Looking to build on the N.C. State’s ninth-place ACC finish in 2013, head men’s soccer coach Kelly Findley brought in the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation, according to topdrawersoccer.com.

Four of these players, freshman midfielders Nick Retzlaff and Zach Knudson, freshman forward Ade Taiwo and sophomore defender Reed Norton, have already joined the Wolfpack for preseason training, which started in early January.

By joining the team early, Taiwo, Retzlaff, Knudson and Norton have a head start, both in learning Findley’s system and adapting to the athletic demands of Division I soccer. 

“Tactically, we’re always just trying to build on what our team concepts are and how we’re trying to play as a team,” Findley said. “It’s great to have the young guys in because now they play more like sophomores, instead of freshman. They understand what we’re trying to do tactically, they’re adjusted to the rigors of being a student-athlete, and they can integrate into our team chemistry and culture much better.”

Retzlaff, a Raleigh native and former CASL Railhawks Academy player, said the differences between high school and collegiate soccer are noticeable.

“The biggest difference is definitely the physicality and speed of play,” Retzlaff said. “The competitive nature of everybody [is different] too, not just wanting to win the game, but every 50/50 ball and every header. That competitive nature is just amplified tenfold.”

Findley said that bringing three freshmen in a full semester ahead of schedule will give them time to acclimate to Division I soccer.

“The leap from playing with boys to playing with men is a big one,” Findley said. “That’s probably the biggest advantage of bringing these guys in early. They’re already making that transition so they will be ready in the fall.”

For Norton, a former midfielder at Georgia Southern University, the transition has been much easier. A native of Augusta, Ga., Norton played at the club level with current Wolfpack sophomore midfielder Holden Fender and sophomore goalkeeper Alex McCauley. Now playing at left back, Norton said he feels comfortable, but there’s a difference in the competition level between the Southern Conference and the ACC.

“The level of intensity is a little bit better here at State and the commitment level is very high,” Norton said. “The team is really gelling right now, which is good.”

Each player brings a unique skill set to the existing team that fits Findley’s plans. Knudson, an attacking midfielder from New Jersey’s Players Development Academy, said he likes to use his vision and willingness to attack defenders on the dribble. 

Findley said he likes Knudson’s approach to the game, specifically his “bite and edge,” which he termed a “Jersey attitude.” Knudson also brings exposure to other soccer cultures, as his prior training included stints in Spain with Rayo Vallecano in Madrid.

Taiwo, the 2012 Gatorade Player of the Year and a four-star recruit out of Raleigh’s Cardinal Gibbons High School, will add depth and goals to an already experienced frontline. Findley said that he and Retzlaff will also help State in a different category.

“Both Ade and Retzlaff’s parents are alums,” Findley said. “One of my goals recruiting-wise is to get players who want to make N.C. State great, players who are Wolfpack fans and ‘bleed the red’ so to speak.” 

Norton adds two-way play at outside back, and Findley said Norton’s understanding of Division One soccer will be a massive boost to a potentially young defensive unit. 

“Reed gives us good experience,” Findley said. “We’re going to have a fairly young back four, and we’re young in goal, so bringing in a guy that has experience and also already knows a couple of players on our team and can integrate into our culture was an easy decision.” 

Despite the rigors of college athletics, the new Wolfpackers said they are just like normal college students in their down time. This includes trips to State’s most popular fast-food establishment.

“I’m pretty sure everyone likes this one, but I like Cook-out,” Retzlaff said. “I always get a burger tray and an Oreo milkshake.”

With six preseason games starting at the end of March, Findley said he is upbeat regarding the team’s chances this season.

“The thing that’s impressed me the most has been our guys’ desire to reach our goals,” Findley said. “I think it’s different. I think before guys were just playing, getting better and working hard, but I do think that now the guys have grasped their own potential. They’ve decided they want to be excellent.”