NC State Athletics - Pack Pride Podcast

Even with questions about the strength of the win, the Wolfpack's utter dominance over USF was an impressive showing for NC State as a whole. Michael and Cory take a look back on the Pack's 45-0 win to start the season on Thursday night. The guys give their thoughts on Devin Leary's first game back, Ricky Person Jr. and Drake Thomas having huge nights, the defense pitching a shutout and hand out their game balls to the top performers.

The NC State football season is so close you can almost taste it -- and I'm not just talking about tailgating. With the Wolfpack kicking off against South Florida on Thursday night, Will Turner of Bulls247 joins the Pregame Podcast to discuss the season opener. What should Pack fans expect against former UNC QB Cade Fortin? Who are the biggest playmakers for the Bulls on offense? How experienced is the linebacker corps? Finally, what is Will's prediction for Thursday night?

On this week's Pack Pride Weekly Podcast, James and Cory are joined by former NC State DB Dewayne Washington. The 12-year NFL veteran discusses the gift him and his wife, Adama, gave to NC State, watching his former Heritage players succeed with the Pack and his thoughts on the program this fall. Cory and James also give their "over/under" predictions for several topics including offensive, defensive and overall wins for the 2021 campaign.

The Pack Pride Weekly Podcast is back! James and Cory finally head back to Amedeo's for the first time in weeks and they're joined by former NC State coach Chuck Amato to discuss several topics including Bobby Bowden's passing and Bill Cowher being inducted into the Hall of Fame. We also take a look at the latest storylines from fall camp, an early preview of USF's starting quarterback and Chuck looks back on the first fall camp for Philip Rivers.

The final State of the Position podcast takes a look at the loaded special teams unit for the Wolfpack heading into the 2021 season. Michael and Cory break down everything from the experience at punter and kicker to the returning returners (that's a mouthful) for NC State. What does it mean for the Pack to have a record-setting punter and kicker back for this fall? Will Thayer Thomas and Zonovan Knight continue to be dynamic on the return units? What has Todd Goebbel brought to the special teams?

There are only two cornerback spots on the field, but NC State has a ton of returning and incoming experience competing for the top of the depth chart. Michael and Cory break down the final position group with an in-depth look at a group that hopes to show vast improvement this fall. What does transfer Derrek Pitts bring to the Pack's secondary? Will Shyheim Battle retain his role after starting all 12 games last year? How will Chris Ingram's return impact the unit? Who are some of the potential breakout stars?

NC State's season is just over two weeks away, and the talent in the secondary might be the best it's been in years. With returning starters at safety and nickel, Michael and Cory discuss why keeping all of the parts on the field will be critical, but the depth is the best it's been under Dave Doeren. Can Jakeen Harris and Tyler Baker-Williams take the next step this fall? What should Pack fans expect from Tanner Ingle after an up-and-down season? How much will players like Cyrus Fagan, Rakeim Ashford and Joshua Pierre-Louis push the starters?

There is talent returning all over the roster for NC State heading into the 2021 campaign, but no position is more loaded than the linebacker corps. With all three returning starters back, along with two of the top reserves and incoming four-star freshmen, this position is stacked. Michael and Cory take a look at the preseason All-ACC linebacker Payton Wilson, why Isaiah Moore is primed for an even better season, Drake Thomas' progress, Levi Jones' versatility and go down the list of the next linebackers up!

NC State enters the 2021 football season with depth at nearly every position, but the defensive line is loaded with some unproven, but talented players. Despite the loss of Alim McNeill, the Pack returns its sacks leader in Daniel Joseph, proven linemen in Savion Jackson and C.J. Clark along with a slew of emerging names that will make an impact this year. Can this defensive line be even better than the 2020 season? How important was the return of Joseph for the Wolfpack? Will the nose tackle spot remain a strength for the defense? Who are the players primed to make a huge jump this fall?

The Wolfpack has several key faces across the entire football team, but two of the biggest leaders and talents are along the offensive line. NC State returns Grant Gibson and Ikem Ekwonu at center and tackle, respectively, but have battles at every other spot heading into the 2021 season. Just how important are Gibson and Ekwonu to the success of the program? What makes Ekwonu one of the top talents for the 2022 NFL Draft? Who are the frontrunners for the other three spots heading into fall camp? Which players have breakout potential in the trenches?

