Numerous media outlets have rated State football in their preseason Top 25 after the team returned several important players from the previous campaign and added one of the best transfer portal classes in the nation. Expectations are further raised by the fact that the entire coaching staff returns for the 2024 campaign.Cleveland, who saw action in every game the previous season, finished with higher numbers, finishing with 28 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and three sacks, and two forced fumbles, while mostly playing as a backup and playing more than starter C.J. Clark last autumn.As the season went on in 2022, Cleveland’s role increased as a true freshman. He played 72 snaps in six games and recorded seven tackles, one of which was for a loss.In the summer of 2020, Cleveland, a 2022 prospect, gave his commitment to Miami. Still, State kept bringing in the native of the Sunshine State. He decommitted from the Hurricanes in March 2021, and the Pack increased their recruiting efforts. The arrangement was concluded when Cleveland paid State an official visit in June. Two weeks later, he made an announcement about his Wolfpack commitment.Among the twenty universities that offered and were mentioned throughout his recruiting were State, California, West Virginia, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, and LSU.Based on the 247Sports Composite, an industry-generated ranking of defensive linemen, he was a four-star recruit and ranked No. 50 in the country.Cleveland has 35 tackles in 19 games, including 3.5 sacks, 5.5 for loss, and two forced fumbles.It’s common knowledge that nose tackles are crucial to State’s defense. Cleveland is the only returning Pack player with substantial experience at the position in addition to being the starter.For State, the defensive line starts up front, and he needs to be the Wolfpack’s rock.Cleveland has to step up his game in 2024 after displaying his talent last fall.Cleveland’s breakout season would be extremely significant for State. In addition to his skill, he is ranked No. 8 on the list due of Gibson’s defense’s reliance on this position and the lack of established depth behind him.
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