Recruiting for Tom O'Brien this season has been slow, to say the least. With just 11 commitments, the 2011 class for NC State is ranked as the 84th best in the country. But things seem to be looking up for the Pack, as Simpsonville (SC) Hillcrest defensive end Mike Rose de-committed from Wake Forest and signed with NC State on Friday.
ESPN grades Rose as a 76, as an athlete, but Scout has him as the 95th best outside linebacker in the class and a three-star recruit, which makes him one of the top NC State recruits in the 2011 class.
In his senior season at Hillcrest, Rose showed off his athleticism and versatility as he recorded 86 tackles, seven sacks, caused five fumbles and blocked three kicks; he also ran for four touchdowns.
Rose is an incredible athlete. At 6-3 and 215 pounds, he runs a 4.45 forty yard dash. His speed is backed up by his desire to run track for the Pack, as he runs the 100m at Hillcrest. His speed is complemented by his strength- he benches 275-pounds, squats 380 and has a 33-inch vertical jump.
The signing of Mike Rose could be an affect of the 8-4 regular season record, and things could really heat up on the recruiting trail for the Pack if they can beat nationally ranked West Virginia in the Champs Sports Bowl.
