De'von Graves explains his decision to commit early
Loyalty is high on the list of class of 2018 athlete De’Von Graves’ list of important traits.
That helps explain why the two-way standout from Appomattox (Va.) County High made a quick decision on a college and verbally committed to NC State on Saturday after the Kay Yow Spring Game. The commitment came one week to the day after picking up an offer from the Wolfpack while on an unofficial visit.
“They were the only school to offer me a full scholarship coming out of my sophomore season,” Graves noted. “They saw potential in me. They saw something in me that no other school did, and I respect them for that.
“It’s an awesome school. I love their coaching staff. I am ready to give them 110 percent and play for them.”
What NCSU saw was a playmaker on both sides of the ball for Appommatox. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Graves caught 27 passes for 539 yards and six touchdowns from his receiver position, and had 50 total tackles (32 solo), two interceptions, 19 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery at defensive back. He also had two tackles for losses. Appomattox went 15-0 and won the Group 2A title.
Graves saved some of his best for last, catching six passes for 120 yards in the championship game win over Berryville (Va.) Clarke County High.
During his freshman year, Graves had 12 catches for 202 yards and two scores, and added 27 tackles, five interceptions (one of which he returned for a score) and seven pass breakups.
“They said I could choose offense or defense, but I feel like my strong suit is defense,” Graves said. “That’s probably where I am going to start.
“On defense you can hit people and not get hit. I want to hit people.”
Wolfpack cornerbacks coach George Barlow recruited Graves for NC State. He convinced him to visit April 2 for a scrimmage, during which he was called over by head coach Dave Doeren and offered the scholarship.
“My heart just jumped because I worked so hard my whole entire life to make it to college,” Graves recalled.
Graves has almost two years before he reaches his national signing day. In between, he will likely be tempted by other colleges. He said that any later entrant into his recruitment will be politely rebuffed.
“This is it for me,” Graves stated. “If they came, I would say that I appreciate the other schools, but I have no interest going to any other schools or visiting other schools. They weren’t the ones that thought I had talent this early; NC State did.”