NC State football recruiting update: The latest from summer camp season

NC State has been busy on the recruiting trail with camp season, and so far it has yielded one commitment from a local prospect as well as solidifying offers for a few prospects on the fence. With a small class in 2016, offers have not been flying out, so we have been getting an idea of where the Pack stands with current offers.

COMMITMENTS

Senior linebacker Garrett Hooker from Thomasville, NC picked the Pack on Monday afternoon during a surprise return visit to Raleigh. His other major offer was from UNC, which was earned during a camp as well. Hooker had over 200 tackles as a junior for Ledford High, which is production any coach has to appreciate. Hooker likely fills the quota at middle linebacker, but they would gladly take Donta Evans or maybe Xander Gagnon if they wanted to come to State. Hooker is a three star on Scout and two on Rivals.

Tight end Dylan Autenrieth from Dallas, GA committed to the Wolfpack on Thursday night. With the Pack looking to take two tight ends, Autenrieth wanted to make sure he reserved his spot in this class. The coaching staff loves his physical style of play and know that he's facing great competition in the state of Georgia. The three star tight end also had offers from Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Pitt, Southern Miss, and several others. The position could be filled as soon as either Bryce Dixon or Garrett Walston make their decisions.

MOVING UP

While only one commitment has occurred over the past few weeks, the Pack has appeared to move up with several prospects. One of the most notable was offensive tackle Patrick Kearns, who definitely has State at or near the top of his list after a recent visit. The Georgia lineman has a visit lined up to Florida as well as several other potential destinations (Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech possibilities) before a decision in the next few weeks. A recent trip to Raleigh solidified this standing.

Bryce Dixon, from nearby Green Hope High School, attended camp as a tight end and subsequently received an offer from the Wolfpack. Currently an Old Dominion commitment, this recruitment may change quickly with the hometown school becoming involved. It appears that the move from wide receiver paid huge dividends. 
Tomon Fox and Bryce Folsom are both Georgia prospects who camped this past week, but only Folsom seems like a potential commitment. The other major contender for the lineman is Syracuse, but the Pack are likely out in front. Fox really likes UNC, but the Pack are likely in his top 3 schools.

OFF THE BOARD

While State added to their commitment list this past week, they also had a few top targets fall off the board to other schools. Linebackers Tryone Hopper (of Georgia) and Brandon Randle (from Michigan) committed to UNC and Michigan State, respectively. Neither was the top target at the position, but it would be false to say they were not highly regarded. Another offeree, two star offensive lineman Justin Chase, committed to East Carolina. While not officially off the board, Georgia linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse surprisingly left the Pack out of his top seven this week. It appeared as if NCSU could make his top two or three schools until the news was revealed.

UPCOMING DECISIONS

There are a few decisions coming soon involving top targets for the Wolfpack. Virginia wide receiver Eric Kumah is expected to announce his decision on Friday afternoon between NC State, Virginia Tech, Miami, and Maryland. The Hokies are considered the frontrunner, with State looking like the next best bet. 
Another wide receiver, four star Kelvin Harmon out of New Jersey, has NC State in his top six as he approaches a decision (likely later this month). Also in his top six are schools such as South Carolina, Rutgers, UNC, Temple, and West Virginia. The Pack have a good chance here, but the Gamecocks have a long-time friend of Harmon at quarterback, while Rutgers has the local advantage. State and UNC look like the dark horses after his recent camp visits.

Florida defensive back Carlos Becker trimmed his list recently to NC State, Kentucky, Pitt, Michigan State, Florida, Mississippi St, Arkansas, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Notre Dame. That was the order he listed the schools, despite not claiming a leader. Ironically, it is strongly believed behind the scenes that NC State leads here (and has for a while), with Notre Dame looming large if their interest strengthens. Becker could decide in the next few weeks.