With a shift in the college football landscape, 12/15 becomes the day where players can make it official early. Even though State’s class currently ranks 8th in the ACC, their overall recruiting scores have increased over last year. Within this initial group, some absolute STUDS. Here are our top-5 to watch.
Michael Allen – RB
We have a feeling this dude is going to be special. Not only ranked as a top-25 running back in the country, but he’s laser focused and mature beyond his years.
In just his senior season;
- 1,169 rushing yards (7.4 per carry) and 18 touchdowns
- 643 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns
- Nearly a 20-yard per punt return average
He already has a college frame at 5′ 9″ 200 pounds, which would be fairly comparable to Bam Knight. But we like his aggressive running style and clean hands like Person.
Allen will be in the gym and working hard in classes. Perfect State culture pickup that will do big things for the Pack.
Torren Wright – LB
State is growing athletic freak LB’s like nobody’s business. The fact Wright can learn alongside thisLB core at State currently, gives us goosebumps.
Wright is 6′ 2″, 210 pounds of solid animal. The 10th best player in the State did everything his senior year.
- 116 tackles (71 solo)
- 13 tackles for loss, 4 sacks
- 3 INT’s
Whether they keep him at OLB, or eventually move him closer inside, Wright has the football awareness to make a difference.
MJ Morris – QB
We profiled Morris a few months back. He has massive talent (top-25 QB in his class) and everything he says is just so “right”. He is all in on the State culture and will be a great player with further development at the college level.
In his senior season;
- 3,089 passing yards (63% completion)
- 33 TDs – 9 INTs
- 602 rushing yards (6 yard average) and 7 touchdowns
To keep things further in perspective, he understands the game. For his high school career, a 4-1 TD to INT ratio. He moves so well and has the arm strength to go places. Allow him to learn from Leary and how he reads defenses, and this guy will shine brighter.
Brandon Cleveland – DE
Big dude, big personality. Cleveland, from day one, has been riding that NC State train hard. The kid wants it. His talent-level (Top-25 D-line in country) makes him an intriguing project for State.
In his senior year;
- 50 tackles (31 solo)
- 26 tackles for loss (!) with 8 sacks
- 1 INT
The 6′ 3″ 265 pounder is going to fit right in with a State program that are getting big guys to the next level. We’re talking about a guy that each and every high school game was averaging three tackles for a loss and a sack. He will have to pick-up his speed a bit at the college level, but strength is certainly not an issue.
Rylan Vann – OL
We like his brother and we REALLY like Rylan. He might be the highest IQ of the group and he has the physical tools to back it up. In high school he played; center, guard, tackle, fullback/H-back and all along the d-line. Not only that, but he’s a state champion wrestler.
Great leverage and unbelievable understanding of gameplay. Doeren and company have a guy that can plug and play in so many places.
The Rest
“The Rest” sounds harsh, but it isn’t. This is a really fun class that will see lots of growth over the upcoming years. Would highly recommend following State Football twitter to watch all these interviews.