Vance Honeycutt sends a heartfelt message to the University of North Carolina

The Vance Honeycutt era in Chapel Hill has officially come to a close, as the former UNC baseball star is off to begin his professional career with the Baltimore Orioles organization.

Honeycutt earned the reputation as one of the best to ever wear the Carolina Blue, as he finishes his college career as the UNC baseball program's all-time home run leader. While what he did at the plate and on the base paths was impressive in itself, Honeycutt's stellar defensive skills in center field provided highlight-reel plays that fans will remember for quite some time.

After signing his contract with the Orioles, Honeycutt took to social media to post this heartfelt message to thank the University of North Carolina for allowing him to live out his dream.

"To The University of North Carolina, thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. A kid who dreamt of wearing Carolina blue was given so much more than that. I am forever in debt to you for what you have allowed me to be a part of the last 3 years. I wouldn’t change a thing as they have been the best years of my life due to the coaches, teammates and people I was surrounded by. Thank you for molding me into the person I am today. Forever a Tar Heel!"

Honeycutt will certainly be missed, as he was a tremendous leader for the UNC baseball program both on and off the field. However, although he won't be patrolling center field at Boshamer Stadium anymore, his legacy that he built during his three seasons in Chapel Hill will be remembered for a very long time.