Elite FCS linebacker AJ Richardson entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4 after excelling for two seasons with the Norfolk State Spartans. Exactly three weeks later on Christmas Day, the 6-foot-1, 245-pound talent announced his commitment to 12th-year NC State football head coach Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack for next season.
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Richardson, who toured the campus last week after landing an offer from Doeren & Co., is NC State's first transfer addition on the defensive side of the ball this cycle. He'll arrive in Raleigh with two years of eligibility remaining.
The former unrated recruit out of Kings Mountain, N.C., revealed his decision to suit up for NC State via the following post, including scenes from his Wolfpack photoshoot:
AGTG! COMMITTED!! pic.twitter.com/FemtUR8vH3
As a reigning All-MEAC First Team selection and former FCS Freshman All-American, AJ Richardson racked up offers from Western Kentucky, UMass, Marshall, UTEP, Tennessee Tech, and the Wolfpack's upcoming Military Bowl opponent, ECU. But the NC State football offer was the last one he reported.
This year, the versatile Richardson led the MEAC with his 100 tackles, appearing in every contest across the Spartans' 4-8 campaign. His season stat sheet also included 9.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one quarterback hurry, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
NC State's current transfer collection consists of five prizes and ranks No. 60 in the country, per 247Sports.
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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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