Elite Top10 QB Gunner Rivers commits to NC State in 2027 class

Fairhope (Ala.) St. Michael quarterback Gunner Rivers committed to NC State moments ago. The Fairhope (Ala.) St. Michael standout, who is the son of former Wolfpack legend Philip Rivers, is one of the biggest commitments in program history.

Late last year after the younger Rivers attended State's blowout win over rival UNC, the Wolfpack began to gain momentum behind the scenes for the four-star quarterback, which only increased as the winter progressed.

Also by all accounts, the Pack's recruiting approach really resonated. Despite his connections to the school, I believe State has focused more on the younger Rivers, and how he would fit and ultimately flourish in the program.

State offensive coordinator Kurt Roper also played a vital role. Everything I have gathered suggests Rivers and his father think very highly of the State veteran assistant. 

With all that in mind, I submitted my 247Sports Crystal Ball Forecast in favor of State for Rivers last week.

As a junior, Rivers completed 237-0f-343 passes for 3,176 yards with 46 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He's the 42nd-ranked prospect in the country, sixth-ranked quarterback in the nation and top player in Alabama, according to 247Sports.

Stay tuned to PackPower247 for more on Rivers' commitment.

Scouting Report: Modern pocket passer with elite pedigree that wins with touch, timing and sound decision-making. Owns more of a unique shot put-like release, but makes it work, much like dad did many moons ago. Enters junior year of high school with 25 career varsity starts under his belt and a Top247-best 7,024 passing yards to his credit. Has faced a lower level of competition in the Yellowhammer State, but has proven to be a skillful passer that can feather the football to all three levels while operating out of a single-back spread attack.

Will certainly dial up the velocity and hit his marks on in and out-breaking routes, but looks to be far more than just a one-speed pitcher as he uses trajectory and anticipation to his advantage. Might not ever offer a ton of value as a runner, but is quick to recognize pressure and can get out of his fair share of sacks. Feet will get happy at times, which can lead to some off-platform and back-foot tosses, but risk mitigation often remains a top priority.

Appears to process at a higher level than most his age, which isn't surprising given the exposure to the game. A sheltered recruitment has made it difficult to gather the usual data points, but is believed to be over 6-foot-3 and looks like the type of signal caller that could eventually carry 215 pounds. Projects at this stage as a high-end distributor with a rare set of intangibles that has a chance to be a difference-maker at the game's highest level.  -- 247Sports Director of High School Football Scouting Andrew Ivins