NC State football recruiting: Additions, new leads, and other developments

After a short quiet period for NC State recruiting, the past half week has seen a flurry of action, including three commitments. On top of the commitments, the Wolfpack have become the leader for some and lost other prospects to rival schools since the last update.

ADDITIONS

The NC State coaches had what they surely believe was a successful Wolfpack Warrior camp on Friday, bringing in two new additions to the 2016 class. The first commitment was announced before the camp officially started, as Shelby Crest offensive lineman Kollin Byers told the coaches he wanted to be a part of the Pack. Byers had been committed to UNC Charlotte but agreed to be a blueshirt (late enrollee who counts towards 2017) immediately for NC State. While not ranked on the major sites, the coaches liked his potential to add weight (he only weighs in around 240 lbs at the moment) and strength to eventually play tackle.

The other commitment from the night was another under-the-radar prospect in Daeshawn Stephens, a wide receiver from a great program in Durham Hillside. Stephens will be the third commitment from Hillside in three years for State, following Kalen McCain two years ago and Emanuel McGirt this past cycle. Stephens had offers from the smaller in-state schools and brings good size to the field at 6'2" 200lbs, but is not a burner according to testing. State now has one spot remaining for a receiver (with a few exceptions possible).

The biggest name that joined the ranks of the Red and White was also the youngest. 2017 cornerback Chris Ingram somewhat surprisingly committed to the Wolfpack the day after the camp. The Mooresville standout picked NC State over reported offers from Clemson, Duke, ECU, and UNC, representing a huge in-state win for the Pack. Following the commitment of James Valdez in the 2016 class, Ingram could be the bookend for a dynamic corner tandem.

NEW LEADERS

On top of gaining the three commitments, State rather publicly leads for a couple of 2017 prospects following the weekend. Todd Centeio, a former QB commitment for Miami, has come out and stated that the Pack are his leader following his trip to Raleigh. State has been involved with him for over a year and are looking to fight off several other P5 programs for his signature come Signing Day 2017. Centeio hails from Dwyer High, former home of one Jacoby Brissett.

The other player looking likely to become a member of the Wolfpack is local tight end Damien Darden, who picked up an offer this weekend. He was actually on commitment watch this weekend, and this site even thought he was the Saturday Red Light. However, Darden is supposed to visit campus again on Wednesday, and the Greenville, NC product could turn on the Red Light during his trip.

COMMITMENTS ELSEWHERE

Virginia Tech put a small hurting on the efforts of the Pack's 2016 class over the past few days, gaining commitments from two players that State was heavily involved with. Offensive lineman Patrick Kearns popped for the Hokies on Saturday, right after visiting Raleigh on Friday. Kearns was thought to be down to VT, NCSU, and Georgia Tech. Then, top receiver target Divine Deablo decided to play in Blacksburg and end the dream of such a name playing in Raleigh. Deablo chose the Hokies over NC State and UNC, primarily.

ON WATCH

Briefly, State is involved with Florida linebacker Brock Miller, who looks set to decide this week between State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and others. Georgia linebacker Rob Snyder could decide between NC State and Virginia soon with no real vibe as to which way he is leaning. Virginia safety Traveon Redd may decide this week, with Maryland and Vanderbilt seen as contenders along with the Pack. Don't be surprised if he delays his decision after the Pack's recent offer. Perhaps most importantly, five star 2017 QB Hunter Johnson could decide between Tennessee, NC State, Notre Dame, and Penn State any day now. Tennessee is seen as the favorite, with NCSU the dark horse.