Letter of intent No. 16: Three-star defensive end Joseph Boletepeli

Measurables:

• At the Nike Camp in Charlotte, he was 6-foot-4, 244 pounds and laser-timed at 5.00 seconds in the 40-yard dash ... Also had a 4.45-second shuttle time, a 37.0-foot power ball throw and 34.4-inch vertical leap for an impressive overall rating of 97.35 … At NCSU’s summer camp in 2016 he measured a 6-foot-10.25 wing span.

Stats:

• Senior: 62 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, a pass breakup and two fumble recoveries.

• Junior: 82 tackles, including 17 for loss and three sacks at Raleigh Millbrook High.

Ratings:

• Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 45 strongside defensive end in the country and No. 27 player in the state.

• 247Sports: Three stars, No. 45 strongside defensive end in the country and No. 34 player in the state.

• ESPN: Three stars, No. 56 defensive end in the country and No. 21 player in the state.

• Fayetteville Observer: No. 31 player in the state.

Honors/accomplishments:

• Played first three years at Millbrook High before transferring to Heritage High in Wake Forest for his senior season.

• Was named all-conference as a junior for Millbrook and senior for Heritage.

Recruitment:

• Concentrated on offers from Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan State, North Carolina and Wake Forest, in addition to NC State.

• Made official visits to Maryland (Oct. 13) and Michigan State (Oct. 20).

• Verbally committed to NC State on Nov. 12.

Recruiter of record:

Running backs coach Des Kitchings

Quotable:

“He has an explosive first step. I’m excited about his future. I see him more as a technician right now. As he feels more comfortable with techniques, more of his instincts will come out. I think it’s in there.” — Heritage head coach Dewayne Washington, former NCSU standout and 12-year NFL veteran.

Scouting report:

• Raw prospect but has high upside.

• Athletic defensive end with good length and has frame to pack on more weight.

• Will need time to develop and translate his physical traits onto the field.

2017 projection:

Boletepeli’s best football is ahead of him, and in an ideal world, he would redshirt to continue to harness his abilities. He still has room to grow, and some believe that Boletepeli could even be a defensive tackle down the road. That said, given the wide-open nature of the defensive end position next season, Boletepeli has a chance to see the field early.