Early enrollee: Offensive lineman Justin Witt
Offensive lineman
New Lenox (Ill.) Lincoln-Way West High
6-foot-6, 290 pounds
Measurables:
• At the Nike Opening Regional in Chicago ran the 40-yard dash in 5.47 seconds and the shuttle in 5.18 seconds, threw the power ball 36-feet and had a 24.3-inch vertical leap.
Ratings:
• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 28 in the state.
• Scout.com: Three stars, No. 48 offensive tackle in the country.
• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 32 offensive tackle in the country, No. 7 in the state.
• ESPN: Three stars, No. 60 offensive tackle in the country, No. 15 in the state.
• EdgyTim.com: No. 28 in the state.
Honors/accomplishments:
• Named to both the Chicago Sun-Times’ and Morris Herald-News All-Area teams.
• Honored first-team all-state for Class 5A by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.
• Picked second-team All-USA Illinois by USA Today.
• Selected special mention all-state by the News-Gazette.
• Helped team to 5-A state title game as a senior.
Recruitment:
• Had power-five conference offers from California, Iowa State, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Syracuse in addition to NCSU.
• Verbally committed to the Pack May 18 days after returning from an unofficial visit.
• Enrolled early.
Recruiter of record:
• Former offensive line coach Mike Uremovic
Quotable:
“To have two legitimate Division I linemen – and maybe a third [junior Nate Henry] – is very unusual. Both Bryan [Brokop} and Justin have over 20 Division I offers. Of all the good offensive linemen we have had, I think Justin had the best game [in the quarterfinal win over Peoria] that an offensive lineman ever played here.” — Lincoln-Way West head coach Dave Ernst to the Morris Herald-News
Scouting report:
• Solid athlete who moves well for an offensive lineman.
• Has steadily gained weight and filled out lean frame over past two years, gaining about 40 pounds.
• Will need to finish filling out and get stronger.
2016 projection:
Witt may be the combination of the most polished and college-ready size-wise of the offensive linemen that signed with NCSU. Enrolling early also helps him get a head start on the offense and college-life. That said, it’s rare that offensive linemen play as a true freshman, and Witt is a better bet to redshirt.