3-star safety Brody Barnhardt signs with NC State
Brody Barnhardt was NC State’s first in-state commitment in the Class of 2023 this spring, and he helped set the tone for what was to come in the Wolfpack’s recruiting class.
Barnhardt signed with the Wolfpack on the early national signing day Wednesday, and he will enroll early to get a headstart on his freshman campaign.
Position: Safety
School: Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day
Height/Weight: 5-11, 170
Other offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Senior year stats: Defense: 109 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 8 QB hurries, 3 interceptions, 2 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery. Offense: 22 carries, 277 yards, 5 TDs. 4 receptions, 34 yards.
Accolades: Three-time North Carolina Independent Schools Division I State champion
How Barnhardt ended up at NC State:
The Wolfpack offered Barnhardt in June 2022 and kept him as a priority ever since that day. He received offers from a plethora of other Power Five schools, including North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin, but the Pack stayed steady with the safety.
NC State was in constant contact with Barnhardt, and it set the Wolfpack apart from the other schools that were chasing after his services. The Wolfpack’s game day atmosphere was also a factor after Barnhardt visited Chapel Hill and he was able to compare the two.
Why Barnhardt picked NC State:
“Really, what separated them from UNC for me [was] I love the crazy atmosphere type of vibe,” Barnhardt said. “I kind of felt like NC State, at games, was more crazy, whether it’s the student section or just fans in general. That kind of separated State from UNC, which I really liked a lot, and I also think I’ll fit in more socially at State than I would at UNC.”
Coach’s scouting report:
“To watch his development over the last three years has been pretty fun, to be honest with you,” Providence Day coach Chad Grier said. “His work ethic is extraordinary. He had a lot of ability that he has really shaped into being something special.”
“I think Brody’s probably just a little bigger, faster version of [Tanner Ingle],” Grier said. “That’s saying a lot because I think that kid was outstanding.”
