The Wolfpacker national signing day live blog: Early playing time candidates
Which Class Players Could Play Early? (5:01 p.m.)
For subscribers, here are three candidates to watch for early playing time.
Dave Doeren National Signing Day Video (4:35 p.m.)
The Wolfpacker Podcast Reviews National Signing Day (3:38 p.m.)
The Best Quotes From The 2023 Signing Class (3:37 p.m.)
Read some of the best lines from throughout the NC State football recruiting cycle.
NC State Football Recruiting Class Awards (2:53 p.m.)
Who was the biggest get on national signing day? Who might surprise? Who is the most versatile prospect?
All those and more are in The Wolfpacker’s class awards for subscribers to read.
Long list of players enrolling early (1:30 p.m.)
Among the players who signed with NC State football on national signing day that are enrolling for the spring semester are:
Kamal Bonner
Brandon Cisse
Kevin Concepcion
Jykeveous Hibbler
Terrente Hinton
Rico Jackson
Zack Myers
Obadiah Obasuyi
Kendrick Raphael
Darion Rivers
Isaiah Shirley
Lex Thomas
Javonte Vereen
Letter of intent No. 17: On3 Consensus four-star defensive back Daemon Fagan from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage (11:14 a.m.)
Defensive back Daemon Fagan from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage
Measurables:
• Has been measured at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds.
Stats:
• Senior: In 15 games, had 78 tackles (34 solo and 4 for loss), 3 interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 2 fumble recoveries.
• Junior: Made 28 tackles (16 solo and 1 for loss) and 2 interceptions in 7 games.
• Sophomore: Tallied 12 tackles (7 solo) and 4 interceptions in 11 contests.
On3 Consensus Rating: Four stars, No. 304 prospect nationally, No. 25 safety in the country and No. 57 player in the state.
• On3: Four stars, No. 24 safety in the country and No. 58 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Four stars, No. 13 safety in the country and No. 38 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Four stars, No. 31 safety in the country and No. 63 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 42 safety in the country and No. 78 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Piled up a who’s who offer list that included Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas A&M, among many others.
• Focused primarily on NC State, LSU, Miami and Ohio State.
• Picked NC State on July 4 after officially visiting in June.
Recruiter of Record
Safeties coach Joe DeForest
Analysis:
Fagan is the highest rated signee for NC State in the 2023 class, and the Pack did an impressive job keeping him firm in his commitment throughout the summer and fall. Fagan has the prototype frame for a safety, and his ball-hawking skills impressed observers during the 7-on-7 circuit over the summer. He needs to get stronger, but a strong senior year suggests that Fagan has made nice strides. Fagan is ideally suited for the strong safety position in the Pack defense, and there is an opportunity to quickly land on the depth chart.
Letter of intent No. 16: On3 Consensus three-star athlete Rohan Davy from Silver Spring (Md.) St. John’s (9:50 a.m.)
Linebacker/safety Rohan Davy from Silver Spring (Md.) St. John’s
Measurables:
• Has been measured at 5-foot-8.5, 195 pounds.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 1,437 prospect nationally, No. 78 athlete in the country and No. 8 player in D.C.
• On3: Three stars, No. 111 athlete in the country and No. 8 player in D.C.
• Rivals.com: Three stars.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 153 athlte in the country and No. 7 player in D.C.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 52 athlete in the country and No. 6 player in D.C.
Recruitment
• Originally committed in April to Cincinnati over offers from NC State, Louisville, Maryland and Pittsburgh, among others.
• Made an official visit to NC State on Dec. 16 after a coaching change at Cincinnati.
• Flipped to the Wolfpack on Dec. 20.
Recruiter of Record
Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Tony Gibson
Analysis:
The big question NC State will have to find out on Davy is where does he fit. He is a hard-hitting, physical playmaker on defense. However, while short for a linebacker, can he fill out enough to overcome that? Or does he run well enough to be a free safety in the mold of Tanner Ingle? If the answer to either one is yes, then NC State has a thumper coming to the defense.
NC State signing day flip target sticks with Missouri (9:45 a.m.)
