University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Football Signs Nation’s 12th-Ranked Recruiting Class
December 3, 2025 | Football
When head coach Bill Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi arrived in Chapel Hill, they emphasized the importance of building a championship program at North Carolina.
The program took a significant step towards that goal Wednesday, as the Tar Heels signed the nation's 12th-ranked recruiting class, according to ESPN.
The class features 39 players from 19 different states and one international player. Carolina signed nine defensive backs, seven offensive and defensive lineman, five linebackers, five wide receivers, two tight ends, one quarterback and one punter.
As the largest signing class in the nation with 39, the Tar Heels' class is a consensus top 20 by all recruiting services, checking in at No. 17 in 247Sports and On3/Rivals. Most of the signees will enroll at Carolina in January and take part in the UNC's spring practices.
Below is more information on each of the players joining the Carolina Football program.
Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu
• A native of Fulshear, Texas, where he attended Katy Jordan High School and played for head coach Mike Rabe
• Family hails from Hawai'i
• Tabbed a MaxPreps All-American
• Named to the All-Greater Houston Touchdown Club
• Selected as a Polynesian Bowl All-American
• Helped lead Katy Jordan to a 9-4 record and the regional round of the playoffs
• Tallied 37 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss as a senior
• Also had four sacks, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries
• Recorded 70 tackles with 20 tackles for loss, eight sacks and scored a touchdown as a junior
• Missed some time during his sophomore season, but tallied 30 tackles and seven tackles for loss as a freshman
Jordan Avinger
• A product of Orangeburg, S.C., plays linebacker at Orangeburg Wilkinson High School
• Earned All-Region honors during prep career
• Through seven games in senior season, has posted 38 tackles and an interception
• In junior campaign, recorded 50 tackles, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble
• A three-sport athlete, has also played basketball and baseball during high school
Ashton Blatt
• A linebacker from Pittsburgh, Pa., preps at Pittsburgh Central Catholic
• A two-time All-Conference honoree during high school career
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 50 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks
• As a junior, posted 32 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks, winning the WPIAL championship
• Father, Andy, played college football at Westminster College
Travis Burgess
• A native of Grayson, Georgia, where he attended Grayson High School and played for Santavious Bryant
• Selected to participate in the prestigious Elite 11 Finals for the nation's top high school quarterbacks
• Helped lead the Rams to a Georgia 6A State Championship as a junior, finishing the season with a 14-1 record
• Helped Grayson finish the 2024 season ranked No. 7 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
• Threw for 2,225 yards with 23 TD as a junior, completing 154 passes on 256 attempts (60.2%)
• Also rushed 58 times for 596 yards (10.3 YPC) and 4 TD
Julian Burns
• A product of Monroe, La., plays defensive back at Neville High School
• Has earned All-State recognition during prep career
• Through 12 games in senior season, posted 102 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and two interceptions
• During junior campaign, posted 86 tackles and two interceptions
• Father, Jeremiah, played college football at UL Monroe
Keeyun Chapman
• A product of Rockville, Ala., plays wide receiver at Jackson High School
• In six games during senior campaign, posted 15 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns
• As a junior, recorded 1,322 yards and 19 touchdowns, on 51 catches
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of high school's basketball and track programs
Vodney Cleveland
• A native of Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Parker High School and played for head coach Frank Warren
• Selected to participate in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game in 2025 and also named an Army Bowl All-Star
• Helped Parker High School finish his senior season with an 8-4 record, falling in the second round of the playoffs
• Ended the 2025 season with 37 tackles, including 20 solo stops
• Won a state championship in 2024 as a junior with Parker and tallied 50 tackles that year with 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks
Will Conroy
• A native of Valley View, Ohio, but played his senior season at IMG Academy for head coach Greg Studrawa
• Named a 2025 Under Armour All-American and will participate in the All-America game in January
• Helped lead IMG to an undefeated season and the Sunshine State Independent Association State Championship as a senior
• Served as a team captain as a junior while playing at St. Ignatius High School
• Tabbed an all-region and All-Ohio selection in 2024 and 2023
• Also wrestled in high school at St. Ignatius, qualifying for the district championships and was named the team's newcomer of the year in 2023
Crew Davis
• A native of Fairfield, Conn., plays running back at Iona Prep
