By Brian Murphy, WRAL News

Stanford Cardinal
NC State Wolfpack
ACC Network | Saturday, November 2nd 12:00 PM EDT

The medical retirement of NC State quarterback Grayson McCall, which he announced last week on social media, was all but certain after he was diagnosed with another concussion after the Wolfpack’s Oct. 5 game against Wake Forest, coach Dave Doeren said.

“We kind of knew after the game,” Doeren said Monday in his first public comments since McCall announced his decision.

“If he had another one that that was probably it. And it was pretty quick. It was more a matter of the steps that he wanted to take and when he was ready to make it a public thing. It’s a big step to make that announcement and have to say those words, even though you know that it’s probably happening.”

McCall said it was in his “best interest to hang the cleats up” after consulting with brain specialists and his family. McCall is expected to discuss his decision to step away Tuesday.

“I was happy for him that he was able to do it his way,” Doeren said. “That was a tough week, as it is for any player. But when it ends without it being your choice, when, basically, God is telling you it’s time to stop.”

McCall, who was lightly recruited out of Indian Trail, threw for more than 10,000 yards in his career which spanned parts of six seasons. He was a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year at Coastal Carolina before transferring to NC State for the 2024 season.

McCall suffered a significant concussion that ended his 2023 season and was knocked out of two games this season, including Oct. 5 against Wake Forest when he took a violent hit. His helmet popped off and he was hit again in the head.

McCall left the field on a cart, was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a concussion. He left the hospital that night.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment,” McCall wrote on social media. “Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field. I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last. I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of.”

McCall said he wants to pursue a career in coaching, something Doeren endorsed. McCall has been at practice, helping coach the Wolfpack’s quarterbacks and is still a team captain.

“He’s out there giving them advice, talking to them about what he sees,” Doeren said. “He loves the game of football. He loves the brotherhood of football, and he’s going to be really good if that’s the path.”

NC State (4-4, 1-3 in the ACC) hosts conference newcomer Stanford (2-6, 1-4) at noon on Saturday (ACC Network). NC State had its first open week of the season after playing eight consecutive weeks.

True freshman CJ Bailey, who replaced McCall at quarterback, is coming off back-to-back 300-yard passing games, including 306 in NC State’s comeback victory against Cal on October 19. He has eight touchdowns and four interceptions on the season.

“Can’t say enough about CJ Bailey and his improvement, how he’s grown not just as a player but as a leader,” Doeren said. “Finding chemistry with his guys.”

Source: wralsportsfan.com