NC State Recruits React to SI All-American Watch List Selections

Eleven of the 15 football players committed to NC State in the Class of 2021 were included on the list watch list for the inaugural SI All-American Team. Here's what some of them had to say about the honor

Sports Illustrated this week unveiled a list of the 1,000 high school senior football players that are candidates for the 2020 Sports Illustrated All-American team.

Video highlights, scouting analysis and a list of each student-athlete’s college verbal commitment and/or top college contenders can be found on player bio pages, broken down by state, at SIAllAmerican.com. 

In addition, the list will be dissected by verbal commitments and top targets for each Power 5 school as well as independents Notre Dame and BYU. Eleven of NC State's 15 commitments to date, along with some of the Wolfpack's top uncommitted targets are among those selected.

Here's what some of them had to say about the preseason honor:

Quarterback Aaron McLaughlin, Denmark HS, Alpharetta, Ga.

/college/recruiting/football/aaron-mclaughlin-highlights-evaluation

"It’s really an honor, it means a lot. I hope I can prove I deserve to be on it."

Cornerback Mario Love, Hough HS, Cornelius

/college/recruiting/football/mario-love-jr-highlights-evaluation

"It’s cool. I'm just ready to play ball, missing it a lot, My motivation came from last year losing by eight points" to Richmond in the state playoffs.

Wide receiver Julian Gray, Hopewell HS, Huntersville

/college/recruiting/football/julian-gray-highlights-evaluation

"Wow I’m super excited. It feels like a lot of hard work is paying off. Still a lot of work to go, though."

Linebacker Caden Fordham, The Bolles School, Jacksonville, Fla.

/college/recruiting/football/caden-fordham-highlights-evaluation

"It means a lot. I've got to give all the glory to God, but definitely it's something that feels rewarding. It will definitely add to my motivation making me want to play up to those high expectations."

Defensive end Travali Price, North Lincoln HS, Lincolnton

/college/recruiting/football/travali-price-highlights-evaluation

"I'm very honored to be named in this elite group of young men."

Offensive tackle Jaleel Davis, Richmond HS, Rockingham

/college/recruiting/football/jaleel-mitchell-highlights-evaluation

"It’s exciting to be a part of the list. What motivates me is my family and God."

Linebacker Jordan Poole, West Stanly HS, Oakboro (uncommitted)

/college/recruiting/football/jordan-poole-highlights-evaluation

"It’s an unbelievable feeling. I really can’t even explain it, honestly. I’m beyond excited and blessed to be recognized as one of the top players in this years SI 1000 players. I can’t wait to work and be recognized as the best!"

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