NC State WR commit Jonathan Paylor can ‘see the play develop before it actually happens’

When David Grimm accepted the head coaching position at Burlington (NC) Cummings High, he joined the program at the same time as future elite recruit Jonathan Paylor. They inherited a 2-9 team together but quickly turned the program around.

Cummings finished Paylor’s junior and senior seasons with a combined 17-6-1 record and won playoff games both years. 

Grimm said the four-star NC State receiver commit played a critical part in elevating the program to its current state. Going into his senior year, Paylor has already recorded 2,147 rushing yards, 2,512 receiving yards and scored 53 total touchdowns. 

“While we’ve had good players and great players come along and help us, [Paylor] has been a big part of helping turn this program around… I’m glad he’s on my team” Grimm said. 

The electric receiver committed to NC State Aug. 4, and the coach reflected on the rising senior’s journey to this point. 

“He was always freaky fast, he was always big, he was always strong,” Grimm said. 

During a recent practice, the receiver asked him about a specific play call and suggested another. After thinking about it, Grimm said he realized the star receiver was right. Paylor’s coach said the rising senior’s most significant improvement during his high school career is probably how he expanded his football IQ.

“He’s a kid that can see the play develop before it actually happens,” Grimm said. 

“He’s really starting to understand how defenses work offensively. I think it’s because he does play some defense for us.”

The elite in-state recruit really enjoys the process . His head coach said he loves the weight room and embraces training. Paylor helps motivate his teammates as well. 

“He’s such a great teammate,” Grimm said. “He’s such a leader that he really inspires the rest of his team to do well and really helps elevate our program that way.”

When the receiver first joined the program, Grimm said he was a little quiet and shy. That has certainly changed over the years, the coach explained. 

Paylor also clearly cares about the Burlington community. After committing to NC State, he signed photos and took pictures with the kids who attended his announcement ceremony. That is nothing new for the receiver. 

“The young kids, the little guys, after the game, it’s always funny, they’re always hanging outside the locker room, but he’s always there to give them a fist bump, a high five, a wink, a nod, a smile,” Grimm said. 

When Paylor officially committed to the Wolfpack Aug. 4, it was the culmination of a years-long recruitment. Throughout that process, Grimm said NC State made the receiver a priority. 

He always enjoyed when head coach Dave Doeren and wide receivers coach Joker Phillips stopped by Cummings High. 

“My few interactions with coach Doeren, it’s like talking to your neighbor,” Grimm said.  “He’s just a down to earth, humble guy, easy to have a conversation with. 

“I can’t say much about Joker Phillips other than he’s one, a phenomenal coach, he’s a great person, he’s a lot of fun to be around. Whenever coach Phillips would come around, I would always get excited because he was just always a pleasure to have and just fun.” 

Grimm also complemented the Wolfpack staff on rolling out the “red carpet” for Paylor on his visits. The receiver’s meetings with offensive coordinator Robert Anae helped make a difference in his recruitment, the head coach believes. 

“I think he’s going to fit very well into their offense that coach Anae has,” Grimm said. “I think that was a big part of the decision today for [Paylor], but overall, I think he just felt more at home and more welcome at NC State.”

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