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#Pack16 Grows Stronger as June Begins, With Potential For More

The past few weeks have been relatively strong for NC State, particularly with the commitment of offensive tackle Justin Witt several weeks ago. Not only did Witt commit, but the Pack jumped to the top for a wide receiver target, have moved up with another, and have thrown out some other offers. Also, the Pack’s top target in the cycle has been ranked the top player in the country by Rivals.com

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

COMMITMENT

As touched on when it happened, Witt’s commitment was a nice pickup for the Wolfpack. Not only does he shore up a major need at offensive tackle (seems to be a recurring theme for State), but Witt was a quick and efficient addition. With Witt in the fold, the Pack coaches can focus on filling other spots on the line. Look for two more linemen to join, likely one tackle and one interior lineman.

MOVING UP

Somewhat out of left field, it appears that NC State leads for Winston-Salem wide receiver Divine Deablo (I know Akula is pleased with this development for multiple reasons). In an interview with Rivals.com’s Adam Friedman, Deablo was all smiles when talking about the Pack and mentioned that a mid-May visit to State vaulted them up his list. Prior to this, it was thought that the well-named player was leaning towards Virginia Tech and UNC. Deablo would give the Pack a receiver with size, something they have been constantly searching for to counter the smaller, speedier wideouts that they have already pulled in.

Charlotte Vance wide receiver Myles Dorn is looking more and more like an eventual member of the Wolfpack, and not all of that is the result of an effort from the football staff. Myles’ older brother Torin is a basketball transfer from Charlotte who is down to NC State and Miami, and just had a great visit to Raleigh. The brothers would like to go to school together if possible, and the Wolfpack provide that opportunity. State and Tennessee are both prominently mentioned with the son of a former Tar Heel football player.

Offensive lineman Kurt Gavin, like Witt, is from Illinois and appears to really like Dave Doeren and staff. The ties to the Midwest are still helping the Pack, with several players coming from that area of the country in the past three cycles. Gavin is likely favoring the Pack based on his other offers. He is supposed to visit in the next week or so and the visit could put NC State in an enviable position.

UPCOMING DECISIONS

There are no immediate (known) announcements coming up for Pack targets, but several could happen in the next couple of weeks. An ongoing saga for the past month is if Wilmington tight end Garrett Walston will commit at any minute. NC State led for a long time and was prepared to commit in mid-May, but it is believed that either UNC or UGA convinced him to hold off on doing so. Still, he could pick a school without warning considering how quiet he has been since the cancelled commitment. Virginia wide receiver Eric Kumah is believed to be favoring NC State and Virginia Tech, with things looking pretty even at the moment. The rumors are that he could commit in a couple of weeks as well as make one more visit to Raleigh. While he has not mentioned any imminent commitment, Georgia tight end Dylan Autenreith has been liking the Wolfpack and is scheduled to visit soon. With limited tight end spots available, and Walston possibly deciding soon, he could feel rushed to decide.

TOP PROSPECT SOLID?

The one commitment for NC State that has garnered the most attention from other schools has been defensive tackle Kobe Smith. The big Georgian has picked up offers from all over the country (multiple SEC schools as well), but will be on campus this weekend. This is a great sign both for his status as a commitment as well as a chance for him to see the new facilities and recruit other prospects who will visit.

NEW 2016 NUMBER 1

Rivals.com rolled out their updated top 250 prospects, and the one prospect's ranking that really stands out the Wolfpack fans is Wake Forest, NC defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence moving to the top ranked player in the country. NC State has done very well with Lawrence so far, but there will be even more suitors after this development.

CAMP SEASON

NC State is starting summer football camps this week, and as many who have followed the Wolfpack since the TOB era know, some sleepers can be found during this period. It is not expected that offers will go flying out over the next month with a small class coming in 2016, but it is likely that one or two campers will pick up offers and eventually join the class if history is any indicator.