North Carolina State commit Ronnie Royal served up an impressive one-handed touchdown catch on Thursday.
It was more than just a highlight moment from Royal, as the play was instrumental in Gulf Shores (Gulf Shores, Alabama) capturing the first state title in program history on Thursday night. The win saw Gulf Shores improve to 15-0 on the season.
Royal is a four-star defensive back who had a strong offer list when he committed to the Wolfpack in mid-June.
The one-handed interception from Royal is beyond impressive. Late in the third quarter, Royal did well to read a deep ball, step up and pull down a one-handed interception where he extended just one arm to pull in the turnover.
And Royal walked away from it like the play was no big deal, simply tossing the ball to the game official. He palmed the top of the ball and managed to keep a foot in bounds while pulling down an incredible interception.
But no big deal, am I right? Unreal athleticism.
NC State commit Ronnie Royal just made one of the best interceptions you’ll ever see in the 5A State Championship Game. #SCTop10 @Ronnie_Royal3x @GSHSDolphins @ESPNAssignDesk @MaxPreps @PackFootball @AHSAAUpdates @NextRoundLive pic.twitter.com/qBkAVtrlUe
— Scott Forester (@ScottForesterTV) December 8, 2023
(Also, this is some really nice camera work for a high school football game).
The moxie to pull off this play in a state championship game, knowing full well that if he got it wrong, he was likely giving up six points…
Royal had a strong Power Five offer list that also included Arkansas, Boston College, Florida State, Illinois, Mississippi State, Missouri and South Carolina among other programs.