NC State hosts three-star 2026 legacy QB Ely Hamrick, more visits scheduled

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

IMG Academy’s White team walked off the field at the end of the season victorious. The Ascenders posted a 10-1 record with their only loss coming in the regular season to Florida powerhouse Venice High School. The wins were piled up on the schedule in large part to the arm and leadership of 2026 quarterback Ely Hamrick (6-5, 215). Those skills will be spinning it in North Carolina during the 2024 season with college coaches from power conferences watching.

The new offense with A.C. Reynolds in Ashville was covered.

“We are split 50-50 run and pass,” Hamrick stated. “We have a stud running back. The offense has downfield concepts; we will spread it like at IMG.”

The Rockets have added a gamer to their roster; Hamrick spoke about the skills he brings to the field, “Picking apart defenses, taking what they give me. Having the size that I have, I will be a physical runner, but my strength is my passing, getting the ball to our playmakers who have the athleticism.”

More work is being put into the skills.

“I am working on my physical development – getting stronger, bigger, and faster,” Hamrick shared. “I am working on my mechanics and doing film study, so the game slows down. But mainly, I am working on my physical development and working to have the game slow down for me next year.”

Time is being put in to learn more about the game as well.

“I watch college and pro quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes,” Hamrick said. “I am also breaking down my film from this year to see what I did well and what I need to improve on. Now I am watching North Carolina defenses to see how they compare to Florida defenses so I can see what their strengths and weaknesses are in comparison.”

The transfer to A.C. Reynolds is still fresh, but Hamrick already has a 7-on-7 squad to compete with this offseason.

“I am playing with the Carolina Stars on their Silver team,” Hamrick stated.

Exposure camps are on the schedule for Hamrick this spring as well.

“I am going to the Rivals camp in Charlotte, I was signed up for the Miami camp, I am going to the Elite 11 regionals, and I am working on getting into one of the UA (Under Armour) camps,” Hamrick shared.

With all the events upcoming, Hamrick will have more film to share with college scouts. Offers have been handed over from Kentucky, Appalachian State, and Toledo. The list of interested parties was listed.

“Wake Forest, NC State, UNC, Duke, Indiana, some from Georgia, and Liberty, those are the guys I have been texting with over the last three or four days,” Hamrick said.

Game-day trips were taken to Florida, Miami, UCF, and Duke in the fall, more visits are being set.

“I am scheduled to visit Wake Forest on March 19, App State on April 20, and I just visited NC State for their underclassmen Junior Day on Jan. 20,” Hamrick stated. “I will probably go back to NC State. That is all I have planned for this spring. I also visited Miami and FAU (Florida Atlantic) in January.”

The time with the Wolfpack was detailed.

“It went well,” Hamrick shared. “They are showing a lot of love right now. I think they are coming to see me throw this spring, that may determine if they offer or not.”

Hamrick spoke more about his time in Raleigh, “We sat down, and I talked to the coaches. I had a meeting with them. They talked about fitting in their system, character, and personality. I had lunch, then coach Dave Doeren spoke. That was it for that day.”

There is a strong bond with the Wolfpack program.

“I really like NC State,” Hamrick said. “I grew up around that program, my dad (Ryan) played there (1995-99). NC State is one of my favorite schools. I love the campus, facilities, and the staff. I love everything about NC State.”

Hamrick was in control of the Ascenders’ offense throughout his sophomore season throwing for 1,244 yards off 79 completions with 18 touchdowns against zero picks. The Class of 2026 prospect also rushed for 88 yards off 15 totes with four trips into the end zone.

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