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Battle Creek Today
By the People, for the People
NC State Maintains Relationship with 4-Star LB Recruit AJ Randle
Longtime bond between Randle family and Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren keeps NC State in the mix for top linebacker prospect.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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NC State's head football coach Dave Doeren has maintained a strong relationship with the Randle family for over a decade, dating back to when Brandon Bouyer-Randle, the older brother of current 4-star linebacker recruit AJ Randle Jr., was being recruited by the Wolfpack in 2014. Even though Bouyer-Randle ultimately committed to Michigan State, the Randle family was impressed by Doeren's approach, and that bond has continued as younger brother AJ is now being recruited by NC State.
Why it matters
Keeping top in-state talent like AJ Randle is crucial for NC State to continue building a competitive football program in the ACC. The Wolfpack's ability to leverage their long-standing relationship with the Randle family gives them an advantage in the recruitment of this highly touted linebacker prospect.
The details
AJ Randle Jr. is a 4-star linebacker prospect from Garner, North Carolina. His older brother Brandon Bouyer-Randle was recruited by NC State back in 2014, and the Randle family was impressed by the way head coach Dave Doeren and his staff treated them during that process. Now that the family has moved to the Triangle area, NC State is firmly in the mix for AJ's commitment thanks to the lasting impression Doeren made over a decade ago.
- Dave Doeren first met the Randle family over a decade ago when recruiting Brandon Bouyer-Randle in 2014.
- AJ Randle Jr. is currently being recruited by NC State as a 4-star linebacker prospect in the class of 2026.
The players
Dave Doeren
The head football coach at NC State, who has been with the Wolfpack since 2013 and is the program's all-time winningest coach.
AJ Randle Jr.
A 4-star linebacker prospect in the class of 2026 from Garner, North Carolina, who is being heavily recruited by NC State.
Brandon Bouyer-Randle
The older brother of AJ Randle Jr., who was recruited by NC State as a 3-star linebacker in 2014 before ultimately committing to Michigan State.
What they’re saying
“Even though Brandon ended up going to Michigan State, the way Coach Doeren treated our family left a lasting impression.”
— AJ Randle Jr., Recruit (on3.com)
What’s next
AJ Randle Jr. is expected to make his college commitment decision in the coming months, with NC State considered a top contender alongside several other major programs.
The takeaway
NC State's ability to maintain strong relationships with top in-state recruits like the Randle family over an extended period of time gives the Wolfpack a significant advantage in landing elite local talent to build a consistent winner in the ACC.
