The Wolfpack’s offseason has taken an unexpected turn as more than two dozen players report to a leadership training program headed by Lt. Col. Mike Erwin, a West Point graduate and Army Reserve officer who has built a reputation for shaping leaders on and off the field.
A Leadership Council Takes Shape
The initiative, which blends classroom sessions with group discussions, is designed to teach the athletes how to align their behavior with their words, fostering a culture where accountability becomes second nature.
Quarterback CJ Bailey, who initially questioned the relevance of such a program, now speaks of it as a turning point, saying the lessons have helped him see leadership as a daily practice rather than a title.
Head coach Dave Doeren has noticed a subtle but measurable shift in the locker room, describing the atmosphere as more cohesive and confident, traits he believes will be essential when the team opens the upcoming season.
Beyond the gridiron, the program is part of a larger ambition to capture the Atlantic Coast Conference championship for the first time since 1979, a goal that has energized both players and staff.
The model is already spreading, with other NC State athletic programs looking to adopt similar leadership curricula, signaling a university‑wide commitment to developing well‑rounded competitors.
Colby Cronk, Duke Scott and Boo Corrigan, key figures in the athletic department, have championed the effort, emphasizing that the skills being cultivated will ripple across every varsity team.