NC State Wolfpack SI All-American Candidate Spotlight: DE Travali Price
Eleven of the 15 high school seniors that have committed to play their college football careers at NC State are among the 1,000 players nationwide identified by Sports Illustrated as candidates for the publication's 2020 High School All-American team.
Each day over a two-week stretch, SI's All Wolfpack will take a closer look at each of those players and how they project to help the program once they arrive on campus.
Today, it's defensive end Travali Price.
/college/recruiting/football/travali-price-highlights-evaluation
NC State fancies itself as Quarterback U and for good reason. But even with five quarterbacks currently in the NFL, the Wolfpack has sent more defensive linemen to the league over the past few years than any other position.
In Price, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound product of North Lincoln High School in Lincolnton, coach Dave Doeren has attracted a edge rusher with the potential to carry on that tradition.
Price has recorded 202 tackles, 21 tackles, five forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns in 27 games during his his first two varsity seasons.
Although he still has room to add some bulk and lower body stregth, his quick first step, balance and agility make him difficult to block. He has the ability to attack from stand up position, three or even four-point stance as a true edge or inside. if needed.
God bless! ❤️🐺COMMITED❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/OCZGpg5kOt
— Travali Price (@Travali18) June 19, 2020
Among the schools that were pursuing Price the hardest was ACC rival Virginia Tech. As it turned out, the Hokies' interest may have ended up working in State's favor after Doeren hired long-time Tech defensive line coach Charley Wiles to his staff in December.
"Coach Wiles is great," said Price, whose brother Jayden "Bird" Tate -- a 5-11, 245-pound nose tackle/long snapper -- has also committed to the Wolfpack. "He is the same that he was at VT. We understand each other. I like his setup. There is a trust factor there."
Here is how SI All-American evalutes him:
"Price is the type of edge presence who makes a living in the opposing backfield as a play disrupter. It’s not always versus the pass but the potential to develop that part of his game exists with his athleticism, including a strong first step and counter quickness. He could add mass and play inside on a more permanent basis or remain relatively trim and project as a versatile pass-rushing piece depending on the defensive scheme. There is multi-year starter potential here."
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