Commanding the middle: Previewing NC State's LB room going into fall camp

Even though NC State is two seasons removed from having Payton Wilson roam the middle of the defense, his presence can still be felt.  Graduate Caden Fordham, the Wolfpack’s go-to middle linebacker, observed the All-ACC defender for his first three years at NC State. He was able to learn from the eventual third-round NFL draft pick, displaying much of Wilson’s instincts in the middle of the field each time he’s in the game.  Redshirt senior Sean Brown, meanwhile, was NC State’s injury replacement for Wilson at linebacker — despite being a safety — when the Pack beat Clemson during the 2023 season. Not only did Brown fill Wilson’s shoes, but he made five tackles on that one drive alone. Brown used that as momentum last season with 96 total tackles in his first season as a full-time linebacker.  So, yes, while Wilson continues to play well with the Pittsburgh Steelers, NC State’s linebacker corps is in good hands.