Pack's Quarterback Recruiting Coming Into Focus

With arguably the top two quarterback targets off the board for NC State, the search for the next signal caller can not afford any more misses. Fortunately for the Wolfpack, they are in a good spot with a solid prospect and have done some legwork with other quarterback options.

The obvious next progression after Kelly Bryant committed to Clemson in April and Lorenzo Nunez pledged to South Carolina last week is to go all-in on Kendall Hinton. The 3A state champion from Southern Durham High School has had an offer from State for quite a while, but it appeared as if the coaching staff had been spreading their attention between the three targets equally. Now, Hinton is the clear-cut top dog. Standing in at no taller than six feet, Hinton has questions to answer at the next level. However, he has above-average arm strength and an ability to stretch plays when needed. For a good while State trailed Duke, but for what appears to be several reasons, NC State seems to be the clear leader now. The good news for the Pack is that Hinton appears to be heading towards a decision, but he does want to take a visit to Boston College in early June. It is up to Dave Doeren and staff to lock him in before that visit can take place.

Ideally, the plan was to take two scholarship quarterbacks to build up depth, but with two top quarterbacks going elsewhere, that plan may change. There are a few other targets worthy of a scholarship offer as well as some potential offerees at summer camp.

While the other quarterback offers seem like long shots, they merit discussion just in case. Joe Burrow, from Athens, Ohio is one signal caller that the staff thinks highly of. With offers from several power five schools, the competition will be tough to bring him in as a second quarterback in the class. Burrow has stated that Iowa State is his leader, as he grew up in Ames while his dad was an assistant coach for the Cyclones. He has mentioned a plan to visit Raleigh in the summer, but we will see if that occurs before getting too excited. The other uncommitted offeree still on the board is Tommy Stevens from Indianapolis, a player that several schools also like as a safety. The Pack were one of his earlier offers, but do not appear to be a major player at the moment. Schools like Michigan State and Nebraska have picked up quarterbacks since offering him, which could help State's chances. However Ohio State has been increasing interest, as have several other Midwest schools.

Further down the line, the Pack coaches have checked out several other quarterbacks in case they make their way further down the board. Austin King of Alpharetta, GA has seen interest increase from the coaching staff of late. King will likely need to perform well at summer camps to start earning offers. Another potential second quarterback could be Josh Ladowski of Lake Norman High School, who has been checked on by at least one member of the coaching staff. Ladowski is currently committed to UNC for baseball, but grew up a Pack fan and would likely jump on an offer from NC State for football. He will camp in a few weeks with the hopes of earning an offer.

Kendall Hinton HUDL- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1936071/kendall-hinton

Joe Burrow HUDL- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1520086/joe-burrow

Tommy Stevens HUDL- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/542690/tommy-stevens

Austin King HUDL- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1476565/austin-king

Josh Ladowski HUDL- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/986452/josh-ladowski