PI EXCLUSIVE: NC State TE Commit Gus Ritchey Breaks Down His Official Visit

3-Star 2025 NC State Tight End Commit Gus Ritchey (6’3″/225) took his Official Visit to Raleigh last weekend, I caught up with him to get his take on the experience.

Walk us through the visit. What did you do? What were your favorite parts?

We got there early Friday, checked in to our hotel, and went in to talk to Coach Doeren and Coach Anae. Then we hung around with the recruits and coaching staff. We all went and took pictures, which was actually really fun. I usually don’t like doing the pictures, but it was so much fun as a group like that. My favorite part of the weekend was hanging out with the other recruits Saturday night. Me, Spike (Isaac Sowells), Gibbs (Michael Gibbs) ,and Will (Wilson) spent a lot of time together, which was really cool.

Who was your host? What was that relationship like?

Dante Daniels was my host and I’m glad they picked him. We are a lot alike and I think he’s going to be a big help for me when I get there. He has a great story and worked hard to get where he is. I have a ton of respect for him. The TE room is full of hard working guys and I’m excited to be a part of it.

How does it feel going on an Official Visit, knowing you’re already part of the family?

The OV was really one of the coolest experiences I’ve had so far. It was busy, but fun from start to finish. I got to spend time with Coach Anae, which is always great. He treats me and my family so well.

What was it like being there with so many other recruits? Did you feel like a recruiter? Do you already have any good relationships with any of the other 2025 recruiting prospects?

I did feel like a recruiter. I have been to State so many times, I tried to just answer any questions they had and spend as much time with them as possible. The cool thing is, we had a great relationship right off the bat. Those guys would be perfect fits at NC State.

What are your thoughts on where NC State is at and where they are going?

I can’t wait to watch State this year once the season starts. There is talent all over the field and they are going to shock some people. I think they are truly building something special.

What are your goals for your Senior year?

I have some pretty big goals for my Senior year. Cary hasn’t made the playoffs in a long time, so we are going to do everything possible to get there. I also want to lead the state for TEs in receptions, yards, and TD’s, and make 1st team All State. I also want to get 15 sacks this season. I’m in a great spot on defense this year and am expecting a lot from myself.

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Originally, Ritchey verbally committed to UNC on August 1st of last year, but on the 12th of August, he flipped that commitment to NC State.

Last season, Ritchey had 39 receptions for 845 yards and 9 Touchdowns for Northwood High School. Ritchey will be playing down the road at Cary High School this year.

Rivals and 247Sports both rank Ritchey as the #14 overall player in the state of North Carolina in the 2025 recruiting class.