Priority OT Deryc Plazz says NC State leads following OV

Deryc Plazz left his Miami official visit with the Hurricanes in the lead. That changed after spending a weekend at NC State. 

The Wolfpack and Hurricanes established themselves as the top contenders for the three-star offensive tackle over the past six months. He officially visited both schools this month and wrapped up his summer visit schedule with NC State at the top of his recruitment. 

His June 16-18 visit to Miami also went extremely well, and his top two schools remain close, but the Canes no longer hold the momentum. 

“Right now, NC State has jumped back in front,” Plazz said. 

After committing to Penn State earlier this month and decommitting 11 days later, the two ACC programs emerged as the top contenders. Offensive line coach Garett Tujague is a huge reason why. Plazz’s bond with the Wolfpack assistant stretches back to before when the coach took the NC State job late last year.

“I definitely feel like I’m a top priority,” Plazz said. “Me being the first kid that coach Tujague offered when he got there, that says a lot. 

“And then from there, just continually building a relationship with him, as well as the other people on staff, has been a great process. Every time I’m there, it feels like home, so that’s why I continuously go back— because it just feels right.”

The Jacksonville (Fla.) Andrew Jackson High lineman spent time with Tujague during the visit, and Plazz emphasized how strong their relationship is. 

“I don’t think me and coach Tujague can get any closer…It was like going to see a best friend,” Plazz said. 

During his meetings with the Wolfpack assistant and the rest of the staff, NC State detailed a personalized plan that would help Plazz develop as soon as he stepped foot on campus. The program outlined a path to early playing time. 

Both Timothy McKay and Anthony Belton could choose to pursue NFL careers after the 2023 season, which would open up plenty of playing time on the Pack’s line. 

“The opportunity is definitely there,” Plazz said. “There’s not a promised starting job, but he has a blueprint for that to happen.” 

A chance to contribute early definitely appeals to the rising senior tackle. 

Plazz also met with head coach Dave Doeren multiple times during the trip and continued to build their relationship. The head coach and the lineman talk frequently and, while on campus together over the weekend, they discussed how he built NC State’s program over the past decade. NC State’s history of developing linemen into first round picks appeals to Plazz.

The 6-5 tackle said, overall, the trip went well and, in addition to bonding with the coaches, he appreciated the quality time spent with the current members of the Pack. They provided a perspective that a recruit can not really get on an unofficial trip to campus.

Lyndon Cooper, Rylan Vann, Jacarrius Peak and Belton all hosted the lineman, and he meshed well with his potential future teammates.

“They’re guys that I really gel with,” Plazz said. “They were able to say a lot of great things about coach Tujague even though he hasn’t been there that long, and that’s something that I love. And those guys, they don’t have a reason to lie. 

“Those four guys are definitely going to tell the truth, and they love coach Tujague, and they love what’s happening at State.” 

Plazz visited campus alongside his parents and his uncle. They all left campus impressed and comfortable with the program. 

“They love it,” Plazz said. “It’s just a great place. They love the people there. They know I’d be in great hands if they were to leave me there.”

Looking towards the rest of the year, Plazz mentioned a potential trip to Florida State, but he said nothing is set in stone. He plans on announcing his commitment September 23.

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