NC State hosted On3 Consensus three-star cornerback Shamar McNeil from Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage on an official visit over the weekend, hoping to flip him from his pledge to Missouri.
However, McNeil has signed his letter of intent with the Tigers this morning.
NC State football loses commit on national signing day (9:34 a.m.)
On3 Consensus three-star defensive back Tamarcus Cooley committed to NC State football on July 4, but he will not be joining the Wolfpack.
In a move that Cooley telegraphed with The Wolfpacker last week, the Rolesville (N.C.) High product flipped to Maryland on national signing day.
More on Cooley’s decision to flip to Maryland.
Letter of intent No. 15: On3 consensus three-star defensive lineman Jykeveous Hibbler from Senatobia (Miss.) Northwest Mississippi Junior College (9:26 a.m.)
Defensive lineman Jykeveous Hibbler from Senatobia (Miss.) Northwest Mississippi Junior College (native of Louisville, Miss.)
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds on the Northwest Mississippi Community College roster.
Stats:
• Sophomore: Had 41 tackles, including 16.5 for loss and 9 sacks, in 12 games. Added 2 forced fumbles and 3 quarterback hurries.
• Freshman: Made 21 tackles, including 4 for loss and 3.5 sacks, while adding 7 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup in 12 games.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 12 junior college prospect nationally, No. 2 defensive lineman in the country and No. 4 JC player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 87 junior college prospect nationally, No. 11 defensive lineman in the country and No. 24 JC player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 13 junior college prospect nationally, No. 3 defensive lineman in the country and No. 3 JC player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 39 junior college prospect nationally, No. 3 edge in the country, No. 12 JC player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 3 junior college prospect nationally, No. 1 defensive lineman in the country and No. 2 JC player in the state.
Recruitment
• Emerged on the NC State football recruiting board with an offer during the fall.
• The Wolfpack would be his lone Power Five offer, joining Group of Five schools like Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, South Florida, Troy and UAB, among others.
• Picked NC State on Dec. 11 after taking an official visit to Raleigh.
Recruiter of Record
Defensive line coach Charley Wiles
Analysis:
Hibbler’s junior college coach Benjy Parker was quoted as saying he believes Hibbler is a SEC talent. Hibbler was certainly a productive pass rusher in 2022, and he played in a stacked 3-man front in junior college that NC State also utilizes. There are a lot of reasons to believe that Hibbler could come in and help provide depth up front, although past history indicates most junior college players make big leaps in performance in their second seasons at a FBS school.
Letter of intent No. 14: On3 Consensus three-star receiver Kevin Concepcion from Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High (9:04 a.m.)
Receiver Kevin Concepcion from Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds.
Stats:
• Senior: In 9 games had 29 receptions for 519 yards and 4 touchdowns and ran 17 times for 156 yards and 2 scores. Also returned 5 kickoffs for a total of 322 yards and a touchdown and 1 punt for 35 yards.
• Junior: Caught 38 passes for 586 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping Chambers reach the state title game.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 578 prospect nationally, No. 86 cornerback in the country and No. 19 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 107 receiver in the country and No. 28 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 50 receiver in the country and No. 12 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 91 receiver in the country and No. 19 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 124 receiver in the country and No. 26 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Was offered by NC State in June before his junior year at Chambers, joining Boston College and Maryland at that time.
• Eventually added offers from Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.
• Took official visits to NC State and North Carolina before picking the Wolfpack on Aug. 20.
Recruiter of Record
Receivers coach Joker Phillips
Analysis:
Concepcion was a head-to-head win over North Carolina on the recruiting trail, which already leads to a soft spot in the hearts of many Wolfpack fans. On the field, Concepcion will not be a player with the best measurables, but an apt comparison for him may be Thayer Thomas, the Wolfpack’s star slot receiver. Like Thomas, Concepcion is a tough, sure-handed wideout whose on-field athleticism is better than the testing numbers may suggest (although Thomas has outstanding shuttle times).
Letter of intent No. 13: On3 three-star cornerback Terrente Hinton from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College (8:34 a.m.)
