Exclusive: Quarterback Devin Leary will return to NC State next season

RALEIGH — N.C. State redshirt sophomore quarterback Devin Leary told the USA Today Network on Wednesday that he will return next year for his fifth season with the Wolfpack.

"I know there is a lot more on the table that I can do next year and that's where I'm going to be," said Leary, who spoke to the USA Today Network while visiting his hometown of Sicklerville, N.J. "I'm going to be at N.C. State next year. I'm going to get to reflect on everything I did this year and continue to get better in the offseason so I can lay it all on the line next season."

More: NC State football already reloading for next year. Who else will join the Wolfpack in 2022?

Leary, a member of the Class of 2018, played a huge role in the Wolfpack's success this season. He threw for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns during the regular season, completing 65.7% of his passes with only five interceptions. N.C. State (9-3) will face UCLA (8-4) in the Dec. 28 Holiday Bowl with the chance for its first 10-win season since 2002.

Listen to the full interview with Devin Leary

https://bleav.com/shows/nc-state/episodes/episode-5-nc-states-devin-leary-joins-the-show/

Leary was redshirted in 2018 and split time as a starter in 2019. He suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4 against Duke in 2020 and was replaced by Bailey Hockman.

Leary will be the obvious starter going into next season with Ben Finley and redshirt freshman Aaron McLaughlin continuing to serve as his backup. N.C. State will also bring in Carrollton High School quarterback MJ Morris from the Class of 2022 next season.

Leary also said that fellow redshirt sophomore and All-ACC linebacker Payton Wilson will return to N.C. State after suffering a season-ending injury against Mississippi State.

The two are roommates.

Wilson told the USA Today Network in November that he was undecided and considering entering the NFL Draft. Linebacker Isaiah Moore announced in November that he would return for another season.

"For him (Wilson), this injury was really tough," Leary said. "He had high expectations but he's going to come a lot better and I'm excited for him and for the world to see. He's hungry and he's ready to come back."

Wilson's return will bolster one of the best defenses in the country that will also return All-ACC first-team defensive tackle Cory Durden, defensive back Cyrus Fagan and defensive back Derrek Pitts.

On Wednesday evening, safety Tanner Ingle announced on social media he would return as well.

"After a lot of prayer and talks with my family, my time here at NC State has been nothing short of amazing," Ingle said in a social media post. "With that being said, I still have unfinished business to handle.

David Thompson is an award-winning reporter for the USA Today Network covering NC State and Duke athletics. He can be reached at dthompson1@gannett.com, at 828-231-1747, or on Twitter at @daveth89.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Exclusive: NC State's Devin Leary will return to Wolfpack next season