NC State Football Joe Scurto reporter Spectacular Magazine
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Both Payton Wilson and Cyrus Fagan Suffer Season-Ending Injuries

Joe Scurto

RALEIGH NC – It was announced on Monday afternoon during coach Dave Doeren’s press conference that NC State has lost both Payton Wilson and Cyrus Fagan for the rest of the 2021 season. It is unknown about the specifics of the injuries, but Wilson was seen on the sidelines with an ice pack on his shoulder area during the 3rd quarter in Saturday’s 24-10 loss to Mississippi State.

“Payton Wilson and Cyrus Fagan both had season-ending injuries in that game, and I am not going to get into the details. Both will recover fully, but both will require surgery, and it is sad and heartbreaking.” You could see the pure disappointment from Doeren and how much he felt for these two players having their campaigns cut way too short. 

It is a massive blow to an improved Wolfpack defense, losing two star-caliber players who have shown tremendous production and leadership in their stints with the team. Wilson has arguably been the best linebacker in the ACC over the past two seasons, and even though he dealt with injuries throughout 2020, he was able to finish it off strong. 

Fagan was one of the many transfers that the Pack added over the offseason. The safety came over from an ACC rival in Florida State and was making a significant impact in the handful of quarters he played in. He was coming off an impressive debut with 7 total tackles and an interception in the season opener and looked poised to be one of the better defensive players on this Pack team.

“These are two guys that obviously are great players but great people that work hard. It is the ugly part about football, but the good news is that both of them will be fine post-surgery and recovery and will have a chance to continue their careers” said Doeren regarding both Wilson and Fagan.

Doeren alerted the media that Jaylon Scott would step in at the will linebacker position, and defensive captain duties would be handed over to Drake Thomas in Wilson’s absence. It is not ideal, especially following an ugly loss, but the Pack has shown plenty of resilience in the past, and there will still be room for growth.