Emerging TE DJ Howerton breaks down early NC State interest
DJ Howerton started to emerge as one of the top tight end prospects in North Carolina this offseason, and NC State is showing strong early interest. The Wolfpack offered the rising junior this summer during a visit.
He visited for one of NC State’s final camps June, touring the Murphy Center and the indoor facility while he watched the coaches work with the campers in attendance that day. Howerton left campus with a scholarship.
The Pack joined Kentucky and Wake Forest on the Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley High star’s early Power Four offer list. He did not expect to pick up the NC State scholarship that day, but he’s an early priority for the program’s 2026 class.
“He surprised me with that one,” Howerton said. “He said he liked my film, he liked the way I work, he liked my grades and stuff, so I’ve just got to keep working.”
Standing 6-6, 220 pounds, Howerton is expected to be one of the primary receiving options for one of the top high school programs in North Carolina. He caught 3 passes for 38 yards as a sophomore, but the tight end should put up big numbers this season.
Wide receivers coach Joker Phillips and offensive quality control coach Gavin Locklear both spent time with Howerton during his visit, and the recently offered recruit said they built a solid connection by the end of the trip.
“They like how I’m a big body,” Howerton said. “I’m athletic. I know how to block— something I still can improve on. I can catch…I wasn’t really in the catching game last year but, this year, I’ll be in it more.”
Most of his scholarship opportunities are to play tight end, but Wake Forest extended an offer to play defensive line. He will see action on both sides of the ball this fall and does not care what position he ends up playing in college.
“It really doesn’t matter,” Howerton said. “Whichever can get me to the next level.”
Howerton originally planned on visiting NC State for the Alpha Wolf Showcase but did not make the trip to Raleigh. The tight end is “most definitely” interested in staying close to home for college.
Grimsley High is annually one of North Carolina’s most talented high school programs, and Howerton will be at the forefront of the offense as he emerges as a top in-state prospect. As he adds more offers, his bond with NC State continues to grow.
“I’ve seen a camp, I’ve seen how the coaches work with their players and stuff,” Howerton said. “I really like it up there.”
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