Name: AJ Prim
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Pearl River C.C. (Poplarville, MS)
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 255 pounds
Recruiting Coach: Charley Wiles
Early Enrollee: Yes
Recruiting Background: Prim’s recruitment primarily took off at the junior college level, where he received offers during his final season from several schools, including Coastal Carolina, App State, Houston, Boise State, North Texas, and West Virginia, just before his commitment. However, NC State was clearly a frontrunner from the start.
The agile EDGE player made an official visit to Raleigh and committed shortly after. A key factor in his decision to choose NC State was the dedication shown by Associate AD and Director of Strength and Conditioning, Dantonio Burnette, towards his development.
“He’s been there for 23 years,” Prim remarked after his visit. “He played for NC State and ranks among the all-time leading tacklers. He’s a great guy. Their strength and conditioning program is top-notch, and they effectively develop their athletes. He was very thorough in his approach and emphasized translating weight room gains onto the field.”
Now, Prim is poised to join the Wolfpack program and embark on this new chapter.
Scouting Report: At Pearl River, Prim distinguished himself as a quick, explosive defensive lineman adept at both pass rushing and run stopping. He possesses strong speed off the line and the ability to maneuver around blockers, which should enhance further under Charley Wiles as he refines his technique.
One area of focus for Prim will be adding weight; currently at 255 pounds, he will likely need to gain an additional 25-30 pounds to fully compete within the Wolfpack’s system in the near future.
Athletic Background: A high three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 14 JUCO player nationally by 247Sports, Prim concluded the 2024 season with 49 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble return for a touchdown, a pass breakup, and an interception.
Originally from Foley High in Foley, Alabama, Prim started as an unranked prospect at Pearl River, seeking an opportunity which he found at NC State. He is expected to be on campus as early as bowl practices following his commitment on Wednesday.
Leave a Reply