Letter of intent No. 11: Four-star linebacker Payton Wilson
Measurables:
• At the Nike Camp in Charlotte was 6-foot-5, 226 pounds and laser-timed at 4.82 seconds in the 40-yard dash … Also had a 4.31-second shuttle mark, a 27.3-inch vertical leap and a 32.5-foot power ball throw for an overall rating of 81.84.
Stats:
• Senior: Had 103 tackles, including 21 for loss and 10 sacks, an interception that was a pick six, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery on defense in eight games played. He also caught 15 passes for 263 yards and four scores, and rushed 67 times for 222 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
• Junior: Piled up 127 tackles, including 39 for loss and 13 sacks, an interception (that was a pick six), four pass breakups and a blocked field goal on defense. He also rushed 84 times for 756 yards and six scores and caught 13 passes for 305 yards and four more touchdowns on offense.
• Sophomore: In five games had 36 tackles, including 10 for loss and a sack, and broke up a pass.
Ratings:
• Rivals.com: Four stars, No. 149 player in the nation, No. 8 outside linebacker in the country and No. 8 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Four stars, No. 29 player in the nation, No. 3 outside linebacker in the country and No. 4 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 97 player in the nation, No. 2 outside linebacker in the country and No. 3 player in the state.
• Fayetteville Observer: No. 4 player in the state.
• Charlotte Observer: No. 4 player in the state.
Honors/accomplishments:
• Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Texas, but will miss the contest after tearing his ACL during the season.
• Was also picked for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game.
• Chosen to participate in the Nike Opening.
• One of four players in the state nominated for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award.
• Named all-state by NCPreps.com.
• Also wrestled and was the undefeated (43-0), winning the NCHSAA 3A title at 220 pounds as a junior.
• Also plays lacrosse and was the county player of the year in 2016.
Recruitment:
• Originally made a verbal commitment to UNC over Clemson and Virginia Tech.
• Took official visits in November to NC State and Notre Dame, and decommitted from UNC the day before Thanksgiving.
• Committed to NC State on Dec. 1 and was set to enroll early.
Recruiter of record:
Linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable.
Quotable:
"The home feeling they gave me and the way that I fit in with everybody, including the students and the fans, is what tipped the scales in favor of NC State. I feel like the atmosphere compares to some of the best out there.” — Wilson.
Scouting report:
• Rangy, athletic linebacker who can play sideline to sideline.
• Has natural instincts and playmaking abilities.
• Could easily project as a tight end if it does not work out on defense.
2017 projection:
Much depends on how quickly Wilson can recover from ACL surgery. He was well ahead of schedule early in the rehab process, and if he is a full-go by preseason camp in August he could contend for early playing time.