It’s been an action packed day for the Tar Heels and it has concluded with a commitment in the 2021 class.
Earlier this evening, 2021 3✮ ATH Caleb Hood announced via social media that he was committing to North Carolina. This came after Hood, along with many of his Richmond High School teammates, took an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill. His commitment means that he will follow the legacy of his father, Errol, who was a former Tar Heel cornerback who played for the Tar Heels from 1997-2001.
As a junior this past season at Richmond High School in Rockingham, NC, Hood, the No. 69 athlete in the 2021 class, played the quarterback position exclusively for the second season in a row, throwing for 2,175 yards and 21 touchdowns while tossing just seven interceptions. He combined that with a great season on the ground, where he ran for 976 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 111 carries as he helped lead the Raiders back to the state semifinals and a 13-1 season. That was enough to earn him Sandhill Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference honors. In his sophomore season, Hood put up strong offensive numbers, as well, throwing for 1,956 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with just three interceptions and ran for 594 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries. He earn first team all-conference honors while helping lead the Raiders to the state quarterfinals. His freshman season was also a strong campaign, as he through for 2,174 yards and 17 touchdowns, while tossing just six interceptions and added 329 yards and five touchdowns on 79 carries. That was enough to earn him second team all-conference honors.
Hood’s film gives you a good look at why he is considered to be an athlete by most in the scouting community. His speed in the open field is a problem for even the quickest of defenders and he has the ability shiftiness to shake off defenders. The issue is, he hasn’t played any other position besides quarterback since his entered the high school ranks and has had enough success to justify keeping him at quarterback. He has a rocket for an arm and throws a tight spiral that allows him to do damage in the middle of the field. His arm strength is solid, not great, but there is enough there for him to be successful at the college level. The best thing he can do is keep plays alive, something he has done a phenomenal job of so far at the prep level. He makes some really good decisions on the run, as well, an attribute that was really highlighted in the state quarterfinal game against Myers Park. There are some things that he’ll have to clean up mechanics wise and how he fits the Phil Longo system will be both be intriguing questions, but this is a talented young piece that the Tar Heels have added to the 2021 class.
Hood is a lot like Jefferson Boaz this season: he’ll get his shot at quarterback, but will have the option to move elsewhere if it doesn’t work out (in Hood’s case, safety). With his commitment, the Tar Heels 2021 class now ranks 30th overall and 6th in ACC, but now contains two of the top players in the state. Next Saturday is a big day for the Tar Heels in the 2021 class, as they host their annual junior day festivities. Will they be able to add to this class that will look to follow the strong 2020 class the Tar Heels brought in?