The home stretch of the 2019 recruiting cycle is officially here, as we currently sit within two weeks of National Signing Day 2019. The Heels coaching staffs' goal is to close this class with a bang. Let’s take a look at the most important prospects for the Heels to land to reach that goal.
1. Don Chapman S/Lincoln (San Diego, CA)
Chapman is the only Heels target remaining uncommitted prospect at what is their biggest position of need left in this class. The offseason ravaged this position for the Heels, where they will return just three scholarship players at the position from a season ago. The Heels have one safety and one hybrid so far in this class, but it is believed that Khadry Jackson, the player listed as a hybrid, will play linebacker in Jay Bateman’s defense this upcoming season. That means there is still a need to add depth here and Chapman would be a perfect fit. Chapman seemed to thoroughly enjoy his visit to Chapel Hill that he took earlier this month, but the Heels will have to hold off Oregon, who Chapman will visit over the weekend.
2. Octavius Brothers OLB/Rockledge (Rockledge, FL)
Brothers announced yesterday that he will make his decision between Carolina, Auburn and Miami on National Signing Day. This would be a big pickup for the Heels if they can land his commitment, as it would add depth at a position that desperately needs it and continue to establish a strong recruiting pipeline with Rockledge High School, a fertile ground that has developed in the state of Florida. If the Heels can hold off the Tigers and Hurricanes, this will be a step in the right direction to adding the talent that is needed at the position to get the Heels where they eventually want to be.
3. Darnell Wright OT/Huntington (Huntington, WV)
This is not a dire position of need for the Heels at the moment, but Wright is listed as a 5✮ prospect according to 247sports, so it makes him an important target. The Heels would love to add a top 100 offensive lineman for the second year in a row and this weekend might be their chance to impress. If the Heels can land a visit, they will be one of just three school to receive an official visit from him. The Heels will have their work cut out for them, but Wright’s connection with current Tar Heel offensive lineman Billy Ross could pay dividends. If it does, the Heels could quietly be putting together one of the most talented offensive lines in college football.
The sprint to the finish will be an exciting one for the Heels as Mack Brown and his staff look to close out what has been an extremely impressive recruiting job by the new staff. The Heel Tough Blog will keep you updated on everything happening with the 2019 class over the next two weeks, so stick here for the latest updates.