Elite 4-star CB Samari Matthews intrigued by NC State after spring visit

Samari Matthews is one of the most coveted cornerbacks in the country, regardless of class. The four-star sophomore from Cornelius (N.C.) Hough High holds more than 25 Power Four offers, including one from NC State. 

Over a year ago, the Wolfpack offered the elite defensive back coming off of his standout freshman season. Matthews has visited Raleigh multiple times since then, forging a meaningful bond with the program. 

Cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell is his primary recruiter, but Joker Phillips is playing a significant role as well. The Wolfpack wide receivers coach stopped by Hough High to meet with the nation’s No. 55 recruit earlier this spring. 

“Coach Joker’s a clown,” Matthews said with a laugh. “That’s my guy though… It was fun though, talking to him a little bit during second and third block, telling me about NC State, asking me how my visit went when I went up to the spring. I told him it went great.”

Matthews has picked up offers from Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame this month. He’s enjoying the recruiting process and the chance to meet new coaching staffs from all over the country. 

NC State has maintained a consistent presence in his recruitment over the past year and a half. The elite cornerback, ranked No. 5 at his position nationally, spent March 28 with the Wolfpack and enjoyed the trip. 

“It definitely felt like a home atmosphere, watching the practice and being able to sit down with the coaches and everybody,” Matthews said. 

He saw a few familiar faces on the field during his NC State visit. The rising junior is friends with receivers Kevin Concepcion and Keenan Jackson, who are both from the Charlotte area as well. Matthews also already has a connection with linebacker Sean Brown, who attended Hough High. 

“All of my guys up there were telling me that they enjoy it,” Matthews said. 

Matthews “definitely” plans on returning to NC State at some point, potentially for a game day this fall. He’s looking forward to that trip. 

His existing connections to the program are helping the Pack in his recruitment. Matthews wants to learn about NC State off the field, and he has several current players who tell him they love it in Raleigh. That matters to the elite class of 2026 cornerback. 

“It’s definitely good,” Matthews said. “It definitely boosts them for me.”

Going into the summer, the 6-0, 180-pound defensive back still has interest in staying in state for his collegiate career. Matthews is the No. 5 prospect in North Carolina’s talented 2026 class. 

“All of the coaches say, not even coaches, just people I know, say the best in Carolina stay in Carolina,” Matthews said.

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