Lawrence Taiwo, Forward, North Carolina Alliance/U.S. U17 Residency

Class: 2014
Rank: 21
Commitment: NC State

Wolfpack head coach Kelly Findley should thank his lucky stars.

Only in his second season in charge of NC State, Findley already landed a big time local recruit and future building block for the program in Lawrence ‘Ade’ Taiwo, who verbally committed last month.

“I chose NC State because growing up, I've always been a fan,” Taiwo told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Both of my parents attended NC State and all of the coaches I've had over the years have also played for NC State. Hearing their stories about the ‘glory days’ had always inspired me to attend the school and build a legacy of my own.”

Taiwo is a physically imposing, dynamic striker with a flair for the jaw-dropping goal. With his national team pedigree and early commitment, NC State will have a blue chipper to build the rest of the 2014 class around.

“I believe in the coaching style and know that it will benefit the team in many ways,” Taiwo added. “I know that head coach Kelly Findley will get me ready for the next level of soccer, which is my ultimate goal.

“I plan to bring success to the team. I enjoy the positive energy amongst the team and also the warm feeling of being on campus! It's really a great school and I can’t wait to be there!”

Taiwo also considered Duke and Furman before making his verbal pledge to the Wolfpack.

 

Devin Pierre, Defender, FC Westchester

Class: 2013
School: Dartmouth

A consistent starter for his Development Academy side, Devin Pierre’s college future is now set after his verbal commitment to Ivy League program Dartmouth.

“For me, Dartmouth is the perfect balance of academics, athletics and a great coaching staff,” he wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com in an email. “I'm very excited to attend Dartmouth and play for Coach Cook and represent the Big Green. I couldn’t ask for a better school to commit to and play college soccer.”

Pierre is glad he can head into his final year of high school with his college destination secure, and is hopeful to help the Big Green continue to find itself in the tournament.

“The program at Dartmouth in one of the Ivy league schools that has a history of attending the NCAA tournament, while providing an outstanding education,” he said. “I'm relieved that the process is over and I can focus my senior year of high school on my academic studies and assisting my club team make the Development Academy playoffs.”

 

Cameron Thomas, Midfielder, Clearwater Chargers

Class: 2013
School: South Florida

A creative force for his club in Florida, Cameron Thomas didn’t need a lot of convincing when it came to his college decision.

“I chose USF because right away I fell in love with the school, team, facilities, and coaching staff,” he wrote TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I feel like the USF atmosphere is something that really suits me. Also, my family can watch me play.”

The soccer program had numerous things that really stood out to him when making his decision.

“What appealed to me most was the amount of players who play there from my academy, playing in Big East, great facilities (great soccer stadium), and the coach’s plans for the team,” he said.