James Kenan's Sutton commits to NCSU

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 27, 2013 1:47 PM

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WARSAW -- Opposing defenses have had little success slowing down Marcelias Sutton over the past two seasons.

Coaches from North Carolina State University did a better job of tackling the star tailback.

After some aggressive recruiting, Sutton gave the Wolfpack a verbal commitment on Tuesday. However, the rising senior at James Kenan High School cannot sign his official national letter-of-intent until Feb. 5, 2014.

"Marcelias is the kind of kid that will do whatever it takes to win football games," James Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "I think that is what has really impressed coaches who have seen him play. He will play special teams, he blocks for his teammates and he plays hard every snap."

Sutton rushed for 1804 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound tailback was the leading rusher in the Tigers' three-headed ground attack. Sutton also caught six passes for 289 yards and five touchdowns.

Throw in a pair of special teams touchdowns on kickoff returns and it is easy to see why college coaches were clamoring for Sutton's time over the summer. Sutton attended camp at N.C. State and turned in an eye-popping performance that included a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a broad jump of 11 feet, 5 inches.

"(Sutton) went to camp at N.C. State last week and showed his explosiveness," Avent Jr. said. "He had a great workout and got to meet Coach Doeren and really enjoyed himself."

Aside from the Wolfpack, Sutton also had scholarship offers from East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and N.C. Central.

"I think having his decision made early will help him relax and enjoy the game as a senior," Avent Jr. said. "It's a weight off his mind and now he can focus on keeping his grades up and winning football games here at James Kenan."

The Tigers open the season Aug. 23 against Southern Wayne.