<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=344bGS_0ustEdr900" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=344bGS_0ustEdr900" width="1146" height="600" >Given the acceleration of the recruiting calendar in recent years, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/">NC State</a>'s Alpha Wolf Showcase has become more about underclassmen. Clinton (S.C.) standout <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Tre-Aiken-46149082">Tre Aiken</a>, one of its top 2026 targets, attended the event a few weeks ago.It was the 6-foot-3, 286-pound Aiken's second trip to Raleigh and the visit was a huge success. "I definitely felt more comfortable," said Aiken, who was offered by State earlier this summer. "It's always a pleasure working with (offensive line) coach (Garett) Tujague and I enjoyed getting the work in."Considering he's visited the Wolfpack multiple times, Aiken's been able to get a good feel for the program, and there are a few things that stand out about what State head coach Dave Doeren and his staff have built."I love the bond between the players and coaches," Aiken said. "It's a family-based program that not only helps you become a better player, but a better man."Although it's early in his recruitment, Aiken has connected well with Tujague. Aiken is impressed with his enthusiasm, passion and intelligence when it comes to developing offensive linemen."Our relationship is developing pretty good and I feel like we have a great relationship," said Aiken, who also holds offers from Florida, Duke, Wake Forest, Kentucky and Virginia Tech among others. "He's energetic and always motivates you. I like everything about him. He's always stressing to me about how important it is to get better every day."Working with him at Alpha Wolf was amazing. He's very knowledgeable and very wise."Although he hasn't set a date, Aiken plans to return to State for a game this fall, and he's excited to see what Carter-Finley Stadium is like on a game day."I'm looking forward to seeing the atmosphere and fan support," Aiken said. "I also want to see how everyone comes together."Besides the Wolfpack, Aiken mentioned likely in-season trips to Duke, Wake Forest, Florida and Clemson.While the recruiting process is important, Aiken's main focus is Clinton's upcoming season. The Red Devils are coming off a 10-3 campaign, which included a district championship. Now, Aiken and his teammates hope to take the next step."State championship is the goal," Aiken said. "It's going to take everybody giving everything we have. We have to give our all -- that extra one percent."Not a VIP subscriber to Pack Pride? <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/UserSubscription/New/?promo=JOIN">Sign up now</a> to get access to everything R. Cory Smith, Michael Clark and the entire Pack Pride team have to offer on all things NC State and access to the No. 1 site covering the Wolfpack.Sign up for FREE text alerts to get breaking news on commitments, decommitments, transfers, injuries, coaching changes and much more with our NEW text alert system available to all registered users and VIP subscribers. <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/User/New/">Click Here</a> to become a FREE registered user and <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/my/settings/alerts">Click Here</a> if you are already a VIP subscriber.Want the latest news on NC State delivered right to your email? <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/distribution/signup/">Subscribe to the Pack Pride newsletter here</a>. It is free and a great way to get daily updates on NC State football, basketball, baseball, recruiting and more delivered straight to your inbox.</div></body>

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Punishing OT Tre Aiken enjoys return trip to NC State

Given the acceleration of the recruiting calendar in recent years, NC State's Alpha Wolf Showcase has become more about underclassmen. Clinton (S.C.) standout Tre Aiken, one of its top 2026 targets, attended the event a few weeks ago. It was the 6-foot-3, 286-pound Aiken's second trip to Raleigh and the...