Between high school prospects and players from the transfer portal, NC State had one of its best wide receiver hauls in recent memory during the the 2024 recruiting cycle
But given the increased importance at the position, the Wolfpack must stack classes of big-time playmakers. With three receivers committed, it’s well on its way. However, State still hopes to add at least one more, and would love for four-star Winston Salem (N.C.) Mount Tabor standout Shamarius “Snook” Peterkin to pull the trigger.
Over the weekend, the 6-foot-2, 172-pound Peterkin officially visited the Wolfpack and enjoyed his two-day stay in Raleigh.
“The visit went well,” Peterkin said, who’s also considering Virginia Tech and UNC. “It was a good experience — being around the coaches — and getting to know them more. I also liked being around the players. My host was KC (Kevin Concepcion) and it was good getting to talk to him.
“It’s a school I’m really thinking about. They’ve been on me since my sophomore year and always keep in contact. They’ve worked to build that bond even stronger. Coach Joker (Phillips) always talks to me — I can talk to him anytime I want.
“My favorite part was talking to KC and getting his side of why he picked NC State. Also, talking to him about the school. And then spending time with coach Joker and getting to know him more face-to-face.”
Like Peterkin, Concepcion was one of the top in-state players in his respective class. Couple that with the two playing the same position and it made for an easy connection.
“He was really just telling me NC State’s a good place,” Peterkin said. “He said coach Joker is a great coach who could develop me on and off the field. He also talked to me about the school and the offense. He really went from subject to subject.”
Arguably the biggest reason State’s a contender for Peterkin is his relationship with Phillips, which dates back to his ninth grade year. Since Peterkin’s first time on campus, the two have forged a strong bond.
“Outside of all the meetings, we had one-on-one conversations laughing and joking,” Peterkin said. “We talked about life and how my summer was going. We also talked about high school football and how summer workouts are going.
“Coach Joker always keeps it real with me. There’s no sugarcoating or anything like that. Like I said, I can talk to him anytime I want about anything.”
Prior to heading home, Peterkin and his family sat down with NC State head coach Dave Doeren, and the meeting went well.
“His message was to really just think about it,” Peterkin said. “He said they’re always here if I’m ready to make the decision to go to NC State.”
While he’s in no hurry to make a decision, Peterkin will soon discuss his future plans with his family.
“Next is just to really think about it and talk to my parents,” Peterkin said. “I really have to think about it by myself in terms of where I want to go.
“I’m not sure when I’ll make my decision — but real soon. Again, I just have to really think about it.”
As a junior, Peterkin caught 42 passes for 824 yards (19.6 yards per reception) with 12 touchdowns. Special teams-wise, he returned seven kickoffs for 210 yards, and five punts for 122 yards and a score.
He’s a Top247 prospect, 21st-ranked receiver in his class and No. 6 player in North Carolina according to 247Sports.