Cornerback Terrente Hinton from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College (native of Saraland, Ala.)
Measurables:
• Listed on the Hutchinson Community College roster at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds.
Stats:
• Freshman: Had 18 tackles, including 1 for loss, and an interception.
On3 Consensus Rating: NA
• On3: Three stars, 37 junior college prospect nationally, No. 7 cornerback in the country and No. 8 JC player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, 45 junior college prospect nationally, No. 7 cornerback in the country and No. 13 JC player in the state.
Recruitment
• NC State offered Hinton in early-December.
• Also had Power Five scholarships from Arizona State and Indiana as well as handful of notable Group of Five offers, including Coastal Carolina, Florida International, Georgia Southern, Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss, among others.
• Picked NC State on Dec. 19.
Recruiter of Record
Cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell
Analysis:
NC State clearly had a desire to add older options to the depth chart across the secondary, and Hinton represented that at cornerback. The Saraland, Ala., native was well-regarded locally at the prep level before going to Hutchinson. He clearly has the size to be a physical corner like departing NC State senior Derrek Pitts Jr. was for the Wolfpack. There will likely be a learning curve, but the positive news is Hinton should have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
One national signing day flip target sticks with original commitment (8:27 a.m.)
On3 Consensus four-star wide receiver Micah Mays from North Palm Beach (Fla.) Benjamin School has signed his letter of intent with Wake Forest.
NC State had hoped to flip Mays, and the Pack hosted him for an official visit in December.
Letter of intent No. 12: On3 Consensus three-star linebacker Kelvon McBride from Mobile (Ala.) Cottage Hill Christian Academy (8:21 a.m.)
Linebacker Kelvon McBride from Mobile (Ala.) Cottage Hill Christian Academy
Measurables:
• At the Rivals combine in New Orleans in March checked in at 6-foot-2.5, 197 pounds and ran the shuttle in 4.38 seconds … Also had a 8-foot-3 standing broad jump and a 27.9-inch vertical leap … Also runs track and has been timed at 11.36 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 23.63 seconds in the 200.
Stats:
• Senior: Had 76 tackles (54 solo) snd an interception in 9 games.
• Junior: Registered 73 tackles (33 solo), three fumbles recoveries and a pick six.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 1,045 prospect nationally, No. 100 linebacker in the country and No. 39 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 78 linebacker in the country and No. 34 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 70 linebacker in the country and No. 35 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 120 linebacker in the country and No. 50 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Originally committed to Vanderbilt in June when the Commodores were his lone Power Five offer.
• Offered by the Wolfpack in August and officially visited in November.
• Flipped his commitment to NC State on Nov. 25.
Recruiter of Record
Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Tony Gibson
Analysis:
NC State football recruiting over the past couple of recruiting cycles have focused on lean linebackers who can run, and McBride fits that mold. He has shown good track speed for a 200-pounder. The key will be how quickly can McBride bulk up, and does he maintain his athleticism.
Letter of intent No. 11: On3 Consensus three-star linebacker Kamal Bonner from Colquitt (Ga.) County High (8:11 a.m.)
Linebacker Kamal Bonner from Colquitt (Ga.) County High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds … Has been timed at 24.21 seconds in the 200-meter dash in track.
Stats:
• Senior: Posted 125 tackles, including 7 for loss and 3 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for 13-1 team that reached semifinals of Class 7A playoffs.
• Junior: Had 40 tackles (1 for loss), 2 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and 2 blocked kicks.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 935 prospect nationally, No. 84 safety in the country and No. 94 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 133 safety in the country and No. 135 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 54 safety in the country and No. 68 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 123 safety in the country and No. 131 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 100 safety in the country and No. 125 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Originally committed to Georgia Tech over offers from Arkansas, Colorado and West Virginia, among others.
• Backed off his pledge after an offer from NC State and added a scholarship from Wake Forest.
• Officially visited both the Pack and Deacons and picked NC State on Dec. 14.
Recruiter of Record
Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Tony Gibson
Analysis:
Bonner moved from safety to linebacker as a senior and saw his stock rise on the NC State football recruiting board as a result. While he must continue to get stronger, Bonner’s athleticism fits well on the 3-3 defense used by Gibson.
