After Dallas (Ga.) North Paulding three-star tight end Dylan Autenrieth visited NC State earlier this month, he knew he would eventually end up with the Wolfpack. He pulled the trigger on Thursday night and became the ninth commitment in the 2016 class.

"When I went up there, they had been at the top of my list," he said. "I didn't have my mind set on what I was doing, and then when I talked to Coach [Dave] Doeren, Coach [offensive coordinator Matt] Canada and everybody, I got good vibes coming off of it. It's a beautiful place.

"I talked to Coach [Eddie] Faulker, my position coach, and Coach Canada daily. Coach Doeren has my number and I have his number so if I ever need to call him, I'll call him real quick. It's awesome, you can tell they respect me.

"I have a lot of respect from them. I can tell they're going to treat me great, I just can't wait to get up there."

He always wanted to have the recruiting process over before the end of the summer, and he's happy to have found the right fit. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder, who posted 32 receptions for 468 yards and seven touchdowns last year, said he was, "100 percent secure" with his decision.

"It's a perfect distance away [from home], I'm not too close to home, but I'm not too far," he added. "I'm always going to have family at the game, I have family in South Carolina and some relatives in North Carolina. It's just really exciting."

Being recruited by not only his future position coach, but the offensive coordinator made a big impression on him this spring, and his recent visit closed the deal.

"I'm pretty sure I'm in Coach Faulkner's recruiting area anyways, but still just talking to someone from the school is unbelievable. Then, having the offensive coordinator talk to you - and he actually came to my school to talk to me, he said he doesn't always do that - that made me feel wanted."

Autenrieth said he will return to Raleigh, but is not sure of when. He noted his biggest strengths are his route runner and receiving skills, while he will continue to work on his blocking. He plans to enroll early.

"I just got off the phone with Coach Canada, and he said that I can do it all," Autenrieth noted. "He's excited to throw me in some positions, and I'm just going to do whatever they tell me to do.

"I'm excited to stay on the path of being a part of the Wolfpack family."

Blessed to announce that I have committed to North Carolina State!! 🔴⚪⚫ #1pack1goal #pack16 pic.twitter.com/6m9gKhtEjp- Dylan Autenrieth (@AUTENRIETH21) June 19, 2015

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