NC State WR commit Jonathan Paylor talks dominant season, programs trying to make a push
NC State wide receivers coach Joker Phillips reaches out to Jonathan Paylor nearly every day. The four-star wide receiver built a great bond with the Wolfpack assistant during his recruitment, and that bond continued to grow after he committed in August.
Paylor is 7 games into his senior season. Burlington (N.C.) Cummings High sits 6-1 on the year and outscored opponents 172-0 over its past 3 contests. Averaging 15.7 yards per carry, the versatile, elite receiver has already racked up 1,799 all-purpose yards and scored 25 touchdowns.
Going into his Oct. 6 homecoming matchup against Bear Creek (N.C.) Chatham Central High, history was on his mind. The senior tried for a North Carolina state record 9 touchdowns and ended up scoring 7 on 17 total touches. A running clock shortened the second half significantly.
Paylor talked to Phillips before the game, continuing the consistent communication between the receiver and his future position coach.
“He literally texts and calls me every other day, just to check on my mental health,” Paylor siad. “He texted me literally before the game. He said ‘I heard you are trying to break this record. If you don’t get it, we’re going to have a conversation.’ So I guess we’re going to have a conversation. But overall, mine and his relationship has still been a strong connection.”
Now that he is a part of the Wolfpack’s 2024 class, he says the game day trips are a little different. NC State still treats him like a priority recruit though, and he appreciates that.
“They still treat me like I’m still getting recruited, which I love,” Paylor said.
When he watches the games, he locks in on a few players who he will learn from next year— wide receiver Kevin Concepcion, tight end Juice Vereen and wide receiver Julian Gray.
“I’m watching KC and Juice, and I’m watching Gray catch punt returns and kick returns,” Paylor said.
The receiver is also helping the Wolfpack expand its 2024 class. He has a clear message for recruits considering the program.
“I just tell them ‘Hey man, If you want to play ball and play ball early and get the respect you deserve, come here,” Paylor said.
Paylor is continuing to make mental notes on Robert Anae’s offense and how NC State’s receivers fit into it. That way, he knows what to work on during his senior year. The elite class of 2024 recruit played a lot of running back through his team’s first 7 games, which he is happy to do to help the team.
The pitches on jet sweeps and handoffs out of the backfield helped improve his skills after the catch.
“I know how to see the field now and how to move my body around certain blockers and everything like that,” Paylor said.
Paylor is the No. 174 recruit in the nation according to On3’s Industry Rankings. He picked the Pack over a Power Five offer list that included Alabama, Clemson, Texas A&M and many others.
South Carolina, Penn State and North Carolina are still in contact with the receiver. During his most recent game, Paylor wore NC State gloves and played with a Wolfpack sticker on his helmet. Afterwards, he shared an update on his recruitment.
“Even though I’m locked in, those schools have still been showing a lot of love,” Paylor said. “So I’m not really sure, but right now I’m locked in.”
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