Scouting NC State’s In-State Commits

The earliest non-specialist commit in the entire 2027 class, Freeman pledged early to the Wolfpack and has never wavered. Playing behind a stellar Southeast Raleigh offensive line, Freeman is both steady and explosive. While he shows the vision, burst, and open-field ability you'd hope for in a Power Four running back, his abilities in the passing game set him apart. He's a talented pass-blocker and caught 25 passes as a junior. He's not just running to the flat, but instead he's flashed a more robust route tree for the Bulldogs. He's ahead of the curve on two parts of the game that often trip backs up in the transition to the college level, so don't be surprised if he contributes early with three-down upside.

A two-way guy, Cockerham also pledged early to the Wolfpack and has remained committed for over a year. NC State is getting a high-upside, moldable athlete. While we have him ranked as an edge rusher, he'll likely play tight end for the Wolfpack. He's a strong in-line blocker with soft hands and good leaping ability. He's a bit lower-rated for us right now, simply because he's a developmental prospect, but I think he'll contribute early as a special-teamer, with the upside to be a high-end tight end No. 2 or even a starter at the next level.

NC State landed one of the top kickers in the entire country late in May. He's actually been bumped up to No. 1 nationally by some kicking outlets since we last updated rankings, thanks to his strong leg and kickoff ability. He made three kicks over 40 yards last year, including a 50-yarder, and he has the leg to hit from 55-plus. In my opinion, he's the best kickoff specialist in the state, so watch for him to compete there early.

Upside. Upside. Upside. The story of how a 6-foot-8 defensive lineman from a basketball power ended up a Power Four commit is exactly what you'd think. After Moore moved to Harrell's Christian early to play basketball, a football coach noticed his frame and suggested he try football. He immediately thrived. In his second season, he had six sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He'll need to continue to develop, but he's newer to football, and his athletic upside is obvious.

Rodriguez can absolutely fly, with a school record 10.56-second 100-meter time (at a strong track school). He's flashed a fuller skill set, though, and ran a more complete route tree as a junior. In 2025, he improved his lateral movement and suddenness, which helped him take a massive step forward as a punt returner and after the catch. He's a stock-riser candidate for us, especially if he continues his upward trajectory this offseason.

The jewel of NC State's 2027 class, Crumel is a versatile cornerback with past safety experience. He's at his best in coverage, but he's far more physical than the average corner. He's more physically ready for the college level than most high school corners, as he isn't likely to add much weight once he gets to campus. I could see him starting in the slot in college, but he has the speed, length, and ball skills to be a multi-year lockdown corner.