Juco Talent Catches Game-Winner Ahead of NC State Football Visit
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A pair of Sussex County Community College (N.J.) standouts will be along the sidelines when the NC State football team (3-3, 0-2 ACC) is warming up for its primetime home showdown against the Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1 ACC) at 8 p.m. ET Saturday (ACC Network).
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So, the duo of Malik Baker and Kai Hodge will get the chance to experience a "Pack in Black" Carter-Finley Stadium blackout as Dave Doeren's 12th Wolfpack squad looks to bounce back from its blown home lead late against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons this past Saturday.
Baker, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound zippy wide receiver with two years of eligibility remaining, was the first of the two to advertise his visit this week:
I will be at @PackFootball this Saturday
— Malik Baker (@Malikbaker_) October 9, 2024
Thanks for the opportunity @CoachAlexFaulk pic.twitter.com/Z38ogtHuf6
Roughly 48 hours later on Thursday night, Baker delivered the following touchdown grab with under a minute to play in previously 0-3 Sussex's 26-21 road win over Hudson Valley Community College:
Game winner! You can call him clutch. TD @Sussexfootball5 @Malikbaker_
— Justin Aaron (@JustinAaronUH91) October 11, 2024
The Skylanders win this one tonight.
9 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD’s. @JuCoFootballACE pic.twitter.com/KnqR5hLgdq
The stock-rising NC State football recruiting prospect finished the game with nine catches for 132 yards and two scores. That stat line brings his season totals to 29 receptions, 355 yards, and four touchdowns through the air.
As for Baker's Sussex teammate, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Hodge, one of the nation's top juco defensive backs, revealed his NC State visit plans via this post about an hour and a half after Baker announced his trip:
I’ll be at @PackFootball this weekend!@CoachAlexFaulk @31_CoachFAL pic.twitter.com/WrYgWpWs7c
— Kai Hodge ³ (@_kai_RB) October 9, 2024
Hodge, also a sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, has recorded five tackles, one interception, and two fumble recoveries through the Skylanders' 1-3 start.
A few plays vs #14 Lackawanna
— Kai Hodge ³ (@_kai_RB) September 29, 2024
3rd down pbu
2 FR
50 yd KR
back to work on monday @Sussexfootball5 🤝🏾@KrumichSports @CoachJrob2 pic.twitter.com/Iv3jFkdU01
ALSO READ: Recruit Drops Big Ten Pledge Following Wolfpack Visit
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.
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