• Named the Max Preps New York State Player of the Year as a junior
• In 11 games this fall, recorded 1,257 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing, with 396 yards and three touchdowns receiving
• Posted 2,078 total yards and 23 touchdowns during junior campaign, helping Iona Prep win a state championship
• A two-sport athlete, intends to also play lacrosse at North Carolina, helping Iona Prep win two-straight state titles
• Father, Joshua, played college football at Army
David Davis
• A product of Pittsburgh, Pa., plays defensive back at Imani Christian Academy
• A first team All-Conference defensive back, running back and kick returner
• This fall In 10 games, had 30 tackles, four interceptions and six pass breakups
• Voted a team captain during prep career
Kenton Dopson III
• A defensive back from Miami, Fla., preps at Miami Norland High School
• Earned Max Preps All-America honors during high school career
• In 10 games during senior season, posted 59 tackles, six interceptions and 28 pass breakups
• Helped Miami Norland to a state championship during freshman season
• A two-sport athlete, also a member of high school's track program
Nick Fiumara
• A native of Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he attended Belmont Hill High School and played for Anthony Fucillo
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Earned first team all-conference honors in 2024
• Started all four years of high school
• Did not allow a sack as a junior and led his team to a 6-3 overall record and NEPSAC Championship
• Went 7-2 as a sophomore and won the ISL Championship
• Also a standout wrestler, earning all-conference honors as a junior and sophomore
• Was also a member of the track and field team every year in high school
DQ Forkpa
• A native of Plymouth, Minn., plays linebacker at St. Frances Academy
• Earned Under Armour All-America honors during prep career
• As a junior, posted 67 tackles, six tackles, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions
• Had 73 total tackles during first two seasons of high school
Jamarrion Gordon
• A product of Jackson, Ala., plays defensive back at Jackson High School
• Named to the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 41 tackles, six tackles for loss and five interceptions
• As a junior, posted 39 tackles and three interceptions, with seven pass breakups
• Helped Jackson win the Alabama 4A state championship
• During sophomore campaign, had 30 tackles and an interception, with 12 pass breakups
• A two-sport athlete, also a member of Jackson's track program
• Brother, Jamaal Pritchett, played collegiately at Tuskegee and South Alabama, signing an undrafted free agent deal with the New York Jets this season
• Cousin, Nehemiah Pritchett, played four seasons at Auburn and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks
David Green
• A kicker from High Point, N.C., preps at High Point Christian Academy
• A two-time All-State kicker during prep career
• Named an Under Armour All-America honoree
• In first three seasons of high school, went 126-126 on PATs with 109 touchbacks
Jayden Griffin-Haynes
• A linebacker from Rolesville High School in Rolesville, N.C.
• An NAC-6 All-Conference honoree
• During the 2025 regular season, recorded 72 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two sacks
• In junior season, posted 107 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception, helping Rolesville to a state championship game appearance
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of Rolesville's basketball and track programs
• Brother, Zavion, also a member of Carolina's 2025 signing class
Zavion Griffin-Haynes
• A native of Jacksonville, Florida, but played high school football in North Carolina at Rolesville High School for head coach Rainer Rackley
• Three-time all-conference selection
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Helped Rolesville finish the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, falling in the third round of the NCHSAA Playoffs
• As a junior, recorded 84 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• Led Rolesville to the state championship and a 14-2 record in 2024
• Tallied 60 tackles with 13 tackles for loss and five sacks during his sophomore season
• Also lettered in basketball and track
• Earned defensive player of the year honors in basketball
• Brother, Jayden, is also a part of Carolina's 2026 signing class
Anthony Hall
• An offensive lineman from Brookline, Mass., preps at Dexter Southfield High School
• Earned All-NEPSAC honors during high school career
• A two-sport athlete, also member of track program prior to arriving in Chapel Hill
• Brother, Leroy Brown, played college football at UMass Dartmouth
Jaziel Hart
• A native of Roanoke, Va., plays defensive back at North Cross School
• A four-time first team All-State defensive back, and three-time first team All-State on the offensive side
• Helped North Cross win three VISAA state championships, while being named the VISAA player of the year twice
• In the VISAA championship last month, posted four touchdowns in the victory
• As a junior in 2024, posted 50 tackles and four interceptions, along with 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns offensively
• During sophomore season, recorded 54 tackles and six interceptions, helping North Cross win the VISAA state championship
