As I threatened previously, my portion of ACC Kickoff interviews consisted of getting updates on some of the Triad’s homegrown talent. I took the opportunity to ask N.C. State coach Dave Doeren about the status of defensive backs Khalid Martin (East Forsyth) and Devan Boykin (Ragsdale), who both dealt with injuries last season. Martin, in particular, suffered a terrible spinal injury on national television that thankfully derailed only a season – not a career.
“They’re both cleared, they’re both doing well,” Doeren said. “I’m very excited for all the players who come back from injury, but particularly Khalid with what he dealt with. That was a serious, scary moment for him and his family, our fans and team. He ended up finishing spring ball and he’s had a good summer.”
Linebacker Payton Wilson was equally effusive about Martin and Boykin, but was more grateful than anything when reflecting on Martin’s gruesome injury.
“They are young guys that are great players, you know? They’ve learned a lot and they’ve also gone through some injuries. You know, Khalid got hurt last year and having him back is a blessing from God. He had a spinal injury. It’s awesome to have him back and to have him compete, healthy. He’s a great player who could potentially have a starting role this year.”
Later in the afternoon I took the opportunity to ask Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson about another local product, senior running back Christian Beal-Smith. Beal-Smith enters fall practice as the feature back in the Demon Deacons’ unique offense. Clawson reflected on Beal-Smith’s journey from recruitment to a starting job.
“Oh, Christian- he’s really come a long way,” he said. “I think when you’re local, and he comes from East Forsyth, there’s all this community pressure on you as soon as you go to Wake Forest, ‘Why aren’t you playing right away?’ When he goes home ‘Why aren’t you doing this, why aren’t you doing that?’ To his credit, he became a great special teams player, he started getting in the rotation with Cade and with Matt Colburn, and he’s just a really good football player, and he’s grown up a lot.
Clawson also took the time to tell a story that few in the assembled media knew. Beal-Smith ended his recruitment early, and committed to Wake Forest early. Many at that time found that odd.
“He’s one of the few people who you could say he’d have picked Wake Forest over any other school in the country,” Clawson said. “When I went and did my home visit with him he said, ‘Coach I want you to check out my room.’ And his entire room was covered with Wake posters for 15 years. And I said to our running back coach who was on the home visit with me, ‘This might be the only player in the country we could’ve beat Alabama and Clemson for.’ Which was neat- you want people who want you. He’s turned himself into a good player.”
Before leaving to pick over the remnants of the Bojangles’ spread outside the interview room, I also asked quarterback Sam Hartman what it was like to have his buddy as the feature back beside him in the offense
“We’ve been at Wake for the same amount of time, and I feel like he’s a brother to me,” Hartman said. “So it is nice to see him kind of get his shine by himself. I believe Christian is ready to step up and be that feature guy. He’s a cool dude, you know. He’s tough, he gets after it, and then off the field you’d never know that he was an ACC running back.”
And that, my friends, will wrap up my participation at ACC Kickoff 2021. I’m off to find my vehicle and head back to the mansion.
Are you ready for some football?
