The Philadelphia Eagles will welcome its Class of 2013 for the rookie minicamp this weekend. As we learn about the new Eagles as football players and begin to project how they will help this football team, here's an opportunity to learn about the players off the field as well. Here are some notes on the Eagles' fifth-round pick, safety Earl Wolff ...

• After Earl Wolff was selected by the Eagles, he declared that he's "coming back home."

While Wolff grew up in Raeford, N.C., he has a lot of ties to the City of Brotherly Love. His mother, Sharon, was born and raised in North Philadelphia and went to Girls High School. Wolff's grandmother, uncles and cousins still live in the city. In fact, Wolff's uncles were wearing Eagles gear at the family's draft party.

"I'm a family guy. All my family lives up north. I've always been in touch with my closest cousins, uncles and aunts. I never saw them as much as I wanted to because I live in North Carolina. I used to come to Philly all the time from kindergarten to about eighth grade. I used to come (up for) Thanksgiving every year," Wolff said.

• Wolff learned discipline from his mother, who has been in the National Guard for 29 years.

"She's been the backbone of my life," Wolff said. "Basically, I am where I am now because of her, and it's just a blessing to still have her around. I've never been in any trouble off the field, never had any academic violations or anything like that. I graduated in three-and-a-half years, so I can honestly say she raised me well."

• Yes, Wolff graduated last December with his Bachelor's degree in sports management.
• Even though Wolff was an all-region selection at Hoke County High School, he wasn't on the Wolfpack's radar until he attended a summer camp prior to his senior year. Wolff was offered a scholarship following the camp and accepted on the spot.

"I always liked the school. My last name is Wolff and they are the Wolfpack," he said. "It all makes sense."

• Named the "heart of the defense," by former Wolfpack head coach Tom O'Brien, Wolff finished his Wolfpack career as the school's all-time leader in game played (51) and starts (43).
• Position coach at N.C. State was Mike Reed, a former defensive assistant/quality control for the Eagles from 2002-06. Reed was Mr. Irrelevant, the final selection of the NFL Draft, in 1995. During his time with the Eagles, Reed tutored Brian Dawkins, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard.
• Wolff aims to become the third former N.C. State safety to play in the NFL joining Jesse Campbell, a former second-round pick of the Eagles, and All-Pro Adrian Wilson. He also knows that former N.C. State star receiver Mike Quick was one of the Eagles' all-time great receivers.

"I never got to talk to Mike Quick," Wolff said. "I hope he takes me under his wing and we build a good relationship."

• A two-way star at Hoke County High School, Wolff rushed for 997 yards as a senior while also racking up five interceptions and seven forced fumbles as a defender.
• The draft website, MockDraftable.com, compared Wolff's measurables to that of Pro Bowl safeties Donte Whitner and Bob Sanders.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider