Taylor Gentry was close enough to his NFL dream, he could touch it.

When the Kansas City Chiefs opened training camp last Friday, the former N.C. State fullback was intent on earning a spot on their roster and beginning his pro career. By Tuesday, the former walk-on from Leesville Road was back in Raleigh.

Suffering from concussion-related migraines, Gentry was unable to pass his physical and get on the practice field for the Chiefs. His NFL career will have to wait, if it's not over before it started.

If good fortune doesn't come Tom O’Brien’s way this football season, he can’t blame the Raleigh Sports Club.

To initiate the organization’s 2011-12 schedule of guest speakers today at Highland United Methodist Church, the N.C. State football coach immediately was presented with a jumbo box of Lucky Charms cereal and a toy leprechaun.

Father O’Malley himself couldn’t have asked for a warmer Irish welcome.

Former Leesville Road football standout Taylor Gentry has been awarded a scholarship at N.C. State, according to Leesville coach David Green.

Gentry, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, played at State last season without a scholarship.

He played in all 13 games and caught seven passes for 72 yards.