RALEIGH – There’s something Grayson McCall can’t help but do when he walks into NC State football’s Wendell H. Murphy Center.

Expected to be the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback when NC State opens the 2024 season on Aug. 29 against Western Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium, McCall’s face lights up when he walks into the football facilities.

“I’m really fired up to be here, and I don’t take it for granted,” McCall said Jan. 24 inside the Murphy Center.

“I wake up every morning and come into the building with a smile on my face, really, truly fired up to be here and looking forward to it. It’s gonna be a fun year.”

McCall is a part of an NC State transfer class that ranks 10th nationally, according to 247Sports. Only reigning ACC champion Florida State (4) and league runner-up Louisville (5) are ranked higher among ACC programs.

Grayson McCall goes from Coastal Carolina and turf to NC State and grass

A three-time Sun Belt Conference player of the year at Coastal Carolina, McCall completed 69.9% of his passes for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns in five seasons with the Chanticleers. He also ran for 1,113 yards and 18 TDs.

The Indian Trail native will spend his final season of eligibility with the Wolfpack, eager to show he can play against top-tier competition.

“I’m extremely blessed to be here. Kind of a dream come true for me to play at the Power Five level in the ACC. I grew up as a kid, really loving watching ACC football,” McCall said.

NC STATE 2024 SCHEDULE: NC State football schedule 2024: Here's every game for Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack

FROM DUKE TO NC STATE: Why running back Jordan Waters went from Duke to NC State football

“As a kid from down the road in Charlotte, it’s something I really envisioned myself doing as I grew older. Obviously, my career at Coastal gave me an opportunity to come here and play. It’s gonna be a challenge. This conference is very tough, but at the same time, I know we can be highly competitive. We have the tools, we have the coaching staff, we have all the resources we need to be extremely successful. Excited for the challenge.”

When asked about his memories of watching ACC football, McCall had a unique response.

“I’ve played on turf for four years, so when I think of the south – and the ACC and SEC – I think of the grass, the sunny noon games,” he said with a smile.

“As a little kid, you wake up, you smell the grass and you ultimately think football. Just watching a lot of these local teams … it’s been awesome to grow up and be involved in watching that.”

He’ll still have to deal with turf fields at some ACC venues this season, but Carter-Finley Stadium will give him seven opportunities to shine on natural grass.

Is Grayson McCall healthy after concussion?

McCall had more ups than downs in his time at Coastal Carolina, but his final season was challenging due to a head injury.

On Oct. 21 at Arkansas State, McCall was reportedly knocked unconscious and carted off the field before spending the night in a hospital. He missed the final six games of the 2023 season and entered the transfer portal.

“I feel great. I’m in a really good spot, especially mentally,” McCall said.

“All of the trials and tribulations I’ve been through throughout my career have prepped me for this moment. I’m ready to go, I don’t have a fear in the world. I’m confident in my game and where I am. I know I have to continue to get better each and every day, but I feel great. I’m healthy.”

What Grayson McCall brings to NC State’s offense

The opportunity to join NC State was too good for McCall to pass up.

When asked to provide a scouting report on himself, McCall discussed the challenge of learning a new offense before adding that he's equipped to handle it.

“A lot of people like to say I played in a unique offense (at Coastal), where guys are wide open. How could you not be in this offense and be successful?” McCall said.

“But I think when you turn on the tape, you see a guy who has very good pocket presence, is very aware in what’s going on in protections and defensive identification … and a leader.

“When you turn on the film, you see a tough guy who’s there for his teammates and kind of takes charge. Definitely a dual-threat guy that can get it done in the air and make a defense defend his legs as well. I think that’s what I’m gonna bring to the table.”

College Football Playoff on McCall's mind

The arrival of the new 12-team College Football Playoff field will provide an opportunity for the six highest-ranked conference champions — which will receive automatic bids — and the six highest-ranked teams remaining to round out the bracket.

Chasing the chance to be one of those 12 squads was a constant theme in conversations with NC State’s transfers, including McCall.

“Our expectation is to be in the final 12 at the end of the year," McCall said.

"Obviously, we want to win the ACC. … Taking it week by week, but we have a good foundation that was built on a lot of success that’s happened here over the years. You just build on it with the transfers and this freshman class. The expectations are really high. We want to win and we expect to win. That’s the reason I’m here.”

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football's Grayson McCall talks College Football Playoff