NC State technically doesn’t have but a couple of scholarships remaining in the 2015 recruiting class, but after attrition takes its annual toll in the coming months we expect Coach Doeren & Co. will probably have room for anywhere from five to eight (or more) bodies in the #Pack15 class. And, if this weekend is any indication the staff may have saved the absolute best for last! Since State hosted a couple of high powered local prospects this weekend, SFN thought we should jump into the recruiting conversation with a little information for you:
Emanuel McGirt, OL, Durham Hillside
Visited this weekend and might be the key to getting it all started. He’s down to NC State vs Georgia since decommitting from UNC-CH last month. He won’t say that the Tarheels are out of consideration, that is likely a courtesy to UNC and some in his family. McGirt feels at home at State but has a UGA visit set for the Clemson game next weekend and that atmosphere will be insane. State will have to survive that weekend or make it not happen. Another factor in State’s column is playing time and sheer talent/numbers. UGA already has FIVE highly rated offensive linemen committed in the 2015 class so it’s not even guaranteed that the Dawgs will take McGirt. Rumor was that he tried to commit there at Dawg Night but they didn’t accept it at the time. Don’t know how accurate that is, but we like to pass things along to see what others have heard.
Nyheim Hines, RB, Garner
Coaches have done everything they can in this one. His sister recently got offered a track scholarship and people close to the situation seem to think she prefers State over the others. Everyone around them is pulling for State but Duke is still a factor. Hines reportedly visited with Duke’s academic support staff on Saturday and came to Raleigh today. I really like State’s chances here but that might be the kiss of death – State fan optimism. Hines’ school list is similar to Emanuel McGirt’s as some have reported that Hines wants to play with McGirt. Raleigh could be the perfect intersection for their interests and the interests of their families.
Mike Hughes, CB, New Bern
Hughes is supposed to have been in Raleigh all weekend and the coaches feel great about their chances here. It is down to UNC & State…but from what we hear the Wolfpack is the choice and it is just a matter of time. New Bern played in Durham on Friday Night and former New Bern teammates, Josh Taylor and Bra’lon Cherry were in attendance supporting Hughes. The kid is a great athlete and would be a great pickup for State. Keep a close eye on this one in realtime.
Marcus Marshall, RB, Raleigh Millbrook
Marcus is new to the RB position after playing wide receiver most of his junior year in high school, but Friday night he showed why State coaches are absolutely in love with this kid. At one point in the first half he had 3 carries for 141 yards and 2 TDs. He’s fast, built solid and it is easy to see why the coaches have had him high on their RB board before most even knew about him. His teammate James Smith-Williams is already a verbal to State and the 2 of them have good relationships with the other area players, Hines, McGirt, Love, Daniel etc. I like our chances here as sources believe we lead over Wake Forest.
Darian Roseboro, DE, Lincolnton
Roseboro is arguably the top defensive player in North Carolina so it would be huge for the staff to land NC’s top defensive player in back to back years (Kentavious Street in 2013). Roseboro was supposed to visit Raleigh today (Sunday) but we hear that didn’t happen. He has announced on Twitter that he will be announcing his decision on Friday Aug 29th. The conventional wisdom has it down to NC State vs Michigan even though Roseboro has said he will be selecting from his final 6 of Bama, UNC, Clemson, State, Michigan, and Tennessee. It is no secret that his Dad is pulling for Michigan and his Mom is pulling for State. Roseboro has visited NC State probably close to a dozen times but it has been a while since his last visit. It all comes down to whether proximity to home is the most important factor for him and it probably is. His sister is at ECU and he’s stated numerous times that he wants his family to be able to come see all his games. Many feel Michigan is out front despite the fact that a Wolverine website posted a prediction this afternoon that they expect Roseboro to pick the Pack on Friday. You have to like our chances here.
Bryce Love, RB, Wake Forest Rolesville
Not much new to report here. Stanford is the conventional leader but his ties to the other area players could be the key. If they start committing Love could be influenced.
One thing to note about all these guys is that they’ve been talking to each other and reaching out to coordinate this visit. I take that as a pretty good sign that other uncommitted players are working to recruit other uncommitted area players. I don’t think it will happen but it would be nice to think that today/this week could be the biggest recruiting weekend in NC State football’s history. Regardless of the outcome, Coach Doeren and staff have worked their asses off to get State in position to land top quality talent.
Other Names to Watch
Kengera Daniel , DE, Raleigh Millbrook – Kentucky currently leads.
Shy Tuttle, DE – most people currently think Tennessee is the leader and his mother is pulling for UNC, but he’s got a close relationship with Coach Nielsen in Raleigh so I wouldn’t count this one out until signing day.
