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Here’s what Desmond Evans’ historic commitment means to North Carolina

By Marcos Chisholm

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Mack Brown of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 24-20 in the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Mack Brown of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 24-20 in the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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North Carolina has signed the best defensive end in the entire 2020 recruiting class, but how will this commitment impact the future of Tar Heel football?

It’s official: 5-star DE Desmond Evans announced his commitment to the University of North Carolina on Friday afternoon.

16 schools – including Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State – offered Evans a scholarship. According to ESPN, Evans is the no. 2 overall recruit in the nation and the no. 1 defensive end in the class of 2020. The signing makes Evans the highest-rated prospect the Tar Heels have recruited since DT Marvin Austin in 2007.

Most notably, Evans’ signing currently gives the Tar Heels a top-20 recruiting class. The Sanford-native is listed as the No. 1 recruit in the state of North Carolina, and his commitment makes UNC the most successful program to recruit from the Tar Heel state in 2019.

Following the 3-3 start to North Carolina’s season, the Lee County HS (NC) standout’s decision also speaks to the impact of Mack Brown in his first year as head coach. And when considering there are more than 3 months are left until Signing Day in 2020, there are more opportunities for more star talent to follow Evans’ example of committing to UNC.

When considering North Carolina’s history of producing some of the best defensive talent in the history of football – including Chris Hanburger, Lawrence Taylor, and Julius Peppers – Evans is left with big shoes to fill. However, since 1993, no Tar Heel that has played has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 21st century. While that could change in 2021 when Peppers becomes eligible for induction, it’s also possible to believe that Evans brings potential to contribute to such a legacy.

Evans’ arrival in Chapel Hill next season will also fill a void following the pending exits of North Carolina’s Jason Strowbridge and Aaron Crawford, both of whom have helped improve the performance of the defensive line this season.

Next. Sam Howell breaks UNC Freshman Record. dark

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