NC State lands commitment for 2021 from SC offensive lineman
Chapin High School offensive lineman Thornton Gentry committed to North Carolina State on Thursday.
Gentry is a three-star recruit and the No. 11 ranked prospect in South Carolina for the 2021 class, according to the 247Sports Composite that factors in all networks.
Some of Gentry’s other Power Five offers included Syracuse, Missouri, Kansas State, Virginia Tech and Connecticut. Gentry said his top three schools were N.C. State, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State.
Gentry had a strong showing at the All-American combine in San Antonio in January and offers started to come in after that. The Wolfpack offered him on Jan. 27 and remained in constant contact the last few months.
“The coaches at NC State gave me information I asked for at good speed that me and my family could go through,” Gentry said. “I think that showed their commitment to me. I got into Zoom calls with strength coaches and other coaches. It is really outstanding. They have high level football, great facilities, great coaches. Everything you can ask for.”
Gentry, 6-foot-5, 295 pounds, visited NC State for the Ball State game last fall. But like most recruits, he has been stuck in limbo as far as visits because of the coronavirus pandemic. The NCAA has prohibited on-campus visits from March through July 31.
Gentry said that helped speed up the recruiting process some.
Gentry has been a two-year starter at Chapin, where he plays for his father Justin. He can play center, guard or tackle but likely will be a guard in college.
Gentry is the seventh commit for the Wolfpack for Class of 2021, which includes four-star QB Aaron McLaughlin. Richmond Senior (NC) tackle Jaleel Davis committed to NC State earlier this week.
“They are building a really good class and I am excited,” Gentry said. “Everyone is tight and the commits are starting to build a bond.”
This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 2:15 PM with the headline "NC State lands commitment for 2021 from SC offensive lineman."
