NC State commitment analysis: 3-star WR Christian Zachary
NC State football added commitment No. 20 of the 2024 cycle Thursday morning when top priority prospect Christian Zachary publicly announced his commitment. Following a great official visit, the three-star wide receiver decided to flip from UVA to the Wolfpack.
He made up his mind on the second day of his trip to Raleigh and committed to head coach Dave Doeren before leaving campus. NC State’s 2024 class is now ranked No. 36 nationally and No. 8 in the ACC. Here’s an analysis of Zachary’s decision.
Breaking down the wide receiver board
The Wolfpack holds commitments from 4 class of 2024 wide receivers— Jonathan Paylor, Terrell Anderson, Jimmar Boston and Zachary. Do not expect the program to take any other prep commitments at this position unless a highly ranked player such as four-star UNC commit Alex Taylor decided he wanted to flip, which does not seem likely right now.
Coming out of June’s official visit season, this group of 4 receivers emerged as the top priorities at the position. Joker Phillips did a phenomenal job putting together a deep wide receiver board this year while also prioritizing the program’s top prospects. Paylor and Anderson are the two highest-ranked members of the class.
NC State could still choose to add another experienced name or two to its pass catching corps next year through the transfer portal, but the program has assembled a group of receivers that all have the opportunity to compete for early playing time.
NC State’s WR commits complement each other well
Zachary is listed at 6-3, 190 pounds, and that frame shows up on tape as he consistently wins 50/50 catch opportunities. He will join Anderson, who is also 6-3, in a Wolfpack outside receivers room that could use some more height. Paylor will play in the slot, likely at the IWR position, but he could also line up in the backfield at NC State. Boston, at 6-0, 175 pounds, has the versatility to play just about anywhere in the offense.
NC State continues its momentum in South Carolina
NC State signed former four-star cornerback Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina last year. This year, the Wolfpack freshman hosted Zachary on his official visit and helped secure the program’s third overall commit from the Palmetto State. Joining Boston and three-star class of 2025 quarterback Will Wilson, the receiver is a part of a developing trend over the past two cycles. The Wolfpack is doing a good job identifying under the radar prospects in the state who have not received Clemson or South Carolina offers and building genuine connections with them.
Christian Zachary is producing at a high level
Calhoun County High’s Maxpreps page has only reported 3 box scores for Zachary. Form Aug. 1st 8 to Sept. 1, he caught 13 passes for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns, starting off his senior year averaging 23.5 yards per reception.
In a recent interview with TheWolfpacker.com, Zachary said he has already racked up around 500 yards and 12 touchdowns through 6 games. Calhoun County is 5-1 so far this fall.
NC State was the primary contender for the 3-star receiver
Zachary stopped by NC State for a June unofficial visit just a few days after committing to UVA. The Wolfpack was the only program to generate any real momentum with the wide receiver while he was committed to the Cavaliers. He also held Power Five offers from Duke and Cincinnati.
Christian Zachary’s highlights
NC State’s class of 2024 commitment timeline
Oct. 24, 2022 – On3 Industry three-star linebacker Cannon Lewis, Ona (W.Va.) Cabell Midland
March 13, 2023 – On3 Industry three-star quarterback Cedrick Bailey Jr., Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna
March 22, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star defensive back Asaad Brown II, Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith High
April 5, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star safety Brody Barnhardt, Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day
April 19, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star running back Jayden Scott, Stockbridge (Ga.) High
June 9, 2023 – On3 Industry three-star linebacker Zane Williams, Wake Forest (N.C.) High
June 11, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Chase Bond, Massillon (Ohio) Washington High
June 16, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star running back Isiah Jones, Rolesville (N.C.) High
June 23, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star athlete Ronnie Royal III, Alexandria (Ala.) Gulf Shores School
June 25, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star cornerback Jivan Baly, Norcross (Ga.) Meadowcreek High
July 5, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star offensive tackle Trent Mitchell, Gastonia (N.C.) Ashbrook High
July 12, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Justin Terrell, Rome (Ga.) High
July 31, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star interior offensive lineman Robby Martin, Huntington (W.Va.) High
Aug. 4, 2023 — On3 Industry four-star receiver Jonathan Paylor, Burlington (N.C.) Cummings High
Aug. 4, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Josh Alexander-Felton, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater High
Aug. 12, 2023 — On3 Industry four-star receiver Terrell Anderson, Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley High
Aug. 18, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star interior offensive lineman Tyler West, Andrews (N.C.) High
Sept. 5, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star receiver Jimmar Boston, Anderson (S.C.) Westside High
Sept. 18, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star linebacker Joshua Ofor, Jonesboro (Ga.) Mundy’s Mill High
Oct. 5, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Christian Zachary, Saint Matthews (S.C.) Calhoun County High
NC State’s commits by position
Quarterback — 1
Running back — 2
Wide receiver — 4
Tight end — 0
Offensive line — 3
Defensive line — 3
Linebacker — 3
Nickel — 1
Safety — 2
Cornerback — 1
Specialist — 0
NC State’s commits by state
North Carolina — 7
Georgia — 4
Florida — 2
West Virginia — 2
South Carolina — 2
Alabama — 1
Ohio — 1
Virginia — 1
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