Spike Sowells’ first football uniform wasn’t even his. N.C. State’s rookie spent his early years trying on cleats and helmets during his father’s NFL career. It became a post-practice tradition and a core memory for Isaac Sowells Sr.
A decade and a half removed from those moments, the now-18-year-old has grown into a football player with the makings of a college, and potentially NFL, star.
Spike Sowells joined the Wolfpack in January as the highest-rated player of the 2025 class, earning a four-star rating by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals. He was listed as one of the best interior offensive lineman in the country, ranking in the national top 10, after an impressive showing at the annual high school All-America game.
“It’s a blessing to see your son get the opportunity to play the game that he loves,” Isaac Sowells Sr. told the News & Observer in the spring. “That’s joyful for a father. I’m not surprised. I’m just happy for him.”
Spike Sowells spent countless hours at the field and took his first snap at, probably, age 4. He decided a few years later, and after his dad’s retirement from the NFL, that he wanted to play. It felt like Spike was destined to play football.
Sowells Sr. believed prior to Spike’s birth that he would eventually become a center. It was like the position was “bestowed” on him whether he wanted it or not.
“Probably as soon as he knew he was having me, offensive line,” Spike said with a small laugh. “You don’t have a choice.”
His physique, as it turned out, was perfect for the job. Spike, listed at 6-foot-2 and 292 pounds, is not quite as tall or fast enough for other positions but is strong and stable.
Sowells Sr. never actually wanted to make his son replicate his career but admits it’s special to see Spike thrive on the line like he did.
“As a parent, you don’t want to force the issue,” Sowells Sr. said. “He used to come to me with a lot of things, asking questions about certain teams, certain defenses, things like that. His approach to the game is very satisfying, because I know how great he wants to be, and that is coming from him and not from me. When you see your son that wants to be great, that’s so gratifying.”
‘We want Spike’
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, people told Spike he could be the hometown hero if he stayed in Louisville to play for the Cardinals. Or, he could travel to Lexington and play for Mark Stoops at Kentucky.
There’s nothing wrong with that. N.C. State heavily recruits in-state players out of high school and the transfer portal, after all.
But sometimes out-of-state is the best option. It was for Spike. His family visited Raleigh during spring practice and will attend as many games as possible. His parents just wanted him to be at a school where he’d get better and be cared for.
He’s felt that since the school offered him a scholarship two years ago. Offensive line coach Garrett Tujague was in contact with him almost every day.
The Wolfpack was all in on the young prospect, whom Doeren previously described as one of the best true centers the school has recruited in his tenure.
“They made it apparent to me that we have a plan and a future for you,” Spike said. “They didn’t recruit no other center. They said, ‘We want Spike.’”
N.C. State has been a good team, a consistent team during Doeren’s tenure. More than 28 of his former players earned spots on 2025 NFL Training Camp rosters. Eight are offensive linemen. Three of those are centers, with Dylan McMahon and Zeke Correll entering the league in back-to-back years.
“I just think of it as a blessing to come through a center factory. Coach Doeren, he’s been here for a long time, and one great thing that he does is develop offensive linemen.”
‘I have a vision’
Spike will learn and compete for the starting spot alongside Jalen Grant, a graduate transfer from Purdue. Grant took most of the reps during the open portion of last Wednesday’s practice with the expected starters, while Spike primarily practiced with the backups and took reps at the guard position.
The freshman, who has been described as “a sponge” sits next to Grant during meetings, asking questions about scheme, technique, certain play calls and advice to improve. He takes cues from the veterans on how to be an efficient vocal leader, as well. It’s been a balance of learning from the veterans and gaining their respect, so he can be efficient on the front line.
“I’m having to lead grown men. Some of these guys were playing college football when I was in middle school,” Spike said. “I have to really man up, as you can say, and demand to these guys that we have a job to do; to protect CJ Bailey, day in and day out. We have to do whatever we can to do that. That means I’ve got to talk more.”
But he wants to do more than protect Bailey, now the second-year starting quarterback, or compete to be the No. 1 guy. He’s got the program’s future in his sights.
Despite the talent that’s come through the program, the Wolfpack remains in search of an ACC Championship and 10-win season under the longtime coach. Spike is committed to getting the team there. (He’d also like to compete for a national title.)
He’s committed to being versatile and learning all three offensive line positions, learning from his coaches and veterans, and staying in the Triangle. Spike came to Raleigh to make N.C. State the best it can be.
“I’m not a guy who I see problems, or I see a cloudy future, or I’m gonna hit the portal. I have no plans to do that,” Spike said. “I want to play three to four years here, then go on to the National Football League. I have a vision here. Raleigh, North Carolina, is where I’d like to stay here and raise my family.”