#PackFooty Announces Recruiting Class

Feb. 12, 2015

#PackFooty welcomed six newcomers in this year's recruiting class: Stephen Elias, Tyler Gabarra, Ben Locke, Tanner Roberts, Clayton Sparks, and Aidan Wixted. Capsules below on each.

"This is a great group of people and players," said NC State head coach Kelly Findley. "They are all hard-working, driven, and hungry to help us reach our goals. I know they will compliment our current group of players well, and help us continue progressing as a program."

Stephen Elias
Started every game as an eighth grader for Harrison High in 2010. Made a CHSAA All-County appearance, starting every game for Iona Prep in 2011 as a ninth grader. Regular starter for NY Red Bulls' U18 Academy team in fall 2014. English Premier League Tournament semi-finalist, U15 Generation adidas Cup champions, and U15 North East Pre-Academy League championship in 2011 with the Red Bulls. Played one year with the Albertson Soccer Club in 2012-13. Two years with FC Westchester's U16 Academy team in 2012. Scouted an trained with CF Pachuca's U21 Academy in 2014, invited by Marco Garces, Pachuca head scout, for professional team tryouts in summer 2015. Trained with West Ham United Academy in 2012, invited by Tony Carr for U18 academy trials in 2013. 

Tyler Gabarra
Starting center midfielder as a freshman at Broadneck, maturing into an NSCAA All-American in 2014 and two-time Washington Post/Baltimore Sun All-Met selection in 2013 and 2014. Part of the Real Madrid Select program in 2013. Attended US Soccer Regional combine in 2013, and participated in US Soccer Market Training centers in 2011 and 2012. Disney Showcase Champion with the Baltimore Bays Chelsea U14 in 2010-11 and Pre-Academy in 2011-12. Developed with Baltimore Bays U16 in 2012-13, landing on the Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club in 2013-14.

Ben Locke
Coached by Dustin Swinehart, competed for Charlotte Country Day and Charlotte Soccer Academy. Four-time participant in the OYSAN State Championships. USYS U16 National finalist. Three-time all-conference performer (once in Ohio, twice in North Carolina), two-time all-region, and two-time All-State in North Carolina. Twice named conference player of the year. 

Tanner Roberts
Captain of the Carolina Rapids Academy program, coached by Kevin Johnson. USDA East Starting XI in 2014. Second in the nation for Academy goals scored in 2014. Rated a four-star recruit, ranked No. 65 in the nation and No. 3 in the South Atlantic region by Top Drawer Soccer.

Clayton Sparks
NSCAA All-American, and two-time NSCAA All-South Region member. Made All-State twice, as well as being tabbed Conference Player of the Year on a pair of a occasions. Led the 2012 North Carolina 3-A State Champions in high school. Regional finalist and 2014 USYS State Cup champion in 2014. Finished his high school career with 119 goals and 52 assists. As a senior, tallied 47 goals and 12 assists, both school records.

Aidan Wixted
Currently with Orlando City Pro Academy. Attended US Training Center for U14 USBNT camp and U18 USMNT camp. Member of US Developmental Academy in 2013-14 with national champion Chicago Magic PSG Academy's residency program. Three trips to interregional playoffs, and international trips to Guadalajara for Region III ODP in 2010, 2011, and 2012. State champion at West Shore in 2012, making all-county as a freshman, and returning to the All-County first team as sophomore.

North Carolina State University Athletics

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