With National Signing Day taking place this past Wednesday, many of the recent storylines around the Tar Heel football team have been firmly focused on the recruiting. With most of the focus being there, there are some storylines that you may have missed. Let’s take a look at those right now.
Malik Carney and William Sweet to Combine; ARW Spurned
The Heels will send two representatives in this year’s draft to the NFL Scouting Combine. Senior Malik Carney was the first to receive an invite back on February 2nd and Sweet joined him when he received his on Thursday. Carney’s invite was somewhat expected after he had a strong week at the Shrine Game, but Sweet’s was a pleasant surprise and great chance for the early declaree to show just how he stacks up with the other late round tackles in this draft. Sweet will be in action on Day 1 of the combine, March 1st, while Carney will join the rest of the defensive lineman and linebackers in action on Day 3, March 3rd. To many people’s disbelief, Anthony Ratliff-Williams was not one of the 48 wide receivers invited to the combine. The former quarterback-turned-wide receiver is ranked as a third-round pick by The Draft Network and a late day three selection by most other sites and has no known off-field issues that would make him ineligible. Ratliff-Williams and fellow snub Cole Holcomb will now have to wait until their pro day to show scout what they’ve got.
Manny Miles Hits Transfer Portal
One of the best personalities on the team over the last few seasons announced he will look to transfer for his final year of eligibility. Miles will have one year of eligibility left after spending the last four seasons as part of the Heels. In his four years in Chapel Hill, Miles played in two games, completing three of his five career passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was one of the few highlights from the Heels 2018 season, a 38-yard hail mary at the end of the first half against Western Carolina. Miles, the son of current Kansas coach Les Miles, does not have a transfer destination at this point.
Major 2020 Targets Reveal Decision Timetables
With the 2019 class being completed, the 2020 class is on the clock and some major Heels targets have some major updates on their decisions. 3✮ OLB Mohamed Kaba announced his commitment date on Sunday, as he stated via Twitter that he will announce his commitment on August 26th. 4✮ S Nehki Meredith stated Monday night that he plans to announce his commitment sometime this spring, while 3✮ OLB Ty Berrong will narrow his list down to five sometime during the spring, as well. It appears the 2020 class is wanting to get the bulk of their decisions done early. The question is, will that be good or bad news for the Heels?
Three Former Tar Heels Participate in Premier Weekend of the AAF
The brand new Alliance of American Football began its inaugural season on Saturday and three former Tar Heels were part of the festivities. Former two-year starting quarterback Marquise Williams took one snap at quarterback on Saturday night for the San Antonio Commanders, coming up short on a two-point conversion attempt. The two other former Tar Heels, wide receiver Bug Howard and cornerback Des Lawrence, were also in action Friday night with the Atlanta Legends. Howard finished the game with four receptions for 34 yards, while Lawrence finished the game with two tackles and one pass deflection.