The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/644580
28 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY MATT CARTER T he pickup of four-star tight end Thaddeus Moss from Charlotte Mallard Creek High Jan. 23 was the catalyst of a strong finish by the Pack over the final two weeks of 2016 recruiting. Four days after Moss' commitment, three-star defensive back JJ Givens from Mechanicsville (Va.) Atlee High picked NCSU. Givens took an official visit the same weekend as Moss. The 6-2, 174-pounder originally made a commitment to South Carolina last sum- mer, but after the coaching chance in Co- lumbia decided to open up his recruitment. Even before Steve Spurrier's resignation as the Gamecocks' head coach, Givens appeared to be having second thoughts. He made an official visit to Arizona State in October. Givens also took an official visit to Mi- ami Jan. 15 and had been scheduled to travel to Maryland the final weekend of the month, but those plans were cancelled after his pledge to NCSU. Givens was very familiar with NC State, having been to the campus at least six times prior to his commitment. He said that it became clear to him on his official visit that he had become more accustomed to the school and its campus layout. "Initially for me, I thought it was too spaced out," Givens admitted. "But I've actually grown fond of the campus. Plus, what I want to major in, which is sports LATE FLURRY The Wolfpack Had A Strong Finish To Its 2016 Recruiting Class Cornerback Bryce Banks from Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge High picked NC State in December and enrolled early. PHOTO COURTESY BRYCE BANKS