NC State continued to build one of the state’s strongest homegrown recruiting classes Friday when Clayton cornerback Akedran Crumel announced his commitment to the Wolfpack.
Crumel becomes the sixth North Carolina prospect to join NC State’s 2027 recruiting class – and the fourth from NCSU’s backyard – giving the Pack the second-most in-state commitments among North Carolina’s FBS programs behind only East Carolina (eight).
The three-star defensive back selected NC State over roughly two dozen Power 4 offers, including SMU, Florida State, South Carolina, Arkansas, UNC, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.
According to 247Sports, Crumel is rated as the No. 22 player in North Carolina, the No. 59 cornerback nationally and one of the state’s top defensive backs in the 2027 class.
The Wolfpack now have 19 known commitments in the class, which is ranked No. 40 nationally by 247Sports.
Finally 🏠🏠 pic.twitter.com/hR5Ui2wPqa — ⭐️Akedran (Ak) Crumel | 2027 DB | ⭐️ (@Ak_Crumel) July 25, 2026
🏈 Biggest Takeaways: Akedran Crumel Commitment
NC State has made recruiting inside state lines a priority this cycle.
Crumel joins a group of North Carolina commitments that also includes Southeast Raleigh running back Christian Freeman, Cardinal Gibbons tight end Griffin Cockerham, Willow Spring kicker Moses Barker, Ardrey Kell receiver Khy’lieb Rodriguez and Harrells Christian Academy defensive lineman Amir Moore.
Finding and developing in-state talent has long been a hallmark of successful Wolfpack classes under coach Dave Doeren, and this group is building on that trend. Crumel has been on Doeren’s radar for several years. The Wolfpack extended its offer in spring 2024, one of the first D1 programs.
⭐ Why Akedran Crumel stands out
Crumel has been a starter since his freshman season and has developed into one of the state’s premier defensive backs.
He totaled four interceptions in each of the past two seasons while helping Clayton post a 32-8 record from 2023-25, including a trip to the NCHSAA 7A state championship game last fall.
Clayton coach Scott Chadwick told 247Sports he believes Crumel is the best cover corner he has coached in more than two decades.
“This will be my 26th year as a head coach, and he’s hands down the best cover guy I’ve ever coached. He has a skill set to be a true lockdown cover corner.”
Crumel is also expected to contribute on offense as a receiver and as Clayton’s primary punt returner during his senior season, Chadwick told 247Sports.
💬 What they’re saying
Andrew Ivins, director of football scouting for 247Sports, believes Crumel fills one of the most valuable positions in today’s game.
“I think it’s one of their bigger pickups when you go through their commit list. Everyone’s looking for corners, whether it’s high school or in the transfer portal. I think getting guys who can grow in-house is just vital to the health of a roster.”
Crumel echoed his excitement after announcing his decision in an interview with Rivals.
“There are a lot of reasons I chose NC State. I can’t say that I ever had another leader.”
Crumel’s commitment graphic on X featured an AI-generated image of himself in a Wolfpack uniform looking into a mirror at a younger version of himself attending an NC State game while making the school’s signature “Wolfpack” hand sign.
“The dream started here. The journey led me here. Now I’m FINALLY HOME.” the graphic said.
📋 By the Numbers
- 19 known commitments in NC State’s 2027 recruiting class
- 6 North Carolina commitments for the Pack, second-most among the state’s FBS programs
- No. 40 national recruiting class according to 247Sports as of July 24
- No. 22 player in North Carolina according to 247Sports
- 4 interceptions from Crumel in each of his sophomore and junior seasons
🔗 Follow North Carolina football recruiting
NC Football News is tracking recruiting from both sides of the state’s football pipeline:
- North Carolina high school commitments: See where in-state high school players have committed.
- North Carolina college commitment tracker: See which players are joining North Carolina’s FBS and FCS programs
- Latest Recruiting News & Updates: Explore our news feed for NC recruiting coverage and more.
- 2027 North Carolina player rankings: A look at how national outlets like 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN view our state’s elite prospects
