Published: 04:31 PM, Wed Nov 28, 2012
Region Wolfpack commits mostly holding firm with NCSU
Gray's Creek offensive lineman Patrick Roane was at the gym beginning a workout Sunday when a text popped up on his cellphone.
The text was from Roane's sister, who had just seen the news on ESPN - Tom O'Brien had been fired as N.C. State's head football coach.
Roane is one of four Cape Fear region seniors who had made verbal commitments to play for the Wolfpack next season.
"I was shocked,'' Roane said. "I didn't see it coming at all. When you have winning seasons like Coach O'Brien did, and go to three straight bowl games, you don't expect to get fired after that.''
The reaction was much the same from Jack Britt receiver Jalen McDaniel, Scotland linebacker Artemis Robinson and South Columbus athlete Pharoah McKever.
South Columbus coach Jake Fonvielle said McKever's immediate concern was if N.C. State would honor the scholarship offer the 6-foot-6, 210-pounder.
"Once they put out a statement they were going to honor all the commitments, he decided he'd stick with N.C. State,'' Fonvielle said. "He really like Coach O'Brien and it was a shock when he was fired. But I think Pharoah was committed to the school, not just the head coach.''
Roane said Wednesday he's also remaining committed to the Wolfpack. Roane also said he'd spoken with offensive linemen Cole Blakenship from Mocksville and Tylar Reagan from Fruit Cove, Fla., and both had reconfirmed their pledges to the Wolfpack.
McDaniel, who is preparing for Saturday's state 4-AA championship game, could not be reached for comment. He told The Wolfpacker website on the Rivals.com network he remains committed to N.C. State, but said he may consider other options. One factor for McDaniel will be whether any of O'Brien's coaching staff is retained, especially his primary recruiter, Jim Bridge.
Scotland's Robinson was the only one of the four region players who may be having second thoughts.
"Right now I'm still talking with my parents about it,'' he said. "We're going to see what happens in the future at N.C. State as far as the new head coach. I'm going to sit back and see what happens.''
N.C. State has already interviewed one candidate to replace O'Brien in Sonny Dykes of Louisiana Tech. Dykes, who has directed the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record this season, spoke with Wolfpack officials Tuesday.
"No matter who the coach is, I'm going to buy into their system, give 100 percent and execute to the best of my ability,'' Roane said.
Staff writer Sammy Batten can be reached at battens@fayobserver.com or 486-3534.