COMMIT ALERT: Alim McNeill A Huge Pickup For NC State

Raleigh (NC) Sanderson star Alim McNeill almost announced his college decision in early September, and planned on making it at the US Army All-American Bowl.  However, he couldn't hold off any longer.  

He was ready to be a member of NC State's 2018 recruiting class.

McNeill formally committed to the Wolfpack this morning on HighSchoolOT.com, and he joins Heritage (NC) tailback Ricky Person as top five in-state commitments for the Wolfpack.

"It's not even just about the coaches, it's about the players that I've talked to at State," McNeill has told Inside Pack Sports.  "The committed players and the current players, they've told me about what goes on there, how they do things.  I like them a lot, the commits and the players.  With the committed players, I'd love to play with them.  They're all local guys, we've been friends for a while, and it would be great to play with them. 

Inside Pack Sports

Alim McNeill

"They've been recruiting me since my freshman year.  I've probably been over there a hundred times.  I've been to State a lot.  I've been that school inside and out.  My aunt went there, and she tells me a lot about State, what she liked about it.  I just know a lot of people who go there, and they just give me the ins and outs, so I can know everything about the school."

With that being said, McNeill has admitted that his relationship with the coaches at NC State was pivotal to his decision.

"I've built a great relationship with all the coaches," he said.  "Coach Doeren, we talk a lot.  Not even just football, just talking and building a relationship. Coach Kitchings, we've been in touch since my freshman year.

"Coach Patrick, the d-line coach.  He's a really great guy. I've been talking with coach Patrick and looking at his history, what he's done with his teams.  I watched his South Florida team, they were really good on the defensive line.  I feel like he's doing a great job with those guys now."

Inside Pack Sports

Alim McNeill

NC State landed arguably the top defensive prospect in the state in McNeill.  At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, McNeill currently plays middle linebacker, where he frequently displays his freakish athleticism and high-motor.  However, because of his size and strength he projects to play defensive end on the next level, and he is familiar with the tradition NC State has at that position.

"They've always had great defensive linemen, ever since I've been alive," McNeill said of the Wolfpack. "Mario Williams was the No. 1 pick in the draft, then you look at the guys they have now.  With me, they see I can run a 4.6 at 280 pounds, and they believe I could be great off the edge.

"They say they like me at end and tackle," he said.  "When I get there, they'll see how I am after all the running, working out, and lifting, but as of now they want me as a defensive end."

Again, McNeill is a major addition for the Wolfpack.  NC State loses four senior defensive linemen, and McNeill is physically ready to play as a true freshman.  He has the potential to crack the rotation right away, like current defensive ends Darian Roseboro and Kentavius Street were able to do.

Look for the personable star to know go from target to recruiter for the Wolfpack.  McNeill has a relationship with several commitments and prospects left on the board.

“Our class is supposed to be the class to push them over the top," McNeill has stated. "So it will be really exciting. You have guys like Ricky [Person]. They are recruiting Joseph Boletepeli, if we can get him there, me... Trent [Pennix] is there.  It would be something very cool."

McNeill picked the Wolfpack over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Florida State, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and Penn State, among others.

Inside Pack Sports

NC State Commitments Trent Pennix And Alim McNeill