Robert Crisp, a prized N.C. State football recruit from Athens Drive High, caught some grief from his teammates at the U.S. Army All-America Game last week about his college choice.

Crisp, a 6-foot-8, 300-pound left tackle, is ranked among the top 15 prospects in the country by rivals.com and carries a five-star label.

"Absolutely, I've heard about it," Crisp said during a telephone interview from San Antonio. "They are always asking why I didn't go to a football school like Auburn or Ohio State.

"But when I tell them my reasons, they usually think I had good reasons for picking State."

Crisp chose State, he said, because of Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien's history of developing outstanding offensive linemen.

"He is committed to that," Crisp said. "He really builds players. I knew I wanted to stay in-state, and N.C. State offered everything I wanted. I am solid in my commitment to them."

Crisp said he will report to Wolfpack practices with the idea of playing as a freshman.

"That's every freshman's dream," he said. "But if the State coaches decide to redshirt me next year, I know that it will be what is best for me."

Crisp played in Saturday's nationally-televised All-American game in the Alamodome. He was forced to play a new position upon arrival.

"When we got here, we realized we had nine tackles, no guards or centers," he said. "The coaches thought I was athletic enough to play any of the line positions, and I'm at right tackle now, not left. I've never played right tackle in my life."

Crisp grabbed the attention of some at the all-star game practices.

Before the game, Bob Lichtenfels of scout.com wrote, "The East offensive line hasn't looked spectacular, but Crisp has been one of the few bright spots.

"He's very athletic on the hoof. He could use a year in a strength and conditioning program to work on his lower body development. He's shown his versatility here by playing center, guard or tackle."

Crisp earned a national reputation before his junior year while playing at Chapel Hill. Last fall, it looked like he was going to transfer to Cedar Ridge. He ended up at Athens Drive when his family moved to Raleigh.

"I'm very comfortable there now," Crisp said. "We had a great season. We lost in the second round to Southern Durham, and that's not what you want, losing in the second round, because I wanted to get to the state finals, but I'm very much at home at Athens now.

"Since I've already gotten my college decision out of the way, I'm just another student."

Crisp said he had followed the college bowl season a little bit and hoped to bring N.C. State to one next year.

"I guess I wish State had made it to a bowl game," he said. "But with a young secondary and lots of injuries it was tough. Hopefully, we'll be a lot better next year."