UNC Football predicted to land two top 2022 recruits

As their decisions loom near, the UNC Football program seems to have the upper edge in the recruitment of these two top prospects from the Class of 2022.

Mack Brown and the UNC football program have been very active on the recruiting trail. Based on recent Crystal Ball predictions, it appears that the Tar Heels may be adding some reinforcements in the very near future.

Recently, the Tar Heels have been viewed as the favorites to land both four-star running back George Pettaway as well as five-star defensive lineman Travis Shaw. Both players are in different stages of their recruiting process, but experts believe that both will ultimately end up in Chapel Hill.

Over the last couple of weeks, Pettaway narrowed down his list to four finalists: North Carolina, Penn State, Florida and Oregon. As of now, Pettaway, the No. 98 ranked recruit in the Class of 2022 (as per 247 Sports Composite) as well as the No. 4 overall player in the state of Virginia, has only made an official visit to Penn State.

The Suffolk, VA native has been to Chapel Hill on unofficial visits twice, but no official visit to campus has yet to be made. There is no clear timetable for when Pettaway wants to make his final decision, but it should happen over the next few months. That gives the Tar Heels plenty of time to get him officially on campus.

A major college decision is coming this Saturday, as Shaw will make his announcement on CBS Sports HQ. The five-star defensive lineman has four finalists he is considering, as Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina A&T are in the mix with the Tar Heels.

Shaw is a player who has the potential to be a complete game-changer for any program. Currently, 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 4 overall player in the Class of 2022, and he reigns as the top recruit from the state of North Carolina.

Here’s what Shaw had to say regarding the Tar Heels and why he would consider committing to the program via Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports:

"“The fact the program is on the rise since Mack Brown got there. They’re preseason Top 10 this year. A lot of excitement here in the state of North Carolina and Tar Heel football. He has a great relationship with Coach Galloway who recruits our school and Coach Cross and those guys have been around a lot the last few years and he’s developed a great relationship with them. Proximity, it’s an hour down the road makes it real easy for family members to get to games. He also has some friends who played in this area who have been recruited and committed to North Carolina as well. That’s not a major swing but it doesn’t hurt.”"

Early on, the Tar Heels were not viewed as the favorites, as the first two predictions went to other programs. However, North Carolina has been trending in the right direction, as the last five Crystal Ball predictions , all submitted since August 11, have been in the Tar Heels favor.

At this point, Shaw may be close to a lock to end up at North Carolina. Given the recent momentum, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t choose the Tar Heels on Saturday evening.

For Pettaway, it seems like a decision may still be a ways off. However, the early crystal ball predictions are a good sign as the Tar Heels attempt to land yet another talented running back to the mix.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC Football program.