So long, magic big-play-making man.
Pharoah McKever, fifth-year senior and noted big-play maker, will spend his final year of eligibility elsewhere this fall. According to The Wolfpacker, McKever will graduate this semester and transfer for more playing time at another school.
And I can’t blame him for that—McKever never could crack the rotation at either defensive end or tight end at NC State, which was not going to change this fall. The coaching staff did what it could to find the right spot for him, but he has played at the two positions that are maybe the deepest in the program, which is just a tough break.
Despite not logging a ton of snaps at NC State, McKever certainly hasn’t lacked for big plays. His pick-six against Syracuse in 2014 altered the entire course of that game, helping halt a four-game losing streak. If not for that, who knows if State even gets bowl eligible that season.
In October, McKever blocked a Notre Dame punt that resulted in the game’s only touchdown. This is from the N&O’s Joe Giglio after that Wolfpack victory:
Snaps have been scarce this season, he had only played on seven in the first four games before Saturday. So before the bye week, McKever said he texted Doeren and asked him if there were any spots on special teams.
Doeren thought McKever’s size could help against teams who like to use a rugby-style punt. McKever actually ended up making his block on what was supposed to be set up as a return.
“When my number is called, I have to step up and take advantage of the opportunity,” McKever said.
(Good call on that one, btw, Dave.)
McKever was always looking for opportunities, and he never got many, but he damn sure made the best of the ones he did get. He’ll be missed, and I’ll be rooting hard for him at his next stop.
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