Letter of intent No. 10: On3 Consensus three-star offensive tackle Rico Jackson from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High (8:07 a.m.)
Offensive tackle Rico Jackson from Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds..
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 1,638 prospect nationally, No. 110 offensive tackle in the country and No. 225 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 106 offensive tackle in the country and No. 213 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 133 offensive tackle in the country and No. 237 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 99 offensive tackle in the country and No. 224 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Originally verbally committed to Illinois on June 5.
• Decommitted a month later after adding offers from NC State and South Carolina.
• Officially visited NC State on Dec. 16 and committed on signing day.
Recruiter of Record
Offensive line coach George Tujague
Analysis:
Jackson fits the mold in a NC State football recruiting class full of physically-impressive looking offensive linemen. Not many 6-foot-5 players carry 300 pounds as well as Jackson does. Like most true freshmen offensive lineman, Jackson will likely redshirt.
National Signing Day yields first addition for NC State football recruiting (8:04 a.m.)
On3 Consensus three-star offensive tackle Rico Jackson from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High was expected to announce his decision at 9 a.m., but he apparently could not wait to go ahead and send his letter of intent in for NC State.
Jackson, 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, committed to Illinois over the summer, but backed off that pledge and made an official visit to NC State over the weekend.
More on the breaking news can be found here.
Letter of intent No. 9: On3 Consensus three-star quarterback Lex Thomas from Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage High (7:59 a.m.)
Quarterback Lex Thomas from Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage High
Measurables:
• At NC State’s summer camp prior to his junior season was measured at 5-foot-10.5, 176 pounds
Stats:
• Senior: In 3 games completed 40 of 59 passes (67.8 percent) for 538 yards and 3 touchdowns with 2 interceptions and rushed 19 times for 166 yards and 3 scores.
• Junior: Completed 167 of 263 passes (63.5 percent) for 2,492 yards and 30 scores with just 7 picks and ran for 2 more touchdowns.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 881 prospect nationally, No. 49 quarterback in the country and No. 31 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 64 quarterback in the country and No. 31 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars and No. 26 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 38 quarterback in the country and No. 22 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 15 quarterback in the country and No. 22 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Younger brother of NC State receiver Thayer Thomas and linebacker Drake Thomas.
• Picked up an offer from the Wolfpack after a camp performance in the summer of 2021.
• Was the first commitment in the NC State football recruiting class, picking the Wolfpack on July 23, 2021.
Recruiter of Record
Former NC State offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Tim Beck
Analysis:
Thomas’ size will be the top question mark that he has to answer at the college level, but he’s a good athlete for the position and has a stronger arm than his frame would suggest. He also has a bit of an “it factor,” showing strong leadership skills and a command of the offense at Heritage High. However, Thomas is also recovering from shoulder surgery and thus is almost certain to need time to rehab and learn the offense.
Letter of intent No. 8: On3 Consensus three-star defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley from Boone (N.C.) Watauga High (7:53 a.m.)
Defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley from Boone (N.C.) Watauga High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds.
Stats:
• Senior: In 12 games had 70 tackles (32 solo), including 15.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks. Added 3 forced fumbles and 3 pass breakups.
• Junior: Made 59 tackles (10 solo), including 10.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks in 11 contests. Broke up 2 passes and recovered a fumble.
• Sophomore: In 7 games, posted 44 tackles (16 solo), with 12.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks. Also added a pass breakup.
• Freshman: Had 23 tackles (7 solo), including 3.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks in 13 games. Recovered 2 fumbles, forced one and had an interception
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 820 prospect nationally, No. 86 defensive lineman in the country and No. 23 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 69 defensive lineman in the country and No. 20 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 61 defensive lineman in the country and No. 22 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 67 defensive lineman in the country and No. 21 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 109 defensive lineman in the country and No. 27 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Long-time NC State football recruiting target who was offered in the spring following his junior season.
