After being ranked the No. 53 recruiting class in 2012 the Wolfpack has a solid group of freshmen commits who have raised the ranking to No. 44 going into the 2013 season.
Jerod Fernandez, a junior at Lake Mary High School finished his junior season with 99 tackles and one forced fumble. He was also recorded running a 4.6 40-yard dash. Fernandez, 6’0″, 210, is listed at outside linebacker. His speed and ability to be involved in every play makes him an exciting player to keep your eye on for the rest of his Wolfpack career.
Ford Howell, a junior at Memphis University School recorded 62 tackles last season at inside linebacker, averaging 5.2 per game. Howell and Fernandez both have potential to crack the starting lineup, due to the uncertainty at linebacker this season due to the departures of Audie Cole and Terrell Manning.
Davie County High School product Cole Blankenship is an offensive guard, listed at 6’3″, 285. Blankenship has good size for an underclassman but will need to spend time in the weight room off the field to find playing time among an offensive line made up of all upperclassmen. With the exception of one starter, all are listed at over 300 pounds.
Florida native Da’Wan Hunte, listed at cornerback is 5’10”, 180 is a senior at Miami Central High School and will add to an already solid defensive recruiting class. Hunte recorded 87 tackles, recovered two fumbles and picked off two passes during his junior season. With C.J. Wilson graduating and the prospect of David Amerson leaving for the NFL draft, Hunte could find himself in situation to earn a starting spot or, like many underclassmen, he may find playing time on the special teams unit.
Marcus Edmond, perhaps the most athletic among the 2013 recruiting class, played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and defensive back in high school. Edmond, who is a junior attending Lower Richland High School, is listed at 6’0″ and an “athlete.” Considered one of the top prospects in South Carolina, Edmond will probably see more time at either wide receiver or defensive back. His speed and size makes him a candidate for both, listed at 6’0″ and clocked at running the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.
Dawka Nichols, one of two North Carolina natives, is in his junior season at Richmond Senior High School. Nichols a tailback listed at 5’10”, 180, rushed for more than 900 yards, recorded 19 touchdowns. With senior James Washington returning and the emergence of sophomore Tony Creecy, Nichols may find time with the special teams unit returning punts or kick-offs with his elusiveness.
