JK's Sutton signs with N.C. State

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on February 6, 2014 1:49 PM

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astevens@newsargus.com

WARSAW -- Making split-second decisions is common for running backs, especially Marcelias Sutton.

And it didn't take long for him to choose his future college home. The James Kenan senior signed a national letter-of-intent with N.C. State on Wednesday morning.

Sutton liked the down-to-earth approach by Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren. He chose the Atlantic Coast Conference school over East Carolina, Charlotte and North Carolina A&T State University.

"When I went out there everybody was down to earth," Sutton said. "That's really brought me in. I just wanted to play college ball somewhere."

Sutton rushed for 1,343 yards and 19 touchdowns this past season for the Tigers, who claimed the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-AA (large-school) state championship. He concluded his prep career with 4,370 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns and 5,272 all-purpose yards.

Sutton lost just seven fumbles on 562 rushes during his varsity career.

"He works hard," Tigers' head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "He's worked hard every day in the weight room to get stronger. Every day is like game day to him. If they decide to put him on defense he can play there.

"I think offensively he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can run the ball, so he's going to be very valuable for State."

Sutton persevered through a lingering thigh injury this season while competing for carries with backfield mates Al Owens and JaQuan Williams. The trio combined to rush for 3,094 yards and 43 carries.

That experience helped prepare Sutton for life in the ACC when neither carries or playing time are guaranteed.

"Since day one when I came in here I've made progress throughout and shot for the goal and got it this year," Sutton said. "Just going out there and competing every day has made me better. You can't just go out there and just expect to start.

"You've got to work your way up the depth chart. You couldn't just key on one person, we had a whole team loaded with speed."

N.C. State finished 3-9 overall and 0-8 in the ACC during Doeren's first season.