How NC State DC D.J. Eliot’s presence was felt in expanding recruiting footprint in 2026 cycle

Each time NC State defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot was the primary recruiter for a player from the Mid-Atlantic — Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey — his one-year stint as the Philadelphia Eagles’ linebackers coach tended to be a main sticking point for prospects.  Although it was just for a season, Eliot’s time in the NFL seemed to add even more credibility to his more than two-decade-long coaching resume. Add in his long-standing relationships with high school coaches in the region, which were strengthened by his time at Temple, and the Pack’s first-year defensive play-caller became an ace recruiter in the area.  NC State, which hadn’t signed a player from those three states in the past four cycles, changed that with Eliot leading the charge.