Hosted by R. Cory Smith and Michael Clark, the Pack Pride Podcast is the official podcast of Pack Pride. A syndicated partner of 247Sports, Pack Pride is an independent publication that brings you the latest on NC State athletics. You can find us at www.PackPride.com.

Thanks to a two-month stretch that saw NC State add 12 of its 15 commits in the 2021 class, the Wolfpack is back on track in recruiting. Steve Wiltfong, 247Sports Director of Recruiting, joined the podcast to discuss the Pack's current haul, how COVID-19 limited the program's success and how wild this fall will be for recruiting.

Cory and James Curle also discuss various topics including conference-only scheduling, NC State's return to practice, Terquavion Smith's huge weekend and much more at the top of the show!


Following the hiring of Ruffin McNeill in a Special Assistant to the Head Coach role, Cory and James were joined by two people who know him best -- his high school coach Finley Read and Fayetteville Observer beat writer Sammy Batten.

What makes McNeill such a beloved coach? How will he bring change in a limited role with the Wolfpack? Can he make an impact in recruiting despite not being able to travel?

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_42.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 1:01pm EST

Despite already filling all of its vacancies for the 2020 football season, NC State was still looking for one more leader on the staff. On Tuesday morning, the Wolfpack officially announced the hiring of former ECU head coach and Oklahoma assistant Ruffin McNeill.

What does the hire mean for the Pack? How expansive will his role be in Raleigh? In what ways can McNeill help in recruiting and advising the staff and players?


While most of the sports world is still shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions, the NWSL has already kicked off the season. Former NC State women's soccer star Tziarra King was finally able to make her debut with a goal in the 89th minute for the Utah Royals FC in a 3-3 draw.

King joins R. Cory Smith and James Curle on the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss her huge debut, how NC State helped shape her as a soccer player and the activism across the NWSL to help make a difference.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_41.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 12:01pm EST

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to sports all across the country, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to the season. In the second part of our "double album" podcast edition with B.J. Barham of American Aquarium, we discuss the NC State football and basketball program.

What was Barham's most memorable moment as a Wolfpack fan? What are his thoughts on the upcoming recruiting classes? After attending every home game last season, what does he see for the future of NC State basketball and football?

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_40_part_2.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 12:55pm EST

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to sports all across the country, but it's hit the music industry especially hard. In the first part of our "double album" podcast edition with B.J. Barham of American Aquarium, we discuss his love of NC State and the band's newest album.

What went into releasing "Lamentations" during the pandemic? How did the album rise to the top of the Billboard charts? In what ways has NC State influenced his music throughout his career?

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_40_part_1.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 11:55am EST

NC State's recruiting momentum continued to roll on Friday evening with the commitment of four-star defensive end Travali Price and long snapper/tackle Jayden Tate. Michael Clark and R. Cory Smith break down the two newest commits for the Wolfpack on the Pack Pride Podcast!

What does Price add to the 2021 class? How did the Pack pull the brothers out of North Lincoln? How will they both fit in with the program? Who's next for the 2021 class following yet another four-star commit?


After losing one of its top assistants in Takayo Siddle to UNCW, NC State brought Mike Summey back home. The newest NC State assistant joins James Curle and Cory Smith on this week's Pack Pride Weekly Podcast!

What led to Summey falling in love with NC State as a kid? How did his connection to Siddle lead to his hiring by Kevin Keatts? How much more passionate is Summey about recruiting to his alma mater? What are the difficulties of taking over as an assistant coach with the COVID-19 restrictions?

Summey discusses all those questions along with stories about Simon Harris, Julius Hodge, camping at NC State with Terry Gannon and why getting the job with the Wolfpack brought him to tears.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_39.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 9:04am EST

The Wolfpack continued to roll on the recruiting trail over the last week with two new commitments on the defensive side of the ball. Michael Clark and R. Cory Smith provide their thoughts on the latest commits in defensive back Nate Evans and linebacker Caden Fordham and what they mean to the 2021 class.

What led Evans to flip from Tennessee? What is Fordham's fit in the Pack's defense? Will the Pack continue to look at all three in-state linebackers? And, most importantly, who's next for State in the 2021 class?


After starting out his high school and college career in Raleigh, N.C., former NC State defensive back Juston Burris was drafted to the New York Jets in 2016. Following an up-and-down four years in the NFL, Burris signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason to return to his home state.

This week on the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast (From Home), Burris joins James Curle and R. Cory Smith to discuss his NFL career so far, returning home, his time in Raleigh and how he's using his platform to work toward creating change.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_38.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 1:06pm EST

When it comes to NC State football, Nate Irving is widely considered one of the best defensive players to ever suit up for the Wolfpack. Nate joined Cory and James on this week's podcast to discuss his time with the Pack and his life now.

Among the topics on this week's show, Nate talks about what led him to NC State, his time in the NFL, life as a high school coach and how closely he still keeps up with the program to this day.

Irving also touches on his thoughts on what needs to change in our country to end racial injustice. Irving dives deep into the topic that's the most pressing in our country right now.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_37_updated.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 1:13pm EST

NC State has landed its second 4-star recruit in the 2021 class with Micah Crowell making his commitment official. Michael Clark and Cory Smith break down what his commitment means for the Pack.

What does Crowell add to the 2021 class? How did the Pack pull him out of East Forsyth? How will he fit in with the program? Who's next for the 2021 class following Crowell?


Earlier this week, NC State landed two of its top offensive line targets in the 2021 class in a span of three days. Michael Clark and Cory Smith break down the new additions and what it means for the 2021 recruiting class.

What is the Pack getting in Jaleel Davis and Thornton Gentry? How will they help in recruiting fellow o-linemen in 2021? Who's next for State's class in 2021?

Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.


When it comes to NC State legends, one of the most well-known players in the program's history is Julius Hodge. The former NC State star joined the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss his past with the Pack and his present as a coach!

What ultimately led Jules to committing to NC State? What are his thoughts on Kevin Keatts and the current program? What advice would he give to players testing the NBA waters? Hodge also gives a surprising pick in his Top 3 point guards of all time.

Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_36.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 10:21am EST

Though there are still no live sports to talk about, the last week was packed with NC State news. Cory and James discuss the latest topics and dig into the mailbag from social media and the Pack Pride message boards.

Topics include the commitment of Aaron McLaughlin, hiring of Mike Summey for NC State basketball, Raina Perez committing to WBB, NC State's case going to the IARP and much more in the mailbag feature!

Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_35.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 1:16pm EST