• In freshman campaign, had five interceptions during North Cross' state title season
• A three-sport athlete, played basketball and was part of the 4x100 state championship team in track
Nyqir Helton
• A native of Sicklerville, New Jersey, where he attended Winslow Township and played for head coach Bill Belton
• Served as a team captain as a senior and junior
• Has led Winslow Township to an 11-2 record this season and they play in the NJSIAA State Championship on Sunday
• Has recorded 57 receptions for 1,174 yards and 17 touchdowns this season – the single-season receiving TDs record at his high school
• Won a state championship as a junior and tallied 47 catches for 852 yards with 13 touchdowns
• As a sophomore, recorded 33 catches for 606 yards with seven TDs
• Also runs track and plays basketball
David Jackson
• A product of Washington, D.C., where he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School and played for
• A two-time first team All-WCAC during junior and senior seasons, earning second-team honors as a sophomore
• This season, had 49 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• During junior campaign, posted 115 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and eight sacks
• As a sophomore, had 94 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks
• A four-sport athlete during high school, member of basketball, wrestling and track programs
• Father, David, has played professional basketball overseas the last 18 seasons
Xavier Jackson
• A native of Willingboro, New Jersey, where he attended Bergen Catholic and played for Vito Campanile
• Spent his senior and junior seasons at Bergen Catholic after playing his first two seasons of high school at Burlington Township
• Won a state championship in first year at Bergen Catholic in 2024 and was named an all-conference selection
• As a senior, tallied 42 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss with four pass breakups and an interception
• Helped lead Bergen Catholic to the semifinals of the NJSIAA Playoffs in 2025
Jaden Jefferson
• A product of Oakland, Calif., plays defensive back De La Salle High School
• Through 12 games this fall, posted 19 tackles and an interception, also adding 1,048 yards and 12 touchdowns as a running back
• As a junior, had 27 tackles and a forced fumble, with seven touches on the offensive side
• Was an All-State honoree during junior season
• During sophomore season, posted 31 tackles and two interceptions
• Helped De La Salle to a state championship appearance during first three seasons of high school, winning the NorCal Championship all three campaigns
• A two-sport athlete, won the CIF 100-meter dash state championship in track
Adam McCann-Gibbs
• A punter from Glenn, Northern Ireland, currently attends Abbey Grammar School
• Played Gaelic football and soccer prior to arriving in Chapel Hill
• Has played senior-level soccer since the age of 14
Viliami Moala
• A native of West Valley City, Utah, where he attended Thompson High School and played for head coach Mark Freeman
• Led Thompson to the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association State Championship game, which will be played Wednesday (Dec. 3) night at 8 p.m.
• Has compiled 70 tackles in 13 games played this season with 15 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and two sacks
• Selected to play in the 2025 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game
• Named a 2024 Under Armour All-American
• Earned an invite to play in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl Game
• Had 99 tackles as a junior with 12.5 sacks and 35 hurries
• Garnered all-region honors following his junior year
Da'Ron Parks
• An offensive lineman from Nitro, W. Va., preps at Nitro High School
• Earned All-State and All-Conference honors during sophomore and junior campaigns
• Attended Cardinal Mooney in Florida prior to Nitro High School, helping Cardinal Mooney appear in the state semifinals as a freshman and junior
Julian Peterson
• A native of Sicklerville, N.J., plays defensive back at Winslow High School
• Through 11 games in senior season, has recorded 30 tackles and an interception
• Becomes the seventh in his family to play football at the college level
Dream Rashad
• A native of Buford, Georgia, where he attended Buford High School
• Helped lead Buford to the 6A All-Region Championship
• Named a Second Team All-Region Selection after his junior season
• Earned the team's academic award in 2024 with a GPA above 4.0
• Collected the Gwinnett Daily Post Player of the Week honors as a junior
• Invited to the Under Armour Next Camp series in 2024
• Participated in the U.S. Army Bowl Combine as a sophomore
• Played quarterback in high school
Zamaurious Robertson
• A native of Dillon, South Carolina, where he attended Dillon High School and played for Kelvin Years
• Turned in a strong senior season, recording 58 catches for 1,206 yards with 13 receiving touchdowns
• Was named one of five finalists for Mr. Football in the state of South Carolina
• Served as a team captain as a senior and junior
• Earned team MVP honors his last two seasons at Dillon in 2025 and 2024
• Ended his high school career with 141 receptions for 2,505 yards and 26 touchdowns
• As a junior, tallied 63 catches for 950 yards and 10 touchdowns
