Hough star quarterback Ethan Royal makes college commitment
The top-ranked quarterback in North Carolina is heading to the Mountain State.
Hough High School’s Ethan Royal made his commitment to Marshall on Thursday night, choosing the Thundering Herd over James Madison.
He had 34 total offers, and narrowed the decision down to a final six programs.
Royal made his commitment during a ceremony in the school’s auditorium and was joined by his family and teammates.
“This journey hasn’t been easy,” Royal said. “I wouldn’t be the man I am without any of you guys.”
“Confidence level through the roof”
Royal, a three-star recruit, played an integral role in securing the first state state championship in school history last season.
He racked up 2,272 yards and 29 touchdowns last season en route to being named the 8A state championship MVP.
Hough football coach DeShawn Baker said he’s been most impressed by the growth in Royal’s maturity since he arrived as a freshman.
“The boy’s confidence level is through the roof,” Baker said onstage before Royal’s commitment, “He doesn’t see a throw he can’t make. It drives me crazy half the time.”
The rising senior told The Charlotte Observer in April that he has full intentions on repeating as state champions. Baker hopes that prophecy becomes reality.
“You better do it again,” Baker said to Royal.
“Dawg mentality”
Royal sat at a table with hats from his top six offers, which also included Western Kentucky, North Texas, UConn and Ohio.
“I know y’all see six hats up here, but really, there are only two,” Royal said.
One by one, he picked up the hats and flung them into the crowd. First it was UConn, then North Texas. It wasn’t long until he was left with his top two offers — Marshall and JMU.
The crowd burst into cheers when Royal put on the green and white Thundering Herd cap.
Royal told The Observer that JMU and Marshall’s offensive schemes fit him the best, ultimately choosing a Marshall squad that was a top-five offense in the Sun Belt Conference last season.
“It was fairly simple,” Royal said. “What offense fits me and what don’t.”
Royal will likely sit behind Preseason All-SBC First Team honoree Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, but that won’t stop him from trying to make an early imprint.
“I’m bringing a dawg mentality,” he said. I’m coming in Day 1 and trying to be a leader, a couple Sun Belt championships with it.”
Family ties
Royal said he kept his commitment a secret from his family. The only person he told was his brother, Kris, who played varsity football at Clinton High School from 2013-2014.
Kris Royal said helping his brother chose from among 34 offers was a stressful experience that ultimately came down to where Ethan felt most at home.
“That kind of school just stood out to us throughout that transition,” he said.
Kris Royal has been involved in Ethan’s football journey since Ethan started playing at age 7, and admitted it was bittersweet watching his younger brother take his next step in his football career.
“Just seeing him blossom, and finally getting to this moment,” he said. “Just finding his home, that was big for us.”
