James Smith-Williams will wear the No. 1 for NC State in 2019

Defensive end James Smith-Williams is Dave Doeren’s choice to wear the No. 1 jersey for the 2019 season, NC State announced Friday. This has become an annual tradition under Doeren as a way to honor veteran leaders who have been exemplary on and off the field.

James Smith-Williams definitely fits the bill, as the GoPack.com release explains:

Smith-Williams, who started every game he played during the 2018 season, graduated in December with a degree in business supply chain management and a 3.0+ GPA. He tallied 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, while also earning Academic All-ACC honors. His diligence in the Wolfpack’s strength and conditioning program has helped him gain 60 lbs. since his freshman campaign.

The Raleigh native spent last summer working as a paid intern for IBM and that prestigious corporation has already offered him a full-time job whenever his football career is complete. He also serves as vice president of NC State Athletics’ Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Not too shabby! Dang over-achievers making the rest of us look bad.

JSW tied for the team lead in sacks last season and could have a bigger season in 2019 if he can avoid the nagging injuries that plagued him last year. When you throw those injuries into the equation, what he’s done is all the more impressive. Certainly worthy of the No. 1.