Clayton DB A.K. Crumel commits to NC State

NC State University's football program picked up a key commitment on Friday.

Clayton High School defensive back Akedran Crumel picked the Wolfpack out of an assortment of Power 4 teams that recruited him. Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech were two of the schools in the highest contention at the end.

Crumel is 247Sports' 22nd-ranked class of 2027 prospect in North Carolina. Rivals ranks him as the No. 21 prospect in the state. He is considered a 3-star prospect.

 The  6-foot-2, 165-pound cornerback was named 2nd Team HighSchoolOT All-919 for his play in 2024 and 2025.

Over his sophomore and junior seasons on Clayton's varsity team, he racked up 73 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, a sack, eight interceptions, and 10 pass breakups.

Clayton produced a 22-5 overall record and a 7A East regional championship over the past two years.

Crumel is Dave Doren's sixth in-state commit in the class of 2027. He is the highest-ranked of the group, according to 247Sports. The others are Southeast Raleigh running back Christian Freeman (No. 37), Cardinal Gibbons tight end Griffin Cockerham (No. 38), Harrells Christian defensive lineman Amir Moore (No. 39), Ardrey Kell wideout Khy'lieb Rodriguez (No. 40), and Willow Spring kicker Moses Barker (No. 64).

NC State has 247's No. 40 overall recruiting class in the country, boosted by the pledge from top 50 prospect Gunner Rivers.