Grayson McCall Out: Freshman CJ Bailey to Start for NC State at Clemson

NC State has one of their biggest ACC tests of 2024 on the horizon as they head to Death Valley to take on Clemson. They’ll be led on offense by true freshman CJ Bailey, who is making his first collegiate start.

NC State is making a move to true freshman CJ Bailey as the starting quarterback for their Week 4 matchup against Clemson in Death Valley, head coach Dave Doeren announced. Bailey stepped in during NC State’s 30-20 win over Louisiana Tech after Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall went down with an undisclosed injury. McCall is considered “day-to-day.”

“CJ will start the game,” Doeren informed the media at his weekly press conference. “It’s his team. We’ll take it one day at a time with Grayson, and when he’s ready to play, he’ll be back.”

Doeren’s decision not to bring in a veteran backup through the transfer portal appears justified, as Bailey impressed during spring practices and proved his potential in the win over Louisiana Tech.

Bailey Brings the Wolfpack Back

After entering the game with NC State trailing 17-6 at halftime, Bailey remained composed, making decisive throws and showcasing his playmaking ability. He led the Wolfpack on three second-half scoring drives, helping them outscore the Bulldogs 24-3 and sealing the win with his first collegiate touchdown.

“I think it’s just poise,” Doeren said when asked about the most impressive part of Bailey’s performance against Louisiana Tech. “He just went out there and played the game. Whether he was throwing the football or scrambling, throwing it away, rushing for some tough yards at times to extend the chains, he did a really good job just managing it and playing fast, and he looked really poised. So that was good to see.”

Bailey now prepares for his first start against Clemson, a significant test for the young quarterback as he looks to build on his strong debut performance.

Who is CJ Bailey?

CJ Bailey, a Hollywood, Florida native, was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked the No. 27 quarterback in the 2024 class. During his senior season at Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Bailey threw for an impressive 3,125 yards and 47 touchdowns. Over his high school career, he amassed 9,005 passing yards and 116 touchdowns, showcasing his prolific arm.

In last week’s NC State game against Louisiana Tech, Bailey stepped in for the injured Grayson McCall and completed 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He also added 27 rushing yards and a score, helping the Wolfpack rally to a 30-20 victory.

Bailey is now set to make his first college start in a daunting environment for NC State at Clemson, facing one of the top defenses in the nation. The Tigers’ formidable front seven will undoubtedly try to pressure the young quarterback, making this a significant early test for the true freshman.

NC State has defeated Clemson in two of their last three matchups, but it hasn’t won at Clemson since 2002, when Philip Rivers led the Wolfpack to a win over the Tigers.

Can the freshman lead the Wolfpack into Clemson and create college football history in his first collegiate start?