NC State has added another key piece to its defense with the commitment of former Northwestern linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. The Wolfpack continues to revamp its defensive unit, bringing in Soares Jr. alongside previous linebacker additions AJ Richardson and Sterling Dixon from the winter transfer portal window.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, Soares Jr. joined the Wildcats in 2022 and redshirted his first year. In 2023, he posted 37 tackles (including four for loss and two sacks) and added two pass breakups. This past season, he recorded 20 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss.
Over two seasons, Soares Jr. appeared in 24 games for Northwestern. Originally from Avon, Connecticut, he was anticipated to compete for a starting role this offseason before entering the transfer portal on March 13. Less than a month later, he committed to NC State.
Rated as a three-star transfer and the No. 78 linebacker in the portal by 247Sports, Soares Jr. is set to graduate from Northwestern in just three years, entering NC State as a graduate transfer.
Stay tuned to Pack Pride for more updates on Soares Jr.’s addition to the Wolfpack.
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