The UNC football program appears to like prospects from this particular high school

Mack Brown and the UNC football program have been heavily recruiting talent in the Class of 2026 over the past few weeks.

On May 31, North Carolina extended one of its newest offers to three-star offensive lineman JJ Sparks from Jacksonville, Florida. Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 285 pounds, Sparks' exceptional performance in his sophomore campaign, where he allowed zero sacks, has garnered nationwide attention.

Sparks is a popular target among ACC schools, receiving offers from Pittsburgh, Miami, and the Tar Heels' biggest rival, Duke. He's also expressed interest in North Carolina's familiar foe, Appalachian State, which offered Sparks on January 23.

Sparks is currently at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL, with four-star Class of 2026 tight end Corbyn Fordham, who also received an offer from North Carolina on May 31. This means that the North Florida duo could continue their athletic and academic career together, should they both choose to play in Chapel Hill.

While the Tar Heels had the most efficient offense in the ACC last season, leading the conference in passing yards and finishing third in rushing yards, there's plenty for Brown and the coaching staff to improve on the front lines. 

North Carolina allowed the third most sacks in the ACC in 2023, totaling 37 sacks allowed on the season. With escape artist Drake Maye gone to the New England Patriots, the Tar Heels will need to strengthen that offensive line and create increased protection for quarterbacks in the coming years.