NC State just added a big-time boost to its 2026 recruiting class - and they didn’t have to look far to find it.
Damaad Lewis, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound EDGE rusher out of Myers Park High School in Charlotte, has committed to the Wolfpack. The three-star in-state standout had previously signed with Florida State in December but reopened his recruitment earlier this month after being granted a release from his National Letter of Intent. That opened the door for NC State, and they didn’t waste any time walking through it.
Lewis brings a rare blend of size, strength, and explosiveness off the edge - the kind of traits that make defensive coordinators take notice. During his senior season at Myers Park, he racked up 42 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 17 quarterback hurries. Those numbers don’t just look good on paper - they paint the picture of a disruptive force who lived in opposing backfields and consistently made quarterbacks uncomfortable.
What stands out about Lewis is his motor. He doesn’t just win with physical tools - though he’s got plenty of those - but with relentless effort. Whether it’s chasing down plays from the backside or collapsing the pocket on third down, he plays with the kind of edge that fits right into what NC State wants to build on defense.
Recruiting-wise, Lewis is a consensus three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 19 player in North Carolina for the 2026 cycle, according to Rivals. That’s not just a solid get - it’s a statement. NC State continues to do work in its own backyard, keeping homegrown talent in-state and adding depth to a defensive front that’s shaping up to be a real strength in this class.
With Lewis in the fold, the Wolfpack now sit at 27 prep commitments for 2026. It’s another smart pickup for a program that’s quietly stacking pieces on defense - and Lewis has the tools to be a difference-maker once he hits the field in Raleigh.