Wednesday is the opening to the early signing period, but the Tar Heels didn’t wait to add another commitment to their 2023 class.
As first reported by Inside Carolina, 2023 3✮ DL Rodney Lora has committed to Carolina over Wisconsin, Georgia Tech and others. Lora, the No. 89 defensive lineman in the 2023 class, was a target for the team back in the spring, but he ended up committing to Virginia back on June 24th. The Tar Heels were able to land 3✮ DL Joshua Horton in lieu of him, meaning they weren’t in the market for Lora when he initially decommitted from the Cavaliers back in September. When Horton flipped to Miami, though, the Tar Heels immediately jumped back into the race for Lora and were able to host him for an official visit this past weekend, where they wrapped up his commitment.
Lora, the No. 20 player in the state of Virginia, earned All-Prep League honors as a senior at Woodbridge Forest High School in Woodberry Forest, VA. He also earned first team VISAA All-State for his efforts this season.
Lora gives the Tar Heels an athletic defensive tackle that this class lost with Horton’s decommitment. At 6’4, 270 lbs., he isn’t exactly a gap filler in the middle but he plays with the physicality that allows him to thrive on the interior of the defensive line. His greatest strength is his athleticism that has allowed him to play on the edge at the high school level. He has good speed for someone of his size and he plays with a high motor, as well. There is certainly going to be some development needed, especially in the technical aspects of the game, but there is some potential here if that physical edge carries over.
With his commitment, the Tar Heels class moves up one spot to No. 24 overall according to the 247Sports Composite team rankings. The class remains 4th in the ACC class standings. Now all of the attention on signing day can be focused on 3✮ RB Jordan Louie.