NC State football’s Cecil Powell returns after 2 years: ‘The best I’ve ever seen him’
Taylor Swift opens her Eras Tour shows with her song lyric, “It’s been a long time coming,” in reference to the five-year concert hiatus. That phrase, however, could also describe one N.C. State defensive back.
Redshirt junior Cecil Powell returned to the field this season after missing two years due to a lower back injury. He went through spring ball, fall camp and is listed as a potential backup at the nickel spot in the team’s season opener at UConn.
It’s a relief, to say the least, especially after the times when Powell and the team worried he wouldn’t be in this position. He’s still not where he was – playing a full game without feeling tired – but the fifth-year student is still in excellent form.
“It was pretty good to see him back out there again. He’s having a lot of fun, flying around and just smiling like everyday,” fellow NC State cornerback Shyheim Battle said last week. “I can just tell that he’s just excited and blessed to be out there. I’m excited for him, because we didn’t know if he was gonna play ball again. The fact that he can just be out there and play ball and be out there, that just makes his day.”
‘It can’t be over’
Powell sustained a lower back injury during a weightlifting session in 2021. The redshirt junior somewhat brushed it off due to previous recurring back pain from high school, thinking it wasn’t a significant problem.
He practiced through the pain during fall camp, which worsened his condition and officially sidelined him in August 2021.
Powell hasn’t played a snap since 2020. He has just 21 appearances, five starts and 66 total tackles. His stat line includes four tackles for loss and four pass breakups.
“When they first told me the injury I had, I figured it was going to be tough coming back. I was in my own head, but my god-dad, brothers and everybody’s telling me to keep my head straight and I’m gonna be good,” Powell said. “After last year, when they told me I couldn’t play, that’s when I started (thinking), ‘No, it could be over with.’ But, at the same time, I’m just like, ‘It can’t be over.’”
Powell said his godfather and legal guardian De’Marcus Dorsey played a key role in his recovery and positive mindset through the entire process. Dorsey provided constant prayers and reassurance through the uncertainties.
“I had told him, ‘Cecil, give it to God. We’re gonna do this. We have this. It’s okay,’” Dorsey said. “I mean, it’s easier said than done, because he was going through this whole experience, but I’m just encouraging him and motivating him as a parent should be.”
Powell spent time at home in Florida during his recovery process, undergoing physical therapy, pool exercises, stretching, cupping and steam therapy. He wore a plastic back brace for more than a year, which limited his movement.
There was also talk of back surgery in 2022. Dorsey admitted he had reservations about the procedure, but it was out of concern. He views the brothers as his own sons.
Ultimately, Powell is passionate about football and has loved the sport since he was little, Dorsey said. That’s why Powell – being an adult and having the final say – led to the decision about taking the risk with surgery.
Then, he ended up not needing it. Dorsey said the doctor called on a Friday last July, saying she’d received his scans back. His back was healing properly. Surgery was scheduled for the upcoming Monday.
Powell still didn’t play last fall, though, due to ongoing treatment. That was difficult, but his loved ones and teammates got him through. They called him at random times to make jokes, check in and generally make sure he wasn’t “going into a dark space.” The Pack ensured he still felt like part of the team.
“I didn’t feel counted out, so that’s what really helped me as well,” Powell said. “They treated me like I’m not injured. I just felt like everything was normal.”
‘They’re gonna want to remember him’
Dorsey obtained guardianship over Powell and his brothers eight years ago, following their mother’s death. The 37-year-old said it’s the best thing he’s ever done.
He was there through some of their most formative years, including high school and the football recruitment process. Now, he’s going to be in the stands for State’s home games, cheering on his son.
Powell got the green light to resume football activities earlier this year after being severely limited for nearly two years.
“Right after (the doctor) told me – I don’t know if it was a mind thing – I felt I was healed for real,” Powell said. “I don’t get it, but I was just super excited and just like, ‘I’m back.’”
Except his body wasn’t exactly back. In fact, Powell said “it was a clear no,” when asked about his physical readiness during the initial return. His whole body felt heavy and tired; not one that seemingly belonged to a high-level athlete from Florida.
He kept fighting, though. When Powell wanted to stop when he was tired, he reminded himself how he’d feel in a game, how he’d feel if he completes the season.
Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson praised Powell last week. Gibson said many players may have walked away, but Powell showed resilience through uncertainty and, sometimes, pain.
Now, he’s back on the depth chart and waiting for his chance under the lights.
“He’s the best I’ve ever seen him; just engaged in what we’re doing,” Gibson said. “He’s a big part of what we do and how we do it around here. And a guy with that much experience who’s been around the program for a few years and it’s good to get him back.”
Part of his drive comes from intrinsic motivation and his adoration for football, but part of it is Dorsey’s role. He always promotes hard work, dedication and never expecting to be given anything.
Powell wants to stay healthy through the season and meet the statistical goals he’s set for himself. Dorsey plans to attend at least five of N.C. State’s home games this year, hoping to see it all in person. The family has waited roughly 750 days for it.
“This is the year. I have faith in my son,” Dorsey said. “Once he touches that field, they’re going to know who Cecil Powell is and that he means business. They’re gonna want to remember him.
“He’s loving, strong, God-fearing. He’s a very, very good person. I’m not just saying that to say that. I learned a lot through him over my journey of getting myself together to be a better man. I need him. I love him. It’s all about him. It’s all about Cecil right now, and I just want to see him do what he does best: that’s being on that football field.”
This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "NC State football’s Cecil Powell returns after 2 years: ‘The best I’ve ever seen him’."
