The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546417
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 ■ 25 Fordham donned the No. 1 jersey last year and was able to rally the of- fense just as effectively as the defense. Scott seemed to admire that trait, and although he won't be as forward with it, he wants to have a similar role this season. "I learned how to manage the team [from watching Fordham]," Scott said. "Caden did a great job at not only man- aging the defense, but the offense as well. We have CJ, who's going to be great, and like he said, he's the alpha. We're going to lean into that. I'm glad to support him and help him in any way I can to make sure we're ready to win the ACC championship." Representing The Program Scott's other big contribution this fall will be on the field, where he has stepped in as the Wolfpack's top running back following Hollywood Smothers' transfer to Texas. The Stockbridge, Ga., native had a breakout 196-yard rushing per- formance in NC State's 48-36 upset win over No. 8 Georgia Tech last November, setting the tone for what he can do with the ball in his hands. Along the way to becoming a key on- field contributor for the Pack, Scott has shown what people should expect from the new version of himself. He's unafraid to speak up, using a vocal ap- proach that many would have been sur- prised by two years ago, but he's become more relaxed in doing so through rep- etition. "It may be a little bit uncomfortable, but it's good," Scott said. "I'm learning how to expand my comfort zone." Scott passed the test at the ACC's an- nual media event. His next hurdle awaits as NC State's go-to running back option after posting a pair of 100-yard perfor- mances in his two starts a year ago. He began his junior season by carry- ing 7 times for 20 yards in a 34-8 loss at Virginia on Aug. 29. It was a tough af- ternoon for the Wolfpack on both sides of the ball, and the rest of the campaign will serve up even more challenges, with games against Vanderbilt, Louisville, Duke and Florida State, among others, on tap prior to the traditional regular- season finale versus North Carolina. Fortunately for NC State, Scott appears to be fully equipped to find success in the months to come. "Being able to represent my team, represent the coaching staff and repre- sent the program with the No. 1 jersey, I want to leave it better than I found it," Scott said. "I'm excited for this year, excited for what I can do in that jersey and just represent it well." ■ Scott, who wore jersey No. 4 prior to this season, rushed for 581 yards and 4 touchdowns on 106 carries as a sophomore, including a 196-yard outburst in NC State's 48-36 victory over No. 8 Georgia Tech. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS " It's been cool to see him get out of his comfort zone. Guys talk in different settings, but when you have to talk in front of the team, that's nerve- wracking for anybody. It's cool to see him grow up. It makes you proud. It's just like your brother growing up, and you're proud of him. " Defensive Lineman Isaiah Shirley On Scott