NC State Football: Mic'd Up 300-Pounder Performs Rain Dance
Following only six appearances as a freshman in Raleigh, Brandon Cleveland saw action on the defensive line in all 13 games — albeit in a backup role — for a 2023 NC State football squad that finished 9-4 overall and No. 21 in the AP Top 25 Poll. He tallied 28 tackles, including three sacks, and forced a couple of fumbles along the way.
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Now, less than a week into fall camp, it looks as though the 6-foot-4, 300-pound nose tackle is determined to dial his impact up a notch as a junior and leader on the defensive line for a 2024 Wolfpack team that will begin the year at No. 22 in the Coaches Poll.
Cleveland's next-level passion, not to mention noticeable respect from his teammates and coaches, are on display in the 96-second inside look below courtesy of NC State football social media.
After trying to trick a few guys into believing that he's not mic'd up, the former composite four-star recruit from Tampa, Fla., is seen punishing the sleds and the Wolfpack's interior offensive linemen before engaging in some amusing stomach-rubbing in the rain at the end:
Win the Mic’d up@brandonvibes25 | #1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/W0nTdDBzSz
— NC State Football (@PackFootball) August 7, 2024
Brandon Cleveland and the Wolfpack kick off their 2024 campaign at home against Western Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 29.
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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.