Gavin Locklear

Biography

NC State ‘17 9th year in coaching; 7th at NC State PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Originally walked on at NC State but was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2016 season. Co-recipient of the team’s Ken McNeill Iron Wolf Award, which is awarded annually to the player who makes the greatest comeback from injury. Saw action in 38 career games, he had 12 catches for 107 yards. EDUCATION: Earned his degree in sports management from NC State in 2017. PERSONAL DATA: Native of Apex, N.C., he attended Apex High School. Has a son: Malachi; Brother, Ashton, is on the current Wolfpack squad. BOWL EXPERIENCE: AS A COACH (7): 2025 Gaparilla Bowl, 2024 Military Bowl, 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl, 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl, 2021 Gator Bowl, 2020 Holiday Bowl, 2018 Gator Bowl; AS A PLAYER (4): 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl, 2015 Belk Bowl, 2016 Independence Bowl, 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl COACHING HIGHLIGHTS: At NC State - Served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Wolfpack in 2018 before taking on a role as a graduate assistant in 2019. After serving as a graduate assistant, he joined NC State as an offensive quality control coach. - In his first year as a full-time assistant, mentored first-team All-ACC tight end Justin Joly, who led all ACC players at his position in touchdowns. - NC State was the only tight end room in college football in 2025 that boasted three TEs with 200+ snaps and top 15 PFF offensive grades. - Helped coach 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year KC Concepcion to more receptions (64) and receiving TDs (10) t