UNC Recruiting: UNC Stimulus Package
July 13, 2012;Alexandria, VA USA;USA West forward Justin Jackson (14) drives to the hoop against USA Midwest during the Nike Global Challenge at Episcopal High School. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE
Over Thanksgiving week, not a lot went on recruiting wise, but Tar Heel fans have a lot to be thankful for. It is official, Kennedy Meeks has finally signed his letter of intent and he locked in and ready to go for UNC next season. The last 2013 recruit that UNC is in contention for is #1 overall prospect Andrew Wiggins. This past Thanksgiving weekend, Wiggins graced the state off North Carolina with his presence by playing in the Charlotte Hoops Challenge. The stadium was filled with tons of UNC fans. Wiggins showed out at the tournament scoring in the double digits against every team he played. Wiggins plans to sign in the spring and there is no news on a date yet. Wiggins’ first visit seems to be in early December at Florida State. As you know both of his parents played sports at FSU and they are a heavy contender for his services. I bet he will plan to make a visit to UNC sometime in late December and January along with the other schools pursuing him.
Wiggins was not the only recruit Carolina had their eyes on over the weekend. Roy Williams visited 2014 PG Shelton Mitchell was also playing. Mitchell from Waxhaw NC is a great point guard who plays with his head up the entire time and makes good passes along with being able to score. Roy has made it apparent that he wants a PG in his 2014 class and Mitchell could be the one. He has yet to receive an offer.
Last in basketball recruiting, another package deal is said to be in the works with SF’s Justise Winslow and Justin Jackson. Both players from Houston Texas, have expressed the idea of playing with each other at the next level. With Winslow at 6’5 and Jackson at 6’8 they are very similar and I feel it would be very unlikely for both to end up at Chapel Hill although both have received offers.
In football a lot of recruits took to the field. Mitch Trubisky (highlight reel of the week) ended his impressive reign with a loss Friday night. Trubisky completed 27-of-38 passes for 353 yards, three touchdowns (30, 20, and 21 yards), and two interceptions. He also rushed for 121 yards on 26 carries with two scores (1 and 8 yards). He is a strong player and I look for him to give the Heels a nice option for a dual threat QB. Ryan Switzer also ended his high school career Friday. Switzer ran for 148 yards and a touchdown and 69 yards on four catches. He also threw a touchdown pass. I expect him to start out as a dangerous return man in Chapel Hill before working into a rotation.
TJ Logan led Northern Guilford to a state championship appearance Friday with an impressive performance. Logan scored four touchdowns on offense and accounted for 316 total yards. He rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns (11, 7, and 4 yards) on 27 carries, caught three passes for 68 yards and a 31-yard touchdown, and was 2-for-2 passing for 37 yards. If Gio Bernard does declare for the NFL definitely look for TJ to push AJ Blue, Romar Morris, and incoming freshman Khris Francis for the starting job.
Another prospect to watch for is OL Devondre Seymour. He helped block for an offense that rushed for 129 yards and threw for 114 yards in a victory in the Georgia 6A playoffs. Seymour is a big body at 6’5 310 who is currently deciding between UNC and other schools such as Alabama and Auburn. If the Heels can land Seymour and fellow offensive lineman Tyrone Crowder look for the Heels to continue to be big and strong up front.
Highlight Reel of the Week: Mitch Trubisky