{mosimage}North Carolina State Wolfpack

Coming up on 20 commitments now, the North Carolina State Wolpack have put together what most would say is a surprisingly strong class for the 2008 season. Considering its recent success, or lack there of, the Wolfpack already have five solid commitments from 4-star players. Not only that, but six more of their commits are of the 3-star caliber. When Tom O'Brien initially came to Raleigh the big upside with him was that he was a terrific recruiter and he's really showing the college football world exactly why now that he has a year firmly under his belt. He's also benefitting from a more fertile recruiting landscape down in the state of North Carolina. This year's class is held down by some real playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and Wolfpack fans should look forward to seeing some special athletes coming to town in the very near future. The NC State class is by far one of my biggest surprises so far in 2008. Here are just some of the players which Wolfpack fans can look forward to witnessing over the next four years or so:

Earl Wolff - 3* ATHLETE (Raeford, NC) - Wolff is a special talent, in my opinion. The first word that comes to mind when watching this guys highlights is ELUSIVE. He's a little slight still at 6'0" and 190 lbs., but he runs a 4.5. If he can keep that speed while gaining 10-20 lbs. he will be a great running back down the road.

Brandon Barnes - 4* ATHLETE (Bunn, NC) - This kid was a 5-star at one point earlier during the season. That alone shows the kind of upside that he has. He's a lightning fast and explosive receiver and can be used in multiple different ways on the field. Once he learns to run better routes, he'll be a difference maker. He had everybody in the SEC and ACC vying for his services.

Terrell Manning - 4* LB (Laurinburg, NC) - Manning is good size for a linebacker at 6'2" so he has the room to fill out. He also runs a 4.55, which is very fast for a linebacker. He seems to be very aware on every play and can sniff plays out better than any other defender in this class. His knowledge of the game will be valuable in his development. Once he gets a little stronger, as with most high school guys, he will be an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Roy Mangram - 3* DB (Brunswick, GA) - This guy might just be one of the biggest sleepers in the class of 2008. With terrific size at 6'2" and 190 lbs. look for him to be put at safety in college. The guy is fast (4.55) and loves to hit people. One of the nastiest defensive backs of the entire 2008 class. Even better yet, the guy takes superb angles to the ball carrier so that he's always in a great position to make the tackle.

Mike Glennon - 4* QB (Centreville, VA) - Don't be fooled by the last name. This guy is going to be light years better than his older brother Sean at Virginia Tech. He already looks better technically. He has prototypical QB size at 6'4" and puts amazing touch on the ball, especially on fade routes to the end zone. His throwing motion is extremely fluid and he has solid accuracy. He was also rated as one of the best players at the Under Armour All-American game a couple of weeks ago by Rivals.com. The only negative is the lack of bulk. If he wants to be able to take all of the punishing blows that he will be facing in college, he'll certainly have to gain some muscle. I look for this kid to be in the pros in a matter of 3-4 years. Video Link ($)

Dwayne Maddox - 3* LB (Shelby, NC) - Maddox has decent size at 6'1" and has already partially filled out at 222 lbs. He's very strong in both upper and lower body and is a sure tackler. Once you're in his grasp, you're not getting out.

Colby Jackson - 2* FB (Dublin, GA) - Again, one of my biggest sleepers of the entire 2008 class. The first player that comes to mind when watching this guys highlights is Jacob Hester. He looks that good. Whether it's simply the competition level that he's playing against remains to be seen. Either way, he has terrific speed to get to the outside (4.55) and the guy runs right through defenders. It's as simple as that. Size is great at 6'2" and 225 lbs.

Leroy Burgess - 3* DT (Milledgeville, GA) - Burgess is a bit of a tweener at just 6'1", but is a hefty 298 lbs. so he'll be able to hold his ground just fine. He also runs a surprisingly quick 5 seconds even in the forty. Burgess has the benefit of some experience too by playing prep ball at Georgia Military Academy.

Mario Carter - 2* TE (Charlotte, NC) - 6'5", 231, 4.72. This guy is only a 2-star, but it has to be pointed out that he plays at the famed Independence High School in Charlotte, so you know he's had some good coaching. This is really evident in his blocking as he is one of the better blockers I've seen coming out of high school. It remains to be seen, however, if he can grow into a more dangerous pass-catching threat.

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Lloyds Apple said:

The NC State class is by far one of my biggest surprises so far in 2008. I have to plead ignorance prior to this article but good call man, this looks to be a hell of a class. The ACC more than ever is up for grabs, waiting for someone to dominate. In my opinion the ACC was worse than the Big Ten and arguably the Big East. Certainly a down year. Miami has a great class coming in but NC States has a lot of good going on. In the past they took a lot of "risk" guys--not sure with this class but it sure looks good on paper.

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January 23, 2008
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cisco said:

	Very good read Brian. I'd say it is nothing uncommon for Tom O'Brien and when he first went to NC State he said that he would be able to recruit better there than at BC. Not a bad 1st full recruiting season and it's not over.
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January 29, 2008
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Chad said:

	I have heard Tom O'brien is a very good evaluator of talent. There appears to be more than a few sleepers in this class. And if they "plug in" to TOB's system like his other recruits have, this could be one of NC States most significant classes.
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March 04, 2008
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Cisco said:

	Good news. Thanks for clause. I shall go to search for the information on the given theme further
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March 14, 2008 | url
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