NC State Lands Three-Star CB AK Crumel in 2027 Class

NC State added a long-pursued in-state defensive back to its 2027 recruiting class on Friday, securing a verbal commitment from three-star cornerback Akedran "AK" Crumel of Clayton (N.C.) High. Crumel announced his decision in front of friends and family at Civitan in Clayton, choosing the Wolfpack over finalists Georgia Tech, SMU and Virginia Tech.

Rivals ranks the 6-foot-2, 155-pound prospect as the No. 86 cornerback nationally and No. 21 overall prospect in North Carolina in the class of 2027. He is NC State's first cornerback commitment in the cycle and the sixth in-state product to pledge to the Wolfpack, giving the program its 19th overall commitment in the 2027 class.

NC State offered Crumel on May 16, 2024, after evaluating him at practice during his freshman season, and the Wolfpack remained at the top of his list from that point forward. Crumel estimates he visited Raleigh between 10 and 15 times throughout his recruitment, attending practices, games at Carter-Finley Stadium and recruiting events, including the program's Alpha Wolf camp on June 21. He took official visits only to NC State, May 1-3, and Georgia Tech, May 29-31.

Nobody had the lead over them. It has been the same for me since they first got me on campus. When they offered, and I started visiting, NC State was on top. I can't say that I ever had another leader.

— AK Crumel

Mitchell, Family Ties Central to Decision

Cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell served as the primary recruiter for Crumel throughout the process. Crumel described Mitchell as someone who treated him like family and has a track record of developing players at the next level. Head coach Dave Doeren also maintained a consistent presence in the recruitment. Crumel is related to three former NC State players — offensive lineman Dwayne Herndon, safety Darius Edmundson and NFL running back Zonovan Knight — all of whom attended Bailey (N.C.) Southern Nash High.

On the field, Crumel has been a productive starter at the varsity level over the past two seasons, recording a combined 73 tackles, eight interceptions and two pass breakups. In his most recent campaign, he posted 39 tackles, four passes defended and four interceptions while helping Clayton High finish 12-3 as state runners-up in the NCHSAA 8A championship game. He will reunite in Raleigh with former Clayton teammate and current NC State freshman wide receiver Aiden Smalls.

The best in North Carolina stay in North Carolina.

— AK Crumel