Rodman Noel, a safety from Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., has committed to N.C. State.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound recruit previously had committed to Maryland before the coaching change there.

Noel intercepted four passes as a postgraduate player for Milford last season, according to the school's website. Milford coach Bill Chaplick said Noel has great football sense, calling him one of the 11-1 team's best defensive players.

At times, when Milford's smaller cornerbacks struggled against taller receivers, Noel would move to corner and shut down the bigger wide outs in pass coverage, Chaplick said.

"He's a physical specimen," Chaplick said. "He should be a great player for [N.C. State]."

Noel committed to Maryland before the firing of coach Ralph Friedgen. Chaplick said Noel withdrew his commitment after Kevin Lempa, who had been coaching safeties for the Terrapins, was not retained by new coach Randy Edsall.

ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com or 919-829-8942