• Also picked up Power Five scholarships from Boston College, Duke, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
• Picked NC State on June 21 after taking official visits earlier in the month to Duke, Virginia Tech and the Pack.
Recruiter of Record
Defensive line coach Charley Wiles
Analysis:
Shirley appears to be a good fit for the stacked, 3-man front defense that NC State runs. He’s a high-motor edge who plays in a similar defense for Watauga. Shirley could also be an intriguing tight end prospect if NC State wanted to try him there. He will need to continue to get stronger, but the affable Shirley is the type of prospect that has succeeded in the culture of the Pack program under head coach Dave Doeren.
Letter of intent No. 7: On3 Consensus three-star defensive back Zack Myers from Asheville (N.C.) Christ School (7:48 a.m.)
Defensive back Zack Myers from Asheville (N.C.) Christ School
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds … Runs track and field and has been timed at 40.64 seconds in the 300-hurdles.
Stats:
• Senior: In 8 games had 25 tackles (17 solo and 4 for loss), broke up 5 passes and had 2 interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown. Added 25 receptions for 636 yards and 8 scores.
• Junior: Registered 13 tackles (6 solo), 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups in 8 games. Also had 22 catches for 499 yards and 5 touchdowns.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 407 prospect nationally, No. 38 safety in the country and No. 16 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 51 safety in the country and No. 22 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Four stars, No. 17 safety in the country and No. 14 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Four stars, No. 17 safety in the country and No. 11 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 61 safety in the country and No. 19 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Long-time NC State football recruiting target who was offered in July of 2021.
• Decided in February to reclassify to the 2023 class and was also given scholarships by Power Five schools Duke, Louisville, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
• Picked NC State on June 24 and canceled a planned official visit to Virginia Tech.
Recruiter of Record
Safeties coach Joe DeForest
Analysis:
The athletic Myers is one of the more engaging personalities in the NC State football recruiting class. He projects as a strong safety in the Wolfpack defense, but Myers getting a look at nickel would not be surprising, either.
Letter of intent No. 6: On3 Consensus four-star tight end Javonte Vereen from Havelock (N.C.) High (7:43 a.m.)
Tight end Javonte Vereen from Havelock (N.C.) High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.
Stats:
• Senior: Caught 72 passes for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games.
• Junior: Hauled in 35 receptions for 1,041 yards and 12 scores in 11 contests.
• Sophomore: Made 24 catches for 350 yards and 10 TDs in 10 games.
On3 Consensus Rating: Four stars, No. 308 prospect nationally, No. 17 tight end in the country and No. 12 player in the state.
• On3: Four stars, No. 255 prospect nationally, No. 14 tight end in the country and No. 11 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 24 tight end in the country and No. 18 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 22 tight end in the country and No. 15 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 281 prospect nationally, No. 9 tight end in the country and No. 9 player in the state.
Recruitment
• On Sept. 1, 2021, NC State gave Vereen his first scholarship offer.
• After that, added offers from Boston College, Duke, Georgia, Louisville and Maryland, among others.
• Narrowed his choices to the Wolfpack, Louisville and Maryland before picking NC State on April 1.
Recruiter of Record
NC State tight ends/fullbacks coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel
Analysis:
Vereen has the potential to be a mismatch in the passing game at tight end, but first he will need to get strong and fill out his frame. New NC State offensive coordinator Robert Anae is known for using his tight ends in creative ways. He did that with Oronde Gadsden II this past season at Syracuse, turning the 6-foot-5, 216-pounder who had 2 catches for 24 yards in 2021 into a first-team All-ACC tight end after he hauled in 54 receptions for 891 yards and 6 scores this year. Vereen has the talent to be a similar-type player.
Letter of intent No. 5: On3 Consensus three-star offensive lineman Kamen Smith from Wilkesboro (N.C.) Wilkes Central High (7:39 a.m.)
Offensive lineman Kamen Smith from Wilkesboro (N.C.) Wilkes Central High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 753 prospect nationally, No. 68 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 21 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 86 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 33 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 54 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 18 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 90 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 28 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 73 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 25 player in the state.