• Reeled in 20 catches for 500 yards with seven TDs as a sophomore
• Also played basketball and was an all-state and all-region selection
Jonah Rodriguez
• Joins Carolina after spending a year at Southwestern Junior College
• Named a 2025 team captain at Southwestern and was the team MVP
• Was tabbed a First Team All-JUCO Selection
• Will have two years of eligibility remaining after spending a year at San Diego State and Arizona
• A native of San Diego, California, where he attended Madison High School
• Helped lead the Warhawks to a 27-13 record during his four years on the varsity squad
• Helped lead the team to three different high school playoff appearances in his four years
• Three-time all-conference honoree in high school
Trashawn Ruffin
• A native of Calypso, North Carolina, where he attended North Duplin High School and played for Hugh Martin
• A four-time all-conference selection
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Led North Duplin to a 10-2 record in 2025, falling in the third round of the playoffs
• Played in 11 games as a senior tallying 47 tackles with 12 tackles for loss and three sacks
• Had 34 tackles and four tackles for loss in 2024 as a junior
• Won a conference championship and finished 10-1 as junior at North Duplin
• Had a breakout sophomore season with 52 tackles and four sacks
• North Duplin was 9-3 that year and won a conference championship
C.J. Sadler
• A product of Detroit, Mich., an athlete from Cass Technical High School
• A four-time first team All-State, All-Region and All-City honoree during prep career
• Helped high school program to a state championship during junior season
• A two-sport athlete, helped Cass Technical to a state title in basketball as a freshman
J.B. Shabazz
• A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., an offensive lineman for Oak Grove High School
• A two-time All-Conference lineman during prep career at Oak Grove and East Forsyth High School
• This fall, helped Oak Grove advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 5A playoffs
• A two-sport athlete, has earned All-Conference honors in basketball
Zion Smith
• A native of Townsend, Delaware, but attended DeMatha Catholic High School, where he was a four-year starter at left tackle for head coach Bill McGregor
• Helped lead the Stags to a perfect 11-0 record and a Washington Catholica Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship as a senior
• Named a First Team All-WCAC selection in 2025 and served as a team captain
• Powered DeMatha to 21 consecutive wins dating back to 2024, also winning the state championship as a junior
• Was tabbed a First Team All-WCAC honoree in 2024 after the Stags finished the year 10-1
• Led DeMatha to a 9-2 record as a sophomore, falling in the state championship game
• Went 10-2 in 2022 as a freshman
• Also played basketball at DeMatha
• Cousin, Earl Winfield, play football at Carolina from 1982-85
Carson Sneed
• A tight end from Nashville, Tenn., preps at Donelson Christian Academy
• In three games this fall, had two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown
• Earned All-State honors during sophomore and junior seasons
• During junior campaign, posted 38 receptions for 540 yards and six touchdowns
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of the basketball and track programs at Donelson Christian Academy
• Brother, Dayton, is a member of the Tar Heel football program
Calvin Thomas
• A product of Houston, Texas, plays linebacker at Cypress Ranch High School in Texas
• Earned first team All-District honors during prep career
• In 13 games this fall, recorded 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks
• As a junior, posted 69 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• A two-sport athlete, district champion in the 300-meter hurdles and 4x400 meters in track
Carnell Warren
• A native of Bluffton, S.C., plays wide receiver at Bluffton High School
• Earned Under Armour All-America honors, collecting All-Region recognition three times
• In 11 games this fall, had 62 catches for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns
• During junior season, posted 56 receptions for 856 yards and 14 touchdowns
• As a sophomore, had 47 receptions for 757 yards and nine touchdowns
• A two-sport athlete, earned All-State honors in basketball
Jakob Weatherspoon
• A native of Avon, Ohio, plays defensive back at Avon High School
• Earned first team All-Conference and All-Ohio during prep career
• This fall, helped Avon appear in the state championship game for the second-straight year
• In junior season, posted 73 total tackles with two interceptions, helping Avon finish 16-0 and an Ohio state championship
• As a sophomore, recorded 50 tackles and two interceptions
• A two-sport athlete, was a state champion in the 400-meter dash
Kymistrii Young
• A wide receiver from Parrish, Fla., preps at Cardinal Mooney Catholic
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 43 catches for 947 yards and eight touchdowns
• As a junior, posted 25 receptions for 626 yards and 10 touchdowns
• Recorded 22 catches for 433 yards and 10 touchdowns during sophomore season
The program took a significant step towards that goal Wednesday, as the Tar Heels signed the nation's 12th-ranked recruiting class, according to ESPN.
