At one point in this 2024 recruiting cycle, it looked like the Tar Heels could have a class where they didn’t land a single in-state commitment that was ranked in the top fifteen in the state rankings according to 247Sports. Now, in the span of thirteen days, the team has picked up three of those fifteen.
On Saturday, 4✠WR Alex Taylor became the latest to commit to the class. Just moments ago, he announced his commitment to the Tar Heels over Clemson, NC State, Penn State and Virginia Tech. Clemson was the favorite for him the majority of the way before the tides turned early in the month of June. The Tar Heels were the team that was able to capitalize, sealing the deal with their official visit back on the final weekend of the month.
Taylor, the No. 43 wide receiver in the class according to 247Sports Composite player rankings, is getting set for his final season at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC. This past season as a junior, he had a career year as caught 65 passes for 1,034 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to first team all-conference and third team all-state honors for a team that fell in the state title game. As a sophomore in 2021, he caught 44 passes for 682 yards and seven touchdowns. He didn’t play a major role for the team as a freshman, but he was part of a team that won the 4A state championship.
Taylor is the most complete of the three receivers the team has committed in this 2024 class. He like Jordan Shipp, is a guy that can affect the passing game at all three level, but he really shines in the deep and intermediate portions of the field. His route running is absolutely sensational and allows him to create separation with ease. His ability to go up and win 50/50 balls might be the best in this class and will pair very nicely with Keenan Jackson, who thrives in that area, as well. He isn’t the most dynamic player after the catch that you’ll ever see, but he has some twitch that allows him to break some tackles after he uses it to create space to catch the ball. There is no doubt that he is the best wide receiver commit in this class and he could push for an immediate rotational role on the outside.
The commitment gives the Tar Heels 25 commits in their 2024 class. The class now sits No. 22 overall and No. 4 in the ACC rankings.