Recruitment
• NC State gave Smith his first Power Five offer in April, followed by Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
• Made official visits to UNC, Virginia Tech and NC State in June.
• Picked NC State on July 10 and held firm despite visiting VT and UNC one more time unofficially for games in the fall.
Recruiter of Record
Former offensive line coach John Garrison
Analysis:
Smith is the most versatile of the prep linemen to have signed with NC State. Like the others, he will likely have to gain strength before he’s ready to block college defensive linemen, but he plays with an impressive motor and succeeded on both sides of the line for Wilkes Central. Smith also comes across as a high-character, coachable prospect.
Letter of intent No. 4: On3 Consensus three-star offensive tackle Obadiah Obasuyi from Alpharetta (Ga.) High (7:23 a.m.)
Offensive tackle Obadiah Obasuyi from Alpharetta (Ga.) High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-7 and on his official visit to NC State weighed in at 292 pounds.
Stats:
• Senior: Credited with 8 pancake blocks in 11 games.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 1,163 prospect nationally, No. 72 offensive tackle in the country and No. 111 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 69 offensive tackle in the country and No. 100 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars and No. 94 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 117 offensive tackle in the country and No. 133 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 118 offensive tackle in the country and No. 139 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Unofficially visited NC State on May 15 and was offered.
• Also received scholarships from Central Florida, Duke, Georgia Tech, Indiana and Mississippi State.
• Officially visited NC State on June 10 and committed at the end of the trip.
Recruiter of Record
Former offensive line coach John Garrison
Analysis:
In a NC State football recruiting class full of impressive-looking linemen, Obasuyi may top the group. He has the type of frame that college recruiters and strength coaches immediately notice. As an offensive tackle, Obasuyi is raw and will need to continue to learn the position, thus he’s a decent bet to redshirt.
Letter of intent No. 3: On3 Consensus three-star cornerback Brandon Cisse from Sumter (S.C.) Lakewood High (7:19 a.m.)
Cornerback Brandon Cisse from Sumter (S.C.) Lakewood High
Measurables:
• At the NC State football camp checked in at 5-foot-11.5, 162 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds … Also had a 9-foot-8 standing broad jump and a 34.9-inch vertical leap.
Stats:
• Senior: Had 69 tackles (including 5 for loss and 1 sack), 9 pass breakups, 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles no defense. Rushed 49 times for 598 yards and 6 touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 349 yards and 4 scores.
• Junior: Made 33 tackles and 3 interceptions on defense while adding 22 receptions for 297 yards and three touchdowns.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 724 prospect nationally, No. 72 cornerback in the country and No. 8 player in the state.
• On3: Four stars, No. 270 prospect nationally, No. 31 cornerback in the country and No. 4 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 87 cornerback in the country and No. 7 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 37 cornerback in the country and No. 6 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 129 cornerback in the country and No. 29 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Primarily was being recruited by mid-majors before showing up at NC State’s summer camp in June.
• Offered by the Wolfpack after a standout performance at that camp.
• Picked NC State on June 14.
Recruiter of Record
Cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell
Analysis:
Cisse represents an intriguing camp find by NC State football. He clearly has good athleticism, and he was one of the standout performers all summer with regards to individual drills and one-on-ones. He also has been a productive performer at Lakewood High in Sumter, S.C., on both sides of the ball. On3 became a believer in Cisse after further evaluation. NC State has a nice track record under head coach Dave Doeren as finding sleeper players that develop well in their system, and Cisse could fit that bill.
Letter of intent No. 2: On3 Consensus three-star running back Kendrick Raphael from Naples (Fla.) High (7:15 a.m.)
Running back Kendrick Raphael from Naples (Fla.) High
Measurables:
• Listed at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds … Ran track and has a personal best of 11.39 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
Stats:
• Senior: Had 140 carries for 1,731 yards (12.4 yards a rush) and 22 scores in 12 contests.
• Junior: Rushed 126 times for 1,374 yards (10.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns in 11 games.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 452 prospect nationally, No. 30 running back in the country and No. 82 player in the state.
