Why did 4-star Elijah Groves pick North Carolina State?

Elijah Groves committed to North Carolina State this past week, the four-star linebacker giving the Wolfpack another talented defensive player in what is a very solid class for the ACC program.

Groves is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound athlete from East Robertson (Cross Plains, Tennessee). He is the No. 130 recruit in the nation according to 247Sports.

“The way North Carolina State will use me, I really like that – the way they use Payton (North Carolina State linebacker Payton Willis) and after playing inside linebacker for my high school team our last couple of games, I really like that position way more than outside linebacker (or) defensive end,” Groves told USA TODAY High School Sports this week.

Willis, who had a standout season for North Carolina State, won the Butkus Award this week as the nation’s top linebacker.

“They see me playing that inside linebackers spot that will blitz and cover people as well,” Groves said.

He also held offers from Kentucky (where he had been committed), Purdue and Virginia Tech among other programs. North Carolina State, he said, distinguished themselves in his recruitment.

Groves committed to Kentucky in early July but opened up his recruitment on Dec. 5. One day later, he was committed to North Carolina State.

“The love they showed me, even after I committed to Kentucky,” Groves said.

“They never gave up on me and always called and texted me, checking on me, seeing how I’m doing and that just shows they’re not just coaches but they treat their players like sons also.”