UNC Football: Key five-star target back on Tar Heels’ campus

The UNC Football program improved their 2022 football recruiting class earlier in the week landing a big commitment from four-star linebacker Sebastian Cheeks. The addition has moved UNC into the top 20 for the team rankings but they are looking for more.

This weekend, Mack Brown and his staff will have the chance to impress a few recruits as they are hosting their annual Cookout event. The design of the event is to get recruits on campus to check out Chapel Hill and enjoy the environment.

Over the years, it’s been a big event for recruits as the Tar Heels have hosted several commitments and recruiting targets. And this year is no different.

Among the visitors on campus today is key five-star target Zach Rice. The offensive tackle is reportedly on campus for the event just before meeting with the staff at Liberty next week per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.

"Rice has been over to Charlottesville numerous times and could return again on Friday if the schedule allows. They’ll take their third visit of the summer to North Carolina on Saturday for the Tar Heel’s cook out."

Rice has been on campus a few times already this Summer but has not taken an official visit yet and this weekend won’t count as one, either. However, the Tar Heels do appear to be in good shape in this recruitment and should be considered a contender for the Virginia native.

The five-star prospect is ranked No. 7 overall, No. 1 offensive tackle and the No. 1 player in Virginia per the 247Sports recruiting rankings. He has a total of 35 offers but is focusing on Alabama, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Virginia. This recruitment could be coming down to the wire and UNC now has the chance to leave a big impression.

For more on Rice and other UNC Football recruiting targets, please check back with Keeping It Heel.