A little more than two months after sophomore Darrion Caldwell became N.C. State’s first all-American wrestler in more than a decade, the Wolfpack standout is looking to transfer and leave Raleigh, presumably to attend a school closer to his home state of New Jersey.
“I’m definitely looking at other schools,” Caldwell, who finished fifth at the National Championships, said. “N.C. State is a fine institution, but it’s not for everyone. I don’t know for sure if that’s where I should be right now.”
As of this past week, Caldwell had received permission from State to talk with other programs, most notably Rutgers University, about the possibility of getting scholarship money; however, N.C. State had not given him a release to compete next year.
“I’m not going to make a decision that’s going to affect me negatively,” Caldwell said of the transfer process. “That’s why I’m trying to take my time with this. I’m going to weigh all my options.”
In order to avoid losing a year of eligibility, Caldwell must qualify for a one-time transfer exception under NCAA rules. That includes obtaining a release from N.C. State.
Almost all Division I sports, except basketball, football and men’s ice hockey allow this exception given the school’s consent. Coach Carter Jordan could not comment on whether State would grant Caldwell’s request for a release.
“We’re still in a position where we can’t talk while Darrion is going through this situation,” Jordan said. “I guess the status has not changed. He’s asked for a release, and he’s been given permission to talk to certain schools.”
Caldwell said his reason for wanting to leave State and compete elsewhere is multi-faceted, resulting from a desire to be closer to home and to play football.
“If I’m not really happy with my situation, and I need to be closer to home, I definitely need to change something,” Caldwell said of the possibility of returning to New Jersey and competing closer to Rahway, his hometown.
As for football, Caldwell said he is frustrated by the fact that he has not been able to play at N.C. State.
“I know there are places I can definitely play football, even at 1-AA schools,” he said. “I don’t think there is any reason I shouldn’t be playing football at N.C. State. I have not seen a legit reason.”
Should Caldwell transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision school, formerly 1-AA, he would be eligible immediately to play football. However, he will not be allowed to wrestle at any university until he is granted a one-year transfer from N.C. State.
In an article in the Asbury Park Press on April 30, Caldwell said Rutgers University was at the top of the list of schools he has interest in attending, in hopes of wrestling and walking on to the football team.
Later in the same report, Carter Jordan said he would be willing to talk with Caldwell about the possibility of him transferring but said he was not going to let Caldwell use his success with the Pack to gain a scholarship to a national wrestling power.
In an interview with Technician on May 25, Caldwell remained adamant about his intent to transfer, but said he was not sure if he would transfer if he had to forfeit one year of eligibility.
“That’s something I’m still trying to figure out,” he said of possibly leaving without a one time transfer exception. “I’ve been up here in New Jersey working on it and I’m not too sure. I’m waiting to get a release to all the schools I’m interested in. I don’t think N.C. State is the place for me anymore.”
