NC State quarterback CJ Bailey started out hot Saturday against Stanford. He completed 40- and 30-yard passes within his first six attempts, helping the Wolfpack jump out to a 10-point lead in the second quarter of the Week 10 ACC game.
Then Bailey went from hot to scorching. The true freshman finished the game by completing his final 14 passes, including a trio of touchdowns, while NC State rolled to a 59-28 win over the Cardinal.
Bailey exited in the fourth quarter 18-for-20 passing with 234 yards and three touchdowns. His 90% completion rate on the afternoon is the best for the program since Philip Rivers was on campus in the early 2000s.
That supreme accuracy earned Bailey 247Sports True Freshman of the Week honors for Week 10.
“I think I really improved on staying relaxed,” Bailey said, via Pack Pride. “I got a little antsy with a couple games before. It’s getting to that point where it’s just like everything is smooth, everything is perfect. Let’s just continue to build off of that because it’s felt like everything is in control.”
A relaxed Bailey is a scary thing for opposing defenses, because he’s been great from the jump for NC State.
Bailey is playing a lot in 2024 due to an unfortunate injury situation with the Wolfpack’s season-opening starter Grayson McCall, who was forced to retire earlier this year due to a series of concussions. That’s led to Bailey making five starts and seeing significant action in seven games.
There have been some shaky moments, but mostly Bailey’s excelled. He’s completed 69.5% of his passes on the year with 1,610 passing yards and 11 touchdowns against four interceptions. He carries a 78.6 PFF grade on the season, which is best among all true freshmen this season. He’s the only player with 100-plus attempts to post a grade better than 65.
Bailey very much looks like a future star in the making for NC State.
247Sports ranked the 6-foot-6, 190-pound Bailey as the nation’s No. 24 quarterback and state of Florida’s No. 51 overall prospect. A Miami native who attended Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Bailey picked the Wolfpack over offers from Georgia, Louisville and a late pursuit by the nearby Hurricanes.
Bailey was a multiyear starter for Chaminade-Madonna, the South Florida powerhouse, leading the school to a state championship as a sophomore. He finished his high school career with 9,005 passing yards and 116 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
Here’s 247Sports’ high school evaluation of Bailey, via 247Sports director of Andrew Ivins:
“The point man at one of South Florida’s top high school programs over the past few years. Owns a bit of an unorthodox throwing motion with a lower release point, but has the size that everyone covets at the quarterback position and isn’t afraid to challenge tight coverage windows. Showed plenty of potential as both a sophomore and junior, but really hit his stride as a senior, torching a pair of nationally-ranked defenses for 300-plus yards. Climbs well in the pocket and can quickly distribute the ball in the face of pressure. Seems to be at his best when he can establish a wide base and use it as his launching point. Had the luxury of getting bailed out every now and then by legitimate blue-chip talent like Jeremiah Smith, but still had his fair share of moments on the big stage, and exits high school with a 38-2 record as a starter. Has to cut down on the mistakes, and is likely going to need plenty of refinement before he’s ready to go on Saturday’s, but has developmental upside. Could always get a look somewhere else on offense given rare athletic profile: Over 6-foot-6 with a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash, 4.4 in the short shuttle, and a 29-inch vertical jump.”
PREVIOUS TRUE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK WINNERS
Week 1: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina EDGE
Week 2: Nick Marsh, Michigan State WR
Week 3: Caden Durham, LSU RB
Week 4: Isaac Wilson, Utah QB
Week 5: Ryan Williams, Alabama WR
Week 6: Koi Perich, Minnesota safety
Week 7: Isaac Brown, Louisville RB
Week 8: Jadan Baugh, Florida RB
Week 9: Jay Crawford, Auburn CB
