Three-star DL Justin Terrell commits to NC State
NC State won another pivotal recruiting battle over UNC Wednesday. Justin Terrell, the program’s No. 1 nose tackle prospect, committed to the Wolfpack over North Carolina, Cincinnati, Virginia and Indiana.
The three-star defensive lineman picked NC State earlier this month following a June 23-25 official visit weekend in Raleigh. He is the second defensive line commit of the class, joining Chase Bond, and he fills a critical positional need at nose tackle.
Standing 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, Terrell has the size to fit perfectly into the middle of Tony Gibson’s defense. The Rome (Ga.) High standout started playing in a three-man defensive line as a sixth grader and is ready to do the same at the collegiate level.
NC State began recruiting him in February, around the same time he committed to Wake Forest. He decommitted from the Pack’s in-state rival April 3, and his recruitment surged from there. Five Power Five programs, including the Wolfpack, extended offers two days later and, by the time he set his official visit schedule, he also held scholarships from Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mississippi State and others.
In an interview with TheWolfpacker.com, Terrell explained how the Wolfpack coaching staff separated itself through consistency.
“They said that they needed me at their school,” Terrell explained. “They’re a good school, they have a good program and they have great coaches.”
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Wolfpack nose tackle Brandon Cleveland hosted him on his official visit. Terrell spent a lot of time around the players and appreciated the vibe of the locker room.
“We were all able to easily connect with each other.” Terrell said. “Everyone on the team likes each other. They are like a family. They argue with each other but always get back right.”
Following his official visit, he met with his high school coaches and discussed his five finalists, which helped him reach his eventual decision. NC State is now home for the Rome High star, and he told TheWolfpacker.com he does not plan on taking any more visits.
During his junior football season, the 6-2, 285-pound nose tackle recorded 54 tackles, 7 for loss and 4.5 sacks for a 12-2 Rome High squad.
The On3 Industry Ranking considers Terrell the No. 99 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 117 recruit in Georgia. He is the No. 12 commitment in the Wolfpack’s 2024 class.
