner Rivers QB 6-3 230 HHHH Fairhope, Ala. St. Michael Catholic Khy'lieb Rodriguez WR 5-11 161 HHH Charlotte, N.C. Ardrey Kell Conner Rutherford OT 6-6 295 HHH Chillicothe, Ohio Chillicothe Alex Scott S 5-10 180 HHH Lyons, Ga. Toombs County Tre Warren III IOL 6-4 335 HHH Columbus, Ga. Carver Landon Williams WR 6-0 193 HHH Katy, Texas Katy Jordan