Tuesday, November 16, 2010

JUCO DE commits to N.C. State

Continuing its pattern of turning to transfer students to help on the defensive line, N.C. State has received a commitment from junior college player McKay Frandsen of Snow College in Utah.

Frandsen is 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds and excels as a pass rushing defensive end, according to Snow defensive line coach Derek Campbell. Frandsen, who's from American Fork, Utah, originally signed with Brigham Young.

"He plays hard, plays aggressive and gives you everything he's got," Campbell said.

N.C. State's defensive line currently includes New Mexico Military Junior College transfer Natanu Mageo, Northeastern transfer David Akinniyi and Georgia transfer Michael Lemon. All three are seniors, as is defensive end Audi Augustin, so the Wolfpack will need immediate help at that position next season.

Another transfer from Snow College, Mikel Overgaard, plays offensive tackle for N.C. State, and Campbell said his guidance helped Frandsen.

"He definitely had good things to tell McKay, and I think it made him feel comfortable leaving Utah and going all the way across the country," Campbell said.

Ken Tysiac

Friday, November 5, 2010

N.J. wing Tyler Harris commits to N.C. State

Tyler Harris, a 6-foot-8 wing forward known more for his perimeter scoring ability than his post-up game, has committed to N.C. State.

Roshown McLeod, the former Duke player who coaches Harris at St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey, confirmed the commitment today in an e-mail to The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer.

Harris is the younger brother of Tobias Harris, who was a McDonald's All-American last season who signed with Tennessee. All-Star Sports recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons said Tyler Harris has reclassified from the Class of 2012 to the Class of 2011, so he is a young player in the senior class.

That has resulted in Harris being under the radar in some analysts' recruiting rankings, Gibbons said. Gibbons has Harris ranked No. 87 in 2011.

"I've been impressed with him," Gibbons said. "Even though he lacks physicality and strength, he's tall. He's going to fill out. He has a great scoring knack."

Gibbons said Harris will begin his college career as a wing forward but could also play power forward after he matures and gains weight.

-- Ken Tysiac