Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Add In-State Commitment in 2027 Class

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With the 39 commits in the 2026 class all signed, the Tar Heels have turned their attention to the 2027 class. 

On Tuesday, the team made a nice in-state addition to the class in the form of 4✮ S Marquis Bryant. As first reported by Inside Carolina, Bryant committed to the Tar Heels following two visits to Chapel Hill in the fall.

Bryant, the No. 169 overall and No. 17 safety in the class according to Rivals Composite Rankings, just concluded his junior season at Rolesville High School in Rolesville, NC. He finished this season with 32 total tackles, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles for a Rolesville team that finished the season 9-4 and made the third round of the NCHSAA 8A state title. The prior season as a sophomore, he collected 58 total tackles, one interception, ten pass breakups and two forced fumbles for a team that fell in the 4A state title game. In his freshman season, he racked up 53 total tackles, one interception, ten pass breakups and one forced fumble for a team that fell in the 4A state quarterfinals.

Bryant, who stands at 5’11, 185 lbs., might be short in stature, but is a very impactful player out of that safety spot. His nose for the football is outstanding and allows him to create turnovers at a high rate, especially in his junior season. His coverage ability is very strong for someone at the safety spot and allows him to succeed when he is put in one-on-one coverage, which could mean he will have a chance to make an impact out of the nickel spot, too. He thrives in zone defense because of how well he reads the eyes of quarterbacks and reacts to make plays on the football. He is a promising tackler in open space and makes enough plays in the run game to have him stick at safety. This is a very nice piece for the Tar Heels in their defensive backfield that could factor in sooner rather than later in his college career because of his ability to force turnovers.

With his commitment, the Tar Heels have two commits now in the 2027 class, as he joins 3✮ WR Skylar Robinson, who has been committed since February 1st.