The class features 39 players from 19 different states and one international player. Carolina signed nine defensive backs, seven offensive and defensive lineman, five linebackers, five wide receivers, two tight ends, one quarterback and one punter.
As the largest signing class in the nation with 39, the Tar Heels' class is a consensus top 20 by all recruiting services, checking in at No. 17 in 247Sports and On3/Rivals. Most of the signees will enroll at Carolina in January and take part in the UNC's spring practices.
Below is more information on each of the players joining the Carolina Football program.
Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu
• A native of Fulshear, Texas, where he attended Katy Jordan High School and played for head coach Mike Rabe
• Family hails from Hawai'i
• Tabbed a MaxPreps All-American
• Named to the All-Greater Houston Touchdown Club
• Selected as a Polynesian Bowl All-American
• Helped lead Katy Jordan to a 9-4 record and the regional round of the playoffs
• Tallied 37 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss as a senior
• Also had four sacks, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries
• Recorded 70 tackles with 20 tackles for loss, eight sacks and scored a touchdown as a junior
• Missed some time during his sophomore season, but tallied 30 tackles and seven tackles for loss as a freshman
Jordan Avinger
• A product of Orangeburg, S.C., plays linebacker at Orangeburg Wilkinson High School
• Earned All-Region honors during prep career
• Through seven games in senior season, has posted 38 tackles and an interception
• In junior campaign, recorded 50 tackles, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble
• A three-sport athlete, has also played basketball and baseball during high school
Ashton Blatt
• A linebacker from Pittsburgh, Pa., preps at Pittsburgh Central Catholic
• A two-time All-Conference honoree during high school career
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 50 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks
• As a junior, posted 32 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks, winning the WPIAL championship
• Father, Andy, played college football at Westminster College
Travis Burgess
• A native of Grayson, Georgia, where he attended Grayson High School and played for Santavious Bryant
• Selected to participate in the prestigious Elite 11 Finals for the nation's top high school quarterbacks
• Helped lead the Rams to a Georgia 6A State Championship as a junior, finishing the season with a 14-1 record
• Helped Grayson finish the 2024 season ranked No. 7 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
• Threw for 2,225 yards with 23 TD as a junior, completing 154 passes on 256 attempts (60.2%)
• Also rushed 58 times for 596 yards (10.3 YPC) and 4 TD
Julian Burns
• A product of Monroe, La., plays defensive back at Neville High School
• Has earned All-State recognition during prep career
• Through 12 games in senior season, posted 102 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and two interceptions
• During junior campaign, posted 86 tackles and two interceptions
• Father, Jeremiah, played college football at UL Monroe
Keeyun Chapman
• A product of Rockville, Ala., plays wide receiver at Jackson High School
• In six games during senior campaign, posted 15 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns
• As a junior, recorded 1,322 yards and 19 touchdowns, on 51 catches
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of high school's basketball and track programs
Vodney Cleveland
• A native of Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Parker High School and played for head coach Frank Warren
• Selected to participate in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game in 2025 and also named an Army Bowl All-Star
• Helped Parker High School finish his senior season with an 8-4 record, falling in the second round of the playoffs
• Ended the 2025 season with 37 tackles, including 20 solo stops
• Won a state championship in 2024 as a junior with Parker and tallied 50 tackles that year with 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks
Will Conroy
• A native of Valley View, Ohio, but played his senior season at IMG Academy for head coach Greg Studrawa
• Named a 2025 Under Armour All-American and will participate in the All-America game in January
• Helped lead IMG to an undefeated season and the Sunshine State Independent Association State Championship as a senior
• Served as a team captain as a junior while playing at St. Ignatius High School
• Tabbed an all-region and All-Ohio selection in 2024 and 2023
• Also wrestled in high school at St. Ignatius, qualifying for the district championships and was named the team's newcomer of the year in 2023
Crew Davis
• A native of Fairfield, Conn., plays running back at Iona Prep
• Named the Max Preps New York State Player of the Year as a junior
• In 11 games this fall, recorded 1,257 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing, with 396 yards and three touchdowns receiving
• Posted 2,078 total yards and 23 touchdowns during junior campaign, helping Iona Prep win a state championship
• A two-sport athlete, intends to also play lacrosse at North Carolina, helping Iona Prep win two-straight state titles
