The Tar Heels missed on 2023 3✮ LB Jeremiah Telander earlier today after he committed to Tennessee following the conclusion of his official visit there over the weekend. While it is not something that was completely unexpected, it does take one of the team’s linebacker targets off the board. The team looks motivated to get another commitment at the position in this class alongside 3✮ Caleb LaVallee. Here is a look at how I would prioritize the team’s remaining targets at linebacker.
5. Jordan Bass- Phoebus (Hampton, VA)
Bass was a guy that looked to be a pretty significant target a couple of months ago, but the sides have drifted apart and it seems like he may not even be on the Tar Heels board anymore. He did not take an official visit to Chapel Hill, so barring a complete change of heart, this one is completely out of the question.
4. Grant Tucker- Charlotte Christian (Charlotte, NC)
Tucker’s recruitment is creeping into a similar territory to Bass’ after he looked like he was going to be one of the Tar Heels' most important targets in the cycle early on. This is one that never really seemed to take off, though, and it now looks like Georgia Tech, the only school that he officially visited this summer, could be where he lands. With the Yellow Jackets appearing to be the only one really pushing for him right now, this could be an option for the Tar Heels if they need him later on.
3. Amare Campbell- Unity Reed (Manassas, VA)
Campbell was the lone target at the position that was on campus over the weekend and it seems like the Tar Heels are in a really good spot for him at this point. Maryland and West Virginia also received official visits within the past week and half, but this feels like a commitment that is very gettable for the Tar Heels if they want it. The only thing that keeps me from putting him higher on the lists is the difference in raw talent between him and the other two on this list.
2. Lewis Carter- Tampa Catholic (Tampa, FL)
Carter might not be as closely tied to the Tar Heels as Campbell is at this point, but it feels like they are still in striking distance. Auburn appears to be the slight favorite right now, but he is now more than a week removed from his official visit to the plains and he has yet to even set a decision of any sort. If this recruitment extends past the looming dead period, the Tar Heels could have a legitimate shot, especially if they can get him on campus. With his skillset, this feels like a no-brainer to at least make a push for.
1. Kaveion Keys- Varina (Richmond, VA)
The Tar Heels entered this recruitment back in early April, but he has quickly become one of the top defensive targets for the team in the class. He visited Chapel Hill back on the first weekend of June and his only other official visit was to Penn State. In state schools Virginia and Virginia Tech are lingering around, but this looks like a two horse race right now. With LaVallee already committed as the downhill, run stopping playmaker, Keys feels like he would be a perfect compliment to go with him in this cycle. The staff should be pushing hard here to get this done as soon as possible.