Wolfpack In The Mix For Florida Defensive Lineman
In a state loaded with talent, Flagler Palm Coast (FL) DL Colby Cronk emerged as one Florida’s most productive defensive linemen in 2023.
From his defensive end position, Cronk (6-3, 245 pounds) tallied 75 tackles, 12 sacks, and an impressive 27 tackles for loss and 47 QB hurries during his junior season. He also chipped in a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Against Ponte Vedra, Cronk recorded 13 tackles, three sacks, and six tackles for loss.
That kind of production has led to scholarship offers from the likes of NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, Pittsburgh, Iowa State, and South Florida, among others.
Cronk recently told Inside Pack Sports that all of the college attention is like a dream come true.
“It’s been really exciting so far. It’s really cool being a part of the process. Every kid grows up dreaming of playing football in college at the Power Five level because it’s on TV and all that, so it’s pretty cool. It’s certainly an honor for sure.”
Cronk recently got his first look at NC State, and while it was an abbreviated trip, he enjoyed his initial visit to Raleigh.
“I liked everything I saw. I wasn’t able to get to the campus because it was on a Sunday and it was shortened. But I was able to see the facilities and the stadium, and from what I saw I really liked it. I’m considering coming back up for an unofficial in the spring to watch a practice.”
While Joe DeForest stopped by Flagler to see Cronk a few weeks back, Charley Wiles could potentially be his position coach in college should he choose NC State.
“I love coach Wiles,” said Cronk. “He’s a funny guy and he cracks me up, but he definitely knows what he’s talking about. He’s produced a lot of all stars and NFL players and he’s a really good guy, too.”
Cronk currently plays in a four man front so there would be a learning curve of sorts should he line up for the Pack. He gave his thoughts on potentially playing in a three man alignment.
“I like it. So originally, my freshman year in high school we had a different defensive coordinator and he retired but we ran a three man front. So I have a little bit of experience with it. But when I was up there on my trip we went over it, evaluated film, and I liked it a lot. I think I can fit in with it.”
In addition to NC State, Cronk has several other schools that he’s keeping a close eye on.
“I’m looking at Wake Forest. I know they’re a rival but they’ve been showing me some interest. Iowa State, too. They just offered me a couple of weeks ago. I met with PITT and I’m talking with FSU a little bit too.”
Cronk is still weighing his options but hopes to make a final decision sometime this summer. For now, it sounds like the Pack could be a serious consideration whenever that time comes.
“I don’t know that I have any favorites but I’ve kind of narrowed it down to the ones I said, especially NC State. But I’m still open. I haven’t committed or anything. But I’d like to make a decision at least before the season starts.”
Cronk is rated a three-star prospect by 24/7.