• Father, Joshua, played college football at Army
David Davis
• A product of Pittsburgh, Pa., plays defensive back at Imani Christian Academy
• A first team All-Conference defensive back, running back and kick returner
• This fall In 10 games, had 30 tackles, four interceptions and six pass breakups
• Voted a team captain during prep career
Kenton Dopson III
• A defensive back from Miami, Fla., preps at Miami Norland High School
• Earned Max Preps All-America honors during high school career
• In 10 games during senior season, posted 59 tackles, six interceptions and 28 pass breakups
• Helped Miami Norland to a state championship during freshman season
• A two-sport athlete, also a member of high school's track program
Nick Fiumara
• A native of Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he attended Belmont Hill High School and played for Anthony Fucillo
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Earned first team all-conference honors in 2024
• Started all four years of high school
• Did not allow a sack as a junior and led his team to a 6-3 overall record and NEPSAC Championship
• Went 7-2 as a sophomore and won the ISL Championship
• Also a standout wrestler, earning all-conference honors as a junior and sophomore
• Was also a member of the track and field team every year in high school
DQ Forkpa
• A native of Plymouth, Minn., plays linebacker at St. Frances Academy
• Earned Under Armour All-America honors during prep career
• As a junior, posted 67 tackles, six tackles, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions
• Had 73 total tackles during first two seasons of high school
Jamarrion Gordon
• A product of Jackson, Ala., plays defensive back at Jackson High School
• Named to the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 41 tackles, six tackles for loss and five interceptions
• As a junior, posted 39 tackles and three interceptions, with seven pass breakups
• Helped Jackson win the Alabama 4A state championship
• During sophomore campaign, had 30 tackles and an interception, with 12 pass breakups
• A two-sport athlete, also a member of Jackson's track program
• Brother, Jamaal Pritchett, played collegiately at Tuskegee and South Alabama, signing an undrafted free agent deal with the New York Jets this season
• Cousin, Nehemiah Pritchett, played four seasons at Auburn and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks
David Green
• A kicker from High Point, N.C., preps at High Point Christian Academy
• A two-time All-State kicker during prep career
• Named an Under Armour All-America honoree
• In first three seasons of high school, went 126-126 on PATs with 109 touchbacks
Jayden Griffin-Haynes
• A linebacker from Rolesville High School in Rolesville, N.C.
• An NAC-6 All-Conference honoree
• During the 2025 regular season, recorded 72 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two sacks
• In junior season, posted 107 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception, helping Rolesville to a state championship game appearance
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of Rolesville's basketball and track programs
• Brother, Zavion, also a member of Carolina's 2025 signing class
Zavion Griffin-Haynes
• A native of Jacksonville, Florida, but played high school football in North Carolina at Rolesville High School for head coach Rainer Rackley
• Three-time all-conference selection
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Helped Rolesville finish the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, falling in the third round of the NCHSAA Playoffs
• As a junior, recorded 84 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• Led Rolesville to the state championship and a 14-2 record in 2024
• Tallied 60 tackles with 13 tackles for loss and five sacks during his sophomore season
• Also lettered in basketball and track
• Earned defensive player of the year honors in basketball
• Brother, Jayden, is also a part of Carolina's 2026 signing class
Anthony Hall
• An offensive lineman from Brookline, Mass., preps at Dexter Southfield High School
• Earned All-NEPSAC honors during high school career
• A two-sport athlete, also member of track program prior to arriving in Chapel Hill
• Brother, Leroy Brown, played college football at UMass Dartmouth
Jaziel Hart
• A native of Roanoke, Va., plays defensive back at North Cross School
• A four-time first team All-State defensive back, and three-time first team All-State on the offensive side
• Helped North Cross win three VISAA state championships, while being named the VISAA player of the year twice
• In the VISAA championship last month, posted four touchdowns in the victory
• As a junior in 2024, posted 50 tackles and four interceptions, along with 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns offensively
• During sophomore season, recorded 54 tackles and six interceptions, helping North Cross win the VISAA state championship
• In freshman campaign, had five interceptions during North Cross' state title season
• A three-sport athlete, played basketball and was part of the 4x100 state championship team in track
Nyqir Helton
• A native of Sicklerville, New Jersey, where he attended Winslow Township and played for head coach Bill Belton