NC State opened camp with a massive roster with players staying after the COVID year, but no position has more players than the receiver room. With 20-plus wideouts and tight ends on the roster, Cory and Michael take a look at the skill groups heading into fall camp. What is the impact of Emeka Emezie returning and when might he return to practice? Just how loaded is the slot receiver position? Will this be Devin Carter's breakout campaign? Who are the tight ends to know? What role will Trent Pennix have as an H-back?

NC State opened up the 2021 fall camp with a ton of energy, experience and lofty expectations. Cory and Michael were on hand for the first half of practice, and share their thoughts on what they witnessed on the practice fields. How did Devin Leary look under center early on with his weapons back? Who were the standouts on the defensive side of the ball? Which new faces made an early impact? We break it all down with less than one month before the start of the season.

There is talent all over the field for NC State heading into the 2021 season, but the running backs on the roster might be the most dynamic playmakers for the Wolfpack. With Zonovan Knight, Ricky Person, Jordan Houston and Trent Pennix all returning along with several other talented backs, this position is loaded once again. Cory and Michael break down the position from top to bottom, including areas for improvement at the position. What does Bam Knight need to do to become an every down back? How will Person follow up on his career year this fall? Will Houston and Pennix be a bigger part of the passing game for the Pack?

We're less than one month away from NC State's 2021 football season kicking off on Sept. 2. With the Wolfpack recently kicking off fall camp this week, Michael and Cory will take a look at every position leading up to the matchup with South Florida. What should be expected from Devin Leary after returning from injury? What needs to happen for Devin Leary to take the next step? Who are the contenders for the backup QB spot? How critical is it to have nearly all the weapons back around Leary?

With ACC Media Days officially underway, the 2021 football season is inching closer every single day. One star player that didn't make the trip to Charlotte was stud RB Zonovan Knight, but he joined Cory Smith on the Pack Pride Podcast prior to the season kicking off. Bam discusses the preseason hype building around him, his own expectations for this fall, the chemistry and talent among the running backs for the Pack, his dream NIL deal and much more with Pack Pride!

With the season just 45 days away, linebacker Payton Wilson joins Cory Smith to discuss his return to NC State. The All-ACC First Teamer breaks down his reasoning for coming back to Raleigh, what he plans to improve this year and more. Wilson gives his thoughts on his recovery from shoulder surgery, why the linebacker corps can be one of the best in the country, his relationship with Devin Leary and development under Coach Thunder.

Heading into the 2021 season, there's been a lot of focus placed on the 18 returning starters on offense and defense for NC State. But returning a record-breaking kicker like Christopher Dunn is another reason to be optimistic about the Pack in 2021. Dunn joins the Pack Pride Podcast with Cory Smith to discuss the records he's already broken, how he's improved this offseason, recovering from a late-season injury, his expectations for the program and much more!

One of the lone question marks heading into 2021 for NC State football is: Who will step up after Alim McNeill headed to the NFL? C.J. Clark has been the answer for the Wolfpack this offseason, showing out in camp, the spring game and workouts to earn his role. Clark joined Cory Smith on the Pack Pride Podcast to discuss what he's learned the last two years, why he feels he's ready to be a starter, how the 2019 recruiting class has shaped the defense, his number change and much more!

With the 2021 college football season less than two months away, NC State QB Devin Leary joins the Pack Pride Podcast with Cory Smith to discuss his return from a broken left fibula, confidence of the team and much more. Leary explains how his mindset has changed after recovering from the season-ending injury, how prepared he is to take over Tim Beck's offense again and the ceiling for NC State heading into this fall.

With the NC State season wrapping up, James and Cory are joined by Lauren Brownlow of WRAL Sports Fan to discuss the end of the year, her upcoming episode of "NC State Stuff" and much more! Cory and James also hand out their awards for Player of the Year, Team of the Year, Best Game and much more in the second segment in the final podcast of the season.

By now, everyone knows NC State's season ended in abrupt fashion with an exit from Omaha due to COVID-19 protocols. Andrew and Alec look back on a rollercoaster season for the Pack9 that finished with a massive run to the College World Series semifinals. The guys take one final look back on the run to Omaha, how things ended for the Pack, the awards season haul for the players, hand out their own awards and preview what comes next and who could be back for the 2022 season.

