Naples 4-star running back Kendrick Raphael headed to NC State after decommitting from Iowa

Alex Martin, Naples Daily News
·2 min read
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Kendrick Raphael wanted to make sure he could stay on schedule with what his intentions were after wrapping up his high school career.

Raphael chose to continue his playing career for NC State. The Wolfpack were previously beat out by Iowa to land the 5-foot-11, 180 pound back, but Raphael opted to de-commit from the Hawkeyes after a slow start to their 2022 season. Raphael will still be able to early enroll at the beginning of next year, as those were his plans when he was committed to Iowa.

Raphael led the Golden Eagles in rushing over the previous two seasons, totaling 3,105 yards with 40 touchdowns. Between those two seasons, Raphael averaged 11.67 yards per carry. This year, Raphael had 1,731 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. Both statistics currently lead Southwest Florida.

Kendrick Raphael, Naples, No. 6 recruit in the Naples Daily News and News-Press' Big 15 for 2022. Photos were taken on site at Naples Luxury Imports.
Kendrick Raphael, Naples, No. 6 recruit in the Naples Daily News and News-Press' Big 15 for 2022. Photos were taken on site at Naples Luxury Imports.

"First off, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity," Raphael said in a statement posted to social media. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my athletic career and my life so far. A special thanks to my mom and dad for helping me get to the point I am today. Thank you to coach (Rick) Martin, coach (Manny) Morgan and all the coaches I've had for helping me develop into the athlete I am today.

"I'm super grateful for all the schools who have recruited me and have given me an opportunity to play at the next level all things considered, I know I've found my new home. I'd like to announce that I'm committing to North Carolina State University!!! Thank you to all the coaches involved for giving me an opportunity!"

Naples Golden Eagles running back Kendrick Raphael (0) tries to break a tackle from a Dunbar Tigers defender during the second half of the Class 3S regional 4 final at Staver Field in Naples on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
Naples Golden Eagles running back Kendrick Raphael (0) tries to break a tackle from a Dunbar Tigers defender during the second half of the Class 3S regional 4 final at Staver Field in Naples on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.

Raphael is a four-star prospect on the 247Sports Composite, and is ranked 24th at his position on ESPN.

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples four-star running back Kendrick Raphael commits to NC State