UNC football entered the mix late but found a way to land a dynamic 2027 playmaker

About a month ago, four-star wide receiver Amare Patterson was receiving plenty of interest from some top-tier programs.

While the likes of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina were heavily recruiting him, Patterson had quite the options to choose from. However, a dark horse emerged, changing the entire narrative of his recruitment.

That dark horse was Bill Belichick and the UNC football program, who have now secured a commitment from one of the best playmakers that the 2027 recruiting class has to offer.

Four-star wide receiver Amare Patterson commits to UNC

On Saturday, Patterson announced that he will be committing to North Carolina. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound wide receiver is widely regarded as the top player at his position from the state of South Carolina.

So, how did UNC just randomly jump into his recruitment and land this big-time player? Well, his former high school teammate, current Tar Heel freshman Carnell Warren, played a big role in that.

Warren spoke to the UNC coaching staff about Patterson, helping spark the recruitment that picked up full steam ahead. An offer was extended, an official visit was scheduled, and from there, all that was left was for Patterson to make his decision.

North Carolina appears to have made that decision a very easy one for the rising senior.

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Patterson is also a star in track and field. His speed is well on display on the football field, as his 17.9 YPC (yards per catch) shows just how dynamic he is with the ball in his hands.

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If you want a first-hand scouting report of what Patterson has to offer, check out this breakdown from Andrew Ivins, the Director of Scouting at 247Sports:

-YAC monster with a powerful build that gets into the end zone.
-Can certainly challenge defenses vertically with his track speed, but makes his money in the quick perimeter game as he weaves through traffic and finds daylight.
-Ability to pull away from defenders after reeling in the long ball is rare.
-Might be under 6-foot-1, but plays bigger than the numbers suggest with his jump timing and body positioning.
-Shows a willingness to block and that same physicality shows up when the ball is in his hands.
-Must expand route tree and learn how to consistently create separation at all three levels, but dominated a lengthy 1-on-1 session at The Opening Miami winter of junior year.
-Projects as a potential difference-making Z at the Power Four level that can dazzle after the catch with his vision, strength and agility.

This recruitment goes to show you that it isn't about how you start, it's how you finish. Given where his recruitment was at the time, Patterson could've easily focused on the programs that were making him a priority. However, the Tar Heels' emergence onto the scene made an instrumental impact on the recruitment, going to show how Belichick's reputation and coaching resume still serves as an enticing factor when recruits are trying to map out their future plans.

This is a huge addition for the UNC football program's 2027 recruiting class, as Patterson just might be an impact player at wide receiver from the minute he steps on campus in Chapel Hill next year.

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