When D.J. Eliot took over as NC State’s defensive coordinator just before New Year’s Day, he set his sights on expanding the program’s recruiting footprint into the Northeast. The former Temple defensive coordinator and Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach brought strong regional ties he was eager to leverage—and the results are beginning to show.
Eliot has already helped land four defensive commitments from the Northeast, and now there’s a fifth. On Sunday, Camden (N.J.) Eastside three-star EDGE Elijah Satchell announced his commitment to NC State.
Satchell chose the Wolfpack over Kentucky and Northwestern, both of which hosted him for official visits prior to his trip to Raleigh. NC State appeared to have the momentum heading into his visit, and the staff sealed the deal with his pledge shortly after.
The 6-foot-1.5, 220-pound edge rusher developed a strong relationship with Eliot, who made multiple in-home and school visits during the recruiting process. That consistent presence helped NC State stand out from the competition.
“It’s always good [to see Coach Eliot] because he’s a Jersey guy, so I relate to him with a lot of stuff,” Satchell told TheWolfpacker.com in May. “He knows a lot of the area. It’s always good talking to him. He’s like family at this point.”
Ranked as the No. 22 prospect in New Jersey, Satchell recorded 57 total tackles, including 17 for loss and two sacks, during his junior season. His commitment gives NC State its first edge rusher in the current recruiting class—a crucial addition at a position of need.
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