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Big NC State Football Pledge Shares Cannonball Clip From Dave Doeren

A 2025 offensive lineman provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the NC State football head coach's personality as a recruiter.

Matt Giles

NC State football head coach Dave Doeren
NC State football head coach Dave Doeren / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Two weeks ago, Louisville Male High School (Ky.) rising senior Isaac Sowells Jr. capped off a two-pledge day for the NC State football program on the 2025 recruiting trail. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound center, son of former two-year Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Isaac Sowells Sr., committed to Dave Doeren and his crew over fellow finalists Kentucky and South Carolina.

ALSO READ: Two NC State Newcomers Land on National Watch Lists

And on Wednesday night, Sowell posted the celebratory welcome video he received from Doeren around the time of his announcement:

"Welcome to the Pack, buddy," Doeren said to Isaac "Spike" Sowells Jr. while flashing the Wolfpack hand signal as he geared up for his cannonball dive into the lake.

It took a couple of seconds for Doeren to resurface — Wolfpack hand signal first, of course.

"Go Pack, Spike," the 52-year-old hollered from the water.

There's no doubt that Dave Doeren, entering his 12th season at the helm in Raleigh, is continuing to create new ways to make a splash in recruiting.

Sowells, a promising bruiser who visited the Wolfpack several times before committing, ranks No. 515 overall and No. 33 among interior offensive lineman on the 247Sports 2025 Composite.

With 16 verbal commits in tow thus far, the 2025 NC State football recruiting haul currently ranks No. 49 overall in the country, per 247Sports, and No. 12 among ACC programs.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

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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