Preston Douglas Flips To NC State: "It's The Best Fit For Me"

NC State just landed a commitment from The Benjamin School (FL) star tight end Preston Douglas‍, and he discussed his commitment with Inside Pack Sports in this exclusive Q&A.

Douglas was previously committed to South Carolina before flipping to the Wolfpack.  

Why NC State?
I’ve had some great conversations with the coaches.  I’ve always really liked NC State, even from the start.  The campus was great when I visited, and a big part to my decision is how they use their tight end.  Justin Joly is having a great season, and ultimately it’s the best fit for me.

You took an unofficial visit to NC State back in March. What was that trip like?
I though it was great. I had great conversations with the coaches, and they seemed liked great leaders.  The campus is great, and I love the stadium.

Everything like that was cool.  They have some great stuff going on up there.

I believe you and coach Doeren are from the same area. Is that correct?
Yes, sir.  Coach Doeren is from my hometown.

Has that come up in discussions before?
[Laughing] Definitely.  The first time I met him in my coach’s office we connected because of it.  Even now we still talk a lot about back home and BBQ.   That’s a big talking point back home, and it did help us connect a little bit.

You mentioned earlier Justin Joly. What do you like about his game?
Well, I think he can do it all for a tight end.  Traditionally we get stuck doing one thing, whether’s just block or only go out for passes, but the game is changing.  You see tight ends now like Brock Bowers and Travis Kelce who can do it all, and he’s doing a great job of showing he can be a real threat, a lot like them.

You’ve been committed to South Carolina before flipping to NC State.  How long did you maintain discussions with NC State?
We maintained occastional discussions, but recently it became more heavy.   Coach Joker Phillips recruits my area and stayed in contact with my high school coach.  They made it clear they were going to continue recruiting me.

NC State also has a young quarterback in CJ Bailey from Florida.  With him being a true freshman and potentially being at NC State for a few years, did that play a role in your decision?
That’s amazing to see.  Watching him throw and show he can play at that high of a level so early, it’s great.  I think he already has a couple 300-yard passing games. 

It’s huge for me to come in there and build a connection with him.  He has great size and playmaking skills.

Are you an early enrollee?
No, I’m not.

Who were some of the other schools you’d heard from?
Well, I was committed to South Carolina, but I could have opened it up even more.  Indiana, Maryland, Syracuse, and some others were on me, but NC State was No. 2  when I picked South Carolina, and it was close. 

I kept that relationship with them, so I didn’t even really look at it like I was opening back up my recruitment. It was more flipping from South Carolina to NC State.

What is your current hieght and weight?
I’m 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds.

What does it feel like to be committed now to NC State?
It feels great.  I love football, and I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and a lot of people have helped me along the way.  You can’t take this for granted, and I’m excited to go in there and make an impact at NC State.