Fre'Shad Hunter picks the Pack

Cary senior Fre'Shad Hunter has committed to play for N.C. State next season. He made his decision shortly after N.C. State's win over Pitt on Saturday.

Hunter, who's playing primarily offensive line this year for the Imps, is ranked as one of the nation's top defensive ends by both Rivals and Scout.com. The 6'4 245-pound senior totaled 60 tackles and six sacks last year in his first year at the position.

Cary coach Ben Kolstad said the move to offensive line was based on team need. Cary's defense remains one of the best groups in the conference even without Hunter, allowing just 15.7 points per game.

"We moved him to offensive tackle just because he gives us some really good things at offensive tackle. It's really hard to play both ways," Kolstad said. "We just needed a boost down the stretch and he's a good athletic player, so we'll see what he can do."

"We're just trying to be a better team, and he's doing what we need." 

In Friday's 21-14 loss to Holly Springs, however, Hunter did make some spot appearances on defense during the game's final minutes. In those limited opportunities, he made two tackles and a half-tackle for loss.

He figures to return to the defensive side of the ball in college.

In the Tri-Nine Conference alone, there are now three N.C. State football commitments. The other two, Pete Singer and Rob Crisp, are with Athens Drive. Cary plays host to Athens Drive on Oct. 9th. 

Hunter, whom Rivals.com ranked one of the nation's top 100 players, picked N.C. State over South Carolina, LSU, Tennessee and Florida State.