Letter of intent No. 15: Four-star running back Ricky Person
Measurables:
• At the Nike Camp in Charlotte was 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds and laser-timed at 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash … Also had a 4.25-second shuttle mark, a 36.1-inch vertical leap and a 33.0-foot power ball throw for an overall rating of 98.73.
Stats:
• Senior: Ran 262 times for 2,230 yards and 38 touchdowns, and caught 21 passes for 279 yards and three more scores on offense. He contributed 13 tackles, including a sack, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery on defense.
• Junior: Carried 145 times for 774 yards and 11 scores, and added 17 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble defensively, missing time with a wrist injury and ankle injury.
• Sophomore: Rushed for 1,075 yards and 10 touchdowns and added six receiving scores.
Ratings:
• Rivals.com: Four stars, No. 91 player in the nation, No. 3 all-purpose running back in the country and No. 5 player in the state.
• 247Sports: Four stars, No. 33 player in the nation, No. 2 running back in the country and No. 5 player in the state.
• ESPN: Four stars, No. 298 player in the nation, No. 19 running back in the country and No. 9 player in the state.
• Fayetteville Observer: No. 5 player in the state.
Honors/accomplishments:
• Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Texas.
• Was North Carolina’s Offensive MVP in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game after rushing 15 times for 180 yards and two scores and catching three passes for 24 yards and a score in the game.
• One of four players in the state nominated for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award.
• Picked to NCPreps.com’s 4A all-state team.
• Conference co-offensive player of the year in 2017.
• Invited to participate in the Nike Opening.
• Played his first two seasons at Franklinton (N.C.) High.
• Also ran track and is an accomplished baseball player.
Recruitment:
• Picked up early offers from Duke, Louisville, NC State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
• Made an early commitment to NC State on Jan. 18.
• Expected to enroll early.
Recruiter of record:
Running backs coach Des Kitchings.
Quotable:
“He is the epitome of an athlete and the kind of guy you love to have on the team. He can help you in so many ways. Whatever he’ll be at State [position-wise], they’ll be glad to have him. He’s truly a football player. He is going to make plays where he plays.”— Heritage head coach Dewayne Washington.
Scouting report:
• Has long been regarded as a good athlete.
• Showed his senior season that he is a true running back prospect, answering previous questions over where he best fits.
• Has good combination of size and athleticism, but has been hit by injuries during his high school career.
2017 projection:
If junior running back Nyheim Hines returns for his senior season, the backfield might be deep enough to potentially redshirt Person. However, in the end Person may prove too good to keep off the field.