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The Importance of NC State Having Current Players Mentor Commits

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 17:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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NC State’s Wolfpack Football Program Continues Tradition of Mentorship, With New Commitments Guided by Coach Dave Doeren and Senior Leader CJ Bailey

In a season that has already shown the Wolfpack’s resilience on the field, the program’s off‑field culture continues to thrive. A new cohort of recruits has already been welcomed into the NC State football community, thanks in large part to a concerted mentoring effort that pairs the team’s newest players with veteran teammates, senior leadership, and Head Coach Dave Doeren himself. The initiative—described in a feature on Sports Illustrated—highlights the program’s commitment to player development, character building, and the “Wolfpack Way” that has become synonymous with North Carolina State University’s brand.

The Roots of a Mentorship Tradition

The article traces the program’s mentorship tradition back to the early 2000s, when the Wolfpack’s coaching staff began formalizing relationships between upperclassmen and incoming freshmen. The initiative was designed not only to ease the transition for new recruits but also to reinforce the team’s culture of accountability, work ethic, and community service. By the time Coach Doeren took the helm in 2017, the mentorship framework had already become a cornerstone of the program’s identity.

Coach Doeren himself has repeatedly emphasized that “football is a team sport, but it’s also a community.” In the SI feature, he is quoted saying that his role extends beyond on‑field strategy to include serving as a role model and mentor for younger players. The article underscores how Doeren’s approach—characterized by openness, consistency, and a willingness to be “accessible” to the entire roster—has helped shape a program that feels inclusive rather than transactional.

CJ Bailey: A Senior Mentor and Leader

While the article spotlights Doeren’s leadership, it also shines a light on one of the program’s standout senior players, cornerback CJ Bailey. As a two‑time first‑team All‑ACC selection and the Wolfpack’s defensive captain, Bailey has become an embodiment of the mentorship philosophy. The feature details how he takes new players under his wing, offering advice on both football fundamentals and off‑field priorities. For example, Bailey helps recruits acclimate to the rigorous practice schedule, introduces them to the team’s nutrition and strength‑conditioning regimen, and offers guidance on academic commitments.

Bailey’s influence extends beyond the practice field. In one illustrative anecdote, the article recounts a junior recruit’s initial struggle with time management. Bailey sat down with the player, shared a personal story about juggling coursework and football during his own sophomore year, and helped the recruit develop a realistic schedule. That experience, the SI writer notes, is “just one example of the kind of individualized support that the mentorship program provides.”

The New Commitments

Central to the article is a description of the latest wave of recruits who have committed to NC State. These players are drawn from a diverse array of high‑school programs across the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia. Their positions range from offensive line to wide receiver, illustrating the program’s balanced approach to roster construction.

Each recruit has expressed enthusiasm for the mentorship structure. In an interview segment, one freshman cornerback shared that he was initially skeptical about the “pressure” of being a Wolfpack player, but the program’s coaching staff and upperclassmen quickly made him feel welcomed and supported. “The guys who’ve been here already have a strong bond,” the freshman said. “They show you what the team culture is all about.”

Another recruit, a wide‑receiver prospect from a small high school in Asheville, described the “incredible sense of community” he feels as a new addition to the squad. He specifically cited the role of Coach Doeren’s “office hours”—where recruits can drop by to talk through any concerns—as a significant factor that reinforced his decision to commit.

A Holistic Approach to Player Development

Beyond the mentorship circles, the SI article also highlights how the program’s approach to player development extends into academics, mental health, and community engagement. The coaching staff collaborates with the university’s academic support services to ensure players maintain eligibility while pursuing degree programs. Additionally, the Wolfpack’s Community Service Center, which coordinates volunteer efforts with local charities, is portrayed as an integral part of the players’ growth beyond the gridiron.

The article also touches on the psychological dimension of mentoring. It quotes Dr. Michael O’Connor, a sports psychologist who works with the Wolfpack, emphasizing how consistent, supportive relationships help athletes manage the mental toll of high‑level competition. “Mentors provide a sounding board, a safe space where players can express doubts, discuss stressors, and find healthy coping mechanisms,” Dr. O’Connor is quoted saying.

The Bigger Picture: Building a Legacy

The Sports Illustrated piece concludes by framing the mentorship initiative as part of a larger effort to build a lasting legacy for the Wolfpack football program. It notes that while recent seasons have had their share of challenges—including injuries, roster turnover, and a highly competitive ACC—Coach Doeren and senior leaders like CJ Bailey have remained committed to a long‑term vision: cultivating a program that values character, teamwork, and community as much as athletic prowess.

In doing so, NC State not only prepares its players for the rigors of college football but also equips them with life‑skills that extend far beyond the stadium. Whether it’s guiding a freshman through a difficult week of classes or helping a senior prepare for life after football, the program’s mentors—both coach and player—are poised to shape the next generation of Wolfpack leaders.

As the new recruits step onto the green of Carter‑Jones Stadium, they carry more than their jerseys; they bring with them the support of an entire community that will help them navigate the path to success—both on and off the field.