• Served as a team captain as a senior and junior
• Has led Winslow Township to an 11-2 record this season and they play in the NJSIAA State Championship on Sunday
• Has recorded 57 receptions for 1,174 yards and 17 touchdowns this season – the single-season receiving TDs record at his high school
• Won a state championship as a junior and tallied 47 catches for 852 yards with 13 touchdowns
• As a sophomore, recorded 33 catches for 606 yards with seven TDs
• Also runs track and plays basketball
David Jackson
• A product of Washington, D.C., where he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School and played for
• A two-time first team All-WCAC during junior and senior seasons, earning second-team honors as a sophomore
• This season, had 49 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• During junior campaign, posted 115 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and eight sacks
• As a sophomore, had 94 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks
• A four-sport athlete during high school, member of basketball, wrestling and track programs
• Father, David, has played professional basketball overseas the last 18 seasons
Xavier Jackson
• A native of Willingboro, New Jersey, where he attended Bergen Catholic and played for Vito Campanile
• Spent his senior and junior seasons at Bergen Catholic after playing his first two seasons of high school at Burlington Township
• Won a state championship in first year at Bergen Catholic in 2024 and was named an all-conference selection
• As a senior, tallied 42 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss with four pass breakups and an interception
• Helped lead Bergen Catholic to the semifinals of the NJSIAA Playoffs in 2025
Jaden Jefferson
• A product of Oakland, Calif., plays defensive back De La Salle High School
• Through 12 games this fall, posted 19 tackles and an interception, also adding 1,048 yards and 12 touchdowns as a running back
• As a junior, had 27 tackles and a forced fumble, with seven touches on the offensive side
• Was an All-State honoree during junior season
• During sophomore season, posted 31 tackles and two interceptions
• Helped De La Salle to a state championship appearance during first three seasons of high school, winning the NorCal Championship all three campaigns
• A two-sport athlete, won the CIF 100-meter dash state championship in track
Adam McCann-Gibbs
• A punter from Glenn, Northern Ireland, currently attends Abbey Grammar School
• Played Gaelic football and soccer prior to arriving in Chapel Hill
• Has played senior-level soccer since the age of 14
Viliami Moala
• A native of West Valley City, Utah, where he attended Thompson High School and played for head coach Mark Freeman
• Led Thompson to the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association State Championship game, which will be played Wednesday (Dec. 3) night at 8 p.m.
• Has compiled 70 tackles in 13 games played this season with 15 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and two sacks
• Selected to play in the 2025 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game
• Named a 2024 Under Armour All-American
• Earned an invite to play in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl Game
• Had 99 tackles as a junior with 12.5 sacks and 35 hurries
• Garnered all-region honors following his junior year
Da'Ron Parks
• An offensive lineman from Nitro, W. Va., preps at Nitro High School
• Earned All-State and All-Conference honors during sophomore and junior campaigns
• Attended Cardinal Mooney in Florida prior to Nitro High School, helping Cardinal Mooney appear in the state semifinals as a freshman and junior
Julian Peterson
• A native of Sicklerville, N.J., plays defensive back at Winslow High School
• Through 11 games in senior season, has recorded 30 tackles and an interception
• Becomes the seventh in his family to play football at the college level
Dream Rashad
• A native of Buford, Georgia, where he attended Buford High School
• Helped lead Buford to the 6A All-Region Championship
• Named a Second Team All-Region Selection after his junior season
• Earned the team's academic award in 2024 with a GPA above 4.0
• Collected the Gwinnett Daily Post Player of the Week honors as a junior
• Invited to the Under Armour Next Camp series in 2024
• Participated in the U.S. Army Bowl Combine as a sophomore
• Played quarterback in high school
Zamaurious Robertson
• A native of Dillon, South Carolina, where he attended Dillon High School and played for Kelvin Years
• Turned in a strong senior season, recording 58 catches for 1,206 yards with 13 receiving touchdowns
• Was named one of five finalists for Mr. Football in the state of South Carolina
• Served as a team captain as a senior and junior
• Earned team MVP honors his last two seasons at Dillon in 2025 and 2024
• Ended his high school career with 141 receptions for 2,505 yards and 26 touchdowns
• As a junior, tallied 63 catches for 950 yards and 10 touchdowns
• Reeled in 20 catches for 500 yards with seven TDs as a sophomore
• Also played basketball and was an all-state and all-region selection
Jonah Rodriguez
• Joins Carolina after spending a year at Southwestern Junior College
