Hough High QB Ethan Royal commits to Marshall

CAMERON WILLIAMS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Hough High quarterback Ethan Royal (center), who led the Huskies to the North Carolina public schools 8A title as a junior, is committed to Marshall.

Hough High quarterback Ethan Royal is heading to Marshall.

Royal, a 6-1, 205-pound senior, narrowed his list to six schools before picking the Herd. He led Hough to its first football state championship in school history in 2025, going 14-0 and shutting out West Charlotte and Millbrook in back-to-back games to claim the 8A title.

Royal, who is originally from a small town in eastern North Carolina, said Marshall felt like home to him.

“The area of Huntington [West Virginia],” Royal said. “I’m originally from Clinton, North Carolina, back in the country, so it kind of gave me a country vibe. … But it is also kind of like the city ‘cause it’s like a college town so the vibe really felt like home.”

Royal added part of his decision came down to the offensive scheme and how his skills would fit.

“I know [Marshall] was just ranked No. 1 in the Sun Belt in offense for the upcoming season,” he said. “I know that is a high expectation to handle, but I know when I get there in January, I will be able to handle that type of expectation.”

Royal admitted he was anxious at the start of 2026 with just eight offers, but as winter turned to spring, they started coming in droves. 

“The recruitment process was a little crazy,” he said. “I went from having only eight offers in January to over 35 in March. It was just really a blessing for me. I know I am a late bloomer with my first year of varsity being last year, my first year starting. We went 14-0 and had a good season, so that is what really spiked my recruiting.” 

Huskies coach DeShawn Baker said Marshall is getting one of the hardest workers he has worked with. 

“Having Ethan has been a pleasant surprise for us,” Baker said. “He was an athlete that could throw the ball when he first got here but he didn’t know much about [playing quarterback]. He just didn’t know much about the position. He came in and learned a lot under Trey [Blakeney]. He taught him a lot when he came in as a freshman. He is a film junkie now. He is a leader; he is the leader of our team. … 

“I am just happy for him and that the process is over because he was stressing out every single day. Not going to lie to you, the Marshall thing was a bit of a surprise, but he is going to do great things.”

With Royal’s college commitment behind him, he and Baker can turn their attention to trying for another championship. 

“[We have to] just stay consistent,” Royal said. “We can’t get complacent with the results of last year. So, that is the main thing, just keep me and my guys level-headed and not get too big-headed and let someone come in and take our throne.”

Said Baker: “It is like I told people last year; it is about the family bond that we have. We can’t worry about who is getting the credit, who is getting touchdowns or who is getting interceptions. It doesn't matter. We have to be one team. That is the thing for us, because we have the talent. We just have to make sure that the talent doesn’t supersede what we are trying to do with this program.”

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