• On3: Three stars, No. 36 running back in the country and No. 92 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Four stars, No. 18 running back in the country and No. 62 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 46 running back in the country and No. 106 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 24 running back in the country and No. 65 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Originally committed to Iowa after making official visits to there, NC State and BYU and also picking up Power Five offers from Boston College, Duke, Indiana, Iowa State, Louisville, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Vanderbilt and West Virginia.
• Decommitted from Iowa in September and made an unofficial visit to Raleigh in the fall.
• Picked NC State on Nov. 29.
Recruiter of Record
Running backs coach Kurt Roper
Analysis:
Raphael was one of two running backs, along with Charlotte native Daylan Smothers, that NC State football recruiting targeted in the 2023 class from almost the outset. The Wolfpack was one of the earliest on Raphael, and he backed up that evaluation with big production and piling up Power Five offers. At the moment, NC State appears to have good depth returning at running back, but Raphael gives them added insurance.
Letter of intent No. 1: On3 Consensus three-star offensive tackle Darion Rivers from West Charlotte (N.C.) High (7:08 a.m.)
Offensive tackle Darion Rivers from West Charlotte (N.C.) High
Measurables:
• Listed at 6-foot-6, 255 pounds.
On3 Consensus Rating: Three stars, No. 455 prospect nationally, No. 28 offensive tackle in the country and No. 17 player in the state.
• On3: Four stars, No. 235 prospect nationally, No. 16 offensive tackle in the country and No. 9 player in the state.
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 52 offensive tackle in the country and No. 17 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 87 offensive tackle in the country and No. 26 player in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 38 offensive tackle in the country and No. 14 player in the state.
Recruitment
• Was offered by the Wolfpack during a junior day visit Jan. 30.
• Verbally committed to NC State March 2.
• Held firm throughout the process despite occasional overtures from other Power Five programs, including Florida, Florida State and Penn State.
Recruiter of Record
Receivers coach Joker Phillips
Analysis:
Rivers is a project with high upside. He was a high school basketball player who tried football as a sophomore and continues to grow into his body. Not many offensive tackles have the 6-foot-6 frame that Rivers contains, nor do many move as well as Rivers. If he can handle the physicality and fundamentals of the position, he has a lot of potential that can be reached.
Welcome to National Signing Day
National signing day has arrived for NC State football recruiting, and this year promises to be busier than recent years. The Wolfpack is still awaiting several important decisions for the 2023 class.
A summary of where things stand going into the day.
NC State has 17 high school prospects and 3 transfer portal additions committed, but that list will likely change.
One commit, On3 Consensus three-star defensive back Tamarcus Cooley from Rolesville (N.C.) High, has acknowledged that he no longer considers himself a NC State commit, although Cooley has not publicly decommitted. Maryland is a serious option for Cooley, and his older brother, former Louisville running back Trevion Cooley, recently announced he was transferring to Georgia Tech.
On3 Consensus three-star offensive tackle Rico Jackson from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard is set to announce his choice at 9 a.m. Jackson, a one-time Illinois pledge, officially visited NC State over the weekend.
Another visitor from the weekend was former Cincinnati defensive end Noah Potter, who is in the transfer portal and looking for a new home by January. NC State is believed to be a top contender for Potter, who was an On3 Consensus four-star prospect out of Mentor (Ohio) High that started his career at Ohio State.
An addition transfer portal official visitor from last weekend was Ole Miss corner Miles Battle, but less is known about his recruitment.
Two players who have made official visits in December to NC State despite being committed elsewhere are On3 Consensus four-star receiver Micah Mays from Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) The Benjamin School and On3 Consensus three-star defensive back Shamar McNeil from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage.
Mays is committed to Wake Forest, while McNeil pledged to Missouri over the summer. Neither have yet revealed whether or not they intended to stick with their decisions or flip to NC State.
Thus there will be a lot of news to unpack Wednesday.
Throughout the day, The Wolfpacker will have bios of all the signees as they roll in on during national signing day on this blog, as well as updates from breaking news and unfolding developments.
Stay tuned (and hit refresh, a lot).
