Three NC State commits that On3 ranks higher than the industry

On3 released new edition of the On300 rankings yesterday, a comprehensive list of the nation’s top prospects. NC State has three prospects who made the top group, and each of the 11 commits in the 2023 class all have ratings assigned to them as well.

Four-star safety Daemon Fagan checked in at No. 212, four-star tight end Javonte Vereen ranks at No. 227, and four-star offensive lineman Darion Rivers rounded out the group of Wolfpack commits who made the top group of On3’s national rankings at No. 258.

Using On3’s Industry Comparison Rankings, The Wolfpacker took a look at how On3’s rankings for NC State’s 11 committed prospects stack up against the rest of the industry. Here are the three who stood out from the group.

On3 four-star tight end Javonte Vereen

Havelock (N.C.) High School

On3 Ranking: Four stars (91), No. 227 in the country, No. 10 tight end

Consensus Ranking: Four stars (89), No. 293 in the country, No. 16 tight end

Javonte Vereen committed to NC State this spring over offers from Georgia, Maryland and others. The tight end is a mismatch nightmare for opposing secondaries, and he showed off his skills at NC State’s seven-on-seven tournament in June. He showed the capability to run past a defender when he needed to and, at 6-3 and 210 pounds, Vereen was able to use his physicality on any given play to create separation.  

Vereen is the No. 9 recruit in North Carolina according to On3, while the other services have him ranked anywhere between 10 and 13. Both rivals and 247 consider him a three-star prospect.

Here’s an excerpt from his On3 scouting report:

“Talented pass catcher with plus ball skills and the ability to make acrobatic grabs. Touts some of the better ball skills among tight end prospects in the 2023 cycle. Plays as an outside receiver and occasionally lines up as an in-line tight end for his high school. Accounted for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 31 catches as a junior. Has very strong hands and wins in jump-ball situations with consistency.”

On3 four-star offensive tackle Darion Rivers

West Charlotte (N.C.) High School

On3 Ranking: Four stars (90), No. 258 in the country, No. 20 offensive tackle

Consensus Ranking: Three stars (88), No. 477 in the country, No. 35 offensive tackle

Darion Rivers was the second prospect to join the 2023 class when he committed to NC State in early March. He is a top-300 recruit in the nation and a four-star prospect according to On3’s Player Rating. At 6-6 and 255 pounds, Rivers has the frame to be an imposing offensive tackle at the next level. 

On3 ranks him in North Carolina’s top-10 for the 2023 class, and ESPN has the next highest ranking at No. 13. Each of the three recruiting services other than On3 consider Rivers a three star prospect. The 247 ranking stands out. It considers him the No. 85 offensive tackle in the nation.

On3 three-star cornerback Brandon Cisse

Lakewood (S.C.) Sumter High School

On3 Ranking: Three stars (88), No. 7 in South Carolina

Consensus Ranking: Three stars (84), No. 19 in South Carolina

Brandon Cisse‘s ranking is the most significant outlier on this list. He committed to NC State June 14th after receiving an offer from NC State during this year’s camp season. He ran a 4.45 40-yard-dash and had an impressive day in one-on-one competition. 

After quickly returning to campus for a visit with his parents, the Lakewood (S.C.) High School athlete made things official with a commitment to the Wolfpack. According to On3, he is the top defensive back in South Carolina. On3 also considers him the No. 46 cornerback in the country, while the consensus rating slots him at No. 111.