BREAKING: Priority running back Kendrick Raphael commits to NC State
NC State picked up a huge commitment from one of its top offensive targets Tuesday afternoon, as three-star running back Kendrick Raphael announced he joined the 2023 recruiting class. The former Iowa commit picked the Wolfpack over offers from Penn State, Oregon and others.
Related link: Raphael commitment analysis
Raphael took an official visit to NC State in June but picked Iowa later that month. After reopening his recruitment this fall, the running back from Naples, Fla., decided to commit to the Pack as the 15th member of its 2023 recruiting class.
Raphael is the No. 447 prospect nationally, the No. 32 running back in the country and the No. 86 prospect in Florida according to the On3 Consensus.
The elite running back describes himself as “very quick” and “powerful,” comparing himself to Zonovan Knight.
Both running backs coach Kurt Roper and head coach Dave Doeren were heavily involved in his recruitment, reaching out frequently to the 5-foot-11, 180-pound athlete as he went through his decision-making process. Raphael recently told The Wolfpacker that it was important that he feels like a priority as he moves through his recruitment, and NC State did a good job of that.
“Coach Roper coaches you tough, but it’s all love,” Raphael said in an earlier interview in June. “As I see him in the camp coaching tough, he loves detail and coaches you to perfection.”
Appalachian State hosted Raphael for an official visit earlier this fall, and he originally planned to take trips to Oregon and Penn State before shutting down his recruitment and committing to the Wolfpack.
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During his official visit to NC State in June, he left campus pleasantly surprised by the football program and Raleigh itself.
“I thought it was going to be very country, but it was very diverse,” Raphael said. “I could see myself living there. It was very nice.
“The players and coaches make me feel at home, so I won’t really have to worry about that too much. And, also, it would be a nice place to explore.”
He announced the decision on Twitter.
“First off, I want to thank [God] for blessing me with this opportunity,” Raphael wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my athletic career & my life so far. A special thanks to my mom & dad for helping me get to the point I am today. Thank you to coach Martin, coach Morgan & all the coaches I’ve had for helping me develop into the athlete I am today. I’m super grateful for all the schools who have recruited me & have given me an opportunity to play at the next level. All things considered, I know I’ve found my new home. I’d like to announce that I’m committing to North Carolina State University!!!! Thank you to all the coaches involved for giving me an opportunity!”
NC State now holds the No. 32 recruiting class in the nation. During his senior season at Naples High, Raphael ran for 1,731 yards and 22 touchdowns on 140 carries, for a whopping 12.4 yards per carry.
