Wolfpack impress Pankey

Hamilton (Ohio) offensive lineman Adam Pankey made an unofficial visit to NC State last fall, taking in the Wolfpack's homecoming game. The 6-5, 290-pound returned to Raleigh earlier this month for an official visit.

"It was my first official visit, so a lot of things were new to me," Pankey said. "I didn't get to see the campus before, but I got to see the campus this time. I just like pretty much everything down there."

Pankey did the normal official visit activities, including talking with the coaching staff and attending NC State's home contest against Georgia Tech. One aspect of the visit that made a particularly strong impression on the Ohio lineman was talking with the players on the team.

"My player-host was Zach Allen," Pankey said. "I talked with him and another one of the guys one-on-one when none of the coaches were around and getting some feedback. They only had good things to say about the offensive line coach."

NC State foresees Pankey being able to play either the offensive guard or offensive tackle positions. That plan suits Pankey well, and he has the Wolfpack sitting comfortably in his top group.

"I think they are one of my top three teams," Pankey said. "They have been showing me interest since my sophomore year and I really know Coach [Don] Horton pretty well now."

Pittsburgh and Illinois round out Pankey's top three, and official visits to those programs are now being planned.

"I'm going to Pitt on an official on [October] 22nd," Pankey said. "I am trying to make an official with Illinois too. I might make an official visit to West Virginia because I haven't been out there yet. After all that is out of the way I definitely am going to sit down, talk it over with my family and see where I am at and what I want to do."

Pankey's immediate priority is helping his Hamilton High team reach the post-season. He is still enjoying the recruiting process and does not feel rushed to make a decision.

"I think my recruiting process has been real good," Pankey said. "It's been a lot of fun and no one has been pressuring me with anything. I've been taking my time and really getting to know these colleges and how they work."