Over the last four days, NC State went from a state of euphoria in Omaha to having its opportunity ripped away by the NCAA. James and Cory break down everything that transpired, their reactions to the Pack9's exit and more. We also discuss the game on Friday for the "Pack13," the reception by NC State fans on Saturday at Doak Field and the response from the administration -- including thoughts on Cory's interview with Boo Corrigan on Monday.

Over the weekend, NC State baseball was removed from the College World Series by the NCAA due to COVID-19 protocols. As more information continues to come out, we were joined by Wolfpack Athletics Director Boo Corrigan to break down exactly what transpired and what NC State did to combat the decision. Corrigan also discusses the events that took place, the lack of transparency by the NCAA, the AP report that contradicts the NCAA's release, the players tested prior to Friday's game that weren't able to arrive in time and much more. Cory and Corrigan also discuss the reception for the Pack9 at Doak Field and plans for a new stadium for the Wolfpack and much more.

NC State's football recruiting continues to stay red hot with three commits in a five-day span for the 2022 class all on the defensive side of the ball. Michael and Cory break down the additions of defensive backs Isaiah Crowell and Darius Edmundson and the four-star commit from edge rusher Brandon Cleveland. What does each player add to the defense in the future? What took place for the Wolfpack to pull Cleveland out of Florida? How many spots are left after the Pack has now reached double-digit commits for the 2022 class? And most importantly -- who's next?

After getting off to a 2-0 start in the College World Series for the first time in program history, NC State is three wins away from a National Championship. Alec and Andrew break down the road ahead and what the Pack9 must do against Vanderbilt to advance to the Best of 3 Finals. What were the guys' thoughts on the first two games for the Pack? Who should start for NC State on Friday and (possibly) Saturday against the Commodores? Will State see Vandy's 1-2 punch of Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter -- and does the Pack even care? We discuss it all on this week's episode of Sawyer & Ciencin ahead of one of the biggest weeks in NC State baseball history!

NC State is headed to the College World Series semifinals after starting off 2-0 in Omaha, so we decided to get Brett Kinneman on to hear about his experience. The former NC State slugger is currently a student assistant with the team and joined James and Cory to break down the Pack's run, Elliott Avent's impact and much more. Cory and James also discuss the Wolfpack's recent success on the football recruiting trail -- including the Pack's latest commit on Tuesday evening.

NC State just keeps on rolling in recruiting, this week adding two of its long-time top targets in the 2022 class. Cory and Michael break down the commitments of four-star running back Michael Allen and high three-star cornerback Jackson Vick in the same week. How did the Wolfpack land each target after more than a year of recruiting them? What makes Vick one of the top DBs in the state? Who is the best comparison for Allen at running back? And most importantly -- who's next?!

Heading into the Fayetteville Super Regional, only one analyst for D1Baseball believed the Pack9 would take down No. 1 Arkansas. That man was Eric Sorenson, and he joined Alec and Andrew on this week's Sawyer & Ciencin Podcast. Sorenson breaks down why he picked NC State to advance to Omaha, his thoughts on Elliott Avent and previews the rest of the field. Alec and Andrew also take a look back on the Pack's performance in Fayetteville and the trip to Omaha in the final segment.

NC State took down the No. 1 team in the country, taking two wins over Arkansas in Fayetteville to advance to the College World Series for the third time in program history. Cory and James were joined this week by Carlos Rodon and Andrew Ciencin to discuss the last trip to Omaha and what this year's berth means for the program. We break down everything from Rodón's start to the season, how this CWS trip shapes Elliott Avent's legacy, what to expect in Omaha and Ciencin's good luck charm. The guys also give their thoughts on on a hot-button topic -- why the Pack9 deserves a new stadium.

NC State swept the Ruston Regionals over the weekend, going 3-0 to advance to the Fayetteville Super Regionals. Alec and Andrew discuss the huge weekend for the Pack9 that led to the first Supers berth since the 2013 season in Arkansas. In the second half of the show, Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball joins Alec at the 32:35 mark to break down the strong start for the Pack, why Arkansas is considered the No. 1 team in the country and State's chances at advancing to the College World Series.

