PI EXCLUSIVE: 4-Star NC State TE Commit Javonte Vereen Discusses Commitment & Goals

4-Star 2023 Tight End commit Javonte Vereen (6’4″/209) verbally committed to run with the Wolfpack back on April 1st, choosing NC State over a Top-3 that also included Louisville and Maryland. 247Sports, On3 and ESPN all rank Vereen as a 4-star recruit. On3 ranks him as the #227 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, the #10 Tight End, and the #8 player in the state of North Carolina.

We recently caught up with Vereen to pick his brain on why he committed to NC State, and what his goals are for his upcoming Senior season at Havelock High School.

PI: Back in April, what led you to pulling the trigger and committing to NC State?

JV: “The coaches communicating with me everyday since they sent out the offer was big. I was looking to build a genuine relationship with the coaching staff and my position coach. I had to look at the pros and cons of every school, and State didn’t really have cons, but they did have a lot of pros. The academic side helped me make my decision also. NC State is one of the top academic schools in the country. After figuring out what school had the best academics out of my list, I then looked at the football side. I saw how they’ve used Trent Pennix and Chris Toudle and I know that it will fit me very very good. The like the way Coach Beck uses the H-backs to create mismatches in the formations. I know that when I get there it will be even bigger mismatches and it will be hard to stop me.”

PI: Which schools did you choose NC State over?

JV: “I released a Top-3 with Louisville, Maryland and NC State. I was also really high on Georgia, Louisville, Alabama and Pitt.”

PI: Do you have any connection with current NC State players? Other NC State commits?

JV: “The Tight Ends at NC State and I are building a relationship everyday. Chris Toudle, Trent Pennix, Ced and Fred Seabrough. Even building bonds with a Defensive player like Shyheim Battle. I’m really close with commits Lex Thomas, Tamarcus Cooley, Brandon Cissee. Lex, Tamarcus and I hang out a lot.”

PI: How would you describe the type of football player you are?

JV: “I am a competitive guy. I strive to win in literally anything I do. I’m a very athletic Tight End that can do it all and a great leader that can lead my team. I have a good IQ on both sides of the ball.”

PI: What are your personal goals for your final high school season?

JV: “My goal is to break Sage Surratt’s North Carolina single-season receiving yards record, which is 2,104 yards. My stats last season were 35 catches for 1,150 yards. I had at most 4 catches a game, so when I get my touches doubled, I should be able to break the record.”