• Named a 2025 team captain at Southwestern and was the team MVP
• Was tabbed a First Team All-JUCO Selection
• Will have two years of eligibility remaining after spending a year at San Diego State and Arizona
• A native of San Diego, California, where he attended Madison High School
• Helped lead the Warhawks to a 27-13 record during his four years on the varsity squad
• Helped lead the team to three different high school playoff appearances in his four years
• Three-time all-conference honoree in high school
Trashawn Ruffin
• A native of Calypso, North Carolina, where he attended North Duplin High School and played for Hugh Martin
• A four-time all-conference selection
• Named a team captain as a senior
• Led North Duplin to a 10-2 record in 2025, falling in the third round of the playoffs
• Played in 11 games as a senior tallying 47 tackles with 12 tackles for loss and three sacks
• Had 34 tackles and four tackles for loss in 2024 as a junior
• Won a conference championship and finished 10-1 as junior at North Duplin
• Had a breakout sophomore season with 52 tackles and four sacks
• North Duplin was 9-3 that year and won a conference championship
C.J. Sadler
• A product of Detroit, Mich., an athlete from Cass Technical High School
• A four-time first team All-State, All-Region and All-City honoree during prep career
• Helped high school program to a state championship during junior season
• A two-sport athlete, helped Cass Technical to a state title in basketball as a freshman
J.B. Shabazz
• A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., an offensive lineman for Oak Grove High School
• A two-time All-Conference lineman during prep career at Oak Grove and East Forsyth High School
• This fall, helped Oak Grove advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 5A playoffs
• A two-sport athlete, has earned All-Conference honors in basketball
Zion Smith
• A native of Townsend, Delaware, but attended DeMatha Catholic High School, where he was a four-year starter at left tackle for head coach Bill McGregor
• Helped lead the Stags to a perfect 11-0 record and a Washington Catholica Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship as a senior
• Named a First Team All-WCAC selection in 2025 and served as a team captain
• Powered DeMatha to 21 consecutive wins dating back to 2024, also winning the state championship as a junior
• Was tabbed a First Team All-WCAC honoree in 2024 after the Stags finished the year 10-1
• Led DeMatha to a 9-2 record as a sophomore, falling in the state championship game
• Went 10-2 in 2022 as a freshman
• Also played basketball at DeMatha
• Cousin, Earl Winfield, play football at Carolina from 1982-85
Carson Sneed
• A tight end from Nashville, Tenn., preps at Donelson Christian Academy
• In three games this fall, had two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown
• Earned All-State honors during sophomore and junior seasons
• During junior campaign, posted 38 receptions for 540 yards and six touchdowns
• A three-sport athlete, also a member of the basketball and track programs at Donelson Christian Academy
• Brother, Dayton, is a member of the Tar Heel football program
Calvin Thomas
• A product of Houston, Texas, plays linebacker at Cypress Ranch High School in Texas
• Earned first team All-District honors during prep career
• In 13 games this fall, recorded 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks
• As a junior, posted 69 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks
• A two-sport athlete, district champion in the 300-meter hurdles and 4x400 meters in track
Carnell Warren
• A native of Bluffton, S.C., plays wide receiver at Bluffton High School
• Earned Under Armour All-America honors, collecting All-Region recognition three times
• In 11 games this fall, had 62 catches for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns
• During junior season, posted 56 receptions for 856 yards and 14 touchdowns
• As a sophomore, had 47 receptions for 757 yards and nine touchdowns
• A two-sport athlete, earned All-State honors in basketball
Jakob Weatherspoon
• A native of Avon, Ohio, plays defensive back at Avon High School
• Earned first team All-Conference and All-Ohio during prep career
• This fall, helped Avon appear in the state championship game for the second-straight year
• In junior season, posted 73 total tackles with two interceptions, helping Avon finish 16-0 and an Ohio state championship
• As a sophomore, recorded 50 tackles and two interceptions
• A two-sport athlete, was a state champion in the 400-meter dash
Kymistrii Young
• A wide receiver from Parrish, Fla., preps at Cardinal Mooney Catholic
• Through 13 games this fall, recorded 43 catches for 947 yards and eight touchdowns
• As a junior, posted 25 receptions for 626 yards and 10 touchdowns
• Recorded 22 catches for 433 yards and 10 touchdowns during sophomore season
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballFB: #TheCall26 Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03
UNC Men's Basketball: Dixon's Clutch Play Leads Tar Heels Past Kentucky, 67-64
Wednesday, December 03
WBB: Courtney Banghart Pre-Texas Media Availability
Tuesday, December 02
MBB: Hubert Davis Pre-Kentucky Press Conference
Monday, December 01