The ball just keeps on rolling for NC State in the 2022 class, with two of the top defensive targets both committing on Tuesday evening. The Wolfpack landed in-state linebackers Daejuan Thompson and Torren Wright after their first unofficial visits -- on the same day! Michael and Cory break down what the commitments mean for the Pack, how important both are heading into a critical week ahead and what comes next for State in the 2022 class.

NC State baseball swept the Ruston Regional, going 3-0 with two wins over No. 1 Louisiana Tech to advance to the Super Regionals. Sawyer & Ciencin host Alec Sawyer joins James and Cory to break down the weekend and look ahead to what comes next. James and Cory also recap the week for NC State in football recruiting, the first weekend of Dave Doeren camps and take a look at the absurd 2.5-win over-under for the Wolfpack in ACC play this fall.

NC State landed its second top target in less than four days and first defensive commit of the 2022 class in Nick Campbell. The defensive end pulled the trigger on Sunday evening after his official visit, so Michael and Cory break down the latest commit on the Pack22 Podcast. How impactful can he be in the 3-3-5 defensive scheme? What makes him the top DL target on NC State's board? How important is the connection with past players in recruiting? We discuss that and take a look back on the first weekend of NC State summer camps.

NC State came up short in the ACC Championship Game, but still locked up one of the top No. 2 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Alec and Andrew discuss the Pack's showing in Charlotte and the Ruston Regional. What did the guys learn about the Pack9 during the ACC Tournament run? How likely is it that NC State can advance to the Super Regionals? Which players will need to step up this weekend? We cover it all on this week's podcast!

After zeroing in on MJ Morris for months as the top target, NC State landed the four-star quarterback ahead of a critical stretch in recruiting. Cory and Michael discuss the Top247 prospect following his commitment to the Wolfpack. How important is Morris to the 2022 class as a whole? What led to Morris committing to play in Raleigh? How good of a fit will Morris be in Tim Beck's system? Just how loaded is the Pack's QB room now? Who's the next commit in 2022?

Despite the Pack9 falling short in the ACC Championship Game, the program still secured a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Regionals starting this week. Aaron Fitt of D1Baseball.com joins Cory and James to discuss NC State's season, the ACC Tournament showing, the Ruston Regional and much more. In the first segment of the show, James and Cory recap the week that was for the Wolfpack before looking ahead to what June will hold as recruiting visits open back up in the final portion. We talk about upcoming visits, which commitment the Pack is hoping to get soon and what's different about this summer.

With the regular season coming to an end, Alec and Andrew were joined by NC State play-by-play announcer Andrew Sanders on this week's podcast. Sanders gives his thoughts on the 2021 season, explained his game prep process and much more! The guys also take a look ahead to the upcoming ACC Tournament, the Pack's potential path, how it could affect seeding for the NCAA Tournament and break down the All-ACC picks for State following the season.

On this week's Pack Pride Podcast, James and Cory are joined by former NC State star and Durham Bulls hitting coach Kyle Wilson. With the team traveling to Jacksonville, there were a few audio issues, but Wilson breaks down the MiLB season, his time in Raleigh, relationship with Russell Wilson and NC State's momentum in May. In the second portion of the show, we take an in-depth look at the last week for NC State, including Manny Bates rumors, women's tennis' run to the Final Four and much more!

Despite taking more than one week off from playing, NC State kept its streak of success alive last week, going 4-0 with a sweep at previously-ranked Pittsburgh. Alec and Andrew break down the week for the Pack9 and look ahead to the FSU series to close out the year. How has the Pack gotten back to being ranked after an abysmal start? Can State keep the momentum going against a hot FSU club? What are the ACC Tournament scenarios heading into the weekend? The guys cover it all on this week's podcast!

It's been an eventful week for NC State leading up to Monday night's podcast, so James and Cory gave a rundown of a variety of topics including baseball's sweep over Pittsburgh, Russell Wilson's commencement speech, women's tennis' run to the Elite 8 and much more! At the 27:35 mark, NC State PG Breon Pass joins the podcast for an interview with Cory. Pass talks about his final season in football and basketball, joining the Pack, expectations for 2021-22 and more.

