Big, strong, and climbing the NC State trench depth chart
Castaneda is an intriguing NC State lineman because his game is built on brute-force strength and development upside, not flashy box-score stats. In NC State’s 2025 summer workout reports, he reportedly led the team in back squat at 600 pounds, a nice signal for a defender who can generate power at the point of attack. He has also been used as a visible part of the program’s leadership and run-out moments, suggesting a trusted, high-energy presence. The catch: public stat production is sparse, so he profiles more as a traits-and-upside fit than a proven every-down disruptor.
