North Raleigh Christian Academy tight end Marcus Monroe collected more than a dozen college offers after a standout junior season.
But when Stanford officially extended an offer this past week, the rising senior jumped. The Cardinal reached out Friday, and Monroe committed to the West Coast member of the ACC the next day, according to his social media postings.
Monroe could be a cross-country steal for Stanford. The 6-4, 220-pounder is currently the No. 40 prospect from the Class of 2026 and one of the top tight ends. He becomes the second North Carolina player to commit to Stanford this cycle, joining Southeast Raleigh 2026 edge rusher Keysaun Eleazer.
🔥 MVP Junior Year, A Position Switch and a Rising Profile
Monroe had a breakout season in 2024, catching 50 passes for 793 yards and nine touchdowns while playing wide receiver. He was voted North Raleigh Christian’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned first-team all-conference honors in the Big East Independent.
The performance marked a sharp leap from his 2023 campaign at Green Level, where he logged just 18 receptions. Seeking a fresh start and a better opportunity to showcase his talents, Monroe transferred to NRCA and also reclassified into the Class of 2026, per 247Sports reporting.
Following his strong ’24 season, Monroe made a significant move off the field: transitioning to tight end to better match his size, skill set and long-term college potential. He’s added close to 20 pounds and now projects as a high-upside flex tight end at the next level.
🏈 Offers from Coast to Coast
Monroe earned offers from a mix of FBS and FCS programs, including Campbell, North Carolina Central, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, UAB, Delaware, Rhode Island, The Citadel, Bethune-Cookman and Yale. He took official visits to Cincinnati, Ohio and Georgia Southern in June.
He also won over evaluators at off-season events, described by one as “a true force multiplier” with the physical tools and route-running polish to demand extra attention from defenses.
His offer from Stanford came late but quickly proved to be the perfect fit.
🟣 The East Carolina Connection
Monroe’s story also includes a notable in-state angle. His father, Kevin Monroe, was a standout defensive back at East Carolina University in the late 1990s and currently serves as an analyst on ECU football radio broadcasts.
Marcus has long spoken openly about his love for ECU. Despite the strong family ties and early mutual interest, East Carolina did not extend an offer, per 247Sports, so Marcus will forge his own path in a Power 4 conference that will play NC State, UNC, Duke and Wake Forest on a regular basis.
📌 More 2026 Recruiting Coverage:
- 🔁 NC High School Commitment Tracker – Where top NC prospects are committing (in-state & out-of-state)
🎯 NC College Commitment Tracker – Who’s heading to North Carolina college programs (from NC and beyond)
