— Heritage four-star junior running back Ricky Person announced Wednesday evening that he will verbally commit to North Carolina State University.

Blessed to say that I would be doing a verbal commit to the NCSU #Gopack🐾 pic.twitter.com/JsQBZ1lJyz — The kidd (@Mr_Elite04) January 18, 2017

Person said Wednesday that being close to family – and feeling like he was part of an extended family – played a crucial role into his decision.

“I’ve always loved State anyways; they’ve been recruiting me for two years," Person said. "They’re like family to me anyway because I also have family that goes to State.”

The standout junior said he was able to share his decision with his grandmother just before her passing, and promised to make her proud with his college selection.

“When she was on her death bed and they had her on a machine, my mom said, ‘Go talk to your grandma and tell her what school you’re going to,’” Person said. “I said, ‘Grandma, I’m going to make you proud, and I’m going to State.”

Person has discussed playing running back or slot receiver with NC State recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Des Kitchings during his recruitment, but said he wants to do whatever it takes to get on the field – no matter the position.

“It doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m on the field and doing what I love," he said. "I love to run the ball, I love to catch the ball; I love to hit people – I like to do everything.”

Person, who transferred to Heritage from Franklinton after his sophomore year, led the team with 145 carries for 774 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in his junior season for the Huskies, according to Max Preps.

The standout junior also tallied 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the defensive side of the ball.

Person held eight scholarship offers but ultimately chose the Wolfpack over the two other schools in his top three – in-state rivals Duke and North Carolina.

NC State's broadcasting major, and the university's proximity to downtown Raleigh and local television stations, Person said, were key factors in choosing the Red and White.

"I know they have a good academic rate with people graduating from State on the football team," Person said. "They have great academics, and academics always come first."

Person helped guide the Huskies to an 11-3 overall record and a second-place finish (5-2) in the Cap-8 conference.

Ricky Person Highlights

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