The best quotes from NC State's 2023 recruiting class
NC State’s 2023 early singing day is off to a fast start, and all 17 of the program’s commits have already signed their letters of intent. From Lex Thomas, who has been committed for more than a year, to Terrente Hinton, who committed earlier this week, the Wolfpack made its recruiting class official Wednesday.
Over the past year, The Wolfpacker has talked to almost all of NC State’s signees multiple times about the program they will be joining soon. Here are the top quotes from the 2023 class.
Four-star tight end Javonte Vereen
Javonte Vereen took his official visit to Raleigh in December and discussed his relationship with Wolfpack tight ends coach Todd Goebbel afterwards.
“Honestly, I knew from the start that we were going to have a pretty good relationship because me and him just clicked instantly,” Vereen said. “I mean, the first week to a month, we clicked. . .
“We built a pretty strong bond, a trustworthy bond, so that’s the best part about the relationship. We can trust each other.”
The tight end is ready to start a new era with the Wolfpack.
“We’re looking to make history with this class and be the best class to come through NC State, so that’s what we’re doing. That’s the plan.”
Four-star safety Daemon Fagan
Daemon Fagan committed to NC State July 4 and discussed that decision with On3’s Chad Simmons.
“If I could put my pads on and play now, I would,” Fagan said. “NC State is a school on the rise. It will be a top school in the ACC this season and I can’t wait to get up there.
“They were so consistent with me, I have great relationships with the coaches, and they made me and my family feel good about this decision.”
Four-star offensive tackle Darion Rivers
Darion Rivers received interest from programs including Florida, Penn State and others during his recruitment but always stayed solid with the Pack.
“I didn’t have a dream school until I came here,” Rivers said.
“I wouldn’t want to be any other place besides here. Every time I walk in here, it feels like home.”
Four-star cornerback Brandon Cisse
Brandon Cisse picked up an offer from NC State and June as an unranked recruit and committed soon after. Since then, he has climbed into the On300 as a four-star prospect. He shared his thoughts on Brian Mitchell, his future position coach.
“He’s a better man than he is a coach,” Cisse said. “It’s not even just about football with Coach Mitchell. He’s a really good guy.”
“His track record speaks for itself. He’s put out great corners,” he said. “If you just get to know him and get to be around him a little more, he’s really just amazing.”
Three-star cornerback Terrente Hinton
Mitchell reached out to Hinton for the first time earlier this month, and the Wolfpack did a great job impressing the No. 7 junior college recruit in the nation and securing his commitment.
“Through these three weeks, he gave me a crazy vibe that I ain’t really felt from a coach in a while,” Hinton said. “I really connected with him fast, and he just keeps building and building it up.
“I feel like coach Mitchell is a great man and a great coach.”
He’s looking forward to teaming up with sophomore cornerback Aydan White, who hosted Hinton on his visit.
“There’s going to be a lot of interceptions,” Hinton said. “This is going to be a great secondary, hopefully the best secondary NC State [has] had in a while. My first goal is to win the ACC Championship.”
Three-star safety Zack Myers
Zack Myers is also a fan of the Wolfpack coaching staff and its character.
“[The coaches have] all been married for longer than I’ve been alive,” Myers said. “Great family men, that’s really what I’m looking for and stuff like that. So I really like it. I mean, it’s just extended family.”
Three-star running back Kendrick Raphael
Kendrick Raphael, who is from Naples, Florida, discussed Raleigh and the NC State football program after his official visit in June.
“I thought it was going to be very country, but it was very diverse,” Raphael said. “I could see myself living there. It was very nice.”
“The players and coaches make me feel at home, so I won’t really have to worry about that too much,” Raphael said. “And, also, it would be a nice place to explore.”
Three-star wide receiver Kevin Concepcion
NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion is looking forward to arriving in Raleigh soon. He will be an early enrollee.
“It’s going to be a movie when I get there,” Concepcion said earlier this fall.
Three-star offensive lineman Kamen Smith
Kamen Smith is another recruit who garnered significant interest from power-five programs, including Clemson and Ohio State, while he was committed. He remained solid with the Wolfpack and discussed the program after a game this fall.
“I’ve been to every home game except one,” Smith noted. “I am in love with the atmosphere. I talk to them at minimum once a week. Coach [Dave] Doeren, I have a great relationship with him. . .
“Love the whole staff. Every time they show me great love when I go on campus.”
Three-star defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley
When Isaiah Shirley pitches NC State to other recruits, he makes sure to mention the authenticity of the staff.
“Coach [Charley] Wiles is going to be coach Wiles every day, coach Doeren is going to be coach Doeren every day,” Shirley said. “That’s kind of what I sell to these guys, and I hope they feel that, and I hope they see that like how I have.”
Three-star quarterback Lex Thomas
Thomas shared what it’s like to throw to Vereen this summer, setting up for their collegiate career together.
“He has good hands, and he’s easy to throw to,” Thomas said.
Three-star linebacker Kamal Bonner
This quote is from Kamal Bonner shortly after receiving an offer from NC State earlier this fall, discussing his thoughts on defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and more.
“They produce a lot of pretty good linebackers,” Bonner said. “They’ve got a pretty good defense, and coach Gibson puts many guys in the league, so I want to play for somebody like that.”
Three-star linebacker Kelvon McBride
Kelvon McBride discussed his impressions of Doeren after his November official visit.
“He’s a good coach,” McBride said. “He cares about all of his players. He’s been there for what, 10 or 12 years? That shows how much the community trusts him with the program.”
Three-star offensive lineman Obadiah Obasuyi
Obadiah Obasuyi never wavered on his NC State commitment even after offensive coordinator Tim Beck and offensive line coach John Garrison accepted jobs elsewhere.
“I don’t know if it was just unfortunate timing or Gods plan, but me posting Coach Beck this morning after our breakfast yesterday has nothing to do with my commitment with State,” Obasuyi said. “One man may have had an influence on my decision but it took a Pack for me to commit.”