This offseason, NC State lost one veteran WR coach and replaced him with one of the most experienced in all of college football. New Associate Head Coach and WR Coach Joker Phillips joins Cory Smith to talk about his new position. Phillips breaks down his new wide receivers room, how he's working with the vets and young guns, standout players in the spring, update on Micah Crowell, where the name "Joker" came from, expectations for the 2021 season and more!

With the Wolfpack having an off weekend and just one midweek game, Alec and Andrew are joined this week by Carlos Collazo of Baseball America to break down the 2021 MLB Draft. Collazo breaks down the stock for NC State's current roster and commits, the MLB Draft Combine, delayed date of the draft and much more! The guys also discuss the upcoming series against Pittsburgh, with the Pack9 looking to keep its momentum going against a Top 25 program. And the podcast wraps up with updates on Trea Turner and Carlos Rodon.

Just days after the release of the surprise album "Slapper, Bangers & Certified Twangers, Vol. 1," American Aquarium lead singer B.J. Barham joins James and Cory on this week's podcast. Barham discusses the inspiration behind the 90's country cover album, returning to touring soon, starting his record label and more! Barham also gives his thoughts on Reidsville native Breon Pass, the offseason moves for NC State basketball and looks forward to the 2021 football season in the second segment!

NC State has nearly finalized its roster for the 2021-22 season, with transfers Casey Morsell and Greg Gantt Jr. now signed with the program. Cory and Miles take a look at the wild offseason so far that led to Morsell and Gantt ending up in Raleigh, along with other transfer portal news. We also take a look at the final 247Sports rankings for NC State's Top 20 recruiting class, freshmen expectations for Ernest Ross, Terquavion Smith and Breon Pass, transfer fits and more in the Pack Pride Podcast!

Over the weekend, NC State and Wake Forest combined to score 68 runs with the Wolfpack averaging double-digit runs to win the series. Andrew and Alec breakdown the series win and what we learned about the Pack9 during the three games. The guys also take a look forward during the off week at what comes next for State. With only two weekend series left, the Pack is in good position to make the postseason, but has two tough series lying ahead before the ACC Tournament.

Following spring practice and the NFL Draft, NC State is now in full prep mode for the 2021 football season. Chip Patterson of CBS Sports joins James and Cory to give his thoughts on the Wolfpack's upcoming season, Alim McNeill being drafted, next year's draft class and much more. NC State men's golf coach Press McPhaul joins the podcast in the second segment to discuss the team's breakout season, Benjamin Shipp's huge year, the NCAA Tournament and success of NC State as a whole.

After a long road to get to this point, NC State baseball is back inside the projected Field of 64 following a sweep of Virginia Tech. Aaron Fitt of D1Baseball joins Andrew and Alec to discuss the Pack9's season, the complete effort to get back to .500 in ACC play and much more. The guys also break down the huge series win over Virginia Tech, preview this upcoming weekend against Wake Forest and much more in the final segment of the show.

On the latest episode of the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast, James and Cory are joined by Abby Labar, a Hurricanes and college football host for Bally Sports South. The NC State and Pack Pride alum discusses the Hurricanes' strong season, NC State connections and, of course, uncrustables. In the second segment, James and Cory take a look back on the Pack9's three-game sweep, Lindsay Edmonds' move to Rice and what Kim Mulkey taking over at LSU could mean for NC State.

On this week's episode of Sawyer & Ciencin, Alec and Andrew are joined by Tyler Younger, a former NC State assistant and current Mississippi State Coordinator of Player Development. Younger discusses his role with the program, SEC baseball, trips to the College World Series, Elliott Avent's impact on his career and much more! In the second half, the guys take a look back on Carlos Rodón's no-hitter, the tight series at Notre Dame, the upcoming series vs. Virginia Tech and what State needs to do to get to the NCAA Tournament to close out the year.

Earlier this week, Merci Falaise was officially promoted to NC State's Director of Player Personnel, taking over for Billy Glasscock, who was hired for the same role at Texas. Falaise joined Michael and Cory on the Pack22 Podcast to discuss his new role. How does being a former player help him as a leader in recruiting? What has he learned from the last four years in recruiting? Who has been his biggest influence when it comes to his relentless work ethic? What does he look for in recruits?