The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/266935
MARCH 2014 ■ 35 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE signed that many in-state players in a class. The previous high during that span of 34 years came in 1984 when 15 North Carolin- ians were signed by then head coach Tom Reed, a group led by Raleigh Broughton speedy receiver and future pro Danny Pee- bles. Doeren's new precedent was aided by the fact that NCSU had a significant amount of space available, but it's also worth not- ing that in 1984 Division I schools could have offer a total of 95 scholarships in foot- ball. The current limit of 85 was imposed in 1992. NC State's success recruiting within its borders this year can be primarily attributed to a new approach and attitude in the Mur- phy Center. "We really feel like the state of North Car- olina has enough players to win a national championship," Doeren said on National Signing Day. The accompanying position-by-position list of the best players in college football last season from the state of North Carolina gives credence to Doeren's claim. The group includes arguably the best running back in the SEC, the top tight end in the country, record-setting wide receivers, a conference newcomer of the year, a Freshman All- American and 15 all-conference performers. It's also a list that did not include line- backer Kris Frost from Butler High near Charlotte, who started for Auburn in the national title game, or defensive end Jamal Marcus, a product of Durham's Hillside High who started and was a disruptive de- fensive end for Ohio State against Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Doeren's goal is to sell North Carolina's best players on the advantages of playing for an in-state school. "Staying home and playing for your state university does a lot for you in life," Doeren said. "You will have more people that are excited about you doing that from where you live than if you to go to Texas or some other places." That was the approach that Doeren used when he travelled across the state with his assistant coaches, and it worked. Not only did NCSU sign a high number of in-state players, they inked quality ones. A consen- sus top 50 in the state using rankings from eight different recruiting services included 15 of NC State's 16 North Carolina signees, highlighted by Kentavius Street from Green- ville's Rose High, the top defensive recruit in the state. The talent coming from the state is likely to improve going forward. North Carolina is the 10th most populous state in the nation after passing New Jersey in recent years. By National Signing Day next year, it could be All-North Carolina Native College Football Team 2013 OFFENSE Quarterback: Anthony Boone, Duke (Charlotte Weddington) — In 10 games, completed 63.9 percent of his passes for 1,833 yards with 10 scores, ran for 250 yards and four touchdowns, and led Duke to the ACC title game. Running back: Todd Gurley, Georgia (Tarboro) — In 10 games, ran 165 times for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus caught 37 passes for 441 yards and six scores. Wide receiver: Jamison Crowder, Duke (Murphy) — Set single-season ACC record with 96 catches for a school-record 1,197 yards and seven touchdowns. Also returned two punts for scores and was named an All- American by Sporting News. Wide receiver: Justin Hardy, East Carolina (Vanceboro West Craven) — Set school records for catches (114) and receiving yards (1,284), and had eight touchdown grabs. Wide receiver: Marquez North, Tennessee (Charlotte Mallard Creek) — As a true freshman, caught 38 passes for a team-high 496 yards and a touchdown to earn Freshman All-America and Freshman All-SEC honors. Tight end: Eric Ebron, North Carolina (Greensboro Smith) — Set single-season ACC record for receptions for tight ends with 62 catches for 973 yards and three scores. A finalist for the John Mackey Award and first-team All-ACC honoree, and considered the top tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft. Offensive tackle: Perry Simmons, Duke (Raleigh Sanderson) — The son of former NCSU assistant coach Brette Simmons was a third-team All-ACC selection. Offensive tackle: Corey Robinson, South Carolina (Havelock) — Started at left tackle for the Gamecocks for a second consecutive year. Offensive guard: Tyler Shatley, Clemson (Connelly Springs East Burke) — Was a third-team All-ACC selection. Offensive guard: Will Simmons, East Carolina (Ahoskie Hertford County) — Was named first-team all- conference. Center: Clayton Stadnik, South Carolina (Greensboro Western Guilford) — Made seven starts and was named SEC Lineman of the Week once. DEFENSE Defensive end: Kareem Martin, North Carolina (Roanoke Rapids) — Compiled 82 tackles, including 21.5 for loss and 11.5 sacks. Was 10th in the country in sacks and named first-team All-ACC. Defensive tackle: Jeoffrey Pagan, Alabama (Asheville) — Started 11 games and made 34 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and two sacks. Projected to be selected within the first three rounds of upcoming NFL Draft. Defensive tackle: J.T. Surratt, South Carolina (Winston-Salem Parkland) — Started 13 games and made 33 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. Defensive end: Chris Smith, Arkansas (Mt. Ulla West Rowan) — Notched 36 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks. Named second-team All-SEC after finishing second in the conference in sacks. Linebacker: Spencer Shuey, Clemson (Charlotte South Mecklenburg) — Had 119 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and a sack, to earn third-team All-ACC honors. Linebacker: Stephone Anthony, Clemson (Wadesboro Anson County) — Led team with 131 tackles, including 13.5 for loss and four sacks, and was third-team All-ACC. Linebacker: Kelby Brown, Duke (Charlotte Christian) — Named first-team All-ACC after producing 106 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, in 12 games. Cornerback: Ross Cockrell, Duke (Charlotte Latin) —Selected first-team All-ACC after notch - ing 40 tackles, three picks, 12 passes broken up and 15 passes defended in 12 games. Cornerback: Victor Hampton, South Carolina (Charlotte Independence) — Second-team All- SEC after totaling 51 tackles, five stops for loss, three interceptions and nine passes broken up. Declared for NFL Draft after the season. Safety: Isaiah Johnson, Kansas (Cary Panther Creek) — First season after transferring in from a junior college, was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and honorable mention all-conference after piling up 73 tackles and five interceptions. Safety: Damon Magazu, East Carolina (Char - lotte Providence) — Was named second-team all- conference after finishing the year with 80 tackles, five interceptions and two passes broken up. SPECIALISTS Kicker: Niklas Sade, NC State (Raleigh Wake- field) — Honorable mention All-ACC after making 19 of 23 field goals, including a long of 48 yards. Punter: Wil Baumann, NC State (Wilmington Hoggard)— Averaged 42.1 yards on 67 punts with a long of 66 yards. NC State kicker Niklas Sade was named honor- able mention All-ACC after connecting on 19 of 23 field goal tries in 2013. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 34-36.In-State Recruiting.indd 35 2/25/14 3:40 PM