Multiplatform
Written by Brian Murphy, WRAL Multiplatform contributor.

Mack Brown and the North Carolina team have successfully secured their fifth consecutive top 30 recruiting class.

Coach Mack Brown of UNC expressed his satisfaction with the class, stating that it fulfilled many requirements. He also mentioned that they are still considering utilizing the transfer portal to address any remaining needs. As bowl games wrap up, players from other schools may enter the portal, which will reopen after spring practice. Therefore, evaluations will continue to be made in order to meet their needs.

During Brown’s second stint at UNC, recruiting has not been a problem. However, the team’s performance on the field has not always reflected their success in recruiting. UNC, with a record of 8-4, is set to face Kansas State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. After losing their last five games in 2022 and four of their last six this year, the Tar Heels are looking to achieve back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since 1996-1997.

Many members of the new recruits have been involved in bowl practice, but they will not be competing in the game.

UNC had a strong focus on wide receivers (three), offensive linemen (five), and defensive backs (seven) in their recent class. They also gained 12 new players on offense, 14 on defense, and a kicker. Additionally, they recruited eight players from North Carolina, eight from Georgia, five from Florida, and three from Tennessee, which is not a common state for the Tar Heels to recruit from.

Michael Merdinger, a quarterback from Parkland, Florida, was recruited by UNC. He came to the US from Israel at the age of 8 and reportedly honed his throwing skills by studying videos of former NFL star Joe Montana on You Tube. Patrick Suddes, UNC’s general manager, confirmed this information.

Drake Maye, the quarterback, has decided to join the NFL Draft while Jefferson Boaz, a junior, is opting to transfer. As a result, the team will rely on freshman Conner Harell to start the bowl game, along with fellow freshman Tad Hudson and sophomore Russell Tabor as their remaining quarterbacks. Additionally, Max Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M, has committed to joining the team at UNC.

According to Suddes, Merdinger is an individual with great potential, as he possesses a swift throwing motion, skill in throwing with precision and placing the ball over one defensive layer and in front of another.

“He’s a highly focused child who clearly prioritizes football.”

UNC suffered a loss when in-state wide receiver Keenan Jackson, who had previously committed, changed his mind on Tuesday and ultimately signed with rival NC State on Wednesday.

North Carolina Class of 2024

Ashton Woods, a freshman from Marietta, Georgia, stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 220 pounds. He attends Walton High School.

Timmy Lawson, a freshman from Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida, measures 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 231 pounds.

Lucas Osada, a 6-foot tall and 185-pound freshman from Woodberry Forest in Charlottesville, Virginia.

DB Jalon Thompson, 6-0, 180, Olympia HS, Ocoee, Florida, freshman

Evan Bennett, a freshman from Gatewood School in Eatonton, Georgia, stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 215 pounds.

Jaiden Patterson, a freshman from Dacula, Georgia, attends Mill Creek High School and is 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 180 pounds.

Aidan Banfield, a freshman from Buford, Georgia, attends Mill Creek High School and is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 280 pounds.

Leroy Jackson, a freshman from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 270 pounds.

Ryan Ward, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end from Rutherford High School in New Jersey, is a freshman.

Desmond Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman from West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, has committed to the University of North Carolina as a freshman. (Previously reported: Jackson committed to UNC in February.)

Ty White, a freshman from Buford High School in Georgia, is a 5-foot-11, 184-pound DB.

Peter Pesansky, a freshman from Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida, measures 6 feet and 3 inches tall and weighs 285 pounds.

The freshman QB Michael Merdinger, who stands at 6-3 and weighs 200 pounds, attends Cardinal Gibbons High School in Parkland, Florida.

WR Javarius “Vari” Green, 5-11, 195, Crest HS, Shelby, freshman (Previous coverage: Green will make impact at UNC in many ways.)

Malcolm Ziglar, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound freshman from Fuquay-Varina High School, has committed to UNC. This news was previously reported when the 4-star safety announced his commitment from Fuquay-Varina.

Khalil Conley, a freshman from Christ School in Asheville, with a height of 5-11 and weight of 180, is a player to watch in the DB position. In a previous interview, Conley discusses the standout qualities of the Tar Heels.

Freshman OL Andrew Rosinski, 6 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 278 pounds, from Creekview High School in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Jani Norwood, a freshman from Eastern Randolph High School in Ramsuer, stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 275 pounds. He has previously been featured in coverage discussing his special connection to the University of Carolina, which he described as feeling like home.

Alex Taylor, a wide receiver who stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 180 pounds, attended Grimsley High School in Greensboro. He is currently a freshman. (Previous coverage: During his official visit, Taylor made the decision to commit.)

Jordan Shipp, a freshman from Providence Day High School in Charlotte, is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver. (Previous news: Shipp chooses to attend UNC)

LB Curtis Simpson, 6-3, 210, Kings Mountain HS, Shelby, freshman (Previous coverage: Simpson commits to UNC)

DB Zion Ferguson, 6-1, 175, Gainesville HS, Atlanta, freshman

LB Crews Law, 6-1, 218, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Kingston Springs, Tennessee, freshman

DE Daniel Anderson, 6-2, 240, Germantown HS, Memphis, Tennessee, freshman

Luke Masterson is a 6-foot-6, 275-pound freshman from Franklin Road Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Davion Guise, a freshman from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Opa-locka, Florida, stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds.

Tyrane Stewart, a junior from North Osyka, Mississippi, is a 6-1, 180-pound defensive back who previously played at South Pike High School and East Mississippi Community College.

Source: wralsportsfan.com